Letter: Gary Hinzman focused on public service

I support and recommend Gary Hinzman for mayor of Cedar Rapids.

I met Hinzman in 1978 when he was the captain of training for the Cedar Rapids Police Academy and I was a rookie Cedar Rapids police officer. It was a difficult time for women entering law enforcement as we were often ostracized by the community and members of the police department for being minorities in a male dominated profession. Several officers of the Cedar Rapids Police Department's higher echelon were prejudiced against women being police officers. Hinzman was not one of that group. Instead, he was always fair, impartial, supporting and encouraging.

For decades he has been involved in directing the activities of large complex government organizations which prepared him to step into the mayor's office and serve our community without any conflicts of interest. He served as police chief of the CRPD, as director of the 6th Judicial District of Corrections for 24 years, as president of the American Probation and Parole Association and he developed innovative community programs including the network of neighborhood associations which exists today.

His professional life has been focused on public service in our community. As mayor he will support flood protection on both sides of the river, support local businesses and economic growth, develop housing options and promote equality for all community members.

Thank you in advance for your vote for Hinzman, community leader, as our new mayor of Cedar Rapids.

Deborah Lebeda

Cedar Rapids