Letter: School bus driver’s request not met

On April 9, my letter 'Student safety a concern for bus driver” presented a challenge to the city council of Cedar Rapids.

Briefly, it asked the city council to ride along a typical route on a school bus. The goal of this challenge was to give them a chance to experience what our children do every school day.

The streets of Cedar Rapids are in such disrepair that someone needed to speak up regarding the safety of the children, the bus driver, the bus itself and all other vehicles. This included all children, including those with mental and physical challenges that cannot take the bouncing and shifting of the bumps and holes of our streets.

I wanted to inform you that no one accepted the challenge issued in April. I gave them extra days, in case they didn't have a chance to read it because of their busy schedules.

I want the constituents of their districts to be aware that they chose to not care about the needs and safety of their children, except for reconfigured sidewalks and bike lanes.

There is a city election on Nov. 7 to elect some of our city council. Please consider their lack of interest in our children when you go to the polls to vote. And be sure to let your voice be heard by voting.

As in the infamous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, 'I'll be back” before the election to remind you of their lack of interest and your need to be heard through the right we all have to vote.

Michael 'Mick” Hines

Cedar Rapids