Letter: Vote to make a difference

On April 9, I wrote a letter to the editor challenging the Cedar Rapids City Council to ride on a school bus to experience the condition of the streets of their city. I gave them 30 days to respond, actually two weeks beyond the deadline.

Toward the end of May, I again communicated with the residents reporting that not one council member or council candidate took me up on the offer. Therefore, it was pointed out that I felt the community leaders did not care about the children or even the adults who traveled our streets everyday. Because of this disregard, I challenged residents who elect these officials to think long and hard about the future of Cedar Rapids when you would vote on Tuesday. I am writing this time to let your voices be heard by voting for someone that cares about our city, its conditions and its future. Nothing will change if we just stay home and don't make an attempt to help our community improve in all areas (including the streets).

Since my letters have appeared in the paper, several of our streets in the area where I live have been 'improved upon” by almost covering the potholes and washboard conditions with thin tar and a little gravel. At least it's a start. Remember, if you want change, you have to get out and vote.

Michael 'Mick” Hines

Cedar Rapids