Regulations needed to clean up Iowa’s water

To the editor:

Ron Corbett is an accomplished political leader, with many years in the Iowa Statehouse and, more recently, as the mayor of one of Iowa's more progressive and well-run cities. He has a sharp understanding of what it takes to get things done.

Thus, it wasn't at all surprising that Cedar Rapids chose to go to court to challenge state-led attempts to restrict the city's use of traffic cameras in promoting safer streets and highways. I've been grateful that Cedar Rapids has been a leader in using this technology to reduce accidents and personal injuries.

Am I alone in seeing a strange inconsistency in Mayor Corbett's positions on traffic control and water pollution? Everyone knows that 'voluntary” controls on traffic won't work. Hence we have traffic patrol officers, radar and the cameras.

But Corbett seems intent on believing that 'voluntary” efforts in dealing with Iowa's horrible water quality situation can work - when we have decades of evidence proving the contrary. There is only one way to clean up Iowa's water: with sensible regulations and enforcement.

And yes, all of Iowa will have to pitch in and pay to help farmers do this - overriding the continued vetoes of Gov. Terry Branstad to fund it. Corbett should be using his influence in Des Moines to get this funding, not trying to sidetrack meaningful regulation.

Jim Walters

Iowa City