Russell the leader to fix C.R. streets situation

As I travel around Cedar Rapids, I am reminded every day of the regrettable condition of our streets. It has been reported during the current City Council campaign that 40 percent of our streets are in poor condition. The price to repair these streets is estimated at more than $500 million. This backlog of major street repair has increased more than $100 million in the last three years. However, during that time, we have spent only about one-third of that amount on street repair. As a result, we fall further behind every year. To rectify this situation, we need real leadership.

On Nov. 5, Cedar Rapids residents will have the opportunity to elect a proven leader, someone who has the technical expertise and skills to lead Cedar Rapids in the development and implementation of a plan to fix the streets. Ralph Russell is a civil engineer with four decades of experience working with cities and other local governments on streets and other infrastructure.

I believe our choice is clear: Elect Russell for an at-large seat.

Dick Socwell

Cedar Rapids