We are capable of making a difference

I completed another, jarring drive down Bever Avenue and was reminded of a referendum defeated several years ago that, if we would extend the 1-cent option sales tax beyond its sunset in 2014, we could provide flood protection on both sides of the river, reduce property taxes and provide more money to repair our streets. A group claiming “we can do better” spearheaded the defeat and suggested a better plan could be offered to address the aforementioned challenges. I don't think an alternative, better plan has surfaced.

Cedar Rapids is on the cusp of significant financial infusions especially if the casino becomes a reality, the new hotel and convention complex attract conventions and visitors, the PCI Medical Pavillon attracts regional patients as envisioned, and John Smith builds an architecturally pleasing CRST building in downtown Cedar Rapids. These efforts and exciting growth in the NewBo area suggest strong attractions to our city and significant money spent by those living outside our borders who come to frequent and appreciate them.

Our spring flood reminds us that nature doesn't care about good intentions or new construction. With unpromising FEMA appraisals and gridlock in our nation's Congress, it seems the only ones capable of making a difference about our predicament is us. I urge a reconsideration of the proposal we earlier rejected. Our desire to have some other entity do it for us is unrealistic and, when 30 to 40 percent of the cost of improvements can be passed on to visitors to our community, it seems like an all-around win for us.

Tom van Deest

Cedar Rapids