Cedar Rapids Gazette’s Rick Smith brought to light a public hearing scheduled April 13th. Public input, a discussion, then a vote. $17,000,000.00 on the line.
Rick tells of the official notice for the hearing. It includes the possibility of a reverse-referendum. The decision to buy bonds would be subject to a special election if 10% of the number of voters in November’s council race made the request.
Plans began to form. By the dawn’s early light we had a petition approved by the Iowa Secretary of State. Canvassing is happening.
Last month the Yardy, now this? We won’t even discuss praying in the park!
Talking heads play sound bites of Candidate Corbett and Mayor Corbett. The candidate says, “the people have a right to vote”. The Mayor attempts to slide a bond issue past us.
I had a surreal experience this afternoon as I collected items for the Linn County 2010 Census Complete Count Committee. Reviewing the petition, waiting for a colleague, I took the time to visit the Memorial for our fallen Heroes. I touched the etched marble sculpture, following the letters, M I A.
Heroes, they sacrificed greatly. Slowly, I walked the circle. Pausing, acknowledging their sacrifice, thanking our Heroes. Photos, eyes staring back. I wondered if any might have seen fingers dipped in purple ink, proof of a joyous vote. Witnesses of glorious expressions of freedom.
Yet, there I was, right smack in the heartland of the United States of America. Iowa, where Presidents are determined. Holding a petition requiring over 2300 signatures so that I might vote. For a moment, for only a moment, I wondered if it was worth the effort.
As the wind whipped the MIA flag, I determined in my heart of hearts, I will remember MIA Heroes. I will do my duty as an American, I will not be MIA.
Scientific Journals report the increase of political corruption in States receiving FEMA money.
This situation with the City Council should be a wake up call, on second thought, the Yardy was the alarm clock, apparently, we hit the snooze button.
It’s time to WAKE UP CR! You snooze and you will lose.
Kathy Potts
