Editorial urges salary pause and compare Iowa's income rank
The piece commends Governor Terry Branstad for rejecting a 33 percent salary hike and urges caution in raises. It notes Iowa’s low per capita income ranking, compares neighboring states, and suggests performance based pay for public officials if statewide incomes rise. It argues lawmakers should consider unlocking higher pay only if Iowans’ prosperity improves.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Overnor
Terry Branstad
Minnesota
Illinois
Iowa
Crack down on parking space hogs
A reader urges harsher action against unauthorized parkers in handicapped and private spaces. They note violations in bus zones and fire lanes and argue towing threats deter repeat offenders, calling for higher towing charges to enforce rules.
Takeover Capital and Jobs Debate in News
A reflection questions why large takeover capital enables major corporate deals yet fails to spur new ventures and employment. The speaker critiques the readiness to mobilize funds for growth and chastises what they view as naive assumptions about capital availability and job creation.
Role model sons and a mother’s lesson on lunch
A mother reflects on shaping her son Darrell through role models like Grant Hill and Corliss Williamson. She links healthy eating, discipline, and questions about respect to guiding his choices. Darrell ultimately urges eating his lunch, declaring it will help him have a great day.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Darrell
Grant Hill
Corliss Williamson
Orlando Magic Guard
Penny’ Hardaway
Shaq
Detroit Pistons
Hill
NBA
Detroit
GQ Magazine
University of Arkansas
Big Nasty
Williamson
Calvin
Janet
Capitol Hill
Corliss
Russellville
Ark
Dad
Mom
Williamsons
Hills
Grant
Letters to the Gazette Defend Iowa Franchise Law
The letter writers defend the Iowa Franchise Law as essential for small businesses against large corporate franchises. They claim Clancy Herrington does not own Dairy Queens in Cedar Rapids area and that law allows growth near existing outlets with rights of first refusal or compensation. They praise Rep Rich Running and Sen Wally Horn for backing fairness to small businesses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
United States
Clancy Herrington
Cedar Rapids
Marion
Fairfax
Hiawatha
The
Gazette
Herrington
Iowa House
Rich
Gazette letters policy and contact details
The Gazette invites letters up to 300 words and requires name, street address and daytime phone. Only name and hometown appear with the letter. Provide address Cedar Rapids Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406. Fax and email details listed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Teachers deserve more than a 3.5 percent raise
Bob Kelchen of Cedar Rapids argues that teachers are overworked and underpaid and that a 3.5 percent increase is insufficient while questioning a proposed 33 percent raise for Branstad. He reflects on the dignity of educators and the need for meaningful pay in light of their responsibilities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
Bob Kelchen
Cedar Rapids
Bring Back the Chain Gang to Prisons
A reader argues for reinstating chain gangs as a tough sentencing measure citing CBS coverage of Alabama's program. The letter condemns prison reform agendas and urges hard labor, warning against leniency, praising past methods, and urging authorities to restore fear and discipline in corrections.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
CBS Evening News
Alabama
ACLU
Also Mentioned on This Page
F. Hladky Jr
Joe Hladky Ili
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
Ane
Sepone
Mark Bowden
Yul
Reggie Miller
Donna Britt
Washington Post Writers Group
the Gazette
Wally Horn
Sen
Pat Pisney
Janet Duncan
Tim
Norma Jean Schuetzle
Laura Harbit
All of
Snooks
Vickie Bouska
Marion Dairy Queen
Liberal Land
Gene Dryer
Dubuque
Anna Marie Emry
Linda Emanuel
Isabel
Roger Dunyon
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