Appearances in public service and private gain debated
The Gazette argues officials must avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of them. It cites Podzimek and Shey recusing themselves from a 2008 vote on incentives for the Bottle Works project, noting concerns about officials contracting for projects they discussed. The piece urges a clear separation between public duties and private business to preserve trust.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Podzimek and Shey
Cedar Rapids
Podzimek and Shey Cleared in BottleWorks Project Ethics Ruling
The City of Cedar Rapids Board of Ethics ruled that council members Tom Podzimek and Pat Shey did not act unethically nor have an actual conflict of interest in their firm’s work on The BottleWorks loft condominiums project at 905 Third St SE. The board declined to rule on appearance of a conflict as too far-reaching.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Edar Rapids
Tom Podzimek
Pat Shey
Board of Ethics
BottleWorks Loft
Third St. SE
Republicans misrepresentation on health reform reads and pledges
A reader faults Republicans for false claims about health care reform while noting that few Congress members have pledged to read the legislation. The letter argues the system is broken, cites Obama and Bush era policies, and urges immediate political accountability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Iowa
House of Representative
Washington
Dean M. Johnson
Belle Plaine
Barack Obama
China
Overhaul Cedar Rapids City Council and Linn County Board
Anna Homan calls Cedar Rapids residents to consider running for office against the current council and Linn County supervisors. She argues the Cedar Rapids vision benefits insiders, not the general population, and contends small business creates jobs while alleging no new employers have been attracted locally.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County Board of Supervisors
Cedar Rapids
Anna Homan
Birthers and Deathers Spread Lies About Health Reform
The piece argues that birthers question Obama’s birthplace and deathers push fears of death panels. It cites Palin’s support, questions private vs state health care, and contrasts myth with facts about living wills and medical costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barack Obama
United States
Hawaii
Obama
Sarah Palin
Challenge Craziness When You Hear It
A caller argues against baseless claims that defy evidence and ethics. The text cites Obama birth conspiracy theories and health care misrepresentations, urging skepticism and challenge to avoid normalizing such nonsense.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barack Obama
United States
Hawaii
Obama
Robert J. Boes Ely
When was the last time I wrote a letter
A reader letter inspires reflections on paper correspondence and its decline amid emails and texts. The author recalls penmanship, wartime dispatches, and asks readers to share thoughts on letters or email. Todd Dorman invites responses and notes contact details.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Lutheran Camp
U.S. Postal Service
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Bush
George W. Bush
U.S
Haw
Jinker
Nith Our Medica
Joe
Sara Caan
George Landefer
Swisher
Palin
Richard Vincante
Coralville
Todd Dorman
Todd
Dorman
Gazcomm.com
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