Local sales tax plan stirs Cedar Rapids debate
A Cedar Rapids column critiques an Aug 9 Gazette front page proposal to add a 1 cent sales tax, raising 15 to 17 million annually, with backers seeking voter approval to spend it. The piece targets Foresight 2020 and quotes Mayor Lee Clancey and Finance Commissioner Ole Munson, while lamenting city-solution options like train-track removal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Gazette
Linn
C.R
Foresight 2020
Lee Clancey
Finance
Ole Munson
Fees Spark Student Activity Funding Debate in Cedar Rapids
A Cedar Rapids reader urges school officials to review the 1997-98 fee schedule after parents criticized the plan. The writer notes Superintendent Lew Finch’s surprise at reactions and calls for changes to avoid harming access to extracurriculars like band and choir. The letter emphasizes student involvement benefits and seeks affordable options.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Gazette
Lew Finch
Finch
No Racism in Philadelphia Says Letter Writer
In a Cedar Rapids readers reply, the author recalls a June Philadelphia visit. He recalls a 50th reunion and a diverse crowd at a tavern, noting no racism there. He predicts racism may vanish worldwide within 25 years, or sooner, acknowledging possible error.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
America
Cedar Rapids
Philadelphia
Philly
Bank Street
Liberal Quaker
Market Street
Gazette invites letters and guest columns with guidelines
The Gazette accepts public interest letters and guest columns but reserves the right to edit and not return submissions. Writers must include full name signature address and daytime phone number, no anonymity, 300 word limit for letters, one letter per writer every 30 days, column length about 700 words or less, and provide mailing fax or email contact details.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
NEA funds debate over controversial art and blunders
Becky Weppler argues that critics overstate objections to NEA funding of controversial artists like Serrano and Mapplethorpe. Jane Alexander defends embracing the broad art family while questions whether taxpayers should finance such work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jacob Heilbrunn
National Endowment For the Arts
NEA
Andres Serrano
Robert Mapplethorpe
Jane Alexander
Mapplethorpe
Time Magazine
Becky Weppler
Cedar Rapids
Skywalk design rejected by city resident
A letter from Lorna Cress of Iowa City criticizes the proposed Dubuque Street skywalk design in Iowa City. She questions its aesthetic, argues a covered-bridge style clashes with the area, and condemns the $125,000 design fee as wasteful tax money. She urges officials to reject the plan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Dubuque Street
Iowa City
University
Siah Armajani
University of Iowa
Iowa Board of Regents
Lorna Cress
Western Fraternal Life Association celebrates 100th year picnic
The Western Fraternal Life Association hosted a large 100th anniversary picnic with attendees from several states. Over 1,000 enjoyed a meal and entertainment for all ages, though Evelyn and Joe Stejskal of Cedar Rapids lamented lack of Gazette coverage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Western Fraternal Life Association
WFLA
The
Gazette
Evelyn
Joe Stejskal
Cedar Rapids
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Alan Greenspan
Thurs
Spirit
Strong Motors
USA
LiteLift
Northtswne Cycling & Fitness
Blairs Ferry Rd
Mon
Wed
Vista Optical
Cedar Rapids Lindale Mall
Westdale Mall
Cedar Falls College Square
University Avenue
ALCON
Mste Optical
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