Iowa must read ratings with care not rely on them
The Gazette Editorial argues that business rankings vary by methodology and factors. Iowa shows mixed standings from Milken, Forbes, Tax Foundation, and Small Business Survival, but critics say these indexes reflect ideology and different goals. A long term view highlights skilled labor, education, quality of life, and market access as key to growth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Milken Institute
Peter Fisher
University of Iowa
Iowa Policy Project
Priority One
Economic Development Agency
Cedar Rapids
Mark Seckman
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Illinois
Iowa City
Letters critique budget and veterans neglect spark debate
A reader challenges lawmakers to fund education health care and energy without deficits while criticizing the Pentagon budget. The letter cites corporate greed and veterans issues, laments treatment of Vietnam vets, notes word limit changes for letters, and mentions a Cheyenne Park Off Leash area event funded by donations with volunteers praising the Recreation Department and K9COLA.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pentagon
Bruce Braley
Dave Loehsack
Leonard Boswell
Democratic Party
Barney Fife Stops Noble Worker in Cedar Rapids
Cheryl Dietz of Cedar Rapids claims Barney Fife stopped her son late at night after a 16 hour concrete shift. The incident reportedly left the worker with a jaywalking ticket for an overtime hour, prompting questions about conduct and fairness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barney Fife
Cedar Rapids
Barney
Andy
Cheryl Dietz
Defense budget vote prompts critique of priorities
The House approved a 460 billion defense bill by 395 to 13, with a near 40 billion rise, and a companion measure to fund base construction. Critics say ongoing funding for weapons like the Joint Strike Fighter F 22 and missile defense ignores crumbling schools, healthcare, veterans services, and energy concerns, arguing Democrats promised change but supported Bush’s priorities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. House of Representatives
Pentagon
Bush
Minneapolis
Congress
Dogs at city pool event drew praise from attendee
In reply to a letter claiming dogs don’t belong in city pools, an attendee recalls a Be ver pool day with about 250 dogs. The event fostered fun and socializing with other dogs, caused no harm, and dogs and owners behaved respectfully.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bever Pool
Iowa caucus leadoff position debate and social media ethics
A reader poll asks if Iowa must keep its leadoff caucus role, labeling it extremely important, while another question prompts opinions on judging students by social media posts. The piece notes daily online voting and a dog social event with various breeds, plus property taxes and a memory of two poodles swimming.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Little Guy Defends CYAC Amid Eminent Domain Fight
National City Calif local boxing program CYAC founded by Carlos Barragan and his son Carlos Jr faces eminent domain threats from city and developer Jim Beauchamp. Institute for Justice backs the gym, which has long helped at risk youths with boxing, tutoring, and stay-in-school efforts. The city votes to extend ED authority, while Beauchamp plans a revised condo project wrapping around the gym. Bowes of the Institute for Justice pledges a legal challenge to the process.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nonprofit
Institute For Justice
Carlos Barragan
Carlos Jr
National City
Calif
Jim Beauchamp
Barragans
The
National
Ron Morrison
Cyac Board
Beauchamp
CYAC
California
Jeff Bowes
Morrison
Bowes
Dogs Swim Day At Be ver Pool Draws Praise
An Aug 19 letter about city pools sparked a response praising Cedar Rapids Recreation Department and K9COLA for a successful dog swim day at Be ver pool before seasonal closure. Dogs showed vaccines, age, temperament proof, and owners paid a $10 fee with adult supervision.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
City Parks and Recreation Department
There are bigger issues than smoking in movies
David Doering of Iowa City criticizes Disney and MPAA moves to ban smoking in films as trivial. He argues politicians use movies to deflect attention from HIV in Africa and Darfur and questions bans on beer, drugs, and junk food. He urges focus on real world problems.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Disney
Motion Picture Association of America
Cookie Monster
Mitt Romney
Africa
Darfur
David Doering
Iowa City
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
General Mills
Stephen Sanger
Golbette
Walter Reed Hospital
Veterans Organizations
America
Cheyenne Park
Recreation Department
Escola
Democrats
Facebook
fazatteOnline
Bob Hamill
Little Guy
Robyn Blumner
St. Petersburg
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