Cedar Rapids council shapes rules for firing top city staff
The Cedar Rapids City Council moves to require a simple majority to dismiss department heads. The change aims to curb unilateral action by individual commissioners seen in 1988 89 when a safety commissioner fired the police chief. Public Safety Commissioner J D Smith questions the wording saying it may strip a commissioner of authority. The council notes existing oversight power and cites a judge confirming council review of the safety commissioner's decisions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Public Safety
J.D. Smith
Smith
David Hansen
Safety Commissioner
Resignation of NEA Chief Sparks Debate on Art Funding
The column examines John Frohnmayer stepping down as NEA chairman amid controversy over grants to controversial works. It argues the NEA should fund creativity with modest grants and warns against imposing a uniform morality, noting critics favor cutting subsidies to offending art. It cautions the next leader must avoid censorship and avoid stifling talent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John Frohnmayer
National Endowment of the Arts
NEA
Frohnmayer
Time Stands Still for American Women
Carol Tavris argues that progress on gender equality is real but uneven and cyclical. She critiques amnesia about past gains, notes ongoing workplace and legal advances, and urges learning from history to avoid repeating cycles of backlash and delayed change.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carol Tavris
Rip van Winkle
American Association of University Women
Mike Tyson
William Kennedy Smith
Anita Hill
Clarence Thomas
New York
Janella Sue Martin
Texaco
America
Letters to the Gazette on mail routing woes
Ila Dockendorff of Fairfield argues that moving mail sorting from Ottumwa to Des Moines delays The Gazette delivery and calls the change a failed modernization. She praises postal workers and urges reverting to the former system or improving the new one.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Ottumwa
Des Moines
Postal Service
Ila Dockendorff
Fairfield
Local Massage Therapists Fight Stigma and Call for Standards
In response to a February police sting, Cedar Rapids therapists stress massage as health care not prostitution. They advocate state licensing and national certification, note 50 qualified local therapists with 500 hours training, and urge referrals and credential checks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
North America
Cedar Rapids
The
American Massage Therapy Association Or
Associated
Bodywork and
Caring protection for women through DVIP needs space and staff
Christie Munson of the Johnson County Attorney's Office praises the Domestic Violence Intervention Program for its leadership under Pat Meyer over 12 years. She notes the program’s daily work with battered women, its compassionate staff and volunteers, and the ongoing need for support to shift attitudes and end violence against women in the community.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
DVIP
Pat Meyer
Readers Letters Policy Note from The Gazette
The Gazette states it does not vouch for accuracy or judge opinions in readers letters. It invites corrections or contradictions from readers and offers equal opportunity for publication.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Ozone layer concerns overshadow election talk
Letter from Robert D. Smith of Olds Iowa urges immediate action to ban or greatly restrict chlorofluorocarbons used in air conditioners and refrigerators. He argues the ozone threat outweighs economic concerns and condemns continued Freon reuse as perpetual risk.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
Robert D. Smith Olds
Iowa
Gazette readers complain about price and quality
Louis W. Valliere critiques the Gazette comparing it to Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times, noting price rises to 50 cents and frequent spelling errors. He cites circulation practices in Florida and other states, arguing price and competition affect quality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Montgomery Advertiser
Nashville Banner
Gazette
The
Chicago Tribune
Louis W. Valliere
Windsor Dr
International Circulation Managers Association
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.P. Hladky Jr
Board of
Dale Larson
Jerry Elsen
Chai
Mark Bowden
Council
Marge Piercy
Simon & Schuster
Los Angeles Times
Wu Wer
Albert
the Gazette
Massage Therapeutic
Tracy Fye
Eighth Ave
Shirley K. Rotert
Seventh Ave
Debra Brooks
11Th Ave
Christie Munson
Johnson County
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