Split the difference on Iowa utility relief plans
Iowa lawmakers and Gov. Vilsack clash over how to ease rising utility bills this winter. Republicans push four to five month sales tax suspensions and targeted aid totaling around 28.5 million, while Democrats seek permanent tax cuts and rate reviews. Both sides call for a revenue neutral path amid economic slowdown and competing state needs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Egislators
Legislative Chamber
Associated Press
Tom Vilsack
Senate
House
Tom Miller
Democrats
Iowa
Ro Foege
D-Mount Vernon
Bush moves into White House with new agenda and quips
Bill Tammens notes the new president plans a Feb. 16 trip to Mexico and vows civility courage character and compassion. He jokes about pay changes and staff conduct while recalling past administrations and quips about Washington’s cat and dog inhabitants.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Tammens
Bill Win
Bush
Oval Office
Monica
Mexico
Saddam Hussein
Dan Quayle
Residents oppose logging plan at Sockum Sockum Ridge Park
Public response challenges the Washington County Conservation Board plan to log all trees 12 inches in diameter or larger on five acres and all marketable dead trees. Critics argue for inventory, endangered species surveys, and protection of soil on steep slopes, warning damage outweighs profits. Call 319-653-2640 to help stop logging.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington County Conservation Board
Natural Resources
Sockum Ridge Park
Dove hunting debate fuels DNR influence and ethics claims
A letter accuses the Iowa DNR of pushing HF 43 to gain hunting seasons for mourning doves and other migratory birds. The writer contests officials claims about dove longevity and reproduction, argues the DNR seeks revenue, and defends dove protection rooted in ecological roles and long term stability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Natural Resources
DNR
Iowa
Hope Springs Eternal for Veterans Memorial Stadium
Wally Krouse Cedar Rapids Baseball Inc outlines progress toward a new Veterans Memorial Stadium with a $1.5 million community campaign. The fifth Hot Stove Banquet at Collins Plaza Hotel invites donors and officials to preview drawings and discuss bids, aiming for spring construction and a June start.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Veterans Memorial Stadium
Collins Plaza Hotel
Wally Krouse
Cedar Rapids Baseball Inc
Wildlife refuge rather than hotel plan north of Marion
Jacklyn Schmidt of Marion urges reversing a proposal for a hotel with water slides and a golf course along the Marion bypass. She argues for a 100 acre wildlife refuge with walking paths and picnic areas to protect deer, doves, turkeys, and other wildlife amid expanding development.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion
Vic Klopfenstein
Cedar Rapids
Outrage Over Ashcroft Allegations in Confirmation Hearing
A reader questions the lack of scrutiny over former aide testimony alleging John Ashcroft used staff for his campaign. The letter argues the charge warrants serious legal and ethical consideration and more media follow-up.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John Ashcroft
Bush
Ashcroft
Ashcroft Attacked by Activists in Nomination Fight
Bruce and Susan Vriezen of Cedar Rapids report that left wing figures led a smear campaign against John Ashcroft after President elect Bush nominated him for attorney general. The authors praise Ashcroft as experienced and honorable and urge Senate support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
John Ashcroft
Jesse Jackson
al Sharpton
Patricia Ireland
Ashcroft
U.S
Justice Department
America
Bruce
Susan Vriezen
Cedar Rapids
The Gazette Seeks Letters From Readers
The Gazette invites letters and guest columns on public business topics. Include writer’s full name signature address and daytime phone number. no anonymous submissions. Limit letters to about 300 words with one letter per writer every 30 days. Contact details: The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406 FAX 319 398 5846 email gazedit fyiowa.com.
World needs Samaritans praised for selfless acts
In reply to a January 9 report about a Good Samaritan’s wallet being stolen at an emergency scene, Frank Ray praises helpers who aid those in need and condemns the wallet thief. He commends the man who lent his coat to the injured woman and urges more people to act with kindness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Good Samaritan
Frank Ray
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Mark Bowden
Jerry Elsen
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Peg Schmitz
Bill
Spot
India
Ernie
Washington
Clinton
White House
The
Kansas City Star
Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services
Maarten Vas
Sockum
Squaw Creek Park
Marion Road
Jacklyn Schmidt, Marion
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