Court budget push and district consolidation urged by chief justice
Chief Justice Louis Lavorato urges a 20 to 30 percent funding rise for Iowa courts, totaling over 10 million dollars, with 1.4 million for 65 vacant positions as Gov. Tom Vilsack has not yet budgeted. He calls for consolidating eight judicial districts into three to five while keeping clerks in every county. The plan aims to align the court system with population shifts to cities and suburbs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Vilsack
the Gazette
Lavorato
Judicial Branch
Louis Lavorato
State panel urged to morph into citizens advisory board
The Program Elimination Commission should reinvent itself yearly as a citizens advisory board to identify waste in state government at little cost. The bipartisan, volunteer group ferreted out efficiencies, discussed reforms like merging mental health hospitals, and avoided partisan attacks while offering cost saving ideas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Program Elimination Commission
Citizens Advisory Board
Commission
Mike Connolly
D-Dubuque
Bring back the draft not on soldiers terms
Hans Halberstadt argues against reinstating the draft and defends a professional all volunteer Army. He recalls his Vietnam service and says modern troops are well educated, motivated, and capable. He cautions that compulsory national service should apply only to civilians, not mix with the Army.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hans Halberstadt
Knight Ridder
Cose
America
Vietnam
Green Berets
Army of Old
U.S
San Jose Mercury News
Green Party urges monthly Gasoline-Free Day protest
The Iowa Green Party calls for a Gasoline-Free Day on February 1 and every subsequent month to protest war in Iraq. Members pledge not to buy gasoline or drive except in emergencies, use public transit, share rides, and reflect on gasoline’s role in foreign policy and the environment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iraq
Iowa Green Party
Be Still Be Polite When Pulled Over
A reader urges compliance with police during traffic stops stressing calm behavior is key. Following orders preserves safety, with courtesy and common sense valued while reporting misconduct through proper channels if needed.
The Gazette invites letters from readers and guests
The Gazette accepts letters and guest columns addressing public affairs. Submissions must include writer’s full name signature full street address and daytime phone number though addresses are not published. Email submissions require full identifying details and comply with a 300 word limit and one letter per writer every 30 days.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Editorial
Gazettecommunications.com
Bush faces falling support amid environmental policy criticism
A reader letters column notes Bush’s popularity dropping and cites tax cuts for the wealthy, rising national debt, war in Iraq, U.N. resolution violations, expanded military spending, civil rights erosion, and limited public government access as alleged causes. The writer mocks media coverage and TelePrompter aided speeches.
Vision funding for Cedar Rapids fuels tax fear and hype
Letter criticizes a 10.5 million Vision project and a 154 million plan funded by taxpayers with 144 million from public funds. The writer opposes a two year 1 percent local option sales tax, questions private funds, and warns of recurring costs for an amphitheater white-water rafting and a year round farmers market. It calls for a no vote amid bankruptcy and health care funding concerns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Ron Corbett
Cedar Rapids Area
Iowa
Columnist omits deficit details on Bush tax cut plan
The reader cites James Pinkerton's Bush tax cut column and criticizes missing deficit figures. The note recalls Reagan's near 1 trillion debt, Bush Sr turning to about 4 trillion, Clinton era balance progress, and fears a return to high deficits under the current Bush.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Pinkerton
Bush
Ronald Reagan
Reagan
Bill Clinton
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mark Bowden
Doug Neumann
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Peg Schmitz
Louis Lavorato Lowa
John Birchers
Murr
Baghdad
Mea
Gies
Saddam
Matt Blizek
David Reed
Florence Boos
Holly Hart Kelley
Putnam
Johnson County
Green Party
George W. Bush
U.N
RiverRun
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