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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 15, 2005
Page
8
Former Cedar Rapids City Council members express mixed views on adopting a city manager system. Some favor retaining the commission form for accessibility and accountability, while others push for professional management to improve efficiency and policy discussion.
Former Cedar Rapids mayor Larry Serbousek questions the June 14 ballot for changing the city form of government. He argues the issue may be personality driven, not structural, and favors the commission form for balance and direct voter oversight. He notes weaknesses such as managing 30 plus departments among five commissioners and recalls no push from business leaders for reform.
Former Cedar Rapids leaders including mayor 1962 1969 and city manager Marion 1970 1972 argue for a city manager council mayor system saying it would be more efficient attract candidates and improve representation Johnson also criticizes proposed 30000 annual mayors salary and notes bond ratings reflect tax payment rather than form of government
Canney argues low overall city taxes keep Cedar Rapids united while comparing tax levels to nearby cities. He cites Cedar Rapids manufacturing pay above state average and notes hourly wages at 17.65 dollars versus 15.10 statewide. He warns against changing to a different city government form.
The current city government uses a 4 commissioner 1 mayor commission with at large 2 year terms and salaries around 85 723 for the mayor and 80 193 for each commissioner. A proposed council manager plan would have 9 part time council members with a full time city manager and a 4 year term, no primaries, runoffs if needed, and salaries of 30 000 for the mayor 15 000 for council members and about 150 000 for the manager.
The commission has recommended district boundaries for the November election if the council manager form is chosen on June 14. Boundaries will be adjusted after each ten year census to reflect population changes.
Glancey Districts praise a referendum proposing eight part time council members and a part time mayor with five elected from districts and three plus the mayor at large. Clancey says districts aid those disenfranchised and hopes for broader community vision. she doubts running if approved.
The League of Women Voters of Cedar Rapids Marion sponsors a public forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall Mount Mercy College. Attendees can email news gazettecommunications com or call 319 398 8254 with questions about the election. Clancey notes voters may keep the commission with little change and predicts higher taxes unless efficiency improves.
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