Final Day of January 2009: Finally some January thaw

With a colder winter this year in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as compared to January 2008, it is nice to finish out January 2009 with a traditional day of January thaw.

Better late than never.

February kicks off tomorrow with Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa!

Pittsburgh Steelers

vs.

Arizona Cardinals

Good luck to Kurt Warner & the Cardinals!

What is the Correct figure for Damage in Cedar Rapids from the Flood?

A recent article attributes the figure from Cedar Rapids councilor Brian Fagan as...

"The damage in Cedar Rapids is estimated at $5 billion."

Another popular statistic used in communication by the City of Cedar Rapids and in articles is...

"$2.4 billion estimated damage cost to public infrastructure and future
flood management."

To address the "immediate income, employment, business, and housing needs" in Cedar Rapids, what is the correct damage estimate to use in communication within and outside our community?

Do we have a clear enough message as a community right now?

With all the talk of Stimulus in Washington D.C. - Where's Flood Recovery in the Discussion?

The Flood of 2008 was a historical natural disaster for the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn Country. A recap on some of the stories, with current news included...

Cedar Rapids/Linn County flood statistics - Iowa Independent.

Cedar Rapids still needs help, law students told - UI The Daily Iowan, IA

Update Cedar Rapids: Council to vote Tuesday to put local-option sales tax on ballot - The Gazette - Rick Smith

Related Story: Small towns could see windfall from local-option tax - The Gazette

By the way, what role and responsibility does Linn County regarding Flood Mitigation and funding?

$56 million disaster relief bill sails through House - Iowa Independent

For victims of the Cedar Rapids flood, the budget crisis is hitting home - Iowa Independent

$56 million Iowa disaster aid bill heading to the governor - Quad City Times

Day of Service brings help to Cedar Rapids flood victims - Iowa Independent

For victims of the Cedar Rapids flood, the budget crisis is hitting home - Iowa Independent

But, where is Washington D.C. right now in discussion of the Flood of 2008?

President Barack Obama talked about the Gulf Coast and Katrina during the Inauguration from his comments on http://www.whitehouse.gov/.

"President Barack Obama will partner with the people of the Gulf Coast to
rebuild now, stronger than ever." - White House

Is Washington D.C. speaking to the immediate needs of the State of Iowa, including Cedar Rapids?

Is Washington addressing the "immediate income, employment, business, and housing
needs" as President Obama spoke to for the Gulf Coast here in Cedar Rapids and
the State of Iowa?

Is Washington D.C. focusing enough on disaster recovery from the natural disaster events of 2008 in the United States, including the flooding here in Cedar Rapids and the State of Iowa?

A final note for the proposed 1% local option sales tax for Cedar Rapids. Is there enough transparency and accountability included in the planned tax that would "raise between $18 million and $23 million for the city a year"?

Mayor Halloran reports 1% LOST for Flood Relief with 20% for Property Tax Relief

Of course, everything is subject to change.

Mayor Halloran reports: Council’s plan for now is a 5-year sales tax; 20% for property-tax relief, 80% for flood relief by Rick Smith in his blog Eye on the Island

Unlike the SILO for the schools, there appears to be NO citizens oversight committee mentioned.

Stay tuned Cedar Rapids.

H.R. 1 - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

National Write Your Congressman sent me the following e-mail today:

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Robin B Tucker, the House will be considering an $825 billion economic recovery package Tuesday and Wednesday, with a vote expected Wednesday afternoon or evening.

(H.R.1) Among other things, the package aims to:
• Double within three years the amount of energy that could be produced from renewable resources
• Upgrade 10,000 schools and improve learning for about 5 million students
• Save $2 billion a year by making federal buildings energy efficient
• Triple the number of undergraduate and graduate fellowships in science

Spending highlights:
• $20 billion or more in renewable energy tax cuts and a tax credits
• $92 billion for infrastructure projects
• $43 billion to provide extended unemployment benefits through Dec. 31
• $159 billion towards education and state fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid
• $154.5 billion towards health care, including aid to states for Medicare costs and funding to subsidize health care insurance for the unemployed
• $140 billion for individual tax breaks

Click here for more detailed spending information

Click here to read the Democrat’s view of the package (PDF)

Click here to read the Republican’s view of the package

Should Congress pass H.R.1?

Click here to voice your opinion on H.R.1! I encourage you to join National Write Your Congressman and get involved at the grass roots level, regarding your opinions and views on public policy.

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting on 1/26/2009

ROTARY CLUB OF CEDAR RAPIDS

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009

12 p.m.

THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

DOUG TRUE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER, THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Topic:

FLOOD OF 2008 AND THE UNIVERSITY'S RESPONSE

GBPAC: Russian National Ballet performs Cinderella

Attended the following performance:

Russian National Ballet–
Cinderella
Sunday, January 25, 7:30 p.m.
at Gallagher-Bluedorn Performance Arts Center
on the University of Northern Iowa campus

January 24, 2009 - New Taxes in a down economy?

The Gazette headline under "Iowa Legislature" on Friday, January 23, 2009 was titled "Key lawmakers see debate on gas tax hike," which has not been raised in the State of Iowa since 1989.

Okay, since we haven't raised the gas tax for twenty years, a gas tax raise may have some justification, since we truly do have highways, roads and bridges that need improvements and repairs. Of course, we are in a very severe recession, so is timing right now?

But, 20 percent?

Senior citizens on social security's COLA went up over 5 percent. Is it fair to consider in any way a 20 percent increase at this time?

If the national average for federal and state excise taxes was more than 8 cents more than the State of Iowa, would members of the Iowa Legislature work to justify raising the gas tax even more?

What has the Iowa Legislature been doing for twenty years? I would suggest that this situation is an example of what is wrong in Des Moines, when it comes to public policy making.

Where is the common sense?

*** ***

We have heard local discussions lately for a one cent local option sales tax for the City of Cedar Rapids. When I had the pleasure of serving on the Home Rule Charter Commission in 2004-05, we looked at similar cities it determining an alternative Charter for the City of Cedar Rapids. As you may remember, the majority of voters in the City of Cedar Rapids, who went to the polls, voted to scrap the Commission form of government for the Council-Manager form of government in June of 2005.

Our current form of government went into effective on January 2, 2006. It's ironic we are now are impacted by a major Flood, when you consider how flood recovery might be under the Commission form of government.

Many cities similar to Cedar Rapids do have a local option sales tax. When the discussion of the sale of 20 acres of Twin Pines Golf Course was taking place by the City, the lack of a sales tax was clearly apparent, when City development officials were involved in a presentation put on by a retail developer.

The Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce is discussing at 10 a.m. today the topic of supporting and constructing an one percent local option sales tax for the City of Cedar Rapids. I had the pleasure to talk to Alan Witt yesterday evening on the subject.

We hope Alan and others are successful in discussing the importance of property tax relief in Cedar Rapids.

We need real property tax relief in Cedar Rapids and throughout the State of Iowa. We have an over-reliance on property tax in the State of Iowa, including the City of Cedar Rapids. It has been reported that the citizens of Cedar Rapids pay already $100 more per capita than the national average in property taxes. The City's newsletter highlighted this in the past.

Like the Gas Tax for roads, bridges and highways, we do need to protect our infrastructure locally. Would you support an one cent local option sales tax for the City of Cedar Rapids for infrastructure and property tax relief?

One real challenge in any discussion of a tax increase of any kind... is the current state of our economy.

We have plenty of infrastructure needs in Cedar Rapids ahead and now after the Flood of 2008. Complaints about our local roads pre-flood are known. The thought of a flood tax is short-term and doesn't address all infrastructure emergencies that exist or could develop over the next five years.

On the flip side, supporting an one percent local option sales tax without a component of property tax relief will only place a larger unfair burden on property owners, with the discussion of a 10 percent residential, 7 percent industrial and 6-7 percent commercial property tax currently in the news in Cedar Rapids.

Is the timing right for any tax increase in the City of Cedar Rapids or in the State? Heck, look at Washington D.C. today and the pressure on spending and taxes?

We need property tax relief. We need to repair and improve our City's infrastructure.

What's next?

January 21, 2009 - Two women that served our community and Iowa have passed

Today, our community and State will celebrate the life of Mary Lundby, who passed away recently, after battling cancer. Her funeral will be a 1 p.m. today. Further news, Rosemary Thomson, who followed Mary in the Iowa House, died shortly after Mary from a stroke.

Senate action canceled for Lundby funeral
Former Iowa lawmaker Rosemary Thomson dies
Former legislative leader loses fight with cancer
Former Iowa lawmaker slips into coma

I had the privilege of meeting both women during their service to our State and community. My thoughts and prayers are with both families and their friends with the passing of these two wonderful people.

peace

January 20, 2009 - Inauguaration Day in America

Regardless of one's political affiliation in the United States, this is an historic day for our country with the Inauguration of our 44Th President of the United States.

"At 12:00 noon on Inauguration Day 2009 (Tuesday, January 20, 2009, as set
by the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution), Barack Obama will
become
the 44Th President of the United States."

We wish our new President the very best. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and our country as we work to improve and rebuild our fine country together as neighbors and country men.

May we seek out peace and better understanding among all men and women.

peace

Tonight at 7 p.m. in Cedar Rapids at St. Paul's UMC

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at St. Paul’s UMC

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at St. Paul's' promises to be another inspiring program filled with music, an outstanding speaker from the local community, and the presentation of the Percy and Lileah Harris "Who is My Neighbor Award". The 10Th annual award will be presented during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at St. Paul’s UMC on January 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm.

Our speaker this year is Jerry Matchett, General Manager of Staples Office Supply Store, here in Cedar Rapids. He as served on many boards and has been involved with many community activities. Mr. Matchett was born Tuskegee, Alabama, but shortly moved to South Dakota. As a young teenager, he moved to Ames, Iowa. Mr. Matchett has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies-Management, Psychology and Commutation from the University of Northern Iowa.

Plan to attend this year's celebration - to be inspired by Mr. Matchett; to hear the music of the Gospel Choir of Johnson School of the Arts and of Mt. Zion's Men's Choir and of St. Paul's Music Ministry; to celebrate the new honoree of the "Who is My Neighbor Award" - and all to be done as a reminder of the enduring contributions of Dr. King.

Who's My Neighbor Award

In the January, 2000, the first Percy and Lileah Harris "Who is My Neighbor" Award was presented to Dr. and Mrs. Harris and all future awards will carry their name. The award plaque reads "In recognition of a lifelong faith commitment to living in harmony with others and to promoting equality and social justice in the community.” This year’s award will be the tenth award presented at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at St. Paul’s.

"Who is My Neighbor" is based on the story of the Good Samaritan Jesus told in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Dr. King also used the story of the Good Samaritan in his final speech in Memphis just before he was assassinated in 1968.

The recipient of the award needs to meet these criteria:
1. Acts out of a religious faith base
2. Is caring and compassionate.
3. Is community oriented.
4. Is a good neighbor to all.
5. Lives within Linn County.

If you have further questions on this year's event, please contact Robin Tucker, Publicity Chair at tuckerusa@aol.com. You are cordially invited to attend the public celebration on January 19, 2009 at 7 pm. This year’s program promises to continue our great tradition, the music and a dramatic reading of Martin Luther King Jr.’s words. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is located at 1340 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

***********

January 19, 2009: Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting

Monday, January 19, 2009

12:00 p.m.

Crown Plaza Hotel

In collaboration with the United Way of East Central Iowa

Program:

REMEMBERING MARTIN - AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE

BIRTHDAY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

January 12, 2009: Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CEDAR RAPIDS

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009

THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Program for Today:

GREG SEYFER

IOWA RACING AND GAMING COMMISSION

January 9, 2009 - Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

I want to wish my father and mother, I.L. "Tommy" and LaVerne Tucker, a happy 60Th Wedding Anniversary.

It was January 9, 1949. Tommy and LaVerne Tucker were married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They had met on a blind date, while both were students at Coe College. Today, January 9, 2009, Tommy and LaVerne Tucker celebrate their 60Th wedding anniversary. They will celebrate the event with a trip to Hawaii this month.

Congratulations Mom & Dad! Robin Tucker

peace

Remembering Martin Luther King Luncheon on 1/19/2009 at 11:30 a.m.

Received the following from the United Way of East Central Iowa today...



Remembering Martin Luther King Luncheon
United Way of East Central Iowa and the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, will honor 19 area students at the annual Remembering Martin Luncheon on Monday, January 19, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350 First Avenue NE, in Cedar Rapids. The keynote speaker for the event is Akwi Nji-Dawson, Language Arts Instructor and Director of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success.

The luncheon is open to the community. Cost is $9 per person and reservations must be made by Wednesday, January 14. If you would like to attend, please RSVP at 398-5372, ext. 36 or jsweeney@uweci.org.

The luncheon commemorates the life and vision of Dr. King by recognizing student leaders who demonstrate his honorable characteristics through their volunteer work, school attendance and positive behavior. One student from each middle school and high school in the Cedar Rapids area is selected for this award by their school administration. Click here to view the MLK Luncheon poster.

Also, from the desk of Robin Tucker: we want to remind you of an event at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's UMC in Cedar Rapids:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at St. Paul’s UMC

The St. Paul's UMC event is not a Luncheon and no reservations are requested. Celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday and day of service.

Robin Tucker

January 5, 2009: One of my New Year's Resolutions

One of My New Year's Resolutions for 2009: Better Health Choices

• AlegentHealth When the Heart Stops Beating: http://tinyurl.com/7ho69h


• AlegentHealth Health Tip: Help Prevent Toy Injuries: http://tinyurl.com/9y85z7


• AlegentHealth Health Tip: Budget Your Calories: http://tinyurl.com/78x7k6


• gwredcross Just launched NEW & IMPROVED online training for CPR, First Aid and many other courses at http://www.grantwood-redcross.org/

Like the Switch program promoted by the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. Learn more about Switch on WMT Radio 600 on Tuesday, January 6, 2009.

Robin Tucker

peace

January 4: Happy Birthday Julie

Agree, Happy New Year Everyone

My mother passed on her New Year's Day Resolutions recently... We truly wish everyone a great 2009 as we remember the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2008.

• The Good: Family, Community, Rotary, Church
• The Bad: the Economic and Financial Crisis: locally, nationally and globally
• The Ugly: the Flood of 2008, Greed in the World, Crime, War, Poverty and Hate

Enjoying a lovely day at home with family to kick off the New Year. I am watching New Year's Day college bowl games, making some calls or texts to friends and family, while doing some IT work from home mixing it up with a variety of chatter.

Congratulations to the University of Iowa football team in their 2009 Outback Bowl victory today over the University of South Carolina in Tampa, FL to kick off the January 1 college bowl games today. Iowa defeated South Carolina 31-10 and should be a very competitive team again in 2009. RT

peace