City of Cedar Rapids opens Community Connections Center this week ...

"This is considered an important first step in the City’s effort to have
co-location of key staff to meet community needs and enhance neighborhood
problem-solving. It is also the continuation of community policing initiatives
and a commitment to the central district."

The Gazetteonline reports in a July 10, 2009 story titled City opens police substation on Second Ave. SE.

Local Government 101:

• Public Safety
• Infrastructure
• Delivery of public services
• Finance
• Parks

The City of Cedar Rapids needs to scale up their community policing priorities. It's not just a hammer, but it should include code enforcement, zoning, use and infrastructure. Public Safety needs to be our City's #1 priority from a local government standpoint. The public needs to step up and help in communication and neighborhood watch. But, code enforcement is the primary responsibility of the City.

While Jobs, Housing and Economic Development are Community priorities, it's the private sector that should take the primary lead in these priorities. Since, governments often create more hurdles than benefits when it comes to Jobs, Housing and Economic Development. The City of Cedar Rapids needs to be consistent in its code enforcement, zoning, and use. We need to make sure that our infrastructure is safe and functional to ensure public safety. Rough roads, potholes, burned out signal and caution lights, along with faded street paint can lead to unsafe conditions.

Robin Tucker