The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting program of September 28, 2009 was a Status Update on Three Downtown Venues ...

Normally, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting is a typical part of my routine, but a Bug this week altered my schedule. Weekly Ripples from the Rapids highlights our local club. This week's highlights were

• Rotary Breakouts
• Updates on Downtown Venues are Reviewed by Tim Boyle, Casey Prince, Jim Hoffman & Bradd Brown
• New Members Approved
• Board News
• Clubfoot Eradication
• Join Rotarians in Montreal
• Metro Joint Project Brainstormed
• Area Rotary Calendar Follow Link

Here's this week's recap of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program for Monday, September 28, 2009 from Editor Larry H. Christy:

Updates on Downtown Venues are Reviewed by

Tim Boyle, Casey Prince, Jim Hoffman & Bradd Brown

Tim Boyle reported that the US Cellular Center, constructed in 1979, has qualified for a significant face-lift funded by I-JOBS with a $15 million allocation for the existing facility. It will include improvements in concessions, restrooms, seating risers, concourse improvements and lighting. Plans to add a new “Events Center” is a $52 million project and include a 60 thousand square foot exhibit hall and additional breakout rooms for up to 100 people (14 thousand square feet). Funding would include $39 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) making it the single largest award by EDA. The grant is still under review.

Casey Prince gave an update on the renovation of the Iowa Theater building, the home of Theatre Cedar Rapids. When the Theatre’s Next Act Capital Campaign began in 2008, the original goals were improving patron spaces, more classroom space for educational programming and to seed an endowment for Theatre Cedar Rapids.

Although devastating, the June Flood of 2008 did little to change those goals, but they did escalate the scope of the project to $7.8 million with more than 95% of that funding in place. The majority of flood damage was to the porous terra cotta brick used in lower level spaces and the location of mechanical and electrical systems in the sub-basement. Lower level construction will now use concrete block and all critical systems are being moved to locations at higher elevations.

Highlights of a renovated Iowa Theater include significantly expanded restrooms and lobby size, a new lounge on First Avenue, Hedges Library relocated to 3rd Street and a new studio classroom, rehearsal hall and music room. Other changes will increase auditorium seating from 500 to 550 seats and add new dressing rooms and back of house spaces for performers. There will be new theatrical sound and lighting systems, the building will be tuck pointed and theatrical lighting and video elements will be incorporated into the lobby, lounge and marquee.

Jim Hoffman presented an update on the Paramount Theatre and was followed by Bradd Brown (OPN Architects) who is in charge of the project. Jim described the Theatre, devastated by flood waters, with the state completely upended, the Wurlitzer organ reduced to rubble and the home of the symphony gutted to the studs. He mentioned the controversy that followed the flood about what to do with a historic theater that was going to cost a fortune to restore. Some advocated abandonment; others insisted that this 1928 historic theater must be restored and improved. The question was resolved with the decision to restore. The city and private sector are negotiating with FEMA while Robert Massey and Tim Hankewich from Orchestra Iowa are keeping the symphony afloat and thriving without a hall to call home.

FEMA pays for three areas in a post-flood project – repairing the damage to pre-flood conditions, mitigation activity to reduce the impact of any future event and bringing the building up to all the various building and safety codes.

The Paramount has received $5 million from the I-JOBS program to fund improvements to the building. Hopefully, there will be funds to make seats more comfortable, expand the stage, improve lighting, acoustics, restrooms, elevator access to the balcony and incorporate shared ticket booths between the Symphony Building and the Hall of Mirrors.

More more information on Rotary International, visit http://www.rotary.org/

Last week, September 21, 2009, Greg Eyerly, Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery Director was the Rotary program ...

While not everyone we spoke to was impressed by his comments and tone, here is Editor Larry H. Christy's RIPPLES FROM THE RAPIDS:

GREG EYERLY, CEDAR RAPIDS FLOOD RECOVERY DIRECTOR

Greg Eyerly was named Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery Director in July 2009. The Flood Recovery Director is a department head level position, reporting to City Manager James Prosser. Eyerly is responsible for the management, direction and development of flood recovery and reinvestment initiatives for the City of Cedar Rapids and provides managerial assistance to the City Manager in relation to the citywide disaster relief program. The job description emphasizes strong project management skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders from the individual flood victim to federal lawmakers.

Eyerly set the stage for recovery from the Cedar Rapids Flood of 2008. There was damage to 310 facilities, 5,000 homes and 700 businesses. He estimated that 7.800 properties were flood impacted and 18,000 people were displaced. There was billions of dollars of damage and economic loss.

The City Flood Recovery Plan created by the Cedar Rapids City Council is to:

1. Improve flood protection to better protect homes and businesses.


2. Rebuild high quality and affordable workforce neighborhoods.


3. Restore full business vitality.


4. Preserve our arts and cultural assets.


5. Maintain our historic heritage.


6. Assure that we can retain and attract the next generation of workforce.
   

Greg Eyerly reported that it had taken him two months to understand the scope and complexity of the task and that there have been a number of set-backs. including delays in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funding, changing information on the duplication of benefits and changes in the conditions on the ground.

He commented that as a community it has been said that we aren’t taking enough action, our plans are not working, we are moving too slowly on plans and we are unable to react to changing conditions.

He pointed out that as a community we have removed 1,000 tons of flood debris, restored the water supply within the first two weeks, made emergency repairs to the WPC within 73 days, instituted Jumpstarted housing and rental housing, Jumpstarted businesses, demolished imminent treats and acquired homes in the Greenway, formulated a Public Facilities Recovery Plan and performed flood plain mapping.

We have developed a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, obtained $189 million in FEMA funds ($215 million with county FEMA funds), instituted a Block by Block program, garnered 200 thousand volunteer hours and received tremendous United Way, Faith Based organization, Arts, EPRC-EDA, Downtown District, Neighborhood Associations, Rebuild Iowa and local business and industry support.

Looking forward, Eyerly mentioned that the acquisition of property in the Greenway has begun, final damage assessments and obligation of funds for the 16 major city facilities will be completed by October 31, CDBG funding for business will be received this fall, CDBG funding for infrastructure will be received this fall, demolitions of the majority of damaged homes will be completed by March 2010, FEMA updated flood plain map will be completed by March 2010 and the Corps of Engineers draft feasibility study will be completed by June 2010.

As a community, those working on the flood are completing these tasks and the community needs to concern itself with opportunities for the future. As a community we need to be positive. Negative leadership and political rhetoric has no place in Flood Recovery. It jeopardizes funding for flood recovery and economic development by industry and business and thus our communities future.

The R&P Report from the NWYC for the week of Spetember 28, 2009 ...

Regrets on not posting too much lately, but I have been battling a bug, since Sunday morning. As we like to post weekly when there is news, here is this week's R&P Report on Congress ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Senate Health Care Bill: The Senate Finance Committee's Health Care bill proposed by Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would mandate health insurance coverage and create a network of nonprofit health insurance cooperatives. The bill strives to create competition against private insurers, which many lawmakers say would result from a public plan. The Senate bill, which is still in draft form, is a product of bipartisan talks among the six panel members but no Republicans have come out in strong support of it. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) has expressed tentative support based on the final price tag. House Bill (H.R.3200): House Democrats plan to send a single bill to the Congressional Budget Office to be scored soon. The bill will then be brought to the House floor for debate. Click here for a ballot on this issue.Click here to sign up for Bill Tracker updates on this issue.

Surface Transportation Extension Act: Despite GOP opposition, the House passed a three-month extension of the surface transportation law, overcoming the Republican leadership’s efforts to rally members against it. The bill would reauthorize the federal-aid highway, transit, boating safety, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund for the period beginning October 1, 2009. (H.R.3617)

Coast Guard Authorization: A House committee approved a $10 billion Coast Guard authorization bill that is expected to put important resources in the hands of the agency. The bill would authorize $200 million more for the Coast Guard in fiscal 2010 than President Obama requested. (H.R.3619)

Loan Program: The House cleared a bill authorizing $750 million for a new loan program for U.S. manufacturers providing products “critical to national security.” The new loan program was included in a bill reauthorizing the Defense Production Act through fiscal 2014. (S.1677)

Stopgap Spending Bills: House leaders are expected to attach a government-wide fiscal 2009 stopgap funding measure to the legislative branch annual spending bill. Republican lawmakers said the move would make it difficult to vote against what they view as wasteful government spending. (H.R.2918)

Medicare Premium Increase: The House passed a bill that would prevent Medicare premiums from rising sharply for about 11 million senior citizens. The bill would cost $2.8 billion and would be offset by reducing the Medicare Improvement Fund, which the Health and Human Services Department uses to make improvements to Medicare Part A and Part B. (H.R.3631) Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Kennedy Interim Replacement: Paul G. Kirk Jr., a longtime Democratic Party insider and associate of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, was appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick as Kennedy’s interim replacement.

Extension of Small Business Act: The House passed a bill that would provide for a temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act. It would provide loans on a deferred basis to viable small business concerns. (H.R.3614)

House Passes FAA Extension: The House passed a bill to extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s authority to collect and spend the tax revenues fueling the aviation system through the end of the year. The Senate is expected to follow suit by week’s end. (H.R.3607)

PREVIEW

Health Care: The Senate Finance Committee will continue its markup of the health care overhaul bill. The bill would mandate health care coverage. Credit Card Law: House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D–MA) is backing a plan to move up the effective date of a new law aimed at curbing credit card billing practices deemed abusive by consumer advocates. Several provisions of the law are slated to take effect in February 2010, but Rep. Frank wants to move that date to Dec. 1, 2009.

Satellite TV Regulations: A Senate committee will mark up a bill that would reauthorize the law governing how satellite TV carriers distribute local broadcast signals. The bill would make it easier for major satellite carriers DirecTV and Dish Network to provide local “distant signals.” (S.1670)

Click here to view R&P Report as a PDF

Nice to be back in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ...

My father has been in Cedar Rapids, since Sunday. We enjoyed time with our family on Sunday, Rotary on Monday, then later on Monday we headed to Omaha/Council Bluffs. On Monday night, we got together with Carole's parents for a nice dinner at Tussey's Grill in Omaha. If you haven't been to Tussey's, make it a date at some point. It's a great local restaurant

On Tuesday through Thursday, my father and I attended various seminars and meetings at Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs. Many of the seminars had applications for any type of industry, small business or personal growth situation.

• No-to Low Cost Marketing
• Social Media ABC's to 123's
• Secrets Friends Won't Share about Social Media
• Septic Systems in Iowa
• The One Buttock Presentation
• Got SLAGE?
• Understanding Credit Reports and The Scoring System
• Legislative Issues
• On Base: Marketing - It's All About the Consumer
• Stealing Second: Contact and Contract Management
• Home Run: Reframing Real Estate Success
• Hot Topics in Today's Real Estate
• Federal Mortgage Laws Affect Closings

We got back to town on Thursday, in time to catch part and all of our daughter Julie's Warrior feeder basketball games at the SportsZone. It was nice to see Julie and her teammates perform so well in games vs. Prairie and vs. Linn-Mar. The Warriors start 2-0 for the season.

Today, back in the office with plenty of paperwork and tasks to follow-up and complete.

Robin Tucker

This week's R&P Report from NWYC.com ...

What's going on in Washington D.C. this past week and likely this week?

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible
Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set
forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Bill - Public Option Plan: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has reiterated her support of a public health insurance option. She says the bill that passes the House will include the plan. “The public option will be in the bill that passes the House,” the Speaker said, a day after Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) unveiled his health care legislation that excludes the government-run option. The Senate bill drew criticism from Democrats who want the public option and Republicans who did not support the bill because it was too costly and did not guarantee that federal money would not be used for abortions.
Firearms in Baggage: The Senate passed a $122 billion Transportation-HUD appropriations bill a day after adopting an amendment to revoke Amtrak funding unless riders are allowed to transport firearms in checked baggage. (H.R.3288)

Malpractice Insurers: Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, unveiled a draft bill to repeal health and medical malpractice insurers’ exemption from federal antitrust laws.Intelligence Authorization: The Senate passed its version of the fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill by voice vote. It would require intelligence panels to be notified about briefings on the most sensitive programs given to the “Gang of Eight,” which is comprised of party leaders in both chambers and leaders of the Intelligence committees. (S.1494)

Railroad Antitrust Regulations: A House panel approved legislation that would repeal longstanding antitrust exemptions for freight railroads. (H.R.233)

Student Aid: The House passed a bill that would tie increases in the maximum Pell Grant amount to increases in the Consumer Price Index, plus one percent. (H.R.3221)

Stopgap Funding Measure: The House is considering a stopgap funding measure to keep the government operating beyond Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Troop Escalation in Afghanistan: Rep. John Murtha (D-WV), chairman of the House Defense spending panel, says the panel would not rule out support for troop escalation in Afghanistan. The President has said he will no longer fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq via supplemental spending measures.
Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Advanced Vehicle Technology: The House passed a bill that would create a comprehensive research and development program to spur advancements in the design of fuel efficient vehicles and components, such as air bags, lightweight bumpers and seat cushions. The goal of the measure is to lower dependency on foreign fuel. (H.R.3246)

PREVIEW

“Czars”: As GOP lawmakers voice concerns over the Obama administration’s extensive use of policy “czars,” House Republicans have proposed legislation that would block funding for any “task force, council or similar office” unless its members are confirmed by the Senate. Lawmakers noted that so-called “czars” typically do not face Senate confirmation or have to testify on Capitol Hill. (H.R.3226)
Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Unemployment Benefits: The House is expected to take up an unemployment benefits bill this week that would extend the available safety net for jobless workers. (H.R.3548)

Chinese Tariffs: House Republicans and some senators from both parties are pushing to end a two-year-old ban on Chinese processed poultry that would be continued in the 2010 Agriculture appropriations bill. (H.R.2997)

Permanent Residency: A House committee is considering a bill that would provide permanent residency to spouses and children of undocumented immigrants who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The measure would allow the immediate surviving family members to apply for an adjustment of status if they have not been convicted of a criminal offense and have satisfied any outstanding tax liabilities. (H.R.3290)
Click here to voice your opinion.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for September 21, 2009 ...

Robin Tucker will be attending today's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting at Noon.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is now on Twitter! Link

Monday, September 21, 2009
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Today's Speaker and Program:

Entrepreneur
Greg Eyerly, Cedar Rapids Flood Czar

Robin Tucker

Great weekend: Weather, Iowa football and Family ...

Picked up my father at the airport today and we had a lovely lunch as a family this afternoon. Carole and I enjoyed Iowa's 27-17 win over the University of Arizona at Kinnick on Saturday. Our one daughter had a nice trip to Des Moines for a Warrior marching band performance, while the younger daughter enjoyed time with her classmates. The family seems a little tired this afternoon. The final dogs days of Summer!

Here's to everyone this final weekend of Summer '09.

Robin Tucker

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. U of Arizona at Kinnick at 2:30 pm ...

It's time for Iowa to take down the Wildcats again at Kinnick Stadium ... On Iowa!

It was close last time and I don't see it being a break away, unless Iowa's Ricky Stanzi gets going on all cylinders early.

Iowa by 4 at Kinnick today!

Great to be a Hawkeye!

Sorry Chester, the Wildcats are going down again at Kinnick Stadium today!

To my family who are U of A ticket holders! On Iowa!

Robin Tucker

Recap of the past week's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting ...

From Editor Larry Christy, Editor of Ripples From the Rapids ...

ERIKKA BENHART, HEAD OF SCHOOLS, SUMMIT SCHOOLS & STUDENTS JACK BICKEL, LAUREL NOREUIL AND DAVIDE BENSELLINI

Summit Schools is an independent, coeducational Preschool and Pre-K-5 grade school located in Cedar Rapids. Founded in June 1998, Summit offers an academic program that is traditional and well-rounded, continuing to build upon the quality educational foundation established by Linn Academy and McLeod Academy. With around 140 students in the traditional school setting, classes are limited to 16 students and the student to teacher ration is 8:1. Summit is fully accredited by the Iowa Department of Education and is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of parents and community leaders.

Erikka Benhart was accompanied by three students from Summit. Jack Bickel is the grandson of Rotarian John Bickel and Laurel Noreuil is the daughter of Rotarian Dr. Todd Noreuil.

Jack Bickel, 3rd grader at Summit

I first attended Summit in preschool. I went to another school for kindergarten and part of 1st grade. I returned to Summit for half of 1st grade and plan to stay until I complete 5th grade.

In my classroom at Summit, we have 11 students this year. The School Board has decided that only 16 students can be in each class. At other schools, there are many more students making it very noisy and hart to hear the teacher. I really enjoy learning new things and working as a class to succeed at our goals. Summit has helped me to enjoy learning at levels that fit me. My favorite thing about Summit is teachers want me to be good at everything but at my own level. The one that fits just me.

Davide Bersellini, 4th grader at Summit

(In Italian) My name is Davide Bersellini. I am in 4th grade at Summit Schools. Oh, oh excuse me. I should speak to you in English. My name is Davide Bersellini. I am in 4th grade at Summit Schools. I have attended Summit since 3rd grade. My family moved to the United States from Italy last year when my dad took a job her in Cedar Rapids. When I first came to Summit, I did not speak or read much English at all. With the help of my teachers and my parents, I can read any book I want to! I really enjoy coming to Summit because it is a good school for me. Summit has helped me to learn English fast.

My favorite thing about Summit is the learning. I learn a lot and everything that I am learning I need. When I went back to Italy this summer, I was able to go back to my old school. I told my old classmates about all my new friends and how my teacher makes us laugh. She will point out if you need to improve so you can do it right the next time. My old classmates were surprised at what I could say to them in English.

Laurel Noreuil, 3rd grader at Summit

My name is Laurel Noreuil. I am in 3rd grade at Summit Schools. I have attended Summit since I can remember. I think it was pre-k. I really enjoy being at Summit because it teaches me important skills that I will use for the rest of my life. Summit has helped me to learn new skills each year so that I can reach my goals in 3rd grade in the future.

My favorite things about Summit are the Science units because you get to do activities and awesome experiments. Another thing I like about Summit is meeting new friends. My Summit friends are helpful when I need it and fun to play with at recess.

Erikka Benhart

Tuition at the school is not cheap. Pre-Kindergarten tuition is $5,580 annually and Kindergarten to Fifth Grade Tuition is $6,942 annually. However, Summit students are making nearly 2 years growth in one school year by all learners – gifted, traditional and those with leaning differences. The school is in the top 1 percent nationally in overall performance, is 100% proficient in reading, math and science and 91% of this year’s 3rd-5th grade students qualified for the Belin-Blank Center – the University of Iowa’s Gifted and Talented program.

Benhart describes Summit as an alternative educational choice completing the educational picture in Cedar Rapids. It is for children who are not reaching their full potential elsewhere. This may be because they are gifted and are not being challenged, because they are average, but not receiving the extra attention because there are too many other students, or because they learn differently and are not being taught using the proper strategies. 35% of Summit students are classified as Gifted Learners (those scoring in the 95%ile on ITBS and/or MAP tests), 50% are classified as Traditional Learners (those scoring between 34%ile – 66%ile (average) and 66%ile – 94%ile (above average) on the ITBS and or MAP and 15% classified as Other Types of Learners (those with specialized education plans/accommodations).

Summit is ethnically diverse with 17 different languages spoken in the homes of its students. Over one-fifth of the student population is Black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander. Without Summit, Cedar Rapids would be the only large community in Iowa to not have such an offering. From a business recruiting perspective, families are looking for an option like Summit when they make employment choices.

Summit has additional programming for children. Tutoring is available for individuals and small groups. Diagnostic and prescriptive educational evaluations are available from State Certified school psychologists and educational experts in the areas of dyslexia and learning disorders. Summer camps are also available for recreational and educational programs.

Camps offer a variety of options from the basics (reading, writing and math) to art, science, computer and foreign language camps and a Healthy Lifestyles and Recreation Camp. Benhart attributes the success of Summit School to:

• Personalized instruction which challenges each child to achieve their ability level.
• Empowering teachers by maintaining small class sizes.
• A true example of No Child Left Behind.
  

Next Rotary Meeting:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
GREG EYERLY, CEDAR RAPIDS FLOOD CZAR

Fact Check on Governor Chet Culver ...

According to the Republican Party of Iowa ...

Republican Party of Iowa FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
Contact: Danielle Plogmann September 17, 2009
319.290.4185


FACT CHET
Governor misleads Iowans about state spending—AGAIN!

Statement from Governor Culver

Discussing the state budget, Governor Culver said: “We’re actually spending less in 2010–two-and-a-half percent less than we did in 2008.”

Source: Des Moines Register, 9-17-09. Click here.

Fact Check

Governor Culver’s statement is deceptive and misleading. Due to the receipt and expenditure of one-time federal stimulus money to backfill shortfalls in general fund revenue, state spending in 2010 is actually higher than in 2008.

State general fund appropriations in 2008 (understanding there was no federal stimulus aid to the states in 2008) totaled $5.9 billion.

State general fund appropriations in 2010 (including the $530 million in general fund expenditures being funded by federal stimulus receipts) totaled $6.3 billion.

The loss of this one-time stimulus money is a major portion of the projected $900 million general fund budget hole Governor Culver and Democratic lawmakers have created in the upcoming budget year (FY11).

Source: Legislative Services Agency, 2009 Fiscal Report, July 2009, p. 17 (click here); Auditor of State, David Vaudt, August 2009, p. 20 (click here)

FACT CHET: a periodic fact check report published to bring clarity to the frequent misstatements, misunderstandings, and outright deceptions coming from Governor Culver and his office.


# # #


Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa and not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
621 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
www.iowagop.org

A Discussion of Social Justice in Cedar Rapids ...

CLARENCE DARROW’S SEARCH FOR JUSTICE

Price: Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Street: 1340 3rd Ave. SE

Gary Anderson, a nationally-renowned Darrow portrayer, will showcase “the most hated and celebrated lawyer in America.”“Darrow as a legal warrior, returning to engage our government and justice system in a presentation that trembles with inescapable timeliness.” He fought Creationism in public schools, racism, the death penalty, conspiracy laws, and attacks on civil liberties. “Anderson’s Darrow is in the same league as Holbrook’s Mark Twain.”At the end of the show, Civil Rights Commission Director Karl Cassell will present statistics on racial and economic issues in Cedar Rapids. Discussion to follow.

Sponsored by the:

• Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
• St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
• The Peoples’ Church Unitarian Universalist Congregation

peace

The importance of Public Safety in Local Government ...

Yesterday, we pointed out that local government should focus on five basic principals (IE: Government 101):

• Public Safety
• Public Infrastructure
• Delivery of Public Services
• Finance
• Parks

Well, it appears today, Mayor Candidate has announced a Public Safety plan for Cedar Rapids. This is very encouraging, because despite some good trends occurring in Cedar Rapids regarding Public Safety, there is certainly work to be done on this important issue.

Corbett Announces Bold Plan to Fight Crime in Cedar Rapids

Corbett uses local law enforcement experts to develop plan, instead of out-of-state consultants

For Immediate Release

September 17, 2009

Cedar Rapids - Saying its time to nip the growing Cedar Rapids crime problem in the bud, mayoral candidate Ron Corbett called on the city to take bold action to guarantee families a safe place to raise their children.

"We know that fighting crime before it takes root is like fighting a disease - treat it early before it gets out of hand," said Corbett. "My five point plan will make an immediate difference for the safety of local families without breaking the bank."

While the current city council has relied on expensive out-of-state consultants to develop plans and create policy, Corbett called upon local citizens and law enforcement experts to put together a comprehensive crime fighting plan.

Former United States Attorney, Chuck Larson, Sr. commented on the Corbett plan:"Ron Corbett's crime fighting plan is balanced and smart. I've been involved in law enforcement and crime prevention for more than 25 years and if his plan is put into place, we'll see an impact in Cedar Rapids," said Larson."My wife and our family were victims of a home burglary this summer when I was traveling out of state with my children. We know how unnerving the experience can be. My goal is simple: fewer victims and more safe neighborhoods," said Corbett. "I'm raising five children in this community, and we hope to be here for a lot of years. I plan to see that all Cedar Rapids neighborhoods are safe and crime free."

The Corbett Crime Fighting Plan

Restitution Work Crews - "It's time for juveniles that commit a criminal act against individuals or society to pay the community back through restitution work crews. I would work with the chief of the juvenile court to deploy juvenile work crews in our community cleaning, mowing, painting, and picking up flood zones. This would provide juvenile court officers a new option for sentencing. Not only does this help to repair some of the damage caused, but it also teaches the discipline of hard work."

Safe Schools - Juvenile crime is on the rise. "We need more intelligence as we fight gangs and the rise in juvenile crime. I would partner with the school district and have officers in each of the high schools and middle schools. This will reduce patrol car calls and provide valuable intelligence from the youth that are being recruited to join gangs. Sioux City, Des Moines, and Davenport have all embraced officers in school with success at reducing their gang crime problems."

Substations - "We need to add a West side substation. Law enforcement needs to be de-centralized and have a greater presence in the neighborhoods. It's important for law enforcement to be visible throughout the community. We also should staff the substations during evenings and weekends. Currently staffing ends at 5 PM during the week with full closure on weekends."
"Criminals don't limit their work to banker's hours and neither should Cedar Rapids," said Corbett. "We don't need to put an officer behind a desk, but we do need a place where people can go for assistance without driving across town. Let's have substations that are open on weekends and much later on weeknights."

Reserve officer program - Cedar Rapids needs to jump start its reserve officer program. "I would add 10 to 15 new reserve officers. This is a great way to encourage individuals looking at a law enforcement career to get involved early. Mount mercy and Kirkwood both have strong criminal justice programs. The city can partner with them and create a win-win situation. The reserve officers get valuable experience and the city gets more patrol time at a very nominal cost."

COP Shop Volunteers - Fighting crime requires more than just police on the streets. "Citizens and neighborhood involvement is critical to the success of fighting crime. We need to use community volunteers to help staff the substations. Volunteers can fill out reports and paperwork so police officers are on the streets fighting crime. Many communities have programs like this. Spokane, Washington is an example of a program that utilizes citizens and volunteers. I would partner and work with the department of corrections and their innovative programming."

The above release was from the Corbett for Mayor campaign.

Our connection to the Gazette story today ...

Deer with arrow in its side wanders into Cedar Rapids yard - The Gazette

Injured Deer Wanders into Cedar Rapids Front Yard - The Gazette

• Our daughter was walking the dog yesterday morning
• Our other daughter witnessed the police taking the injured animal down
• We heard the pop from inside the house
• Hopefully, the story also indicates that the deer has been hauled away today
• Our dog was very curious last night as I took him for a walk at night.

peace

Deadline is tomorrow at 5 p.m. for City Council candidates in Cedar Rapids

November 3, 2009 will be an important City Council election in Cedar Rapids. Six positions, including the Mayor's position will be up for election. Ron Corbett is running for Mayor. We should know on Friday, September 18, 2009 who the remaining candidates for Mayor, the two at-large seats, and Districts 1, 3, and 5.

As a former member of the Charter Commission, a former candidate for District 2, and a concerned member of the community, we hope Cedar Rapids will begin to embrace our Charter and correct the weaknesses created over the past 3+ years as we have transitioned from the Commission form to the Council-Manager form. Throw in the economic crisis, unemployment and the worse Flood in the history of our community; we have a lot of work to do as a community.

We look forward to supporting those candidates that want to get back to the basics of our Local Home Rule Charter and local city government.

• Public Safety
• Public Infrastructure
• Delivery of Public Services
• Finance
• Parks

As the former City Mayor of Cedar Rapids and City Manger of Marion kindly put it before his death, local government is the basics, it's about roads, sewers, police, fire and parks. R.I.P. Robert M.L. Johnson.

Robin Tucker

Personal Day

I will look forward to tomorrow ...

peace

This week's R&P Report from NWYC ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible Americans
to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our
Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Bill - Reaction to the President’s Speech: Though the House committees have largely finished their work on a health care overhaul bill, Rep. Joe Wilson’s (R-SC) outburst during President Obama’s address to Congress is seen as an indication that illegal immigration will be an issue for conservatives when the bill is on the House floor and amendments may be made.The idea of a surtax has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. Before the August recess, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said she supported raising the threshold for the tax to pay for the overhaul from $280,000 for individuals to $500,000. Ways and Means member Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL) said he thought the surtax, like the entire House bill, was a “non-starter.” (H.R.3200)

Troops in Afghanistan: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said any proposed boost in U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan would be met with extreme skepticism on Capitol Hill. House Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) said it is important to remember why troops are in Afghanistan. “America’s security depends on our success in denying al Qaeda breathing room to plot future attacks on the U.S. and our allies,” he said. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

U.S. Tourism: The Senate passed a travel promotion bill that would create a nonprofit corporation to promote the U.S. abroad as a tourist destination. (S.1023)

Tax Standardization: The House passed a bill that would set national standards for taxing insurance products that help guard against catastrophic risks such as earthquakes. (H.R.2571)

Chesapeake Bay Trails: Legislation to authorize permanent funding for a network of Chesapeake Bay trails and waterways passed easily in the House. The bill would authorize funds for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and an education program that focuses on conserving and restoring the watershed. The vote was 311-107. (H.R.965)

Congress in Case of Crisis: The House adopted a resolution to create a joint House-
Senate committee to study ways to ensure that Congress can continue to govern after a natural disaster or terrorist attack that kills or incapacitates a large number of lawmakers. The measure would allow for emergency appointments to replace members who are causalities of a catastrophic emergency.

Congress Needs to Know What YOU Think! Write Your Lawmakers Today! Log in to www.nwyc.com to view your lawmaker's contact information.

Student Loan Bill: The House is expected to vote Sept. 17 on a student loan bill sponsored by Education and Labor Chairman George Miller (D-CA). The measure would convert federally subsidized student loans by private lenders to direct government loans, a change the Obama administration has strongly advocated, but one that has incurred criticism from many lenders, loan servicers and universities. (H.R.3221)

Collective Bargaining: A House committee approved a bill to bring Transportation Security Administration employees under the protections of the federal civil service system and allow them to bargain collectively. (H.R.1881)

PREVIEW

In the House, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) plans to introduce a resolution of disapproval against Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting, “You lie!” during the President’s speech concerning health care coverage of illegal immigrants. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

The Senate will continue work on their health care bill. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) said of the bill, “It’s very, very similar,” to the plan the President outlined. Sen. Baucus is part of the “Gang of Six” committee members who have been negotiating for months in an effort to write a bipartisan health care bill.

The Senate will also continue work appropriations bills. That chamber has passed four of the 12 spending bills necessary for the year. After a day of stalled action in the Senate, Democrats accused Republicans of deliberately slowing the process.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills that would protect journalists from being forced to reveal their sources.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Iowa @ Iowa State in football in Ames today ...

It's been more than five years, since the road team beat the home team in the Cy-Hawk series. Here's to the road team in another game at the wire ... Iowa 24, Iowa State 23 to win the in-state showdown for the first time on the road, since '03.

On Iowa! Beat State today!

Robin Tucker

Good luck to the Marching Band this season ...

I have a prior engagement tonight, but at Kingston Stadium tonight, the Warrior Marching Band will be taking the field for their first performance of the 2009 Marching Band season during the halftime of the Washington-Prairie football game.



It will be nice to see the Marching Band decked out in uniform, unlike the above picture during the 2009 summer band camp for the Warrior marching band.


Robin Tucker

9/9/09 ...

You don't see that every day.

Busy day at the office today.

Hump day.

Wednesday.

I was asked what will you be doing at 9:09 on 9/9/09.

Wishing all a very nice day.

If you have a question, comment or just want to touch base.

Please let us know.

peace

Local School Board and Kirkwood CC elections today in Linn County ...

Please remember to vote today. For more information log onto the Linn County Auditor’s website at http://www.linncounty.org/content.asp?Page_Id=1012&Dept_Id=6

Kirkwood Community College is looking to renew a Levy today.
Public Measure BB
Shall The Following Public Measure be Adopted?

We support renewal of Public Measure BB for Kirkwood CC. It's important funding measure for our local community college, which continues to see increased enrollment.

Robin Tucker

Celebrating Labor Day weekend with family and friends ...

It's been a long week, with various projects and items for both businesses. Now, we turn to Labor Day weekend and the first weekend of the College Football season.

Carole's parents celebrate their 50Th wedding anniversary this weekend. We wish them the very best!

Our oldest is home from college. She is a junior at the University of Northern Iowa. We are headed to the University of Iowa vs. University of Northern Iowa football game tomorrow at historic Kinnick Stadium. I must say it: On Iowa! And, since FryFest was today... 'Scratch where it itches,' as J. Hayden Fry would put it!

The Hawkeyes are the a basically a consensus preseason Top 25 team by most preview magazines. The Hawkeyes should get victory #1 this weekend over the Panthers of UNI.

Congratulations to Iowa State University and new coach Paul Rhoades first win of his career for the Cyclones. The Cyclones beat North Dakota State on Thursday, 34-17 in Ames.

Robin Tucker

A Recap of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program on August 31, 2009 ....

Here is the Ripples on the Rapids' recap from editor Larry H. Christy's on the program for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting on August 31, 2009.

Speaker and Program

DENNIS HENDERSON, PRESIDENT & CEO, HH VENTURES LLC (READY WIRELESS)

Dennis Henderson joined Ready Mobile, LLC in February 2005 as its founding employee and was responsible for product design, sales and marketing. He led the management buyout of the business in January 2008 and began doing business as Ready Wireless, LLC. Ready Wireless is a leading provider of prepaid wireless telephone services. Based in Hiawatha, Iowa, the company offers its Ready Mobile PCS, Trumpet Mobile and Ready Broadband brands throughout the US using Sprint's national network.

The company delivers a complete suite of prepaid mobile solutions for national chain retail partners including inventory management, merchandising support, and dedicated account management.

The business strategy of the company has been to become a leading prepaid wireless provider through unique product offerings designed specifically for chain retail distribution through affordable handsets and airtime and value-added benefits such as text marketing and shipper promotions.

Nationwide distribution partners include equipment sold in over 25 thousand retail locations, airtime distributed in over 70 thousand locations in all 50 states and more than two dozen retail chain partners including Dollar General, Walgreens, Chevron and Casey’s General Store.
In addition to the prepaid market, Ready Wireless has expertise in retail marketing and database management, international customer service/call center design and worldwide telecommunications.

Ready Mobile was recognized in the Corridor Business Journal’s 15 Fastest Growing Companies list. The company currently has approximately 60 employees and estimates that will grow to 800 by the end of 2010. In 2009 Henderson was recognized as the CBJ’s Entrepreneur of the Year.

Robin Tucker

We hope everyone has a great upcoming Labor Day weekend. Since, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meets on Monday, there will not be a meeting next week, in observation of the holiday.

The Kickoff of the Iowa football kicks off on September 5, 2009 vs. Northern Iowa ...

I was talking to a friend today and he mentioned he was concerned about the fact Iowa only has about a dozen seniors on the squad this season. He mentioned that with Iowa's road schedule ... he's concerned concerned about leadership on this year's football team. Well, I think leadership is always most important, especially when you are looking for leadership on the offensive side of the football. I remember the 1982 Iowa football team that lost nine starters on defense from coach J. Hayden Fry's first Rose Bowl team. The challenge was early on offense, with that team. Look at the Purdue team in 2000, they won a share of the Big Ten title and went on to the Rose Bowl with a young defense and a veteran offense.

Iowa's Road Schedule for the 2009 regular season:

• @ Iowa State
• @ Penn State
• @ Wisconsin
• @ Michigan State
• @ Ohio State

Robin Tucker

Happy Birthday Carole ...

Today, September, 1, 2009 is my wife's birthday!

peace