THE GAZETTE'S ENDORSEMENTS
C.R. Council: Podzimek, Vernon, Swore
Reprinted from The Gazette, Sunday, November 4, 2007, page 13A

Today, The Gazette offers its endorsements for three contested Cedar Rapids City Council seats. The winners will join a council-manager form of government seated just two years ago. The new government has made progress, especially in reorganizing city departments and providing new ideas that could restore declining residential and retail areas and help achieve other community goals that city officials and residents have identified.

The council still faces formidable challenges. Thus, it’s crucial that voters choose candidates they believe will lead this fledgling government to effective, creative and responsible policy-making. Despite the streamlining of staff, the city’s expenses are still outpacing revenue. Closing the budget gap while maintaining basic services and infrastructure must be a priority. Difficult choices must be made without abandoning initiatives that can move the city ahead, including revitalization of the downtown, riverfront, industrial brownfields and Westdale Mall area.

The 10 candidates for council are a quality group, and they are to be commended for taking the test of a public campaign.

AT-LARGE: When Tom Podzimek ran for council two years ago, we saw him as a visionary who could help identify and prioritize significant issues facing city and offer fresh ideas for policies that enable city growth while protecting the environment. He hasn’t disappointed after winning election. In fact, he’s demonstrated the ability to stir big-picture discussions and yet compromise with the council’s will when it’s appropriate.

Podzimek, 50, of 1044 Maplewood Dr. NE, operates a one-man construction company. His thoughtful approach to city government reflects his work: He’s a builder, a craftsman, who understands that not every worthy project can be done all at once. He’s also a realist who expects efficiency from city government and understands that options such as additional user fees and a local option sales tax may be necessary if there’s no other way to maintain the services the public expects.

Podzimek is not the most forceful voice on the council but the role he plays is valuable to reaching consensus and moving the city ahead, and he should be re-elected.

DISTRICT 2: Monica Vernon’s dynamic package of experience and achievements in public service and business, along with her proven communication and leadership skills, make her the top choice from an especially strong lineup of candidates in this race.

We believe the council needs someone from this district who can balance fiscal responsibility with aggressive action that solves the budget shortfall and drives the city ahead more quickly. Vernon, 49, of 326 23rd St. Dr. SE, best fills that role.

Vernon’s resume includes decades of work for more than a dozen community organizations, institutions and local government commissions.
 She’s a founder of the city’s Fifteen in 5 initiative that identified and prioritized residents’ ideas to improve this city’s quality of life. At virtually every turn, she’s been an effective leader who can build consensus and spur action.

We like Vernon’s challenge to the community: Reject the attitude of “it’s good enough for Cedar Rapids.” She understands that public safety, roads and basic services come first but then it’s time to figure out the long-term vision -- and act.

District 2 incumbent Sarah Henderson, 33, of 118 Teakwood Lane NE, has served capably. She’s lived up to her cautious, fiscally conservative views and hasn’t been reluctant to ask tough questions. Many in her district vouch for her abilities, integrity and responsiveness. However, Vernon brings stronger leadership, more drive to move the council forward.

DISTRICT 4: Chuck Swore was expected to bring passion and ideas to the table when he was elected two years ago. He delivered. No one is more engaged in the issues before this city, and no one enjoys serving more, than Swore.


At times, his ideas and candidness have invoked public wrath; for example, his willingness to consider selling a portion of Twin Pines golf course to fund its renovation. But Swore, 64, of 2609 Iris Ave. NW, isn’t trying to dictate. Instead, he wants to test ideas in the public arena when the status quo isn’t working.
 As a district council member, he is sensitive to the needs of the highly residential areas of northwest Cedar Rapids.

Swore should polish his public decorum a bit. But his candor, his drive to solve problems, explore ideas and serve the community, are attributes voters should appreciate.