Know Your Candidates: Cedar Rapids City Council, District 2
Reprinted from The Gazette, Monday, October 29, 2007, page 3B

The Gazette

MONICA VERNON
Address: 326 23rd St. Dr. SE
Age: 50

Education: Regis High School, 1976; bachelor’s degree in journalism with business emphasis, University of Iowa, 1980; master’s degree, business administration, University of Iowa, 1999

Employment: Founder/president of Vernon Research Group Inc.

Family: Husband, Bill; three daughters

Community involvement of note: Past chairwoman and nine-year board member of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce; past chairwoman and 10-year member of the City Planning Commission; past two-year member of the Regional Planning Commission; founder of the Downtown Visioning Group and the Fifteen in 5 community planning effort; past president of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids

POSITIONS

Is the city progressing? No.

Should the city have purchased the Sinclair meatpacking site? Yes.

On your priority list for the city, what number is downtown revitalization? 1.

Q: How can you help as a council member?
A: “I have a great deal of experience in leading on local boards and commissions. I will add value to the Cedar Rapids City Council by working with other council members to create a clear vision for the future and by developing policies that reflect that vision. ... I know how to analyze and communicate, and I have the energy and enthusiasm to get things done. I believe in this city. And, when making decisions, I’ll listen to the people and always keep my eye on the prize: A more vibrant Cedar Rapids.”

Q: What do you think of the city’s new council/manager government?
A: “Changing to this form of government was absolutely the right thing to do. I spent over five years studying it and working for the change. We needed to get to a form of government where the day-to-day management (city manager) is separate from the policymakers (City Council). I think we are in an evolutionary period and moving in the right direction. We have a strong city manager on board. This is a good thing if the city council can get out in front and lead. ... We need the council to set the agenda and the priorities and make some more progress. This will come.”

OTHER DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATES

Incumbent Sarah Henderson and Robin Tucker.