If you don’t have the courage to post your name, your REAL NAME on here then your voice is UNHEARD your a little kid behind a keyboard crying because you didn’t get your favorite ice cream.

2. Those who’ve said a persons respect has to be earned are absolutely correct, but a fairly elected person to a public office is due the common courtesy of the respect of his office. No different than President Obama and the position he holds.. I disagree with most of the things he’s done and where he’s leading our country but the office he’s holding deserves respect. I have little respect for him as a man.

3.Amber ..the citizens who chose not to take the time to go and vote that Tuesday made “cognizant choices” not to participate in directing where our city goes and forfeited their right to complain about the individuals who were elected and now govern it, or the choices made by them in their elected positions.

4. If the taxes are too high, the governance too oppressive, the fines too steep, the buildings and homes too blighted…. . . .even after this months elections .. .. .. for those of you who do believe this … . . . …you did retain the right to move.. ..and one of you makes Cedar Rapids sound like a pretty nice place to move to.

Before reading this I too had preconceived notions about Jason but the way he has been responding to all of the negative comments says a lot about his potential and character. Don’t we all deserve a second chance now and then?

I think if anything this is what the Council needs. Another young member of the communittee who is not afraid to let others know his opinion, wrong or right. I don’t know all of the specifics of the decisions made in your community nor do I claim too, but I strongly feel that if there were more younger committee members on the Council, the community wouldn’t have wasted a large sum of money on projects like a museum who’s visitors most likely consist only of grade school students that visit during mandatory field trips. I realize a lot of money came from private donations, but that moneey could have been used to support and/or develop attractions more appealing to the younger generations, much like the pool remodel.

I do have the experience to say this and can tell you that having a few people on a committee that aren’t afraid to question the decisions of their fellow committee members in a constructive way is a great thing and helps avoid groupthink.

I am not taking the side of Jason nor the side of the angry citizens posting here. I do think that if given a chance it is possible that Jason will provide much needed input that the council may not be getting currently.

Belle Plaine will always be my home and I want nothing but to see it thrive, but small towns of today have the odds stacked against them and it is very important that they be strategic and forward-thinking, yet slightly conservative in action. New projects (like the museum) create a percieved step in the right direction in the rejuvenation of the town but definately don’t help with the sustainability of it.

Sincerely,
Ben Foley