1-Buy Local Resolution
Our City Council should pass a resolution urging private and public organizations to buy local, buy Iowa products and support the workers and their employers trying to get back on their feet after the devastating floods. While it may seem symbolic to some, the city needs to provide leadership in the area of as many dollars to stay in Cedar Rapids at this time as possible.
2-Repeal the Five Point ‘Anti-Development’ Ordinance
In May 2008, the city council put in place a five point economic development plan. Unfortunately, it has become an ‘anti-development’ plan since the flood. This plan, put in place before the flood, ties the hands of city leaders who may want to help small businesses. The plan has a bias toward larger, more established companies, rather than local startup companies who may be the next big company in town. Once this is repealed, use the available funds to evaluate each proposal on its long term merits instead its immediate benefits.
3-New Business Recruitment Tour
As Mayor, I will lead recruitment tours with business and labor leaders to persuade job creators and corporations to locate new jobs in our community. We must do a better job of selling the benefits of our community and that requires local leaders willing to put in the miles traveling for our community.
4-Small Business Council…
No elected official has all the answers. As mayor, I will meet every week with local small businesses in an open forum to learn how the city can help local businesses. Together, we will develop a strategy to help local job creators succeed in our community.
5-Change in Attitude Toward Business
We need to support and celebrate risk takers who start businesses. When we say Cedar Rapids is ‘open for business’ it needs to be more than just a slogan. More than just changes in taxation or laws, a change to an attitude that embraces all job creators, from the very small to the very large, will make a difference. All city employees and elected officials need to actively encourage local employers in their efforts to create jobs and succeed. A positive mayor and city council can create an infectious attitude in favor of job creation.
