en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/1546119 Comments by MajHawk http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99072559 I was just by this location and the traffic was terrible, and there wasn’t any constriction going on. You would think with all the construction already on 1st Ave, and all the delays the city could come up with a better idea. How long do they figure traffic will be tied up f they build an underpass? Just how much is it going to cost, just so some hungry person can get to a fast food store? Is Lindale’s parking lot so full that people will park on the East side of the street, and use the underpa$$? Doesn’t the city have better things to do with its money – I’m sorry should I say your money? This council has done nothing to prove it’s worthy of another term by their short history in office, and it’s time to VOTE THEM OUT. They have no common sense, and forget just WHO THEY WORK FOR. YOU THE CTY OF CEDAR RAPIDS, and not for the big money interest. I’m embarrassed by this council, and their asinine ideas that they come up with every time they get together. November is close, and hopefully there will be some better candidates who will use common sense and do what is best for the city of Cedar Rapids. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:45:51 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99072559 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99072502 Davis says the underpa$$ is needed because it will take too long for pedestrians to get across the wider highway and, as a result, it will hold up traffic too long waiting for them to do so. A couple of dumb questions, to go along with this DUMB IDEA. What incident brought forth the idea by Mr. Davis to bring up this idea? Someone get hit or injured? Does he have an alternative motive, say money? Why not put an underpa$$ on 1st Ave to help people get accro$$ the street. If someone cro$$ anywhere other than a marked cro$$walk, it’s called JAYWALKING… There are already two intersections that a pedestrian cro$$walk to be added if we really need one. The only problem with this is that someone will have to walk a little further to get to Burger King or the Food Mall at Lindale. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:45:17 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99072502 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99050843 I was just by this location and the traffic was terrible, and there wasn’t any constriction going on. You would think with all the construction already on 1st Ave, and all the delays the city could come up with a better idea. How long do they figure traffic will be tied up f they build an underpass? Just how much is it going to cost, just so some hungry person can get to a fast food store? Is Lindale’s parking lot so full that people will park on the East side of the street, and use the underpa$$? Doesn’t the city have better things to do with its money – I’m sorry should I say your money? This council has done nothing to prove it’s worthy of another term by their short history in office, and it’s time to VOTE THEM OUT. They have no common sense, and forget just WHO THEY WORK FOR. YOU THE CTY OF CEDAR RAPIDS, and not for the big money interest. I’m embarrassed by this council, and their asinine ideas that they come up with every time they get together. November is close, and hopefully there will be some better candidates who will use common sense and do what is best for the city of Cedar Rapids. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:22:03 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99050843 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99050806 Davis says the underpa$$ is needed because it will take too long for pedestrians to get across the wider highway and, as a result, it will hold up traffic too long waiting for them to do so. A couple of dumb questions, to go along with this DUMB IDEA. What incident brought forth the idea by Mr. Davis to bring up this idea? Someone get hit or injured? Does he have an alternative motive, say money? Why not put an underpa$$ on 1st Ave to help people get accro$$ the street. If someone cro$$ anywhere other than a marked cro$$walk, it’s called JAYWALKING… There are already two intersections that a pedestrian cro$$walk to be added if we really need one. The only problem with this is that someone will have to walk a little further to get to Burger King or the Food Mall at Lindale. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:21:39 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/city-seeks-fund-for-underpass-for-collins-road-ne-at-lindale-mall#IDComment99050806 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/question-resurfaces-who-owns-veterans-memorial-building#IDComment98763975 If po$$e$$ion is .9 of the law, who is the real of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Veterans Commi$$ion or the city? If it is truly the commi$$ions then the city need to mind their own busine$$. Just because the city had offices in the building that doesn’t give them say as to how the building is run or renovated. If the city doesn’t like the commi$$ion’s decisions then they can find someplace else to house their offices. If the city is in charge then the commi$$ion needs to accept the facts and step back and let the city take charge. Also in the final plan there needs to be a final determination as to just what and what is not part of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum property. Does it include Mays Island and the underground parking? Once this is decided both parties should accept the facts and drop their differences, and grow up. That could and will be hard for the city government to accept if in fact they don’t own the property, but that hasn’t ever stopped them from doing something stupid before, and now will be no different. Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:43:20 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/14/question-resurfaces-who-owns-veterans-memorial-building#IDComment98763975 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/featured-local-news/2010/09/12/tawny-tomberlin-case-illustrates-danger-of-domestic-violence-cases#IDComment98618516 “These cases can also be much more complex”, and there is far more truth in that statement then people know. Many times the victim will contact the individual that they have a no contact order with and you are right nothing happens to the victim. It’s sad but a lot of victims are made to feel that they are the problem, they are worthless, and no other man could ever love you like me. Sooner or later the victim MUST make the decision to cut all ties, and pre$$ charges when the ex contacts them. It also seems like the minute the victim leaves a bad situation they (female or male) gravitate into another destructive relationship. It’s nothing but a vicious cycle, and until it’s broken you are always going to have the po$$ability of this incident reoccurring. No matter how many times a judge tells the victim that there can be NO CONTACT by phone, in person, e/mail, third party the victim never seems to listen. In your case you are correct, the person who initiated the order should have been charged. Sometimes it helps that if the charge is against you that you keep tapes of calls from the victim and other evidence to cover you’re a$$ just in case. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:43:49 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/featured-local-news/2010/09/12/tawny-tomberlin-case-illustrates-danger-of-domestic-violence-cases#IDComment98618516 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/09/12/keep-second-avenue-open-for-future-growth#IDComment98388624 These two statements/comments are ridiculous: 1. PCI’s threat to build in Hiawatha is questionable; 2. Because of doctors’ preference for being close to the two hospitals, this office space soon would compete favorably with a PCI building in Hiawatha. The main reason for building on 2nd Ave is so the office can be closer to both hospitals. Who is going to go to PCI in Hiawatha, then drive to one of the hospitals for additional care? Everyone might as well get over it, it’s a done deal. The city is going to close 2nd Ave for the money, build PCI for the money, and make the taxpayers pay for this fiascos with our money. Time to vote this incompetent group out of office, and maybe we can save some money.… Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:40:20 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/09/12/keep-second-avenue-open-for-future-growth#IDComment98388624 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97834955 In a previous article it said that Oleson is upset and felt left out, yet he’s on the board of supervisors. Can we say conflict of interest. “I don’t think this is an essential government service we can afford any longer,” he said. “Nonprofits can do it better, cheaper.” If a nonprofit can do it cheaper, why is the county giving them $60,000, and just how much of the $60,000 actually went for care of the animals, and how much went for other things? You would think that after the Marion PD investigated the CVHS, their board would consider using Kirkwood as an option. The City, County, and everyone involved should again look at what is best for the animals, and get the ball rolling so Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can be secured for reimbursement to fund a new animal shelter and get Kirkwood involved. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 16:37:24 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97834955 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97712662 Now I have a few questions. In the first article Oleson said the county is better off with its present arrangement with the Cedar Valley Humane Society. The county pays the non-profit $60,000 a year for animal control services but how much is the city paying for its department? In an earlier article and complained “It’s been hijacked, Oleson said. I feel excluded after I spent all that time.” What time and what has he been doing? Now in a later article headline reads “All options remain open for Linn County-Cedar Rapids animal control”. Which is it, I’m getting confused. Maybe we should look into letting Kirkwood handle the shelter. Take the $60,000 and whatever the city provides and give it to Kirkwood to run. Maybe these two entities should get over the power struggle and do what’s best for the animals. How about they sniff, lick, or shake or whatever animals do and stop trying to be the Alpha male. If not the animals are going to suffer, and they don’t even get to vote in the matter. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:57:47 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97712662 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97712607 After looking at the mission and vision of both the CVHS, and CR Animal Control they look similar. Our Mission: CVHS is dedicated to building healthy relationships between people and animals, and eliminating cruelty, abuse and overpopulation of animals through education, adoption services and inspiring compassion for all living things. Animals we serve: We take in lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, ferrets, and mice. At this time, we are not able to care for horses, reptiles, barnyard animals or other wild creatures. Areas we serve: We place animals in new homes throughout the Eastern Iowa area. Our primary service area is unincorporated Linn County, and all incorporated municipalities within Linn County with the exception of Cedar Rapids and Marion. Mission Cedar Rapids Animal Control: to serve and protect with compassion, the animals and citizens of our community through education and enforcement. Vision: To be recognized as a caring and responsive agency dealing with the animal control needs of the community through better facilities and better services. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:57:11 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/08/all-options-remain-open-for-linn-county-cedar-rapids-animal-control#IDComment97712607 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/03/task-force-calls-for-citycounty-animal-control-agency#IDComment96906645 I agree. The county runs the correctional center for all law enforcement in Linn county, so why not have one organization run the animal shelter. Good point Bob... Sat, 4 Sep 2010 06:05:15 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/government/2010/09/03/task-force-calls-for-citycounty-animal-control-agency#IDComment96906645 http://gazetteonline.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/09/02/those-who-use-e-911-should-pay-for-upgrade#IDComment96628843 I believe that everyone should have the ability to make a 911 call, and I am willing to pay $7 a month so everyone can use the system. BUT, I also believe that common sense should prevail. Example: 911 what is your emergency: My cat is tuck in a tree. Not an emergency. The woman who called 911, 60 times in an hour to try and find her son. Not an emergency. Your comment about “Yeah, when someone is calling 9-11, it is because of a tragedy, and I don't think it is right to have to pay, just because you are the victim” I agree but there are times like I mentioned above. But for those individuals who call 911 for a NON-EMERGENCY should be required to pay some specified amount to cover that call. The charge for making non-emergency calls can be determined after someone responds, and if it is determined that the call was necessary or not. People are going to complain that someone won’t call because they are afraid of being charged for make a call that is nonsense. People know what’s an emergency is and what isn’t. Thu, 2 Sep 2010 18:10:18 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/09/02/those-who-use-e-911-should-pay-for-upgrade#IDComment96628843 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/25/jury-finds-iowa-city-woman-guilty-in-obama-records-case#IDComment95361494 This is for shotfeel and goldencr: First off I agree that if there is policy (and people tell me there was, but I would like to see it in writing) and these individuals were looking at his records for personal reasons and not work related, then these individuals were wrong and should be punished accordingly. My next question would be is the penalty a year in prison and a $100,000 fine excessive? I understand that this was wrong, but what if it would have been Joe Citizen and not Obama would there have been this much news? Your comment about” it’s not about whose record they are accessing it’s about the act of doing it” doesn’t hold water. You’re telling me that if an individual is authorized by their job to look at or check someone’s records, that they shouldn’t be allowed. What if the DOT needed to look at Obama’s record, is that individual going to jail and pay a fine? Just get past the Who, and look at the Why. Did they do this for fun, for malicious reasons, or was it work related? Then determine the punishment. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:22:34 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/25/jury-finds-iowa-city-woman-guilty-in-obama-records-case#IDComment95361494 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/25/jury-finds-iowa-city-woman-guilty-in-obama-records-case#IDComment95320759 I’m somewhat confused, and have questions about this incident. Do these individuals have access to other people’s student loan information? Is there a policy that says they can’t look at this information? If there is a policy that prohibits this then yes they are guilty, if not then what was the problem? Just because this individual happens to be the President now and they have open access to records then so what. Besides this took place before he was elected, and maybe it would have been helpful to know before he was elected. Shouldn’t this information be available through the freedom of information act, and if so why hasn’t anyone checked it out, or has he or his associates closed all documents that have information about him? Where the transparency that this man ran on and what is is he afraid of? This is supposed to be a man of change, and yet he’s always trying to hide something. What are he and his office trying to hide? Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:41:45 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/25/jury-finds-iowa-city-woman-guilty-in-obama-records-case#IDComment95320759 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95249914 She may since her sentence was dependent on her testifying. Since she didn't testify she my get more time than Lee. Hard to believe. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:47:40 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95249914 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95249595 Sorry to everyone for the triple post but it said it had to be approved, and I thought I deleted it and tried to repost it. I guess I got the point accross... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:44:26 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95249595 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95192183 We don’t need the legislature to create anew law, because we have one in place. It’s called mandatory reporting. Anyone who suspects child abuse is required to turn in a report and that starts an investigation; this includes child care providers, doctors, teachers, law enforcement officers. The problem is normal people who are around a child like neighbors, recitatives, coaches, ect fail to follow their instinct and report what they think might be child abuse. Why? Because they don’t want to get involved and end up with a possible law suit, lose a friend for being wrong. In this case several people stated that they asked about Skylar’s bruises, but were told it was nothing. She ran into a door, she fell. This should have turned on a light bulb somewhere, but it didn’t. To stop child abuse OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED or it won’t stop. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:42:21 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95192183 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95191996 We don’t need the legislature to create anew law, because we have one in place. It’s called mandatory reporting. Anyone who suspects child abuse is required to turn in a report and that starts an investigation; this includes child care providers, doctors, teachers, law enforcement officers. The problem is normal people who are around a child like neighbors, recitatives, coaches, ect fail to follow their instinct and report what they think might be child abuse. Why? Because they don’t want to get involved and end up with a pos*ible law suit, lose a friend for being wrong. In this case several people stated that they asked about Skylar’s bruises, but were told it was nothing. She ran into a door, she fell. This should have turned on a light bulb somewhere, but it didn’t. To stop child abuse OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED or it won’t stop. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:41:02 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95191996 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95190399 We don’t need the legislature to create anew law, because we have one in place. It’s called mandatory reporting. Anyone who suspects child abuse is required to turn in a report and that starts an investigation; this includes child care providers, doctors, teachers, law enforcement officers. The problem is normal people who are around a child like neighbors, recitatives, coaches, ect fail to follow their instinct and report what they think might be child abuse. Why? Because they don’t want to get involved and end up with a pos*ible law suit, lose a friend for being wrong. In this case several people stated that they asked about Skylar’s bruises, but were told it was nothing. She ran into a door, she fell. This should have turned on a light bulb somewhere, but it didn’t. To stop child abuse OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED or it won’t stop. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:27:05 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2010/08/25/sentencing-in-death-of-child-a-disgrace#IDComment95190399 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/25/council-votes-6-3-to-close-a-piece-of-second-avenue-se#IDComment95162345 Then why are we paying for a parking ramp? Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:36:06 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/25/council-votes-6-3-to-close-a-piece-of-second-avenue-se#IDComment95162345