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This JustIN: Where are the Mayor and City Manager?

Blog by Justin Foss

By Justin Foss

June 15, 2008:  I've had dozens of calls from people asking where the mayor and city manager are for the city of Cedar Rapids.  Even as I write this at five minutes to midnight, I took another call.  I can tell you that they both are working very hard. 

I spoke with Mayor Kay Halloran earlier on Sunday.  She told me that she is best suited at the command center, not on camera at the press briefings.  Personally, I really can't blame her.  I interviewed the mayor earlier today and we put that clip on the news around 5:30 p.m.

Its amazing how many people want to see their mayor and city manager.  They figure they're better suited making decisions instead of telling people about whats going on.

Do you agree?

 

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Friday, Jun 27 at 12:02 AM Anon wrote ...

We are new to the Cedar Rapids area abd am certainly glad I did not have a hand in voting for the mayor. I have never heard or seen the supposed leader of a city this size who seemed to take less interest in what is happening to its citizens. I thought maybe she was ill or incapitated since she is virtually invisible during the entire crisis, even during tonights tv conference she did not impress me as being very capable as a city official.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 6:28 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Three words I never thought I'd say: bring back Pate.

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 12:46 PM We have a Mayor? wrote ...

I remember when Kay Halloran ran against Scott Olson....I think the city of Cedar Rapids ended up getting the short end of the stick with Kay. She appears to be lazy (falling asleep at town meetings). Appeared angry that we would question where she was in her interview. She has been the LEAST effective Mayor we've had in years. We'd would have been better taking the money we're paying her and throwing it out on the the street for passers by to find. Don't look to her for help rebuilding CR

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 6:50 PM Brian wrote ...

Most citizens look at their mayor as a leader who,in addition to making intelligent decisions,can represent well and even inspire their community.We don't need a fool like Ray Nagin but we don't have to have a general like Rudy, either.Where does Halloran fall? We've seen her indifference at the city council meetings where she and the rest deemed it best to not respond to citizens.In this disaster she seems most comfortable to lock herself up in a bunker.The impression is she's phoning it in.

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 2:00 PM OF COURSE!!! wrote ...

How can I not agree? Who is she to decide where the people want her? The people are speaking out and saying"We would like to see the mayor to know she is still around". The only time I saw her was when you interviewed her and she could have not been more rude about the fact that the citizen's of her town want to actually see her once in a while. She has been an absolute let-down and disgrace to a town that needs hope. I speak for a lot of people when I say that I cant wait 4 the next election

Tuesday, Jun 17 at 11:05 AM We need new city government. wrote ...

Whatever their excuses, I am not buying any of it. I will be voting for the other guy when the next election comes.

Monday, Jun 16 at 11:18 PM high and dry wrote ...

The mayor should have made some appearances. During 911 Rudy was very visible. If she would have even made an appearance daily it would have been helpful. People remember these things at election time.

Monday, Jun 16 at 6:14 PM Mary Ellen wrote ...

I am glad they are behind the scenes making decisions instead of wasting time in front of the camera. This is a horrible time for all of us. We are known outside of Iowa for our resiliency. Let's not let whining get in the way of that. I'm sure they are working as fast as they can.

Monday, Jun 16 at 4:09 PM Tim wrote ...

Seemed like the Mayor copped a Major Attitude when asked where she has been. She almost acted like " How dare you ask where I been" We're not asking too much for you to make an appearance once in awhile to show you care. I'll remember that come election time.

Monday, Jun 16 at 4:04 PM timab@netins.net wrote ...

I feel the Mayor needs to make regular appearances along with the City Manager. He spoke today only to say nothing that hadn't already been said by others. He said he would take about rebuilding and recover but then rehashed what had been said before. Nothing new. The Mayor and City Manager need to get it together. They don't look good in my eyes.

Monday, Jun 16 at 12:23 PM Cedar rapidian wrote ...

The community should have been privy to their whereabouts before yesterday. Many have felt abandoned by our elected officials. Honestly, many thought the mayor must have been on vacation...

Monday, Jun 16 at 11:23 AM the turkey wrote ...

I agree. It's refreshing to see those people making responsible decisions and calmly orchestrating the recovery efforts. It was absolutely sickening to watch and listen to Mr. Ray Nagin constantly running his mouth and complaining after Katrina. He hid in his plush hotel room and only emerged when he had a chance to ask the entire country "what can you do for me". He, as well as the rest of New Orleans, should be taking notes on how to handle a disaster. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps.

Monday, Jun 16 at 10:49 AM Laura Cummings wrote ...

Certainly, they each could take just enough time out of their busy decision-making to be present at the daily updates. People may not remember what they said during the press conferences, but they would remember that they were there. Citizens will certainly remember they were absent when the next election rolls around (at least in Halloran's case).

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