I agree that the circumstances for setting off the sirens should be standardized across the state. The Johnson County director of emergency management was complaining about people not understanding the criteria for sounding the sirens in Johnson County. They were calling the 911 line they pay for to find out what was going on. Alleviating [...]

I still blame Bush for lots of other things and I am proud to do so. However these disasters in the 0bama administration are preventing the process of getting any real work done. Maybe that’s a good thing considering who’s in charge. He and his administration have done a very poor job of damage control [...]

Tyler Olson’s thinking is out of touch with many Iowans, so starting this discussion with his statement that Branstad is “out of touch” is irrelevant. The article does not state what period of time has passed since raises were last given to the offices mentioned. A 9-10% salary adjustment for a quality individual that hasn’t [...]

I heard the sirens loud and clear last night before the big winds came. I appreciate the new installation closer to our house. I had plenty of time to check the local weather and find shelter. There is still a huge chunk of Iowa that is rural, we do venture outside, and we often have [...]

I’ve heard Monica speak and offer her opinion many times, especially on radio. I’m not sure our wallets can support her type of thinking on a state level. It’s hard enough keeping up with the bleeding of money on a city level. As part of the poor decision making in the past couple of years [...]

Absolutely not. The only reason Iowa is at .08 is because the federal government blackmailed all the states by threatening to withhold highway funding if they did not lower their limit. I suspect that if the federal government pulls out that tactic again, the limit will go down. Then the lawyers are going to make [...]

Given current fuel prices and the unbelievable excuses as to why they are where they are at, I’m not at all surprised that an increase in fuel tax stalled out. Who in their right mind would want their name next to pinching the consumer even more at a time like this?

Provide plenty of free parking and easy access and they will come. Which probably means it doesn’t need to get pushed into the downtown area. I already avoid the downtown area due to parking and traffic flow.

There’s no doubt that Westdale Mall needs a makeover, and the plans sure sound nice. I might be in the minority, but my needs are simple. Ample free parking close to where I want to do business, ease of access between businesses, and shelter from the elements such as the rain today or the six [...]

I think Johnson county should re-evaluate the usage of their current facilities and adjust such usage to optimize the space and capabilities they do have. Asking the voters every six months whether they’ve changed their minds or not doesn’t seem to be working.

I have no problem with the resale of the firearms, and I hope the DNR profits from the sale and is able to use the money to help support the good programs in the state.

I see the cameras as a underhanded revenue grab, especially the camera northbound around the H avenue bridge, just within sight of the increased speed zone. People do slow down momentarily. But only where they know the cameras are posted. Then it is business as usual. The only ones getting caught now are the out [...]

Good luck enforcing such an all encompassing ban. Sounds like a knee jerk reaction. Might as well search every boat and car as it comes into the area for “contraband”. I’m sure they’ll see 100% compliance. Too bad Johnson County voted down that new jail.

Cooking with charcoal is an art form. When you pull it out, people know you take your grilling seriously. There is a certain flavor that charcoal has to offer. Don’t get me wrong, I use gas when I’m in a hurry. But when I’m grillin’ and chillin’ it is coals all the way.

Todd, I usually just buy and cook what looks good in the meat case. Regardless of the name, I can tell you whether I like the cut or not just by looking at it, as can most Iowans with true love of pork in their blood. Call it what they will, I find that it [...]

Sounds like bribery to me. Don’t do this controversial yet legal act and we’ll allow you to stay in business. However I do agree with the provision that does not allow Medicare to pay for the procedure.

Based on the stories I read coming out of Iowa City, from 2 AM stabbings and continual assorted violence, to being outrageously worried about someone smoking on the ped mall, I think Iowa City in general ought to get its act together and decide which battles are worth fighting. I’m not sure a 20 year [...]

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Come as You Are Scouts. Problem solved. Each group chooses what it wants to do.

Rail service should be subsidized to the extent that airline service is. I’d much rather take a train these days than fly. I’d use a train from Iowa City to Chicago, as long as it wasn’t a cattle car. There comes a point, however, where you realize you do have a business and that business [...]

I think any measure that will facilitate traffic flow in downtown CR should be explored, including getting the lights timed properly so that you don’t get one green just to get to the next block and sit 3 minutes for the red (5th street SE). With the closure of some routes that were highly used [...]