Meet The Gazette’s new community editorial board members

Thank you to everyone who applied to serve as community representatives to The Gazette's editorial board in 2015. Here are a few words of introduction from our new members:

BEV GEORGE TAYLOR

CEDAR RAPIDS

I could be aptly referenced as a true Cedar Rapids 'native son”.

Born (in Mercy Hospital); raised (in Time Check): Educated (Harrison, Roosevelt and the UI).

I was employed as a Chemistry Technician at Collins Radio Cedar Rapids before accepting a similar position at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California in 1964. I joined the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller in 1970 and was assigned to the Oakland ARTCC in the San Francisco Bay Area. I retired from Air Traffic in 1999.

I returned to Cedar Rapids in mid-1999, as my mother and my wife's parents were living here. We had always considered Cedar Rapids as home. After being bored for several months, I accepted a part-time position at KCRG Radio as the 'in studio engineer” (board operator). I was re-retired as KCRG Radio was closed.

I have been associated with Four Oaks in its multigenerational activities. I volunteer in a reading program at Johnson Elementary each week. I am closely associated with the African American Museum of Iowa and the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. I also served on a committee throughout 2013 that met monthly with Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman to discus police community issues. I also facilitated the arduous process of successfully listing my local church, (Bethel AME) to the National Register of Historical Places.

Additionally I have been a co-producer of a blog site on African American history of Cedar Rapids (see www.africanamericanfootprints.blogspot.com). On two occasions I have contributed opinion pieces to The Gazette.

The Gazette search for 2015 board members appears to offer an opportunity to positively influence a valuable source of public information. The print media is the last bastion of the truly accountable delivery of public information.

TERESA DAUBITZ

CEDAR RAPIDS

As a member of the Cedar Rapids Community for over 22 years, I see this as an opportunity to share my life experiences and opportunities with others, and help to guide success to the future of our community.

I grew up in Iowa City and attended the University of Iowa. Growing up in Iowa City I experienced much diversity that a community offers. Blue hair and piercings were the norm in the 80s there.

My professional career has given me the ability to interact with our communities most vulnerable, the poor, those with mental/developmental disabilities, our elderly and children. I have been employed as a social worker for most of my career for private non profits. I currently work for Humana as a Social Worker for Medicare individuals in their homes, to assist them in accessing services and live healthy, long living lives.

Our family's involvement in the community includes volunteering for Meals on Wheels as well as participating in numerous fundraisers to support our children's schools and church. While working at the Abbe Center I was very involved in helping the recovery effort for those affected during the flood of 2008, including staffing the shelter at Viola Gibson, assisting in applying for FEMA benefits, and funding via the United Way.

My husband owns his own business and we have experienced all of those ups and downs that his career has to offer. I am well versed in taxes, health care and unemployment.

I have two children in college and I am well aware of the challenges and struggles that our young people encounter. I have two children in high school - who also have struggles and challenges that are always on the forefront.

Many friends comment to me that I share what everyone else is thinking 'but nicer”.

I am not a conservative or liberal, instead I think of myself as a realist with high expectations. I am honored to have the chance to share my ideas and to learn others' views in order to help Cedar Rapids to be successful and a positive community.

NEAL BATY

COGGON

I am a graduate of Coggon High School and hold a science degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

I worked at Archer Daniels Midland Co. in Cedar Rapids for almost 37 years while operating a small farm north of Coggon. I retired from ADM in 2010 and retired from active farming in 2012 when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. My wife lost her battle with cancer earlier this summer.

I have been and remain an active volunteer in the Coggon area. I am on the board of the Coggon Opera House. I was on the executive board of the Coggon Area Betterment Association when it acquired the old Coggon school building. The school is being developed into a small business center and is a center for community activities.

I was the primary volunteer worker on the remodeling of a Coggon store front that now serves as the Coggon Public Library. I am a member and on the board of the United Parish Church in Coggon. I do volunteer work at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester.

I truly believe that the best way to get others active in the community is to become active yourself.