Winners

Taxpayers opposed to a $132 million plan that would have renovated the Polk County Courthouse and included an eight-story annex through an increase in property taxes ($23.24 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued at $100,000) won a special election last Tuesday to vote down the project. Though only 31,056, or 11 percent, voted, the measure was defeated 56 percent to 43 percent. Proponents of the plan said additional courtroom space and separate areas for jail inmates and the public were needed. Opponents, including George Davey, chairman of the anti-tax group Citizens for Reasonable Justice, argued that taxpayers shouldn’t be saddled with additional financial burden during slow economic times. Supporters of the bill could bring it back for a vote in November. Last week’s election cost about $200,000.

Home to excellent music programs like the one at Valley High School, the West Des Moines Community School District has been named to the NAMM Foundation’s ninth annual list of “Best Communities for Music Education.” The designated programs — 110 across the country — exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for children of all ages, according to the non-profit group. That’s encouraging news if your child shows an interest in music and attends a West Des Moines school. But as everyone knows, music is also a powerful teaching tool, and the results of sustaining a quality music education program reaches far beyond the band room. Research shows a correlation between a quality music education and academic achievement, critical thinking, creative problem solving and teamwork.

On Sunday, if you’re lucky enough to do so, remember to thank mom for everything she’s done for you over the years. It’s the least you can do, though a present, some flowers and a meal would be a nice gesture, too.

We may not agree with everything Sen. John McCain says, and we realize we live in an agriculture state, but give the Arizona senator some credit for having the backbone to announce last week during a visit to Des Moines that he opposes new federal agricultural subsidies for farmers. McCain told supporters that he was willing to risk the political backlash of Iowans. If you agree that it is not the government’s job to bail out private businesses with taxpayer money, then you can appreciate McCain’s stance.

Losers

Is there no public space sacred enough to be spared of being plastered with a company name or logo? The Clive City Council — the folks who brought you traffic cameras — approved an agreement with Mercy Medical Center to allow the hospital to put its logo on Clive’s water tower, which is located next to the site of the hospital’s new cancer center. The city has agreed to pay Mercy $202,660 for the advertising space [a period of 10 years], additional parking at the library and other perks in exchange for 5.23 acres of land located north of Mercy West’s parking lot that was appraised at $1.5 million that the city plans to use for a new library. What’s next? Plastering fire uniforms and police cars with corporate logos so city employees look like NASCAR drivers?

The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) said “yes” with conditions last week to a proposal by Alliant Energy to build a 630 to 660 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Marshalltown, despite criticism from environmental activists like the Iowa Environmental Council (IEC). Clean air advocates say mercury, carbon and other air pollutants are unwelcome effects associated with coal plants. “When other states are saying no to coal plants, Iowa is risking its future as a renewable energy leader by betting on this imported and outdated energy source,” said Nathaniel Baer, IEC’s energy program director. The IUB told Alliant that the following conditions must be met: 1) the plant must co-fire five percent biomass with the first two years of operation, and 10 percent by the fifth year; and 2) Alliant’s energy mix must include 10 percent renewable energy by 2013 and increase one percent each year for the following 15 years. Still, you have to wonder if it’s enough to justify the significant risks involved.

In case you missed it, a thorn to The Des Moines Register for publishing a less-than-flattering front page photo when reporting on Sen. John McCain’s visit to Des Moines last Thursday. The headline read “McCain says he’d veto farm bill over subsidies,” above a photo of McCain gesturing aggressively with his mouth wide open. At first glance, it appeared as though McCain was flashing his infamous temper, but if you read the photo cutline, you would find that McCain was acting “exuberant” when visiting with a member of the audience. Call it another example of The Register’s political bias. And while we’re on the subject of McCain’s visit, what’s up with Marty Parrish of Clive — a Baptist minister and technology business owner — for referencing a portion of the Cliff Schecter book, “The Real McCain,” in which the author alleges the senator called his wife, Cindy, the “C” word [profanity for female genitalia]? Parrish — who told The Register he attends McCain events to specifically ask that question — used the “C” word in his question at the public forum, shocking the audience and the senator. Shouldn’t we expect more from our ministers? CV

Comment on this story | Return to top