Fifteen in 5: Leading Cedar Rapids from Point A to B

By Tom Saxen
Guest Columnist, The Gazette
April 1, 2007

Connecting the dots is a simple exercise that young children first learn and adults often forget later. The initial resolution of financial challenges of The History Center, Science Station and Sinclair property purchase bear witness to these vital lessons as our town focuses on our future.

One of the reasons voters overwhelming approved a change in city government was the desire for a more responsive, diverse and representative way of doing the people’s business. A focus on innovation and creativity, not just maintenance, is vital. The current proactive attitude by our city government in exploring ways to improve and a genuine desire for our town to get better will sharpen our vision. Success is not best defined by easy choices, but through serious strategic forward thinking.

Enlightened leadership articulates a vision, defines expectations, measures performance and rewards achievements. This is true of successes found in business and labor, government and education, and in athletic teams. A spirit of collaboration between all interested parties seems to be building. It is recognized that for great things to happen benefiting all will require solid listening skills, cooperation and teamwork.

It is important to realize that a community with more memories than dreams is a town in trouble. That is why the “Fifteen in Five” initiatives are so important. In a public forum, our citizens responded with over 3,500 ideas to make our area a better place to live and work. This was a grassroots “competition of ideas” movement and worthwhile projects were selected. Hundreds of our neighbors stepped forward, offering their most valuable assets – their time and their commitment – to improve our area. We should all listen, learn and raise our hands to help. Its success will determine our future.

Many “Fifteen in Five” ideas are examples of fresh thinking having intersecting circles of vested interests. I view trails as linear parks of shared experiences of family, friends and nature that bring our community together. Cedar Rapids is named for the rapids in our river. Proper riverfront development should present a vibrant and beautiful view of our town, not one hidden from the public. A community life center focusing on the recreational, indoor aquatic and social needs of all ages would be a great asset to our area. Look to Des Moines, Dubuque or Madison to discover enhanced quality of life features (and tourism) that is attractive to hiring/retaining workers. Business expansion requires a highly qualified and educated workforce to build the facilities that will be needed. An increasing tax base is beneficial to education’s needs and government’s ability to provide better services to its citizens. Area colleges attract more students with desired curriculums and resident amenities. These simple analogies connect several dots of vested interests that all benefit from such collaborations.

We are blessed with abundant resident talent and resources in many forms in our area that should not be overlooked. Rockwell, Aegon and others are leading desired diversity efforts to attract workers, who will enhance our economic and cultural base. Prospective workers bring a perspective to quality of life issues that benefit our understanding. The table is being set to invite all interested parties to participate in the discussion of our town’s future. We have a great opportunity to develop valuable public-private partnerships that incorporates social, environmental, community life and recreational interests.

Solid financial business plans with insights of the benefit derived to the overall community will need to respond to the voices of the negative. When asked, “Why are the 15-in-5 initiatives important?” One of the answers should be – Des Moines, Dubuque, Coralville, Davenport, Cedar Falls-Waterloo, Sioux City and Council Bluffs – all cities investing in their future. Where does our future lie?

Great care should be taken to ensure that all the dots are connected so we can achieve our greatest success and everyone can win. Our horizon should be faced with confidence and commitment.

Tom Saxen of Cedar Rapids is a retired federal banking regulator and banker. He is a member of three Fifteen in 5 committees.