I love learning how things work, and appreciate all the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the 'everyday' happen. I'll take any opportunity for a tour! Strategic Imaging is printing my postcard mailers tomorrow, and I jumped at Jim McClatchey's offer of a quick tour of their Waterloo facility. I'm continually impressed by how machines like the Presstek 75DI (pictured) and their skilled operators bring in national contracts and money into our local economy. American Color Imaging, which made my terrific yard signs, is similarly doing amazing national work -- and they could easily charge admission for a tour of their fascinating operation.
I've also had the chance to ride along with the Cedar Falls Police Department during their 10pm - 2am shift (believe me, it's a whole different town after midnight) and got to ride with one of our city's impressive driver/operators on a Tuesday trash route in a Curbtender (also built right here!) . These ride-alongs aren't photo ops or simple 'campaign check-offs' to me, but critical experiences to help me understand how the city works. And tours of our businesses, non-profits and other organizations show me what -- and how -- we're doing as a community. I love celebrating our accomplishments, and getting an honest look at our gaps and unmet needs.
As your City Council (At Large) rep, I'll take it on as a personal duty to continue doing tours and ride-alongs, and will seek out opportunities to job shadow with the Mayor, City Administrator, Director of Public Safety, and other civic leaders, actors, and stakeholders. This engagement will help me better understand the decisions they face everyday, and how their roles fit into the "big picture". Plus, the connection will help forge lasting (and trusting) relationships, which is just as important! And I'll use social media and blogposts to let you know what I've learned (as appropriate, of course), so that you too can have a better idea of how the city works.
I believe this kind of thinking and engagement will better connect Cedar Falls residents to their government and community, and it's something I've been excited about doing since I started this campaign in March. I hope to earn your vote December 5th!