The Courier from Waterloo, Iowa • 5

Obituaries A6 Daily Record A6 Iowa NewsA8 Features A9-10 Entertainment A11, mm Vlb? Page A5 Waterloo, Iowa Monday, March 28. 1988 Call the Courier Gas tax pumps life into metro road work I fv The public speaks Do you agree with President Reagan's decision to send U.S. troops to Honduras? Ci Bob Wray Cedar Falls "Yes. I believe we should help and support with what they need down there as much as we can." Lisa Lee Des Moines "I don't think we have any business being there. I jut think we should stay out of It.

We are better off that way." if -v i XJ Questions on local Issues are taken dally from noon to midnight on a special Courier line, 234-3566 How much money does the Waterloo Visitor's Bureau and Chamber of Commerce get from the city and county and will this amount be reduced in the new budget. A The Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau receives $175,000 a year from the city of Waterloo. It receives about 75 percent of the proceeds from the city's hotel-motel tax and has asked for 135,000 from Black Hawk County's share of receipts from Waterloo Greyhound Park. The county Board of Supervisors win consider the request during deliberations on the 1988-89 county budget. The ho-tel-motel tax is the bureau's only source of revenue other than contributions from the Chamber of Commerce.

What is the address of our local state legislators so we can write them a letter? A The address is: Statehouse, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. QUESTION OF THE WEEK In light of recently announced layoffs at Allen Memorial Hospital and other financial difficulties faced by hospitals, do you think the federal government should restructure Its reimbursement system to pay hospitals more? Do you think local hospitals are doing all they can to cut back on costs and deserve more government money? Residents who wish may register an opinion by calling 234-3567 Monday through Saturday noon. 218 on to Waverly. The other Bremer County project is the reconstruction and widening of Highway 63 to four lanes from just south of Denver north to Highway including the "Denver bypass" for that city. That project also is planned for construction in 1991 annul 1992.

Another proposed Bremer County project listed in the DOT'S five-year plan is the reconstruction of Highway 3 between Waverly and Highway 63, including replacement of the Baskins Creek Bridge. It also is listed for 1991 and 1992 and is contingent on additional funding. Also some long-range projects listed in Gov. Terry Branstad's "Transportation 2000" plan will complement highway construction in Waterloo-Cedar Falls because it will be a continuation of four-lane roads through the metro area. SOME OF THE projects include widening Highways 63 and 218 north of the metro area and to the Minnesota border, and extending four-lane relocated Highway 20 west to Interstate Highway 35 in north-central Iowa.

About $30 million a year in gasoline tax money would be devoted to Transportation 2000 projects, which Jackson described as a "commercial network" of roads for the state. About $1 million in gasoline tax funds would be used to develop the state's recreational trails system, Larsen said. Funding may be available to complete a network of trails in the metro area and trails leading in and out of it. As an example', Larsen said one project that could be funded through the tax is the development of a trail By PAT KINNEY Courier Staff Writer Passage of a 4-cent increase in the state gasoline tax should help fuel some metro road projects to complement highway construction, as well as recreational trails. Local officials have strongly supported the higher gasoline tax, said Rod Larsen of the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments.

Revenues from the tax will be used to build primary highway projects and help economic development, he said. "Specifically, the programs that will benefit are those in the five-year program the DOT (Iowa Department of Transportation) adopted," Larsen said. "It going to increase our state economy and increase the people coming to Waterloo by the additional tax." "WITHOUT THE passage of this bill, we would have had to make substantial cuts in this year's construction program," said Tom Jackson, an economic analyst with the DOT. While interstate highway substitution programs in the metro area weren't affected, some related road projects that would have been cu by the budget knife will now be funded by the gasoline tax, Jackson indicated. Two projects in Bremer County, continuations of metro area road work, will directly benefit from the gas tax, Larsen said.

Both are shown in the Iowa DOT'S five-year plan but are contingent on additional funding. One is the continuation of relocated Highway 218 north from Cedar Falls to Waverly. Interstate substutition funds are being used to build relocated 218 through the metro area. But funding ends just north of Cedar Falls. The road is proposed to be relocated and widened to four lanes from Cedar Falls to Waverly, bypassing the city of Janesville.

The new road is planned for construction in 1991 and 1992. It would be built along the Cedar Valley Railroad tracks north to Janesville, bypassing that city to the east and north and following the present alignment of UIIL-. 11 wl James Helmbuck Waterloo "I understand he sent troops over there. I disagree with the decision. I don't know what type of relationship they are having or what Is really going on over there." Mffitary incursion called ploy By EILEEN AMBROSE Courier Staff Writer While U.S.

troops in Honduras arrive home today after a show of military strength there, local peace groups say the trip should never have been made in the first place. President Reagan sent 3,200 troops to Honduras 11 days ago because the Sandinista forces in Nicaragua reportedly chased U.S.-backed Contra rebels across the Honduran border. Some say Reagan overreacted and that skirmishes on the Honduras-Nicaragua border are not unusual. PEACE GROUPS say the deployment of troops was the president's way of giving aid to the Contras after Congress turned down Reagan's latest U.S. aid request.

Claire Shaw, a member of Witness for Peace, said her first thought after hearing about the deployment was whether U.S. troops would return with all the military equipment they took. "I thought immediately he has circumvented Congress again," Shaw said. She added that the Nicaragua "invasion" was a ploy by the president to stir up interest in Central America and the Contras. "I think the more recent cease fire (agreement) indicates that it was an overreaction and that the peace plan has the opportunity to work if we don't interfere with it," said Nancy Hemesath, a member of the Committee for Human Rights in Central America.

Sandinista officials and the Contras last week signed a 60-day ceasefire agreement beginning Friday. Over the weekend the Sandinista government freed 100 political prisoners as part of the pact. "I think the peace plan was negotiated long before they (U.S. troops) came down there," said Dave Morgan, acting chairman of Citizens for Peace. "If anything it might have been a (reason) for the Sandinistas not to sign the peace plan." After announcment of the pact, House Speaker Jim Wright said Congress could approve humanitarian aid for the rebels.

"I DON'T know how they can sign a cease-fire and then (Congress) talks about aid. Any aid down there will be the translated into more military armaments," Hemesath said. During an annual convention in Waterloo this month, members of the Iowa National Guard supported the deployment of troops because it gave soldiers training. But local peace groups say soldiers can train at home. "Why do our troops need training in Central America if we are not planning on -sending them down there? Are we planning a military intervention in Central America?" Hemesath asked.

Greg Pettlecord Waterloo "Being somewhat non-mllltaristic. it would be difficult for me to see what purpose that might serve unless the president Is trying to improve the economy by beginning a war. Jim Hathaway Waterloo "That's what we're here for, to help other people, not just to think 'Oh, my God, my boy is going down to Well big deal, we're in Beirut. I was there three times and I didn't get killed. it il i't i it: U.S.

troop maneuver supported JUJPMWpi.llIMyWiM.IM,l)llWlllllllIIL between Waterloo and Cedar Falls north of Rainbow Drive, possibly along Iowa Northern Railroad tracks or the old Interurban trolley tracks. It would connect a bike path planned for the Hackett Road Bypass with the Riverside Bikeway that leads from downtown Cedar Falls through George Wyth State Park and create a Waterloo-Cedar Falls bikeway loop spanning both sides of the Cedar River. Law will cost two deputies running for county sheriff 'id guy. He plays them just like a violin. President Reagan is the only one that's taking action today.

Seems like everyone else forgets that there is other than direct assault against the United States as far as a national security threat." "No, they shouldn't be in Honduras. We shouldn't have any troops on foreign soil, until Congress OKs it." "I was in the Navy for four years, and sitting off the coast of Beirut like we did when the Marines were over there, I think it was a bad idea for President Reagan to send in the troops. It's just like over in Beirut, when all those Marines got killed. It could escalate into something bigger that no one knows about, that he can't even foresee. So personally I think it was a bad idea beause it could escalate into something bigger." "In answer to your question, Ronald Reagan has once again shown evidence of his movie star mentality.

If someone doesn't call cut soon, we may find ourselves knee deep in another Vietnam." About 70 percent of the Courier readers who responded to last week's Question of the Week said the president made the right decision in sending troops to Honduras to counter aggression by Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega. Of the 30 percent who opposed the move, a number said no such action should be taken unless there is a direct threat to the United States. Among responses are: "I certainly agree with Reagan's decision to send U.S. troops to Honduras. All you've got to do is look back into history.

When the French could have stopped the Germans, when they went into the Rhineland. Ortega is nothing but a farce for peace. We have just instigated another Cuba. Mexico is next. And then a lot of American boys are going to die because of this." "Yes, I agree with President Reagan's decision to send U.S.

troops to Honduras. I think it's time that the orchestration of our home Congress by Daniel Ortega stops. It's just ridiculous the way our own congressmen are the dupes of this V.i i r'l -I rt Man wants city to address land sale issue Hearing on property development to be requested again By DAVID RANSOM Courier Staff Writer An Iowa law dubbed a "Sheriff's Preservation Bill" by one Democrat will cost two Black Hawk County sheriff's deputies who want to be sheriff about $5,000 each. Sgt. Mike Kubik and Lt.

Bill Miller, who are seeking to replace retiring Sheriff Wendell Christensen, must take 30-day unpaid leaves of absence before the primary election on June 7. And if Kubik, a Democrat, and Miller, a Republican, win their primaries they will have to take another 30 days off without pay before the Nov. 8 general election. "It does seem a little unfortunate," said Steve Rapp, chairman of the county Democratic Party. "They have to take a pretty dramatic financial risk.

They really have to be counting their checkbooks." Rapp said it is especially unfair to penalize a candidate who probably has years of experience in law enforcement. UNDER IOWA law, deputies who fall under civil service guidelines must take unpaid leaves of absence if they're going to run for sheriff. Failure to do so could result in suspension, dismissal or demotion. Opinions by the Iowa Attorney General's Office in 1979 and 1980 affirmed the law. Kubik, a patrol supervisor, said he has talked to Rapp about the situation and still plans to run for sheriff.

He said if he wins the Democratic primary he would lose about $5,000 in pay. Although Kubik and Miller may use accumulated vacation or paid days off during the leaves of absence, both said they stand to lose money if they have to take 60 days off. "You can use your vacation in one spot," said Miller, who supervises the county jail for the Sheriff's De partment. "But the other one, you're out of luck. "It's discouraging to want to run and possibly have to pay a penalty to get there," said Miller.

"But I guess it just depends on how badly you want to run. I want to run bad enough it's not going to deter me." Rapp said the law probably was written in the days of political patronage, before civil service guidelines ruled deputies. "It does insulate those sheriffs who are seeking re-election from challenges from within their ranks," said Rapp. "It is kind of a 'Sheriff's Preservation Bill Christensen, who was never challenged by a deputy while he was sheriff, said the law reduces the friction that may occur between a sheriff and deputy seeking the same office. IN ADDITION to Kubik and Miller, five other county residents have taken out papers to run for sheriff.

The filing deadline is April 13. The five aree Bill Hermansen, 43, a Waterloo police officer; Carroll Hayes, 60, of La Porte City, a Democrat; Tri-City Police Chief Richard Lamb, 45, of Evansdale, a Republican; Dale Fencl, 35, a security officer from Waterloo, a Republican; and Larry Waters, 30, of Waterloo, i former county jail security guard who is registered as an independent. John Thomas of Cedar Falls also has taken out papers, but reportedly has decided not to run, county election officials said. Hermansen, who is under civil service guidelines for the Waterloo Police Department, is not affected by the deputies civil service rules, said Kyle Jensson deputy county elections commissioner. Hayes is not affected by the civil service guidelines either, even though he draws a salary from the county.

city property is considered for sale. 'J Rep. Don Shoultz Fourth term being sought by Shoultz State Rep. Don Shoultz, D-Water-loo, will seek a fourth term in the House of Representatives. Shoultz was one of five leaders who guided the Groundwater Protection Act through the House last year.

He filed suit in 1986 against a state environmental agency that failed to set rules governing underground storage tanks. "The protection of the state's groundwater, the revitalizing of the state's economy and maintaining educational excellence are three areas in which I feel that we have made great strides," he said. Shoultz has advocated restructuring the state's 430-plus school districts to save money. He played a major role in the passage of the mandatory seat belt law. He also wrote the 1986 bill that formed the Iowa Conservation Corps.

Shoultz is vice chairman of the Education Committee and serves on the Energy and Environmental Protection, and Small Business and Commerce committees. He also serves on the education appropriations subcommittee. Shoultz represents House District 25 in Black Hawk County, which coven parts of east and south Waterloo. Shoultz, SI, has been a Waterloo public school teacher 26 years. the hearing be continued but stating his "reticence to proceed." Harshbarger changed his mind about building a home on the land after some residents objected to the property's sale.

Their petition says "the wooded ravines of the city are a precious natural resource for the whole community which should be preserved." Residents also met with Harshbarger last week to explain the history of the site. The city twice rejected offers on the land because residents wanted its natural beauty preserved. Bob Runkle, one of the organizers of the petition drive, said this morning 170 people have signed the petition against the land sale. He said many residents plan to be at today's 7 p.m. City Council meeting.

Runkle said he and other resident also plan to recommend the city adopt a uniform procedure whenever By JACKIE YOUNO Courier Staff Writer CEDAR FALLS A city resident said this morning he wants to continue with a public hearing tonight on his request to purchase city-owned land adjacent to East Ridgewood Drive. Chris Harshbarger of 1033 Calumet Drive had said Friday he would officially cancel a request to purchase the land in response to other residents' opposition to the move. But this morning Harshbarger said he changed his mind about the hear ing. Although he still does not wish to build on the site, he wants the city to address the issue, "so other people would not fall into the same trap." Harshbarger added, "Had I known what I now know, I would have never made the offer in the first place." He said would deliver a letter to the mayor's office today asking that According to the recommendation, the property sale issue should go before the city's Planning and Zoning Committee, with notice of the meeting posted conspicuously on the property. Then, once the committee has approved the land sale, sealed bids should be accepted in a competitive bidding process.

Runkle said residents also plan to recommend the city's Human and Leisure Services Department study the city's natural or wooded upland areas to determine those that should be designated park preserve areas. Runkle said the department should then make its recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Committee, which would bring recommendations before City Council. Runkle strongly urges residents who wish to preserve the city's wooded areas to attend tonight's council meeting. County Democratic delegates nail down platform planks over wide range of issues by the committee and passed Satur the majority of members would be In addition, a plank proposing a program for the economic restructuring of the American economy "toward those areas in which we can be most competitive" was amended to include development Incentives for blacks and other minorities within their communities, as well as for the previously listed long-range planning, job retraining and relocation provisions. Also amended was a plank calling for a temporary freeze for college tuition at the state's regents institutions.

That resolution was changed to propose that a yearly cap be placed on tuition increases. The delegates also passed as written a resolution stating that the AIDS epidemic should be met with "appropriate governmental response" including adequate funding for research, education and humane care for those suffering from the disease. A number of new resolutions were introduced and approved by the delegates in addition to those drafted by the county's platform committee. They included a plank calling for salary parity at University of Northern Iowa in comparison other regents institutions. Another plank supports the creation of a state board in control of teaching standards on which finances, child rights and college tuition.

Among the planks that were narrowly approved by the more than 150 delegates was one supporting registration of all firearms by their owners. The vote to approve the plank was so close that a ballot was required to determine its fate, said Grant Veeder, chairperson of the county's platform committee. Among the planks that were amended by the delegates was statement that the United States government should work to an immediate end of the practice of apartheid in South Africa. By ANNE PHILLIPS Courier Staff Writer More than 50 planks on issues ranging from international to local in scope were passed last weekend by delegates at the Black Hawk County Democratic Convention. The Democrats convened in Hudson Saturday and during a lengthy meeting approved their countywide platform and elected delegates to the district and state conventions.

The platform addressed wide-ranging issues such as limiting nuclear weapons, AIDS, South Africa, space technology, campaign day were: Urging the federal government to greatly increase funds for higher education through student loans and grant services. Supporting the creation of an Iowa Resource Enhancement Program to provide new funding to meet the natural resource needs of Iowa. Supporting the enactment of appropriate equal rights amendment and legislation. Encouraging reasonable limits' on political campaign expenditures and urging the expansion of methods -of public financing of campaigns. educators.

Also introduced and approved were: A plank calling for state-supported quality early childhood education to be funded separately from the school aid forumla. A plank urging the state provide supplement appropriations to address salary equity problems of all certified instructors at Iowa's merged area schools. A measure supporting the creation of safe, quality and affordable child care. Among those resolutions drafted.