Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings from Tommy Tucker Realty Co.

TOMMY TUCKER REALTY CO. 

OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THE FOLLOWING DAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 

Monday, December 24th
Tuesday, December 25th
Wednesday, December 26th
Tuesday, January 1st  

We want to Wish Everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season! 

Robin Tucker, Broker/Officer
And
Staff 

319-365-6956
(Messages will be monitored)

Election Day: November 6th: Don't Forget to Vote!

2012 Election Guide Dear Mr Robin B Tucker, Following is your 2012 Election Guide. We here at NWYC hope you find this helpful and please remember every vote counts! Keys to the 2012 Presidential Election Election Outlook Presidential Race Find a Candidate My Races Members Leaving Office Key Dates for the 2012 Presidential Election State and Territorial Election Offices If you have any questions about the election process or voting, contact your state or territorial election office: Alabama Kentucky Oklahoma Additional Resources: Voting Federal Election Commission (FEC) National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) (PDF document) The Democratic Party ( Platform ) The Republican Party ( Platform ) Alaska Louisiana Oregon American Samoa Maine Pennsylvania Arizona Maryland Puerto Rico Arkansas Massachusetts Rhode Island California Michigan South Carolina Colorado Minnesota South Dakota Connecticut Mississippi Tennessee District of Columbia Missouri Texas Delaware Montana Utah Florida Nebraska Vermont Georgia Nevada Virgin Islands Guam New Hampshire Virginia Hawaii New Jersey Washington Idaho New Mexico West Virginia Illinois New York Wisconsin Indiana North Carolina Wyoming Iowa North Dakota   Kansas Ohio NOTE: NWYC does not financially support nor endorse any candidate or Political Party

We welcome November here at Tommy Tucker Realty Co.

We welcome the month of November!

Can we interest you in a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

Visit our web site

Well, the first ten months are now in the books for 2012.  We welcome the eleventh month of November.  Happy All Saints Day, which is traditionally the day after Halloween.

• 
  

  Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 4th
• Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meets on November 5th, 12th and 19th of November - news
• Election Day is Tuesday is on November 6th - Find you poll in Linn County, Iowa
• Fair Housing Conference in Cedar Rapids/Marion on Thursday, November 8th
• Iowa vs. Purdue at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City on Saturday, November 10th
• Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11th
• Worlds Orphans Day is November 12th
• CRAAR November Real Estate Today Show is on Wednesday, November 14th
• CRAAR Inaugural 2012 is on Thursday, November 15th
• International Day for Tolerance is November 16th

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 22nd

Our offices are traditionally closed for our staff to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday with family - Call us, if you need a REALTOR?

 November 23rd

Small Business Saturday is November 24th

Iowa vs. Iowa State for Heroes Game at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City on November 24th

We invite all call or e-mail from you this month or throughout the year.  Happy November and have a great day.  Thank you for visiting us. - Robin Tucker

Public Invited: Fair Housing Discussion coming to Cedar Rapids/Marion on November 8th

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Fair Housing Conference

Current Fair Housing Issues

Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services (KTOS)

3375 Armar Drive, Marion

Registration: $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
*Register by 5pm October 31 to receive lunch.
Late registrations and same day registrants will be accepted - Lunch will not be included for late registrants

This Conference is designed to give housing professionals, attorneys, social service staff, and community members, a strong understanding of Fair Housing laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Credit. Come learn about your rights and your responsibilities!

REGISTER: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4550536778/eivtefrnd#

This event has been approved for 1.75 hours of Continuing Legal Education activity credit.
Please notify us at Registration if you are requesting CLE credit.
Members of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors should contact the CRAAR for more information.  Scholarships are availabe for CRAAR members.

PROGRAM
8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45 Welcome

• Karl Cassell, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
• Ron Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids
• Snooks Bouska, Mayor, City of Marion

9:00 Keynote

• Betty Bottiger, Region VII Director, Housing and Urban Development

10:00 An Overview of Fair Housing Law.

• A discussion of recent court and administrative decisions. Areas of emphasis will include prohibited practices, protected classes and issues relating to persons with disabilities and families.
• Professor Allison Bethel, Clinical Professor, Director, Fair Housing Clinic, The John Marshall Law School

11:00 The Fair Housing Act, Persons with Disabilities, Animals and Pets.

1. This session will examine and compare federal, state and local laws that govern the rights of persons with disabilities to live with or be accompanied in public by animals who provide service, support, assistance or companionship. The workshop will focus on how to apply the federal Fair Housing Act, Iowa Civil Rights Act, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Ordinance, Iowa's Rights of Persons with Disabilities law, and Dangerous Wild Animals law. Parrots and pooches and pigs, oh my!
2. Professor Len Sandler, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Iowa College of Law

12:00 Lunch

• Accessibility to and within Housing: Applicable Laws and Regulations for Dwellings and Common Areas.
• This session will cover The Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments and The Fair Housing Act and Amendments, including purpose and overview, specific regulations to housing, common and public area regulations, and animals for companionship and service. We will also talk about the influence and confluence of related laws for persons with disabilities.
• Jim de Jong, Executive Director and Principal Investigator, Great Plains ADA Center

1:00 Credit Reports: The Good, the Bad, the Bottom Line.

• We will discuss information contained in a credit report, credit scoring, interpreting credit history – what’s important, what’s not, reading between the lines, and improving credit – creating opportunities.
• Scott Shook, Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Horizons

LUNCH OPTIONS

• Turkey Sandwich on French Baguette
• Walnut Chicken Salad on Croissant
• Vegetarian Sandwich on Sourdough Bread

Lunch includes sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, and a cookie

If you have questions about this event, please contact the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission at 319-286-5036.  I, Robin Tucker, am one of the eleven local residents that currently serves on the City's Civil Rights Commission.  My father, I.L. "Tommy" Tucker had the pleasure of being one of the original commissioners, when Cedar Rapids began to promote equal opportunity and civil rights in our community.  He served the Commission as a volunteer Commissioner for 32 years.

Beautiful Sunday for an Open House on September 16th

We hope all is going well.

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is hosting an Open House 2-4 p.m. at 290 Indiandale Road SE on nice, spacious, redecorated 4 bedroom, 3 stall two-story with many nice characteristics...

$237,200 list price and also available for lease. Call Robin Tucker today at 319.431.6930 to discuss.

Open House on Sunday, September 16, 2012

We will host a 2 to 4 p.m. Open House on Sunday at 290 Indiandale Road SE.  House is for sale and/or rent.  This a spacious
bedroom, four bath two-story with three stall garage.

List Price: $237,200
Rental Price: $1,600 per month (prefer 12 month lease)

Your Host: Robin Tucker, REALTOR 319.431.6930

TOMMY TUCKER REALTY CO.
http://www.ttrco.com

Should the Federal Government raise the Minimum Wage?

National Action Alert



Increase Minimum Wage


to $10 Per Hour

We received the following e-mail today: from National Write Your Congressman.

Mr Robin B Tucker,


Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) introduced legislation "The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012" that will raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour and index it to inflation. "That may sound like a hefty wage increase but it doesn't fully equal the purchasing power of the minimum wage in 1968 - which today would be closer to $11 per hour, stated Rep. Jackson. "The bill is really only allowing American workers a degree of 'catch-up.' Thus the name and theme around the bill: 'Catching Up To 1968.' Of course, the current federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2007."


The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012 contains four basic elements:


It raises the minimum wage to $10 per hour


The minimum wage is raised immediately - not gradually as in the past - beginning 60 days after the date of enactment


Beginning one year after the $10 per hour minimum wage takes effect, and each year thereafter, the minimum wage will be indexed in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)


For workers earning their living on the basis of tips, the cash wage paid to such an employee is to be 70% of the minimum wage when the law takes effect, but in no case less than $5.50 an hour, adjusted annually as necessary thereafter


While running for office, President Barack Obama promised to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011. Both the president and his 2012 campaign opponent Republican Mitt Romney have supported the idea of adjusting the minimum wage to keep up with inflation.


Opponents argue that increases in the minimum wage fall disproportionately on small businesses who are the least able to absorb such a dramatic increase in their labor costs, and that supporters aren’t factoring in the cost to the employer who’s paying it. The Nation is currently in difficult economic times, and the focus needs to be getting unemployment down. The increase would force employers to cut other payroll costs, such as limiting overtime or laying off part-time help, squeezing employers who already are under pressure.


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Take action and voice your opinion now!


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Personally, we view the Federal Minimum Wage should be eliminated, on the basis it is matter for the States.  The late Tip O'Neill said the following phrase "All politics is local" and when it comes to the minimum wage... we believe this matter should be left up to the States and local markets.  The minimum wage in Iowa certainly has no relationship with the economies of urban Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.
 
The increase will cost $5,725.00 over the first year of implementation for any employee currently on the Federal minimum wage at $7.25.  What impact will that have on first-time employees and people with disabilities, who are limited to how many hours they can work? 
 
Why isn' the alternative minimum tax adjusted annually for inflation? 
 
Look at unemployment numbers today?  Is this a good idea for America and getting people stable and confident in America's economic future?

City of Cedar Rapids Public Meeting: Stormwater Utility Improvement Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2012, 9:25 a.m.

Public Meeting for Discussion of the Stormwater Utility Improvement Process

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – June 8, 2012 – The Cedar Rapids Public Works Department will have a feedback opportunity for residents, business and industry representatives and all other interested groups on the possible changes to the Stormwater Utility. This will be the first meeting in a series of meetings to discuss the Stormwater Utility. The City of Cedar Rapids has had a Stormwater Utility since 1979. The funds generated from this utility have gone toward the upkeep of storm sewer. With changing regulations, increase miles of storm sewer/intakes and increase number of publically owned detention basins the City felt it was time to look at the level of service provide by the Stormwater Utility. The City of Cedar Rapids has concluded a study of how other Cities in Iowa have set up their Stormwater Utilities. We have entered into a six month process to discuss the Stormwater Utility Program.

Meeting: Date: June 14, 2012

Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Location: Public Works, 1201 6th Street SW

Traffic Training Room

This public meeting will discuss the six month process the City of Cedar Rapids is starting as well as discuss the Stormwater Improvement Program – Service Analysis. At the end of this six month process the City of Cedar Rapids will decide whether there are reasons to change the Stormwater Utility Program and what those changes may be for Fiscal Year 2014 budget (July 2013). David Scanlan, Stormwater Manager, Cedar Rapids Public Works will give a 10 – 20 minute presentation at 4:30 to explain the process and the Service Analysis spread sheet. Then there will be question and answer until 5:30. All of the material can be found at the following web site: http://tinyurl.com/cwon5nn

If you are unable to attend and would still like to submit comments please send them to the following email address: SWUIP@cedar-rapids.org.

First weekend of June: June 2-3, 2012

Busy morning in Downtown Cedar Rapids, with the first Downtown Farmers' Market for the month of June.  Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is located at 613 Second Avenue SE. 

Are you looking for a new home to buy or lease in Cedar Rapids or Marion, Iowa?  We enjoy the opportunity to help both customers and clients in their real estate needs.

• Buying
• Selling
• Leasing
• Property Management
• 1031 Exchange
• Real estate consultation

Today, we are advertising the following properties in The Gazette.

On Sunday, June 3rd, we will be conducting an Open House from 2-4 pm at 290 Indiandale Road SE.  A spacious and updated four bedroom, two-story home in a nice wooded neighborhood in Indian Creek Hills subdivision of Cedar Rapids. The property sells for $237,200 and lease options begin at $1,700 per month.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Tucker, Realtor® Broker/Officer with Tommy Tucker Realty Co.  We have helped buyers, sellers, clients and customers, since 1958 with various property management and real estate brokerage needs.

Happy Monday, May 21 from the desk of Realtor Robin Tucker

We hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather in the Greater Cedar Rapids area.

On Sunday, we conducted an Open House from 2-4 pm at 290 Indiandale Road SE.  This is wonderful property for $237,200 per month.  The owners will also consider lease terms on this property.

Robin Tucker serve with fellow Realtors on the Government Affairs Committee.  This month's meeting was held on Monday, May 21st in the morning.  The Committee heard from and asked questions to the following candidates for Linn County Auditor. Joel Miller (incumbent), Brian Gradoville and Jim Houser, who all are running in the June 5Th Democrat Primary for Auditor.  A Republican candidate will face the winner in the November 6th General Election in Linn County.

After the CRAAR Government Affairs meeting, we meet with a local commerical banker to discuss matters in our local community. 

At Noon, Robin attended his weekly Rotary Club meeting.  Monday's program was on Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. 

RYLA is a leadership training program sponsored by Rotary International that promotes, encourages and rewards outstanding young people.

Area sophomores and juniors can apply to attend the RYLA leadership training program that will be held at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Sundary July 15 to Friday, July 20, 2012.

Rotary International is an organization of business and professional people united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage ethical standards in all voacations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Open House: 2-4 pm on Sunday, May 20th at 290 Indiandale SE in Indian Creek Hills subdivision of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We invite prospective buyers and prospect tenants to take a closer look at this wonderful two-story property, with over 3000 square feet finished.  This two-story home has a fenced rear yard on a .33 acre lot on a quiet, wooded dead-in street.

The house consists of four bedrooms up, with a master bath and full bath.  There is a half bath on the first floor and in the lower level.  Part of the full basement is finished.  The garage has a mud room and space for three vehicles.

A nice spacious first floor with a family room that was added, after the property was built in 1964.  There is formal dining and living areas, as well as casual living and dining areas on the first floor.

We invite you to stop by and take a look at 290 Indiandale Road SE between 2-4 pm on Sunday.

Your host is Robin Tucker 319.431.6930 with Tommy Tucker Realty Co.

New Listings: 4 Bedroom House for sale SE Cedar Rapids and 4 Bedroom Executive Rental in Marion

We hope you are enjoying your April.

We want to announce the addition of two new listings this month. We have a updated and newly decorated four bedroom house for sale in SE Cedar Rapids at 290 Indiandale Road SE[PDF link]. The property is listed for $237,500.

New Listing for rent in Linn Mar Community Schools:

This property is listed for $2,000 per month and will be available May 1st. Check out more on 2220 Empire Street in Marion. Let us know, if you have any interest on any of these properties or know anyone you may have an interest or need. We appreciate referrals.

http://www.ttrco.com/  We have other listings to consider.  Happy Spring everyone!

The Week of April 16, 2012: Real Estate, Rotary and Community

Windy weather and plenty of work ahead for the Week of April 16th ...
Our local association of REALTORS meets ever third Wednesday of the month for lunch. Various programs on a variety of real estate related topics are discussed monthly. This month's spotlight should be very interesting.

CRAAR April Real Estate Today Show

Agenda: Working with Physical Disabilities: Become aware of how to work with hearing and visually impaired clients

Featured Speakers: Babs Haggin, Iowa Realty and Jonathan Ice, Rehabilitation Teacher, Iowa Department for the Blind

Monday morning: Government Affairs meeting with members of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors looking at local, statewide and national issues.

Attending my weekly Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting. This week's program is on Linn County Conservation efforts.

April 17Th is Federal Tax Day

April 18Th will attend CRAAR monthly luncheon and at 5:30 pm, the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission holds its monthly meeting.

April 19Th is Patriots' Day in America.

A system of signals and word-of-mouth communication set up by
the colonists was effective in forewarning American volunteer militia men of the
approach of the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's
Ride" tells how a lantern was displayed in the steeple of Christ Church on the
night of April 18, 1775 as a signal to Paul Revere and others.

One if by land, and two if by sea;

And I on the opposite shore will be,

Ready to ride and spread the alarm

Through every Middlesex, village and farm,

For the country folk to be up and to arm.

If we can be of help to you for your real estate buying or selling needs, please let us know.

Tommy Tucker Realty Realty Co. has been licensed in the practice of real estate in Iowa, since 1958. We provide services in property management and general brokerage.

City of Cedar Rapids announces Street Closure for Infrastructure Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2012, 2:57 p.m.

10th Street SE Closure at 4th Avenue SE

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – March 12, 2012 – Beginning Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 8:30 a.m., 10th Street SE will be closed at 4th Avenue SE for a gas main installation. The installation will take approximately eight (8) days to complete, weather permitting. Traffic should follow marked detour: South bound 4th Avenue SE - 8th Street SE - 3rd Avenue SE –10th Street SE. South bound 2nd Avenue SE - 7th Street SE – 5th Avenue SE –10th Street SE. The road is expected to be open for weekend travel.

For a complete list of road closures please check: http://bit.ly/cJupdw

City of Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is awarded $100,000

For Immediate Release

Harkin Announces $420,000 for Fair Housing in Iowa

WASHINGTON D.C.-Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) has awarded $422,622 to seven Iowa cities. FHAP aims to assist state and local agencies that administer fair housing laws. The assistance includes support for complaint processing, training, technical assistance, data and information systems, and other fair housing projects. The program is also designed to provide incentives for states and localities to assume a greater share of the responsibility for administering fair housing laws. Senator Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HUD.

“Quality, affordable housing is one of our most basic needs,” said Harkin. “I am pleased the federal government is providing funding to Iowa cities that will allow each of them to take responsibility for fair housing laws and projects in their communities.”

Details of the funding are as followings:
Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission-$100,000
Davenport Civil Rights Commission-$64,285
Des Moines Human Rights Department-$44,680
Iowa Civil Rights Commission-$37,200
Mason City Human Rights Commission-$86,802
Sioux City Human Rights Commission-$23,655
Waterloo Commission on Human Rights-$66,000

Note: Robin Tucker, Realtor with Tommy Tucker Realty Co. serves on the 11-member Civil Rights Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Section 8 and Lawful Sources of Income

As a Realtor and Property Manager for Tommy Tucker Realty Co., we consider all lawful sources of income from customers in the application process for houses we operate for rent. Not all properties or property owners are suited for use of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. In talking to a prospective customer (applicant) today, we discovered that the property they seeked was above the price guidelines for the prospective tenant's voucher.

City to Offer Free Section 8 Landlord Orientation Sessions

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – January 25, 2012 – The City of Cedar Rapids Housing Services/Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be offering free landlord orientation sessions for all landlords, leasing agents, rental managers and maintenance personnel.

The two hour presentation will include an overview of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, tenant demographics, common forms and leases, evictions/program violations, and Section 8 inspections and common repairs.
Individuals can register to attend one of the four sessions scheduled for the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.


• Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


• Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.


• Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
  

The February 8 and May 2 sessions will be held at the Housing Services Office Conference Room, located at 1211 6Th Street SW. Locations for the August 8 and November 7 sessions are yet to be determined. Future updates and more information can be found at the following website under Landlord Resources:

www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/community-development/section8rentassistance. To find out more the Section 8 landlord orientation sessions, please contact Jim Borschel at (319) 286-5181 or j.borschel@cedar-rapids.org.

Neighborhood Safety Forum in Cedar Rapids at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 23

We begin the fourth week of 2012 in Cedar Rapids today.

This morning, Realtor Robin Tucker attended a Realtor Government Affairs committee meeting at the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. An Noon, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids had a program from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Tonight, there will be a Neighborhood Safety Forum at St. Paul's UMC at 7 p.m.

Council Member Pat Shey is hosting the Neighborhood Safety Forum. Pat Shey represents District 3 on the City Council for Cedar Rapids.

The purpose of this forum is to provide information to help residents make their homes and neighborhoods safer. We will discuss current crime statistics, what you can do to protect your home, how you can make your neighborhood safer, and what you should do if you experience a crime or witness suspicious activity.

Robin Tucker, as one of the new Commissioners on the Civil Rights Commission, said he plans to attend. At last week's first Commission meeting, he decided to join the Outreach Committee for the Commission for 2012. Tucker is one of two new members of the 11 member citizen Commission.

Pat Shey to Host Neighborhood Safety Forum on Jan. 23
City Council Member Pat Shey will host a Neighborhood Safety Forum on Monday, January 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, located at 1340 3rd Ave SE, especially for residents of District 3.

“The purpose of this forum is to provide the citizens of Cedar Rapids with information that will help them make their homes and neighborhoods safer,” said Shey. “We will discuss current crime statistics, what you can do to protect your home, how you can make your neighborhood safer, and what you should do if you experience a crime or witness suspicious activity.”

The forum will feature a panel discussion, moderated by Shey, which will include the following experts from the Cedar Rapids Police Department: Lt. Jerry Potter, Sgt. Matthew Welsh, Investigator Michael Bailey and Crime Analyst Dawn Stanford. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns during the forum.

Residents with personal experiences to share are encouraged to submit a written narrative or statement before the forum and send them to Pat.Shey@cedar-rapids.org. All statements will be compiled, scanned and share with all who are interested.

The first half of January is now in the books: Real Estate, Taxes and More

We hope your New Year is off to a good start. It certainly seems like a fast start. If you have questions, regarding property management or real estate services throughout the year, we hope you will call on us at Tommy Tucker Realty Co.

We are marketing a couple of two bedroom bungalows for rent in NE Cedar Rapids at the present time. Rents start at $550.00 per month.

We have an executive four bedroom home for rent in SE Cedar Rapids at 290 Indiandale Road SE. This property is an over 3,000 square foot home and is currently being updated with new fixtures and decorating. Rent is listed at $1,600 per month and with the updates, this will be a great value. Two story house, fenced rear yard, with garage for three and many features on a quiet dead-end street.

On Wednesday, two meetings are already scheduled for the New Year. Our first monthly Realtor luncheon and in the evening, the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission will hold the first monthly meeting of 2012 at 5:30 pm.

We invite you to stop by and read our newsletter during the year. If you would ever like to talk about your business needs, please give us a call or set up an appointment.

Realtor® Robin Tucker is one of two appointed by City to serve on Civil Rights Commission

On January 10Th, Mayor Ron Corbett with the consent of the City Council appointed Robin Tucker, a Realtor® with Tommy Tucker Realty Co., and Anne Pham, an Alliant Energy employee, to the eleven member Civil Rights Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids. Tucker and Pham will fill two vacancies on the Commission through June 30, 2013.

The Commission is made up of eleven volunteer members, who are appointed by the Mayor for three-year terms, comprise the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. Each member may serve two consecutive three-year terms. This is a policy-making body which directs the Commission staff. Commissioners are also involved in revising the local civil rights ordinance and assist staff members in their efforts to enforce these laws. The Commission annually elects a Chair and a Vice-Chair. Regularly scheduled meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Robin Tucker's father, I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker, proudly served on the original Commission or Committee on Human/Civil Rights for the City of Cedar Rapids. He served for approximately 32 years and was recognized by the Commission for his past service on July 15, 2011 at a Cedar Rapids Kernals game, where he was asked to throw out the first pitch. Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is a contributor to the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Foundation, as is the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. (Pictured are LaVerne and Tommy Tucker, Robin's parents, with our City's Civil Rights Director Karl Cassell, along with Tommy Tucker, founder of our company throwing out the first pitch).

We believe strongly in the tradition of Equal Opportunity in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit in our community. "Like my father, I look forward to paying my civic rent in service to the Commission for the next 18 months," said Robin Tucker.

This Monday, January 16Th, our Nation and community will celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend both the 26Th Annual Remembering Martin Luncheon at the Hotel at Kirkwood at 11 a.m., as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday evening at St. Paul's UMC at 7 p.m. The evening event is open to the public and there is no charge attend, though a free will offering is taken.

Cedar Rapids Community Schools board to discuss the Closing of Schools at Tonight's Board Meeting

Two east side schools and a variety of west side schools are being considered for closure or reassignment at tonight's Cedar Rapids Community School Board meeting at 5 p.m. The meeting has been moved per The Gazette to the AEA Conference Center at 4401 Sixth Street SW to accommodate a larger audience.

New council member Olson pushes plan for west-side rec center at Harrison
Plan would benefit both rec center and school - The Gazette

Cedar Rapids school board members to hear enrollment study report Monday
Public meeting begins at 5 p.m. Monday at Grant Wood AEA - The Gazette

The enrollment study report has two proposals. For more information on each proposal, Detailed information on the Enrollment and Facilities Study Process.

C.R. schools panel turns options over to community - The Gazette 12/20 article