As relatively new residents of Des Moines (2004), my wife, Kathy, and I have become totally committed to the continuous improvement of this great little city.

As a result we are surprised and disappointed by the flurry of unsubstantiated charges against the city leadership and the twisted or speculative statements by some Proposition 1 opponents.

Actions from the Approved Proposition 1 will accelerate emerging economic development efforts on the edge of success.

Though development seemed indeterminate for a while, today, with the Marina leading the way (summer weekends fully booked, record service and fuel sales in July, record broken again in August) positive things are emerging!

On the Pacific Highway (a new hotel, restaurants, jobs and tax revenues), the 89 acre Des Moines Creek Business Park off 216th (more businesses that pay taxes, more jobs), and the Marina District (expansion of limited water capacity) to make way for more building and business activity (more jobs) all build a larger tax base for the future.

It takes a while, but it is clearly beginning to happen! Announcements on specifics are imminent according to those involved.

However, two areas of immediate concern remain:
The Beach Park renovation is lagging to match and supplement the Marina updates and integration with the other city improvements.
Many streets are in disrepair and their continued deterioration raises the eventual bill dramatically.

Potential investors in the Des Moines Marina District have consistently expressed to the city the need to complete the projects in the Beach Park as a critical element in their decision on whether or not to build or open businesses in Des Moines.

We need that economic development as part of an overall plan to sustain city services. We also need a more consistent funding stream to insure quality streets to sustain economic growth.

Again, if we do not find resources to invest in these important public assets, we will either lose them or it will cost significantly more in the future to make the investment to save or replace them.

It’s strange that those calling for economic development oppose the very actions that will accelerate it.

We believe Des Moines voters who study the real facts will come to a positive conclusion and Vote YES on Des Moines Proposition 1!

Al Isaac
Des Moines