.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} When my wife, Cathy, and I moved to Iowa 25 years ago, Greater Des Moines was a far, far different place. The wonderful revitalization that has taken place downtown and the tremendous growth that has occurred in the suburbs were both beyond anyone’s imagination at the time.

This transformation didn’t just happen. It took careful planning and calculated risk-taking. It took a combination of civic, business and government leaders working together. It took vision – and action.

Today we find ourselves at another important crossroads. On July 10, Central Iowans will have the opportunity to step up and approve a proposal called Yes to Destiny that will take our community transformation to the next level.

The provisions in Yes to Destiny that fund recreation, arts, culture and other quality-of-life amenities will make our region more attractive to potential employees, benefiting residents and businesses in our community. As a major employer in the Des Moines community, and a company that relies on creative minds to develop and market world-class content, attracting and retaining quality employees is vital to the success of Meredith Corp.

When companies like Meredith thrive, Central Iowa thrives. We provide high-wage jobs, charitable contributions, outstanding benefits, challenging and rewarding work environments and support for convention and visitor services.

The beauty of this proposal is that it coordinates broader regional support for cultural and recreational attractions. It will enable all communities to work together for the greater good, instead of competing against one another.

From a tax standpoint, there are compelling reasons we should direct one-third of the proceeds toward lowering property taxes. Our property taxes are higher than the average in Iowa, and our sales taxes are lower. Passing this referendum creates a more even balance, while significantly bolstering our quality of life in the process.

Opponents argue that lowering property taxes while increasing sales taxes burdens lower-income individuals and those who do not own homes. This argument is flawed. Necessities such as groceries, automobiles, gasoline, prescription drugs, rent and insurance premiums are exempt.

Additionally, a portion of the income will be generated by visitors to the area, lessening the impact on those who live here.

Des Moines’ evolution – especially over the past 10 years – has been impressive. Yes to Destiny would provide the resources to continue that momentum.

Think of the possibilities. Imagine significant expansion of attractions such as the Blank Park Zoo. It’s possible. Imagine Central Iowa as the recreational trail capital of the world. It’s possible. Imagine Des Moines as a magnet for tourism and economic development, competing neck and neck with cities like Minneapolis, Kansas City and Omaha. It’s possible.

We have so many opportunities to build on our strong foundation. We must look at the potential this area has to offer. We must consider how this proposal could enhance the arts, recreation and quality of life. I believe our best years are ahead of us, but only if we have the courage to invest in our future.

Vote Yes to Destiny.

Steve Lacy is the president and chief executive officer of Meredith Corp.