I'm finally posting the Q & A from the times. I apologize for taking so long. Please take a look.
Office sought: Davenport, 2nd Ward alderman
What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods?
Neighborhoods in the 2nd Ward are under a lot of stress. Parts of our ward suffer high crime rates that rival those in the central city. Gun shots are a weekly occurrence. Other areas of the ward have safety issues that are just as important and need to be addressed. People are frustrated.
I believe that we must confront the crime problem in this city. The approach should be a citywide effort. It doesn't do any good to clean up one area of the city if it results in transferring the problem to another area. We must take a zero tolerance stance toward crime and nuisances. All of the departments within the city should work in concert toward this goal. I have seen this happen in other cities. I spoke with the Community Police Department Head in one city who explained how Housing and Landlords were notified of instances that occurred when the officers were either out on calls or just patrolling. The Housing Director in another city outlined how he met weekly with city and county law enforcement to get updates on any criminal or nuisance behavior that went on that week. I learned from another city's legal department how they met every Monday morning with other department heads to identify areas to be targeted and to discuss strategy. During all these instances I discovered that their City Councils had provided a tremendous leadership role. This was the catalyst for breaking down the territorial barriers that sometimes goes on at City Hall. My role as 2nd Ward Alderperson would be to facilitate the removal of these barriers.
What's most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
Obviously the first role of a city is to provide basic services for its citizens. Most people want good streets, safe neighborhoods and a solid infrastructure. However, what some people consider as amenities might be considered basic services. For example if we provide recreational opportunities to our youth this could lower our crime rate which then may be a basic service. My approach will be to look at each proposal and make a decision based on its merits.
What are the city's most important infrastructure needs?
The West End is the most logical place for Davenport to expand. What we lack is sewer facilities to effect this expansion. My priority will be to work with the Council and Mayor to get this project moving forward as quickly as possible.
How would you approach economic development?
Successful Economic Development happens when we all work together. This means that there has to be good communication between City Staff and the Council. One of the first things that have to happen is to bring unity to the Council. Unfortunately this Council has a reputation of divisive behavior. Our demeanor among ourselves sets the tone for the entire city. How can we expect to get new businesses to locate here or existing businesses to expand when the city's leaders can't get along? This should be first and foremost on every alderpersons mind whether they fell they are part of the problem or not. My belief is bringing in good paying jobs to Davenport, no matter where they land, is good for the entire city. However it is hard to justify development that benefits just one area of the city at the expense of the rest of the city.
Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council's role in promoting public safety?
I will answer the third question first. The Council's role in this matter is to allow the new Police Chief to come in and along with the staff assess what the needs are, get input from the citizens as to their expectations and put this in the form of a budget request for the Council to consider and act upon. As for the staffing levels and deployment of officers, I don't pretend to be an expert but I will advocate the expansion of our Community Policing. I have seen this first hand in Goose Creek and it works.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?
Disagreements are a part of life. One thing that I was taught in the military that served me well is to respect the office if not the man. I certainly won't accost the mayor or anyone else for that matter. As an investigator for the last thirty years I learned how to deal with people in stressful situations. I believe that people who are willing to give up their time to be an alderperson basically has the welfare of the city at heart. I think this is very important because if the Council continues to be divisive we will have another two years of getting nothing accomplished.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the River Center South? If not, what should the city encourage the Isle to do?
This is a tough one. A lot depends on their intentions and how they are communicated to the Council and the rest of the city. If I thought that the Isle was making a commitment to Davenport to stay here and invest in the downtown, I believe that we could come to some sort of an agreement. At this stage I haven't seen that kind of commitment. In the absence of any agreement I would prefer that the Isle stay where they are until 2009 when gambling comes up for a referendum and let the citizens decide.
What is your vision for Davenport?
Davenport should lead the rest of the Quad-Cities in unparallel growth making this area one of the finest places to live, work and play in the Midwest.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
QC Times asks: Basic services or amenities?
Below is how both current 2nd ward Alderman Shawn Hamerlinck and his opponent Tom Carnahan responded to an article in the Quad City Times
Shawn Hamerlinck: “Necessary community investment has been neglected as public funds have been utilized to develop amenities which have resulted in little return. The next council must re-examine their priorities and place attention and resources back into infrastructure improvements which will better assist in sustaining neighborhoods. Only once we fully fund necessary and long-needed infrastructure improvements can future city councils look toward amenity development. Recently the city has invested heavily in amenities and it is time for us to digest these projects before moving forward with new amenities.”
Tom Carnahan: “Obviously the first role of a city is to provide basic services for its citizens. Most people want good streets, safe neighborhoods and a solid infrastructure. However, what some people consider as amenities might be considered basic services. For example if we provide recreational opportunities to our youth this could lower our crime rate which then may be a basic service. My approach will be to look at each proposal and make a decision based on its merits.”
Shawn Hamerlinck: “Necessary community investment has been neglected as public funds have been utilized to develop amenities which have resulted in little return. The next council must re-examine their priorities and place attention and resources back into infrastructure improvements which will better assist in sustaining neighborhoods. Only once we fully fund necessary and long-needed infrastructure improvements can future city councils look toward amenity development. Recently the city has invested heavily in amenities and it is time for us to digest these projects before moving forward with new amenities.”
Tom Carnahan: “Obviously the first role of a city is to provide basic services for its citizens. Most people want good streets, safe neighborhoods and a solid infrastructure. However, what some people consider as amenities might be considered basic services. For example if we provide recreational opportunities to our youth this could lower our crime rate which then may be a basic service. My approach will be to look at each proposal and make a decision based on its merits.”
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Another Article
Below is another article that Tom Carnahan was featured in. This one appeared in the River City Reader in 2003. Even though this was a little over four years ago, Tom's dedication to his neighborhood and the community of Davenport has only grown stronger, which explains why he's now running for 2nd Ward Alderman.
Citizens’ Group Gets Tough by Getting Tactical
Written by Kathleen McCarthy
Tuesday, 24 June 2003
In a world of pervasive apathy, where citizens feel politically powerless to effect change in their communities, comes a group of real live civic heroes to prove that nothing could be further from the truth; the power is still most definitely with the people.
“The huge amount of bureaucracy involved with public housing and subsidized developments often prevents things from getting done,” observes Wilma Drummond, a resident of Davenport and active member of the citywide Crime Committee who also works for Moline Housing and has expertise in the area of assisted housing. “It is only when concerned citizens, who feel they have a vested interest in their neighborhoods and/or community, get involved that things truly change. Concerned citizens are passionate about their concerns, so they persevere until they get their desired results.”
In February 2003, Davenport residents Tom and Sheri Carnahan met with the citywide coordinator of Neighborhood Watch, Jannette Higginson, for guidance in implementing the program for their neighborhood, Emerald Drive Neighbors (EDN), which includes Castlewood Apartments on Emerald Drive in west Davenport. Castlewood is a federally assisted Section 8 housing complex consisting of 96 rental units with a documented history of criminal activity.
Higginson directed the Carnahans to Davenport’s Crime Committee and its chairperson, Jackie Bostic from United Neighbors. Together, along with 5th Ward Alderman Wayne Hean (who founded the citywide Crime Committee three years ago) and Drummond, they formed a subcommittee that facilitated an unprecedented process to hold Castlewood’s owners and management accountable for cleaning up their property, both aesthetically and criminally.
“When public expenditures go up in a neighborhood, property values go down,” Hean said. “If we can clean up the problems at Castlewood, then the overall city budget gets relief. Castlewood is an excellent example of a specific neighborhood partnering with the larger citywide coalition of concerned citizens that makes up Davenport’s Crime Committee to share resources, information, and experiences, because all our neighborhoods are interconnected in some way. The Crime Committee is currently sponsoring a database of citizens’ incident reports for criminal activity, nuisance abatement, etc., including time, place, description of activity, and description of perpetrators. All this information is shared with the police to identify any patterns or commonalities for purpose of prevention.”
After attending several Crime Committee meetings, the Carnahans held their first EDN neighborhood-watch meeting in March. Ten neighbors, including residents from Castlewood, attended this first gathering, along with Hean, Higginson, and Officer Wayne Wehrheim from the Davenport Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit. A mission was identified, goals were articulated, each neighbor promised active recruitment of residents from the entire neighborhood, and the group committed to a meeting every two weeks.
“I take enormous pride in creating a sense of neighborhood by working with my neighbors, especially the fine residents at Castlewood who also desire and welcome positive change,” Sheri Carnahan noted. “By stepping forward, these folks are very courageous to me. They risk retaliation, but are still willing to participate in the process. They remind me every day that we are all the same in wanting safe, clean, peaceful neighborhoods in which to live and raise our children.”
The Crime Committee added its support and helped the neighborhood group develop a strategy for implementing positive change at Castlewood that would resolve much of the trouble the neighborhood has experienced over the years. The strategy included a detailed action plan to be presented to both Castlewood’s management and the federal Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Because Castlewood receives financial assistance for low-income housing through the federal Section 8 program, it must conform to specific guidelines set forth by HUD, which has jurisdiction over such housing developments when they are out of compliance.
HUD regulations for dwellings include screening and eviction notices for drug abuse and/or criminal activity and the signing of leases that require residents to accept responsibility for the actions of individual household members and guests. These rules are supposed to be enforced by local HUD offices or housing agencies such as the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Coalition for Housing & The Homeless. Over the past four years, the Carnahans made repeated attempts to get help from the Iowa HUD division in Des Moines to no avail.
In February, a letter was drafted to HUD’s Des Moines office from Jackie Bostic as chair of the Crime Committee, outlining concerns about Castlewood that included the level of crime, the deterioration of buildings, and persistent management problems. After a cursory response from HUD, the frustrated but resolved group finally connected with Michael Vaughn of the Special Division of HUD/OMHAR in Washington, D.C., who proved to be an invaluable advocate.
Another letter was drafted to Vaughn outlining the residents’ concerns about the crime at Castlewood, with supporting documentation that included the number of police dispatches in a given period, the number of citations with special emphasis on those relating to drugs, a financial breakdown of the cost per dispatch ($119 each), and a copy of the most recent city inspection of the property; highlights of the rules that govern Section 8 contracts with emphasis on the remedy for breaching said rules; an eight-page document defining goals and an action plan with timelines for implementation; and finally the neighbors’ expectations for responsiveness by HUD and enforcement of its stated guidelines.
“HUD’s guidelines are supposed to protect all residents, both within the Section 8 housing complex and the surrounding neighborhoods,” Sheri Carnahan explained. “If HUD did its part by holding the owners and managers accountable, who in turn would hold the residents of the complex accountable, the result would be a safer, cleaner, more peaceful neighborhood. It is not the job of the police department to manage housing developments, yet Castlewood management suggests more police patrols and a possible substation on-site. Taxpayers should not have to pay for poor property management through increased policing, especially when we are already contributing significantly to the housing provision. Utilizing more police does not address the problem systemically. It is reactive rather than proactive. By implementing proper management policy, the opportunity for criminal activity is greatly reduced, thereby reducing the need for existing police support, let alone any additional resources.” In Castlewood’s case, the federal Section 8 program provides a rent subsidy per unit that ranges between $510 and $590, depending on the size of the unit.
There are two assisted-housing complexes within the Emerald Drive neighborhood-watch area: Castlewood Apartments (north of Locust) with 96 units, and Emeis Park Apartments (south of Locust, just across the street) with 107 units. From January 1 though May 13, 2003, Davenport police officers were dispatched 46 times to Emeis and 332 times to Castlewood, a difference of 286 dispatches during the same period of time. If each dispatch costs taxpayers $119, then Castlewood accounts for $39,508 of this total $44,982 bill. Add to this over three quarters of a million dollars in rent subsidies for Castlewood alone, and the argument that neighboring citizens should have a voice in the quality of such housing developments is undeniable.
To its credit, the neighborhood group went beyond just problem identification and citing the authority responsible. A comprehensive plan was developed for Castlewood that included 19 items that, if implemented, would radically improve conditions at Castlewood and the overall neighborhood.
The 19 items include an on-site manager or a manager on the premises from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; a new management company; managers completing all phases of Multi-Unit Crime Free Housing Training; a full-time service coordinator to implement and enforce HUD regulations and guidelines; security cameras and data collection; re-routing of traffic with one entrance to the complex; enforcement of eviction policy that includes those not on the lease; no loitering or drinking in public; tenant keys for the laundry room; locked security doors that require intercom for entrance; tree-trimming to increased lighting; activity-monitoring on west side of complex; the replacement of sod, weed control, and more frequent mowing; litter control with consequences for littering on and around complex; additional dumpsters with more frequent pickups; enforcement of the no-pets rule; changing floor coverings to substrate that better controls dirt, odors, etc.; changing broken window treatments; upgrading playground equipment; and installing benches.
The Emerald Drive Neighbors, in conjunction with the Crime Committee, held a special meeting on May 15 at United Neighbors to present a proposal to implement its plan in an effort to create positive change at Castlewood. The meeting was unprecedented because a variety of stakeholders were present at one time: Mayor Charlie Brooke; Alderman Hean; William McNarney, HUD-Des Moines and a regional HUD representative from Kansas City; Aimco Capital President Tom Pikua (property manager of Castlewood) from Denver, Colorado; Davenport Police Chief Mike Bladel; Trudy Stonebecker (local manager of Castlewood, employed by Aimco); and members of the police Crime Prevention Unit.
The proposal was met with mixed reviews at first but ultimately could not be faulted, especially in the context of the mission of HUD relative to providing housing, which states: “to provide decent, safe, and sanitary conditions” and “not disturb the peaceful enjoyment of their neighbors.”
Sheri Carnahan stipulated in her speech, “Our goal is to create a sense of neighborhood. We are committed to creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all residents surrounding Emerald Drive.” With HUD and the neighbors on the same page, the final buy-in must come from Castlewood’s owners and managers.
As luck would have it, Castlewood happens to be in the process of restructuring its debt on the property, which includes renewal of its Section 8 contract with HUD. The restructuring is mandatory for properties after either 10 or 20 years, and Castlewood has reached the end of its contract.
HUD contracted Real Estate Recovery of Herndon, Virginia, to handle the restructuring and submit Castlewood’s required two-fold plan for property improvements (building upgrades, landscape, etc.) and quality-of-life improvements that deal with issues such as crime, neighborhood relations, and residents’ input for approval by HUD.
Castlewood’s first plan was denied, so a revised plan is in the works and must be accepted before Castlewood can move forward. Therefore, the restructuring has afforded the neighbors the leverage necessary to get their concerns and ideas on the table for consideration as part of the revised plan. To that end and in support of the neighbors, Vaughn directed Real Estate Recovery to meet with Castlewood residents and neighbors to get their input before a new plan is submitted.
Real Estate Recovery representative John Hawk met with residents and neighbors in two separate meetings on June 11. He referred to the neighbors as “vigilantes” but eventually acquiesced to 18 of the 19 items proposed to improve Castlewood, claiming that they were within the HUD guidelines and money could be written into the restructuring to accommodate them. (Management personnel is not covered in HUD guidelines and is therefore outside the purview of Real Estate Recovery.) The operative word is “could,” but the neighbors feel confident that most of the 18 will be included in the new plan, which is scheduled for presentation to HUD this month for approval.
“This is the first step in a much bigger picture,” says Tom Carnahan. “This city has standards and all rental owners and managers should be held to them. By doing so, the city would realize a significant savings because the elements that contribute to crime and property degradation would automatically be minimized, while simultaneously holding property values.”
“It is our hope,” Bostic states, “that once we have a positive outcome to the Castlewood issue, our efforts will serve as a model in dealing with other troubled properties and inspire more neighborhoods to get similarly involved.”
Sheri Carnahan emphasizes: “It is important to remember as citizens [that] it is the responsibility of each of us to work toward bettering our neighborhoods. We must do more than just place blame. We must acknowledge and accept that we are responsible for our own surroundings, then interact and engage with one another to make positive change happen. It is not the responsibility of government or the police to improve or control our neighborhoods. The responsibility belongs first and foremost to us as community and neighborhood residents. With municipal resources so stretched, it is more important than ever to get civically involved.”
Sidebar: Why Should All Quad Citians Care?
This neighborhood watch group’s efforts illustrate the positive change that can occur by residents joining together and enlisting the appropriate professional guidance for the purpose of resolving problems and improving a neighborhood. HUD has final jurisdiction over all Section 8 housing nationwide, regardless whether the property contains single-family or multi-family units; therefore there are resources available to help neighbors who might be experiencing similar trouble. In addition, each city has its own standards and/or ordinances that should be enforced relative to property condition and criminal activity. In many cases, the solution is as simple as enforcing regulations already in place.
Relative to neighborhood-watch groups and public-housing issues, a model has now been created via Davenport’s Crime Committee that can be implemented elsewhere when appropriate. The action plan is a blueprint for implementing specific controls and safeguards to improve property conditions, especially with absentee ownership and management by proxy, so to speak. At a minimum, it could provide a launching pad to address other neighborhood problems.
More importantly, however, is this group’s testimony to the power of ordinary citizens when motivated to create change. This small number of residents took matters into their own hands and prevailed against all manner of intimidating bureaucracy to bring about meaningful change in less than six months. No one gave up their lives to fight the good fight, nor was there hair-tearing, teeth-gnashing, or cloth-rendering. (Swearing, yes, and a bit of name-calling … just kidding.) The lesson is that there is nothing more powerful or influential in bringing about change than a collective effort of concerned citizens who are passionate and resolved. Nothing.
Citizens’ Group Gets Tough by Getting Tactical
Written by Kathleen McCarthy
Tuesday, 24 June 2003
In a world of pervasive apathy, where citizens feel politically powerless to effect change in their communities, comes a group of real live civic heroes to prove that nothing could be further from the truth; the power is still most definitely with the people.
“The huge amount of bureaucracy involved with public housing and subsidized developments often prevents things from getting done,” observes Wilma Drummond, a resident of Davenport and active member of the citywide Crime Committee who also works for Moline Housing and has expertise in the area of assisted housing. “It is only when concerned citizens, who feel they have a vested interest in their neighborhoods and/or community, get involved that things truly change. Concerned citizens are passionate about their concerns, so they persevere until they get their desired results.”
In February 2003, Davenport residents Tom and Sheri Carnahan met with the citywide coordinator of Neighborhood Watch, Jannette Higginson, for guidance in implementing the program for their neighborhood, Emerald Drive Neighbors (EDN), which includes Castlewood Apartments on Emerald Drive in west Davenport. Castlewood is a federally assisted Section 8 housing complex consisting of 96 rental units with a documented history of criminal activity.
Higginson directed the Carnahans to Davenport’s Crime Committee and its chairperson, Jackie Bostic from United Neighbors. Together, along with 5th Ward Alderman Wayne Hean (who founded the citywide Crime Committee three years ago) and Drummond, they formed a subcommittee that facilitated an unprecedented process to hold Castlewood’s owners and management accountable for cleaning up their property, both aesthetically and criminally.
“When public expenditures go up in a neighborhood, property values go down,” Hean said. “If we can clean up the problems at Castlewood, then the overall city budget gets relief. Castlewood is an excellent example of a specific neighborhood partnering with the larger citywide coalition of concerned citizens that makes up Davenport’s Crime Committee to share resources, information, and experiences, because all our neighborhoods are interconnected in some way. The Crime Committee is currently sponsoring a database of citizens’ incident reports for criminal activity, nuisance abatement, etc., including time, place, description of activity, and description of perpetrators. All this information is shared with the police to identify any patterns or commonalities for purpose of prevention.”
After attending several Crime Committee meetings, the Carnahans held their first EDN neighborhood-watch meeting in March. Ten neighbors, including residents from Castlewood, attended this first gathering, along with Hean, Higginson, and Officer Wayne Wehrheim from the Davenport Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit. A mission was identified, goals were articulated, each neighbor promised active recruitment of residents from the entire neighborhood, and the group committed to a meeting every two weeks.
“I take enormous pride in creating a sense of neighborhood by working with my neighbors, especially the fine residents at Castlewood who also desire and welcome positive change,” Sheri Carnahan noted. “By stepping forward, these folks are very courageous to me. They risk retaliation, but are still willing to participate in the process. They remind me every day that we are all the same in wanting safe, clean, peaceful neighborhoods in which to live and raise our children.”
The Crime Committee added its support and helped the neighborhood group develop a strategy for implementing positive change at Castlewood that would resolve much of the trouble the neighborhood has experienced over the years. The strategy included a detailed action plan to be presented to both Castlewood’s management and the federal Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Because Castlewood receives financial assistance for low-income housing through the federal Section 8 program, it must conform to specific guidelines set forth by HUD, which has jurisdiction over such housing developments when they are out of compliance.
HUD regulations for dwellings include screening and eviction notices for drug abuse and/or criminal activity and the signing of leases that require residents to accept responsibility for the actions of individual household members and guests. These rules are supposed to be enforced by local HUD offices or housing agencies such as the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Coalition for Housing & The Homeless. Over the past four years, the Carnahans made repeated attempts to get help from the Iowa HUD division in Des Moines to no avail.
In February, a letter was drafted to HUD’s Des Moines office from Jackie Bostic as chair of the Crime Committee, outlining concerns about Castlewood that included the level of crime, the deterioration of buildings, and persistent management problems. After a cursory response from HUD, the frustrated but resolved group finally connected with Michael Vaughn of the Special Division of HUD/OMHAR in Washington, D.C., who proved to be an invaluable advocate.
Another letter was drafted to Vaughn outlining the residents’ concerns about the crime at Castlewood, with supporting documentation that included the number of police dispatches in a given period, the number of citations with special emphasis on those relating to drugs, a financial breakdown of the cost per dispatch ($119 each), and a copy of the most recent city inspection of the property; highlights of the rules that govern Section 8 contracts with emphasis on the remedy for breaching said rules; an eight-page document defining goals and an action plan with timelines for implementation; and finally the neighbors’ expectations for responsiveness by HUD and enforcement of its stated guidelines.
“HUD’s guidelines are supposed to protect all residents, both within the Section 8 housing complex and the surrounding neighborhoods,” Sheri Carnahan explained. “If HUD did its part by holding the owners and managers accountable, who in turn would hold the residents of the complex accountable, the result would be a safer, cleaner, more peaceful neighborhood. It is not the job of the police department to manage housing developments, yet Castlewood management suggests more police patrols and a possible substation on-site. Taxpayers should not have to pay for poor property management through increased policing, especially when we are already contributing significantly to the housing provision. Utilizing more police does not address the problem systemically. It is reactive rather than proactive. By implementing proper management policy, the opportunity for criminal activity is greatly reduced, thereby reducing the need for existing police support, let alone any additional resources.” In Castlewood’s case, the federal Section 8 program provides a rent subsidy per unit that ranges between $510 and $590, depending on the size of the unit.
There are two assisted-housing complexes within the Emerald Drive neighborhood-watch area: Castlewood Apartments (north of Locust) with 96 units, and Emeis Park Apartments (south of Locust, just across the street) with 107 units. From January 1 though May 13, 2003, Davenport police officers were dispatched 46 times to Emeis and 332 times to Castlewood, a difference of 286 dispatches during the same period of time. If each dispatch costs taxpayers $119, then Castlewood accounts for $39,508 of this total $44,982 bill. Add to this over three quarters of a million dollars in rent subsidies for Castlewood alone, and the argument that neighboring citizens should have a voice in the quality of such housing developments is undeniable.
To its credit, the neighborhood group went beyond just problem identification and citing the authority responsible. A comprehensive plan was developed for Castlewood that included 19 items that, if implemented, would radically improve conditions at Castlewood and the overall neighborhood.
The 19 items include an on-site manager or a manager on the premises from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; a new management company; managers completing all phases of Multi-Unit Crime Free Housing Training; a full-time service coordinator to implement and enforce HUD regulations and guidelines; security cameras and data collection; re-routing of traffic with one entrance to the complex; enforcement of eviction policy that includes those not on the lease; no loitering or drinking in public; tenant keys for the laundry room; locked security doors that require intercom for entrance; tree-trimming to increased lighting; activity-monitoring on west side of complex; the replacement of sod, weed control, and more frequent mowing; litter control with consequences for littering on and around complex; additional dumpsters with more frequent pickups; enforcement of the no-pets rule; changing floor coverings to substrate that better controls dirt, odors, etc.; changing broken window treatments; upgrading playground equipment; and installing benches.
The Emerald Drive Neighbors, in conjunction with the Crime Committee, held a special meeting on May 15 at United Neighbors to present a proposal to implement its plan in an effort to create positive change at Castlewood. The meeting was unprecedented because a variety of stakeholders were present at one time: Mayor Charlie Brooke; Alderman Hean; William McNarney, HUD-Des Moines and a regional HUD representative from Kansas City; Aimco Capital President Tom Pikua (property manager of Castlewood) from Denver, Colorado; Davenport Police Chief Mike Bladel; Trudy Stonebecker (local manager of Castlewood, employed by Aimco); and members of the police Crime Prevention Unit.
The proposal was met with mixed reviews at first but ultimately could not be faulted, especially in the context of the mission of HUD relative to providing housing, which states: “to provide decent, safe, and sanitary conditions” and “not disturb the peaceful enjoyment of their neighbors.”
Sheri Carnahan stipulated in her speech, “Our goal is to create a sense of neighborhood. We are committed to creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all residents surrounding Emerald Drive.” With HUD and the neighbors on the same page, the final buy-in must come from Castlewood’s owners and managers.
As luck would have it, Castlewood happens to be in the process of restructuring its debt on the property, which includes renewal of its Section 8 contract with HUD. The restructuring is mandatory for properties after either 10 or 20 years, and Castlewood has reached the end of its contract.
HUD contracted Real Estate Recovery of Herndon, Virginia, to handle the restructuring and submit Castlewood’s required two-fold plan for property improvements (building upgrades, landscape, etc.) and quality-of-life improvements that deal with issues such as crime, neighborhood relations, and residents’ input for approval by HUD.
Castlewood’s first plan was denied, so a revised plan is in the works and must be accepted before Castlewood can move forward. Therefore, the restructuring has afforded the neighbors the leverage necessary to get their concerns and ideas on the table for consideration as part of the revised plan. To that end and in support of the neighbors, Vaughn directed Real Estate Recovery to meet with Castlewood residents and neighbors to get their input before a new plan is submitted.
Real Estate Recovery representative John Hawk met with residents and neighbors in two separate meetings on June 11. He referred to the neighbors as “vigilantes” but eventually acquiesced to 18 of the 19 items proposed to improve Castlewood, claiming that they were within the HUD guidelines and money could be written into the restructuring to accommodate them. (Management personnel is not covered in HUD guidelines and is therefore outside the purview of Real Estate Recovery.) The operative word is “could,” but the neighbors feel confident that most of the 18 will be included in the new plan, which is scheduled for presentation to HUD this month for approval.
“This is the first step in a much bigger picture,” says Tom Carnahan. “This city has standards and all rental owners and managers should be held to them. By doing so, the city would realize a significant savings because the elements that contribute to crime and property degradation would automatically be minimized, while simultaneously holding property values.”
“It is our hope,” Bostic states, “that once we have a positive outcome to the Castlewood issue, our efforts will serve as a model in dealing with other troubled properties and inspire more neighborhoods to get similarly involved.”
Sheri Carnahan emphasizes: “It is important to remember as citizens [that] it is the responsibility of each of us to work toward bettering our neighborhoods. We must do more than just place blame. We must acknowledge and accept that we are responsible for our own surroundings, then interact and engage with one another to make positive change happen. It is not the responsibility of government or the police to improve or control our neighborhoods. The responsibility belongs first and foremost to us as community and neighborhood residents. With municipal resources so stretched, it is more important than ever to get civically involved.”
Sidebar: Why Should All Quad Citians Care?
This neighborhood watch group’s efforts illustrate the positive change that can occur by residents joining together and enlisting the appropriate professional guidance for the purpose of resolving problems and improving a neighborhood. HUD has final jurisdiction over all Section 8 housing nationwide, regardless whether the property contains single-family or multi-family units; therefore there are resources available to help neighbors who might be experiencing similar trouble. In addition, each city has its own standards and/or ordinances that should be enforced relative to property condition and criminal activity. In many cases, the solution is as simple as enforcing regulations already in place.
Relative to neighborhood-watch groups and public-housing issues, a model has now been created via Davenport’s Crime Committee that can be implemented elsewhere when appropriate. The action plan is a blueprint for implementing specific controls and safeguards to improve property conditions, especially with absentee ownership and management by proxy, so to speak. At a minimum, it could provide a launching pad to address other neighborhood problems.
More importantly, however, is this group’s testimony to the power of ordinary citizens when motivated to create change. This small number of residents took matters into their own hands and prevailed against all manner of intimidating bureaucracy to bring about meaningful change in less than six months. No one gave up their lives to fight the good fight, nor was there hair-tearing, teeth-gnashing, or cloth-rendering. (Swearing, yes, and a bit of name-calling … just kidding.) The lesson is that there is nothing more powerful or influential in bringing about change than a collective effort of concerned citizens who are passionate and resolved. Nothing.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fundraiser - Tonight
There will be a fundraiser for Tom Carnahan tonight at Hickory Gardens from 6pm to 8pm. Everyone is encouraged to come out to meet Tom. Thanks!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Quotes from the QC Times article on Sept 27th
I wanted to add some things that were written about and said by Tom Carnahan for the QC Times article that appeared in the paper on September 27th. I am hoping that they will help in providing voters with a better idea of who Tom Carnahan is and what he wants to do to HELP the city of Davenport.
"Leadership is an issue candidate Thomas W. Carnahan says resonates across the city."
"Carnahan, a fraud investigator for the state of Iowa, said he considers crime and economic development as the most important issues the city faces, but that leadership from the council on any issue has been lacking.
“We’ve got situations where we have to make a decision about this riverboat, and make decisions about public safety and economic growth,” Carnahan said. “If you aren’t playing well in the sandbox together, it is a pretty good indication you aren’t able to lead.”
He says he has the leadership skills to work with others he doesn’t agree with to get something accomplished, citing his work with the Davenport Action Initiative."
The following is a link to the full article"
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/09/27/news/local/doc46fb4049c6332552887368.txt
"Leadership is an issue candidate Thomas W. Carnahan says resonates across the city."
"Carnahan, a fraud investigator for the state of Iowa, said he considers crime and economic development as the most important issues the city faces, but that leadership from the council on any issue has been lacking.
“We’ve got situations where we have to make a decision about this riverboat, and make decisions about public safety and economic growth,” Carnahan said. “If you aren’t playing well in the sandbox together, it is a pretty good indication you aren’t able to lead.”
He says he has the leadership skills to work with others he doesn’t agree with to get something accomplished, citing his work with the Davenport Action Initiative."
The following is a link to the full article"
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/09/27/news/local/doc46fb4049c6332552887368.txt
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Community involvement
Below is the link to a Quad City Times article written about Tom Carnahan and his wife Sheri regarding the efforts made by them to improve the Castlewood Housing Complex.
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/05/08/news/local/doc445edf536498c592949222.txt
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/05/08/news/local/doc445edf536498c592949222.txt
Candidate Profile
Below is a link to Tom Carnahan's candidate profile. Please look it over and feel free to make comments or suggests. I have also included a blurb from a blog I wrote following the primary election.
http://www.davenportone.com/Election2007/Tom%20Carnahan.html
"My dad is an official candidate for 2nd ward alderman in the city of Davenport, IA. He made it through the primary election and will be featured on the ballot on November 6th. I encourage anyone out there who lives in the 2nd ward to please vote for Tom Carnahan. Also, if you know anyone who lives in the 2nd ward please encourage them to vote for him. Anyone who has ever had the privellage(sp?) of meeting my father knows what a kind, generous, caring, honest, good man he is. The people of the 2nd ward would be so lucky to have him working for them and representing them in the city council. He's the kind of guy that really listens, demands action, and is always fair and honest. He deserves an opportunity to help improve the city of Davenport for the better. Turst me when I say that he's completely invested in that community (I've been trying to get him to leave since I moved to California!) and he wants to work hard to make things better. He isn't a career politician, he's a resident just like everyone else in the 2nd ward, but he's a resident that can provide results. Basically, he's freakin' awesome!!!!"
http://www.davenportone.com/Election2007/Tom%20Carnahan.html
"My dad is an official candidate for 2nd ward alderman in the city of Davenport, IA. He made it through the primary election and will be featured on the ballot on November 6th. I encourage anyone out there who lives in the 2nd ward to please vote for Tom Carnahan. Also, if you know anyone who lives in the 2nd ward please encourage them to vote for him. Anyone who has ever had the privellage(sp?) of meeting my father knows what a kind, generous, caring, honest, good man he is. The people of the 2nd ward would be so lucky to have him working for them and representing them in the city council. He's the kind of guy that really listens, demands action, and is always fair and honest. He deserves an opportunity to help improve the city of Davenport for the better. Turst me when I say that he's completely invested in that community (I've been trying to get him to leave since I moved to California!) and he wants to work hard to make things better. He isn't a career politician, he's a resident just like everyone else in the 2nd ward, but he's a resident that can provide results. Basically, he's freakin' awesome!!!!"
Primary Election Materials
Below are the following quotes from Tom Carnahan's election brochure passed out in the 2nd ward during the primary election. I only have a pdf of the brochure that I cannot get a link to so I will type out the bullet points for anyone who did not get to see the material. I welcome any comments on these statements.
Tom Carnahan is a husband, father and grandfather.
Tom Carnahan is your neighbor.
Tom Carnahan was the target of violent crime and fought back.
Tom Carnahan is a positive influence for change.
Tom Carnahan moved to Davenport and chose to stay. He and his wife, Sheri, made the 2nd ward their home
VISION LEADERSHIP RESULTS
"I took the lead fighting crime in my neighborhood and will continue this fight for the 2nd ward."
"My vision is economic development, improved infrastructure and good paying jobs for all of Davenport."
"I will restore our confidence in the City Council by fostering a more professional attitude."
Tom Carnahan is a husband, father and grandfather.
Tom Carnahan is your neighbor.
Tom Carnahan was the target of violent crime and fought back.
Tom Carnahan is a positive influence for change.
Tom Carnahan moved to Davenport and chose to stay. He and his wife, Sheri, made the 2nd ward their home
VISION LEADERSHIP RESULTS
"I took the lead fighting crime in my neighborhood and will continue this fight for the 2nd ward."
"My vision is economic development, improved infrastructure and good paying jobs for all of Davenport."
"I will restore our confidence in the City Council by fostering a more professional attitude."
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