QC Times Q & A

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.