The Eighth Ward

The eighth ward, or the forgotten ward, has been represented by Brian Dumas for the past two years. He is not running for re-election.

Mike Matson

Mike Matson believe Davenport is a great place to live. I think that is the best statement you could use to start out a website. He wants to help make it even better. His issues are Responsible and Responsive Leadership, Public Safety, Strong Voice for 8th Ward, Better Roads and Parks, Quality of Life for All.

Strengths -His military experience implies a professionalism needed on the council. While the current alderman is professional, he hasn’t exactly been a voice for his ward so Mike’s concern about being responsible and responsive seems fitting for his ward.

Weaknesses -Nothing jumped out at me but I’m sure the posters will help. Sorry guys, I’ve gone through a lot of candidates lately.

Kevin Dill

Kevin Dill’s first statement of need for the eighth ward, and I agree, is listening to the citizens and addressing their needs. His goal is to keep Davenport a great place to live, work, play and visit. The rest of his issues are Working with Young Professionals, Sidewalks, Fiscal and Community Responsibility, Focus on the Good in Davenport.

Strengths -I really like the positive nature of Kevin and his comments on Davenport. He has a good idea of what his ward needs. His interview on Fisher I thought went well, he did seem a little nervous but I don’t hold that against him. We aren’t looking for professional politicians in council, just professional behavior.

Weaknesses -I’ll let other posters fill this in.

Becky Schabilion

Becky doesn’t have a website so I’ll base my summary on her QCT Q&A. Becky’s issues are Crime, Property Values, Basic Services (not amenities), NW Boulevard Project, Increasing tax Base, Respect for other Council Members.

Strengths -Becky talks about some of the major issues for the city. She has some good ideas.

Weaknesses -No website. And from what I understand the eighth ward isn’t exactly a crime hotbed. I’m glad its still on her radar, because crime has no boundaries and quickly takes hold where allowed, but I don’t think it should be a lead in issue in an area where people don’t seem as concerned over it.

Matt McDonnell

Matt’s website made it easy for me by having a page for Matt’s Hot Issues! Those issues are Public Safety, Appearance, Incentives (attract businesses).

Strengths -He is one of the few candidates talking about appearances. I do think it’s an important issue. We do need to clean up our city and take some pride. Streets and sewers do need to be taken care of.

Weaknesses -He also leads in with public safety which I don’t think will resonate with his ward. I could be wrong though.

I predict Matson and Dill make it past tomorrow. That is it for my review of the eighth. Good luck to all in the primary.

The First Ward

The first ward has, to put it lightly, had some difficulties in the past 2 years. With an alderman in jail, facing a harassment lawsuit, with a restraining order – this ward needs some class in its representation. There are needs in the first which have not been addressed.

Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown Issues are Building Neighborhood Groups, Listening to Voters, Crime, Fees and Taxes, and Frivolous Spending.

Strengths - He has a good grasp of what it means to be alderman, to listen, to involve the public. I also enjoyed his statement that he wants to make Davenport better for his children, meaning he is looking to the long term. So many aldermen are shortsighted.

Weaknesses – Probably the same one for all the candidates. With 6 running, it will be difficult to differentiate one candidate from the next.

Bruce Bleke

Bruce does not have a website so I’m basing this on his QCT Q&A. Bruce’s issues are West End Sewer Tunnel, Improving arteries, Basic Services, Working with others to bring in higher paying jobs, Public Safety, Making Davenport a destination and a place for young to grow.

Strengths - I really enjoyed what Bruce said about the council’s role in public safety. The council shouldn’t micromanage the police but they should make sure the police department is addressing the problems. He seems like a reasonable person and someone who could get along with other council members.

Weaknesses – In a race with so many candidates not having a website for voters to go to and see what you believe in is a big risk.

Pat Gibbs

I think everyone knows Pat as our former mayor. Pat’s issues are Crime, Excessive Fees, The City being a Support not a Developer, Streets, Sewers, Infrastructure.

Strengths - He has strong name recognition in a crowded field. He has a history which brings him supporters.

Weaknesses – He has a history which brings him enemies. He was fired from the PD. Surprisingly, this doesn’t put off many people who see the PD as too political in their discipline.

Patrick Holmes

Patrick Holmes has lived in Davenport throughout his life. He feels (and I agree) the first ward problems have been long neglected by our city. His issues are Functional City Council, Crumbling Infrastructure, Declining Property Values, Reduced Police Protection, Excessive Fees and a City Council unwilling to Treat the Needs.

Strengths - Patrick talks about communicating with his residents, holding regular ward meetings and operating a blog (kind of like Ian Frink). I like that he talks about being accessible, which the 1st ward has been lacking.

Weaknesses – Same as most of the others. There are a lot of candidates so the vote can be split in many ways.

Donald Snyder

Donald Snyder is retired from the DOD and has received his education in the area . His political experience is listed as just good old common sense. We sure need that! His issues are Public Safety (police on the street), Eliminate Rain Water Fee, Improve Sewers, Ward Meetings(communication), Community Involvement.

Strengths -Donald touches on some of the main issues for the first ward.

Weaknesses -I think he has a good idea in repealing taxes and improving services, but he doesn’t offer up any ideas on how we can pay for both. It doesn’t seem as if his ideas have been thought completely through. Darn, and I was hoping for some good common sense

Les Miller

Les is the non-candidate of the 1st ward. No e-mail, no website, no QCTimes Q&A. He is most definitely the weakest link – er, getting voted off the island. Whatever, I don’t think he will progress on.

So now it comes to my predictions. And I have no idea (except a strong hunch Les won’t make it). With six people the vote can be split so many different ways it’s very difficult to predict. I will say Pat Gibbs will make it through because of name recognition. I’m not going to try to predict his opponent for the election. It’s too close.