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.