Protecting neighborhoods is more than law enforcement.  Protecting neighborhoods  means maintaining a plan that allows for proper traffic flow, protection from storm-water runoff, and maintenance of property value.  For those that pay attention to council meetings, they know the most hotly contested debates arise around rezoning of land near neighborhoods.  The 6th Ward has had multiple contentious rezoning cases in the past few years.  Most commonly, those cases end in an ordinance to rezone land, which I do not feel has protected neighborhoods.  Furthermore, I have witnessed the current ward Alderman not only fail to represent the needs of those neighborhoods desiring to be protected, but vote in a manner which directly contradicted his past statements.  

In these cases, not only would I have voted in alignment with those neighbors speaking publicly against the rezoning, but I would have worked hard to influence other council members to vote in the same manner.

As taxpayers, we desire to pay as few taxes as possible.  Therefore, as elected city officials, I believe we need to maintain a fiscally conservative approach, in order to pass on as little cost as possible.  Now fiscal conservatism does not necessarily mean cheap.  I believe it means to have laser focus for spending on key items such as public safety and infrastructure, with an ability to analyze all proposals to avoid any hidden costs.  The City of Davenport has maintained a strong balanced budget, and I desire to be part of a council which continues to be excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars.

In order to have an excellent city, we need to ensure proper maintenance of our roads, and sewers.  One of the biggest concerns brought forth by citizens is the condition of our roads.  With the Quad City Times article documenting approximately 55,000 potholes being filled in 2019, the council must put extra attention to the condition of our roads, as well as to the process in which they are maintained.  Furthermore, we need to maintain our sewer systems, and waste removal.  

Besides maintenance of roads and sewers, I believe the City needs to significantly improve upon the flood protection plan.  I believe we can embrace being a city along the river, without repeatedly watching our downtown succumb to rising  floodwater.  Looking to implement permanent flood relief without the reliance on temporary structures is vital in my opinion. While the cost of  a permanent solution will be high, in the end, it will save taxpayers, as we have been consistently adding up costs to fight floods.  Furthermore, a recent Quad City Times article cites a potential for removing the planters in the middle of river drive, which were added less than a decade ago,  cost the taxpayers $1.4 million, and there is an estimate of approximately $200,000 to remove. I have a strong desire to cease the constant nickle and dime gouging of taxpayers to temporarily fight floods, as well as remove Davenport's label as being the Hesco Barrier Capital.(https://qctimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/pieces-of-a-million-riverfront-investment-in-davenport-might-be/article_eafa38e1-4b63-5590-b816-bcade8d147a4.html)

I believe a clean city is a good city, and strive to ensure Davenport does not have the appearance of a city in disrepair.

While I believe a clean city is a good city, I further believe a safe city is a great city.  The City of Davenport continues to be plagued with shots fired reports and automobile thefts.  There have been forums to discuss these issues, and I look forward to more action. I desire to work as a council to facilitate an environment where residents of Davenport feel comfortable by: ensuring proper funding of law enforcement, offering proper social outlets for youth, and lobbying State lawmakers in order to improve upon repercussions faced by those breaking the law.  

For a candidate to type they are for economic development is a no brainer. I believe it would be campaign suicide for any candidate to claim otherwise.  However, we need to make sure the City is smart in how any further development is executed.  For example, I believe developing our riverfront is vital to success of the downtown and the city.  However, to desire to spend tens of millions of dollars for this development without permanent flood protection, and few means to recoup these costs seems imprudent.

I desire Davenport to be a city where there are plentiful jobs for its citizens, and profitable business.  I feel as residents of the 6th ward, our voices need to be maintained on the council as our Ward is the hub of economic activity within, given all of the businesses along 53rd, Elmore, Kimberly Road, and Utica Ridge.  There will also continue to be more growth, as the Elmore Avenue extension continues to fill. I would strive to be part of a council that is sensible in promoting business favorable for the 6th Ward, and city as a whole.