Friday, July 27, 2007
What concerns you?
The other day I was knocking on doors and came across a gentleman that was wondering what I thought the issues were for the First Ward. From the conversations that I have had, and my own personal feelings, I talked about issues of crime, fees and taxes, frivolous spending, communication, increasing neighborhood group involvement, and other topics. I then realized those were not his main concerns and I asked what his main issue was. Ever since then, I have been thinking, as an elected official I would only be as good as the communication channels with the residents of the First Ward. This is why I want to start more neighborhood groups. Each of their meetings become mini-ward meetings, and create an issue and information tree that funnel things down. Unfortunately, these groups don’t exist yet. I would like to know what your issues are though. So feel free to discuss what your most important issues are. Now, the only request I do have though, is to not just complain, anyone can do that. If you have a problem, offer a solution.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Why me?
Why am I running?
I have been talking to various people in the First Ward for several months now about my candidacy for Alderman. The one question I get asked the most is, “Why would you want to do that?”
I am running for many reasons, but the main reasons are:
1) I am concerned and frustrated about the direction the leadership of the First Ward and the city is taking.
2) Davenport should be a place where our kids can grow up, be proud to say they are from Davenport, and want to stay to raise their kids, and as Alderman I can help make the necessary changes.
3) The First Ward is filled with down-to-earth people who work hard for their money. Having had to sometimes work two jobs and long hours, I know what it feels like, and nobody deserves to have to worry about their tax dollars being spent frivolously.
4) With all the great things in the First Ward, we should be focusing on the positive publicity instead of being distracted by the negative.
5) The First Ward deserves an Alderman that accessible, open-minded, and responsive to their needs and concerns.
Why should I be Alderman?
As Alderman, I will be fiscally and ethically responsible when it comes to making policy decisions. A fresh, new look will be brought to city Government. With no axes to grind, or hidden agendas, my influences in decision making will be the First Ward, my family, my Midwestern upbringing, and good moral values. By being accessible, open-minded, and responsive, the residents of the First Ward will be encouraged to provide feedback and have open communication in addressing concerns and suggestions. My positive focus and attitude in representing the First Ward will support, encourage, and provide the necessary tools to the various neighborhoods in the First Ward to improve their areas. One goal in achieving this is to help start up more neighborhood groups and working closely with the various community organizations to fix problems without resorting to just throwing money at it and calling it a solution. My belief is that being an Alderman is not just representing the First Ward; it is empowering the residents to make it a better place.
As an inside salesman, I have learned that what can go wrong, will. The experience that I enjoy is to look beyond the rose colored picture that is typically painted during presentations and ask questions of potential hiccups that, in the long run, will save money for having been confronted early. I was raised with the belief of being responsible and accountable for your actions. I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong or if I don’t know about something. I am determined enough though to go out and learn about it so that I can come back and talk intelligently about it the next time. My family and I are proud to live in the First Ward, and I feel its residents deserve better representation. With your support and votes, I know I can provide it.
I have been talking to various people in the First Ward for several months now about my candidacy for Alderman. The one question I get asked the most is, “Why would you want to do that?”
I am running for many reasons, but the main reasons are:
1) I am concerned and frustrated about the direction the leadership of the First Ward and the city is taking.
2) Davenport should be a place where our kids can grow up, be proud to say they are from Davenport, and want to stay to raise their kids, and as Alderman I can help make the necessary changes.
3) The First Ward is filled with down-to-earth people who work hard for their money. Having had to sometimes work two jobs and long hours, I know what it feels like, and nobody deserves to have to worry about their tax dollars being spent frivolously.
4) With all the great things in the First Ward, we should be focusing on the positive publicity instead of being distracted by the negative.
5) The First Ward deserves an Alderman that accessible, open-minded, and responsive to their needs and concerns.
Why should I be Alderman?
As Alderman, I will be fiscally and ethically responsible when it comes to making policy decisions. A fresh, new look will be brought to city Government. With no axes to grind, or hidden agendas, my influences in decision making will be the First Ward, my family, my Midwestern upbringing, and good moral values. By being accessible, open-minded, and responsive, the residents of the First Ward will be encouraged to provide feedback and have open communication in addressing concerns and suggestions. My positive focus and attitude in representing the First Ward will support, encourage, and provide the necessary tools to the various neighborhoods in the First Ward to improve their areas. One goal in achieving this is to help start up more neighborhood groups and working closely with the various community organizations to fix problems without resorting to just throwing money at it and calling it a solution. My belief is that being an Alderman is not just representing the First Ward; it is empowering the residents to make it a better place.
As an inside salesman, I have learned that what can go wrong, will. The experience that I enjoy is to look beyond the rose colored picture that is typically painted during presentations and ask questions of potential hiccups that, in the long run, will save money for having been confronted early. I was raised with the belief of being responsible and accountable for your actions. I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong or if I don’t know about something. I am determined enough though to go out and learn about it so that I can come back and talk intelligently about it the next time. My family and I are proud to live in the First Ward, and I feel its residents deserve better representation. With your support and votes, I know I can provide it.
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