Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Community outreach at its best.

First of all I want to thank the Garden Addition neighborhood association for organizing the neighborhood cleanup last weekend. My family and I enjoyed being out there in the beautiful weather and helping make the area look a little better. I can’t think of a better way of getting to know the area and people than going to events like this. Personally I feel that an Alderman should strive to “help in the trenches” as much as possible. Yes representing the ward in council meetings is essential, but support and encouragement that is given to the community through active participation is where an elected official can shine. The Garden Addition has done a great job in tackling issues in their neighborhood, and it shows. One of the best ways they are confronting the issues of their neighborhood is through good communication. Through their monthly meetings, the various events that are held in the neighborhood, or just knowing who to contact with feedback, it gets people talking about what needs to be done to improve the area. As Alderman, I would like to see more neighborhood groups like the Garden Addition develop so people have more of an opportunity to discuss their issues than just a monthly ward meeting.
Second, I want to also thank those of you that came out to my press conference to announce my candidacy that was held last month at Van Buren Park. One thing that I stressed was my desire to work for and with the First Ward. I don’t have any axes to grind with the city and no hidden agendas. I just want to make the First Ward and Davenport the best it could be. After the press conference, there was a meeting that ACORN held at the park also that was focusing on how to clean up Van Buren Park. Members of the police and the parks department were there talking with the group about what could be done to take back the park. The thing I think is a step in the right direction with both the ACORN event and the Garden Addition is that they realize that confronting crime and delinquency is not just more police presence. A community working together will be able generate more awareness, ideas, and personal responsibility. Together with your support, we can make it a better place to live.

Finally, The Garden Growers are looking for homes on the west end of Davenport that have extraordinary front yards to be used in their annual home garden tour. If you would like to suggest a home, please feel free to contact myself and I can pass along the information.

Thanks
Nathan