In preparation for the upcoming election, the River Cities' Reader asked candidates to respond to the following: "Compare yourself to and contrast yourself with your opponent(s) in terms of your respective positions on the issues you think will be most important during the next term of the office you're seeking."
We sent this question to more than 70 candidates in contested races on the ballots in Scott and Rock Island counties. More than 30 candidates answered the call, and their responses are included here.
Keep in mind that we asked candidates to be brief, to be specific, to contrast their positions with those of their opponent(s), and to back up their claims. We'll leave it you to decide how well they followed those guidelines.
This exercise is intended as a supplement to other information voters should consider before casting their ballots.
Scott County Treasurer
Tom Engelmann
Democrat
Among the important issues to the next term of office for Scott County treasurer are:
(1) Service levels: The county treasurer's office should be open some evenings for easier access for all citizens. The current treasurer is pleased that they are open until 5 p.m. daily and from 9 to noon on Saturday, but that is only convenient for the treasurer, not average working people.
(2) Investment of county funds: I believe the County should invest more taxpayer dollars in local banks that invest back into the community. This is simple to do - just make the loan-to-savings ratio of the interested banks part of the equation on where you invest taxpayer dollars. The current treasurer does not believe in doing this, but I believe it is essential to promote economic growth in the community.
(3) Ability to work with people of all political persuasions: During my tenure on the Davenport City Council I have demonstrated an ability to work across party lines to advance the city and projects such as River Renaissance. I have also been instrumental in helping forge partnerships between the city, businesses and labor, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to pursue the advancement of the entire community.
Bill Fennelly
Republican
I've been the treasurer of Scott County for eight years, and I've been able to implement many changes and improvements in the office during that period. Outlining differences between my opponent and me is difficult because I'm not sure what he sees as "issues" and, as far as I know, he hasn't really said how he'd make the office more efficient than it already is. As most know, my office handles all motor-vehicle registrations in the county, as well as collects property taxes. There are a number of changes I've implemented that directly affect the taxpayers. I have ensured that Scott County tax dollars are invested only in Scott County banks. My office has been at the forefront statewide in offering a satellite office and universal clerks for taxpayers and recently we moved this office, called the County General Store, in with the State of Iowa driver's license station on Kimberly Road in Davenport. The more convenient we are, the happier our customers are. With that in mind, we recently began a program by which taxpayers can pay their property taxes simply by logging on to their home computers, using a credit card or electronic check for payment. We are also working to provide online payment service for motor-vehicle renewals.
I've also implemented changes within the office that won't be as readily apparent but are important to good service nonetheless. My entire staff has been thoroughly cross-trained so that they can help out citizens in all aspects of what we do. These are just a few of the things I've been working on as treasurer.
Change is often difficult but necessary. I continue to work for change, for those things that will help the taxpayers and will make their encounters with county government as pleasant as possible.
Scott County Recorder
Rita Vargas
Democrat
www.RitaVargas.com
Personal background: I have lived in Scott County my whole life (44 years) and have an 18-year-old daughter who is currently a freshman at Iowa Wesleyan College. I graduated from Central High School in 1977 and have a BA from Marycrest College.
Occupation: District representative for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin for over 13 years. I have a 37-county assignment area for which I handle casework for Social Security, Medicare, immigration, passport services, child support, social services, civil rights, day care, and insurance. I am also responsible for the day-to-day operations of Senator Harkin's Davenport office and assisting with his scheduling arrangements.
Community experience: I serve on the board of Community Health Care, Big Brothers/Big Sister of the Quad Cities, the Local School Improvement Advisory Committee, past board member of Davenport D.A.R.E. , past United Way Planning Committee member, past state director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and past LULAC state treasurer.
I have left off many other committees that I have been involved with because I do not want to appear like I am bragging. I do want you to know, though, I have learned a great deal from my vast experience with these community groups and I believe this knowledge is an asset I will bring to the recorder's office.
I am sorry I am unable to compare myself with my opponent to the length you might with other races, but at the very least I can state that I have created a Web site (http://www.RitaVargas.com) to allow access and information about myself. I have campaigned door-to-door, attended events, and communicated with the voting public the issues important to this race. I am running for the Scott County Recorder's seat based on three important beliefs: my continued commitment to serving my community; my desire to aid in the development of our e-government system with the addition of a Geographic Information System (GIS); and my belief that the recorder's office should play a greater role in working together with other departments in establishing a responsible growth plan for both rural and urban areas of the county. I look forward to the exciting challenges our county will face in the next decade and plan to be an active participant. My experience of working for Senator Harkin helping citizens communicate with state and federal agencies will bring a fresh perspective to county government. My ability to act decisively and confidently on new ideas and technology will help improve the efficiency of the recorder's office. Customer service is the cornerstone of the recorder's office, and my abilities to listen, assess, and make sound judgments are vital skills that I will bring to this public-service position.
I look forward to working with the current staff at the recorder's office and continuing the Hagen tradition of friendly service. Improving data access and data quality are areas that I have been told need to be evaluated. We need someone with vision and someone who will be looking for our county's future needs to direct the recorder's office into the e-government world, and I'm that person.
Scott County Board of Supervisors
Vote for three
Gregory P. Adamson
Republican
http:www.gpadamson.com
Because the three Democratic candidates for Scott County supervisor did not run in the primaries in June and have not held any elected offices, it would be presumptuous of me to guess their positions on any significant issues. I can tell you and the citizens of Scott County what I think are some of the important issues, and a little about me.
Personal background: I am married to Sandra and have three children and four grandchildren. I am a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities and a resident of Scott County for 44 years. I have served as an officer on the Bettendorf Police Department for 30 years and currently hold the rank of captain. I am currently the Operations Division commander. This division includes all uniformed patrol officers, traffic bureau, and several other support functions. I am also retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel in the Military Police Corps, having served 29 years on active duty and as a reservist.
Educational background: I attended Davenport schools starting in the fifth grade. I graduated from Davenport West High School in 1966. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Muscatine Community College in 1973; my B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose College in 1975; and my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western Illinois University in 1990.
I taught as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Clinton and Scott Community Colleges for 10 semesters in the Criminal Justice Department.
I received extensive education in the military to include : Officer Candidate School, where I received my commission as a second lieutenant in the field artillery in 1967. I graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I also served as an instructor for the Army Command & General Staff College later in my military career.
In 1994, I graduated from the FBI National Academy located at Quantico, Virginia.
Public/political offices/experience: I am currently serving in my third consecutive elected term on the Bettendorf Park Board. I have completed seven years of service to date. I am presently the chairperson of the Bettendorf Park Board.
I am an active life member of the Bettendorf Optimist Club. I have served as past president and chairperson of several project committees.
I am an active member of the Republican Party, served on the credentials committee, and am a state delegate, precinct co-captain, and a member of the Scott County Central Committee.
I am an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Bettendorf and am a member of the Bettendorf Chapter of the American Legion. I have served on numerous boards and commissions working toward the betterment of the community.
Goals for the next four years: If elected my main goals would be to serve the public in a professional manner, to be accessible to all citizens and to be reasonable, respectful, and willing to listen to everyone's points of view. Four years from now I want the voters of Scott County to feel that I have been an efficient and effective county supervisor.
My specific goals are:
• Support the second phase of the Scott County Jail & Alternatives project. Provide direction to the issues of jail overcrowding, future operations, and funding.
• Support the sheriff and his staff as they continue to provide positive, efficient, effective, and professional law-enforcement services to all Scott County residents.
• Support and encourage economic development, jobs, and intergovernmental cooperation.
• Strongly support the current process to replace the I-74 bridge as quickly as possible.
• Maintain the county's low tax rate while still providing excellent county services in order to make Scott County an attractive place to live and work.
• Encourage technology modernization to allow county employees to work efficiently and effectively and provide easy access of information to Scott County citizens.
• Provide direction and leadership in order to respond efficiently and effectively to problems that will present themselves in the future.
Otto L. Ewoldt
Republican
I have served on a variety of volunteer boards and positions for the past 50 years. I have served two years on the LeClaire City Council, seven years on the LeClaire school board, and 12 years as a Scott County supervisor. I feel I have the experiences and qualifications to be elected as Scott County supervisor.
I support our CJAAC (Community Jail & Alternative Advisory Committee), currently made up of 68 volunteers. As a supervisor I helped form this group that represents all of Scott County.
I don't believe in bonding if we don't have to, even if interest rates are low right now. We know if we build a new jail it will have to be bonded.
Larry E. Minard
Republican
The Board of Supervisors is going to be faced with a number of major challenges during the next four years. I will define them and offer a brief opinion about each.
(1) Resolving the problem of over-crowding at the jail. We are fortunate to have an excellent committee of professionals and interested citizens searching for the best possible answers. Most likely it will combine an expansion of alternatives to incarceration and a bricks-and-mortar solution. I will give the final recommendations careful study and, I trust, my full support.
(2) Maintaining excellent service with the least possible impact upon property taxes. I will endeavor to continue the award-winning performance-based budgeting and accountability procedures that have been a hallmark of Scott County government for over a decade. These have given us the lowest property-tax levy of the eight largest counties in Iowa. The challenge here is that the state's financial difficulties do spill over onto local governments and can have a negative impact on property taxes.
(3) Building effective working relationships with others. One of the best ways to make the most of limited resources is to work in partnership with municipalities and organizations within Scott County. It takes time and patience to build these relationships, and I have been supportive of them. Through the good offices of the Bi-State Regional Commission and the Quad-City Development Group, the county has made significant progress in working more closely with our representatives in Des Moines and Washington.
(4) Moving to e-government. I support the commitment the board has made to update our technology to include geographic information and electronic storage systems. These are expensive but will efficiently serve the citizens of the county. We have begun planning a system that can be integrated with that of Davenport, Bettendorf, the municipalities within Scott County, and private business. It will be Internet-accessible and will equal or surpass in usability any in the region.
I have over 25 years experience in local government, both as an appointed and elected official. I bring the time, the energy, and the interest to meet these challenges to benefit all the citizens of Scott County.
Cammie Pohl
Democrat
(1) As county supervisor I intend to listen to everyone in the county and not just a select few. My opponents have been absent in this area and in my travels across the county, many people have told me how nice it would be to have someone listen to their concerns.
(2) I would like to allow Scott County residents to see and understand how county government works. We can do this by televising board meetings. None of my current opponents has talked about this, but I feel it is a great way to put people in touch with what the board is doing.
(3) I feel we need a true AMBER alert system in Scott County. Guidelines need to be established for the sheriff's and local police departments to follow so that missing children are found alive. Three months ago a member of the Scott County sheriff's department quoted the Breanna Mosley case in a local newspaper as a success for their version of the AMBER alert system. In fact it was not; she was found murdered after her abduction from a daycare. None of my opponents has shown any concern or interest in dealing with this important issue. We should expect more from our elected officials.
(4) The county jail is a major issue facing the board. Scott County has only two court-compliance counselors to oversee an 80,000-case load annually. When I asked one of the counselors for a business card so I could talk to her at depth about her job, she laughed and said it wasn't in their budget. This may sound silly to some, but if two people dealing with that kind of caseload can't even get business cards to hand to their clients, how can we possibly expect them to do an efficient job? My opponents' solution to the jail issue is to build a new jail or defer all decisions to the Community Jail & Alternatives Advisory Committee. My immediate solution would be to take on more court-compliance counselors along with expanded home incarceration so that nonviolent criminals don't have to be jailed and keep the violent criminals incarcerated for their full term. This could also allow us to stop spending a major portion of $1.3 million yearly to house our inmates in other counties.
Douglas J. Walter
Democrat
(1) Bonding capacity/investing in our future: Scott County has the potential to bond up to $350 million. We now have only one bond, the $5 million River Renaissance investment, which is less than 2 percent of our capacity. The City of Davenport is presently bonded at 57 percent of capacity. The Board of Supervisors has the potential to be a much-needed catalyst in the economic development of all areas of Scott County with wise investments. Scott County's population declined in the 2000 census. Linn and Polk counties' populations increased. The Linn and Polk counties' boards of supervisors bonded wisely and invested in their future. It is paying off. Given historically low interest rates today, it is foolish not to invest in our future. We seem to be stuck in neutral. The time to shift gears and accelerate is now! All three Republican candidates are proud of the fact that we are not bonding. When forced to bond $5 million for the River Renaissance Project or lose $30 million Vision Iowa monies, Vision Iowa board members expressed disbelief that Scott County had absolutely no bonds. Scott County is in serious trouble! We need to be pro-active, not reactive in planning for future. We can be a catalyst in attracting new employers who pay a decent living wage rather than watch our graduates move Linn County, Polk County, or out-of-state.
(2) Visibility: As I door-knock, phone-bank, and go to various functions in Scott County, I am repeatedly asked: "What exactly does the board of supervisors do?" The board can and should be a key shaker and mover in the economic and physical revitalization of the entire county, not just the riverfront. We should insist on having board meetings televised. We should use information technology to maximize exposure and get our citizens involved in key decision facing the county. My opponents conduct most of their business on Tuesday mornings while most Scott county residents at are work and cannot attend. Being a board member has become a part-time job with full-time pay and benefits. I suggest that if we continue in this fashion, board of supervisors members should agree to a 20-percent reduction in salary.
(3) Local control: All three Republican candidates stated that they are in favor of state control of all decisions regarding the placement of large livestock confinement facilities (hog lots). At a recent Farm Bureau function I attended, all three candidates suggested that we cannot trust the County Zoning Commission to make decisions about this issue. I do not agree. The Zoning Commission makes decisions about every other industry in Scott County and should do the same with hog lots.
(4) Helping professions: The Scott County Board of Supervisors will face a monumental task over the next four years allocating and funneling ever-shrinking state and federal monies to private, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. They are having a very difficult time helping meet the needs of our citizens. I'm still learning the budget and funding streams for the board, but know well that our attention must be focused on all consumers.
My opponents are content with the status quo and act surprised that crime rates have risen by 16 percent in the past six months. We should expect nothing less given our stagnated economy and drastic cuts in human services to our most needy populations. But then again this population does not vote in large numbers or contribute to the campaign coffers of our sitting Republican board members, who cater to the wants of our most well-to-do population.
We sent this question to more than 70 candidates in contested races on the ballots in Scott and Rock Island counties. More than 30 candidates answered the call, and their responses are included here.
Keep in mind that we asked candidates to be brief, to be specific, to contrast their positions with those of their opponent(s), and to back up their claims. We'll leave it you to decide how well they followed those guidelines.
This exercise is intended as a supplement to other information voters should consider before casting their ballots.
Scott County Treasurer
Tom Engelmann
Democrat
Among the important issues to the next term of office for Scott County treasurer are:
(1) Service levels: The county treasurer's office should be open some evenings for easier access for all citizens. The current treasurer is pleased that they are open until 5 p.m. daily and from 9 to noon on Saturday, but that is only convenient for the treasurer, not average working people.
(2) Investment of county funds: I believe the County should invest more taxpayer dollars in local banks that invest back into the community. This is simple to do - just make the loan-to-savings ratio of the interested banks part of the equation on where you invest taxpayer dollars. The current treasurer does not believe in doing this, but I believe it is essential to promote economic growth in the community.
(3) Ability to work with people of all political persuasions: During my tenure on the Davenport City Council I have demonstrated an ability to work across party lines to advance the city and projects such as River Renaissance. I have also been instrumental in helping forge partnerships between the city, businesses and labor, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to pursue the advancement of the entire community.
Bill Fennelly
Republican
I've been the treasurer of Scott County for eight years, and I've been able to implement many changes and improvements in the office during that period. Outlining differences between my opponent and me is difficult because I'm not sure what he sees as "issues" and, as far as I know, he hasn't really said how he'd make the office more efficient than it already is. As most know, my office handles all motor-vehicle registrations in the county, as well as collects property taxes. There are a number of changes I've implemented that directly affect the taxpayers. I have ensured that Scott County tax dollars are invested only in Scott County banks. My office has been at the forefront statewide in offering a satellite office and universal clerks for taxpayers and recently we moved this office, called the County General Store, in with the State of Iowa driver's license station on Kimberly Road in Davenport. The more convenient we are, the happier our customers are. With that in mind, we recently began a program by which taxpayers can pay their property taxes simply by logging on to their home computers, using a credit card or electronic check for payment. We are also working to provide online payment service for motor-vehicle renewals.
I've also implemented changes within the office that won't be as readily apparent but are important to good service nonetheless. My entire staff has been thoroughly cross-trained so that they can help out citizens in all aspects of what we do. These are just a few of the things I've been working on as treasurer.
Change is often difficult but necessary. I continue to work for change, for those things that will help the taxpayers and will make their encounters with county government as pleasant as possible.
Scott County Recorder
Rita Vargas
Democrat
www.RitaVargas.com
Personal background: I have lived in Scott County my whole life (44 years) and have an 18-year-old daughter who is currently a freshman at Iowa Wesleyan College. I graduated from Central High School in 1977 and have a BA from Marycrest College.
Occupation: District representative for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin for over 13 years. I have a 37-county assignment area for which I handle casework for Social Security, Medicare, immigration, passport services, child support, social services, civil rights, day care, and insurance. I am also responsible for the day-to-day operations of Senator Harkin's Davenport office and assisting with his scheduling arrangements.
Community experience: I serve on the board of Community Health Care, Big Brothers/Big Sister of the Quad Cities, the Local School Improvement Advisory Committee, past board member of Davenport D.A.R.E. , past United Way Planning Committee member, past state director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and past LULAC state treasurer.
I have left off many other committees that I have been involved with because I do not want to appear like I am bragging. I do want you to know, though, I have learned a great deal from my vast experience with these community groups and I believe this knowledge is an asset I will bring to the recorder's office.
I am sorry I am unable to compare myself with my opponent to the length you might with other races, but at the very least I can state that I have created a Web site (http://www.RitaVargas.com) to allow access and information about myself. I have campaigned door-to-door, attended events, and communicated with the voting public the issues important to this race. I am running for the Scott County Recorder's seat based on three important beliefs: my continued commitment to serving my community; my desire to aid in the development of our e-government system with the addition of a Geographic Information System (GIS); and my belief that the recorder's office should play a greater role in working together with other departments in establishing a responsible growth plan for both rural and urban areas of the county. I look forward to the exciting challenges our county will face in the next decade and plan to be an active participant. My experience of working for Senator Harkin helping citizens communicate with state and federal agencies will bring a fresh perspective to county government. My ability to act decisively and confidently on new ideas and technology will help improve the efficiency of the recorder's office. Customer service is the cornerstone of the recorder's office, and my abilities to listen, assess, and make sound judgments are vital skills that I will bring to this public-service position.
I look forward to working with the current staff at the recorder's office and continuing the Hagen tradition of friendly service. Improving data access and data quality are areas that I have been told need to be evaluated. We need someone with vision and someone who will be looking for our county's future needs to direct the recorder's office into the e-government world, and I'm that person.
Scott County Board of Supervisors
Vote for three
Gregory P. Adamson
Republican
http:www.gpadamson.com
Because the three Democratic candidates for Scott County supervisor did not run in the primaries in June and have not held any elected offices, it would be presumptuous of me to guess their positions on any significant issues. I can tell you and the citizens of Scott County what I think are some of the important issues, and a little about me.
Personal background: I am married to Sandra and have three children and four grandchildren. I am a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities and a resident of Scott County for 44 years. I have served as an officer on the Bettendorf Police Department for 30 years and currently hold the rank of captain. I am currently the Operations Division commander. This division includes all uniformed patrol officers, traffic bureau, and several other support functions. I am also retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel in the Military Police Corps, having served 29 years on active duty and as a reservist.
Educational background: I attended Davenport schools starting in the fifth grade. I graduated from Davenport West High School in 1966. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Muscatine Community College in 1973; my B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose College in 1975; and my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western Illinois University in 1990.
I taught as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Clinton and Scott Community Colleges for 10 semesters in the Criminal Justice Department.
I received extensive education in the military to include : Officer Candidate School, where I received my commission as a second lieutenant in the field artillery in 1967. I graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I also served as an instructor for the Army Command & General Staff College later in my military career.
In 1994, I graduated from the FBI National Academy located at Quantico, Virginia.
Public/political offices/experience: I am currently serving in my third consecutive elected term on the Bettendorf Park Board. I have completed seven years of service to date. I am presently the chairperson of the Bettendorf Park Board.
I am an active life member of the Bettendorf Optimist Club. I have served as past president and chairperson of several project committees.
I am an active member of the Republican Party, served on the credentials committee, and am a state delegate, precinct co-captain, and a member of the Scott County Central Committee.
I am an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Bettendorf and am a member of the Bettendorf Chapter of the American Legion. I have served on numerous boards and commissions working toward the betterment of the community.
Goals for the next four years: If elected my main goals would be to serve the public in a professional manner, to be accessible to all citizens and to be reasonable, respectful, and willing to listen to everyone's points of view. Four years from now I want the voters of Scott County to feel that I have been an efficient and effective county supervisor.
My specific goals are:
• Support the second phase of the Scott County Jail & Alternatives project. Provide direction to the issues of jail overcrowding, future operations, and funding.
• Support the sheriff and his staff as they continue to provide positive, efficient, effective, and professional law-enforcement services to all Scott County residents.
• Support and encourage economic development, jobs, and intergovernmental cooperation.
• Strongly support the current process to replace the I-74 bridge as quickly as possible.
• Maintain the county's low tax rate while still providing excellent county services in order to make Scott County an attractive place to live and work.
• Encourage technology modernization to allow county employees to work efficiently and effectively and provide easy access of information to Scott County citizens.
• Provide direction and leadership in order to respond efficiently and effectively to problems that will present themselves in the future.
Otto L. Ewoldt
Republican
I have served on a variety of volunteer boards and positions for the past 50 years. I have served two years on the LeClaire City Council, seven years on the LeClaire school board, and 12 years as a Scott County supervisor. I feel I have the experiences and qualifications to be elected as Scott County supervisor.
I support our CJAAC (Community Jail & Alternative Advisory Committee), currently made up of 68 volunteers. As a supervisor I helped form this group that represents all of Scott County.
I don't believe in bonding if we don't have to, even if interest rates are low right now. We know if we build a new jail it will have to be bonded.
Larry E. Minard
Republican
The Board of Supervisors is going to be faced with a number of major challenges during the next four years. I will define them and offer a brief opinion about each.
(1) Resolving the problem of over-crowding at the jail. We are fortunate to have an excellent committee of professionals and interested citizens searching for the best possible answers. Most likely it will combine an expansion of alternatives to incarceration and a bricks-and-mortar solution. I will give the final recommendations careful study and, I trust, my full support.
(2) Maintaining excellent service with the least possible impact upon property taxes. I will endeavor to continue the award-winning performance-based budgeting and accountability procedures that have been a hallmark of Scott County government for over a decade. These have given us the lowest property-tax levy of the eight largest counties in Iowa. The challenge here is that the state's financial difficulties do spill over onto local governments and can have a negative impact on property taxes.
(3) Building effective working relationships with others. One of the best ways to make the most of limited resources is to work in partnership with municipalities and organizations within Scott County. It takes time and patience to build these relationships, and I have been supportive of them. Through the good offices of the Bi-State Regional Commission and the Quad-City Development Group, the county has made significant progress in working more closely with our representatives in Des Moines and Washington.
(4) Moving to e-government. I support the commitment the board has made to update our technology to include geographic information and electronic storage systems. These are expensive but will efficiently serve the citizens of the county. We have begun planning a system that can be integrated with that of Davenport, Bettendorf, the municipalities within Scott County, and private business. It will be Internet-accessible and will equal or surpass in usability any in the region.
I have over 25 years experience in local government, both as an appointed and elected official. I bring the time, the energy, and the interest to meet these challenges to benefit all the citizens of Scott County.
Cammie Pohl
Democrat
(1) As county supervisor I intend to listen to everyone in the county and not just a select few. My opponents have been absent in this area and in my travels across the county, many people have told me how nice it would be to have someone listen to their concerns.
(2) I would like to allow Scott County residents to see and understand how county government works. We can do this by televising board meetings. None of my current opponents has talked about this, but I feel it is a great way to put people in touch with what the board is doing.
(3) I feel we need a true AMBER alert system in Scott County. Guidelines need to be established for the sheriff's and local police departments to follow so that missing children are found alive. Three months ago a member of the Scott County sheriff's department quoted the Breanna Mosley case in a local newspaper as a success for their version of the AMBER alert system. In fact it was not; she was found murdered after her abduction from a daycare. None of my opponents has shown any concern or interest in dealing with this important issue. We should expect more from our elected officials.
(4) The county jail is a major issue facing the board. Scott County has only two court-compliance counselors to oversee an 80,000-case load annually. When I asked one of the counselors for a business card so I could talk to her at depth about her job, she laughed and said it wasn't in their budget. This may sound silly to some, but if two people dealing with that kind of caseload can't even get business cards to hand to their clients, how can we possibly expect them to do an efficient job? My opponents' solution to the jail issue is to build a new jail or defer all decisions to the Community Jail & Alternatives Advisory Committee. My immediate solution would be to take on more court-compliance counselors along with expanded home incarceration so that nonviolent criminals don't have to be jailed and keep the violent criminals incarcerated for their full term. This could also allow us to stop spending a major portion of $1.3 million yearly to house our inmates in other counties.
Douglas J. Walter
Democrat
(1) Bonding capacity/investing in our future: Scott County has the potential to bond up to $350 million. We now have only one bond, the $5 million River Renaissance investment, which is less than 2 percent of our capacity. The City of Davenport is presently bonded at 57 percent of capacity. The Board of Supervisors has the potential to be a much-needed catalyst in the economic development of all areas of Scott County with wise investments. Scott County's population declined in the 2000 census. Linn and Polk counties' populations increased. The Linn and Polk counties' boards of supervisors bonded wisely and invested in their future. It is paying off. Given historically low interest rates today, it is foolish not to invest in our future. We seem to be stuck in neutral. The time to shift gears and accelerate is now! All three Republican candidates are proud of the fact that we are not bonding. When forced to bond $5 million for the River Renaissance Project or lose $30 million Vision Iowa monies, Vision Iowa board members expressed disbelief that Scott County had absolutely no bonds. Scott County is in serious trouble! We need to be pro-active, not reactive in planning for future. We can be a catalyst in attracting new employers who pay a decent living wage rather than watch our graduates move Linn County, Polk County, or out-of-state.
(2) Visibility: As I door-knock, phone-bank, and go to various functions in Scott County, I am repeatedly asked: "What exactly does the board of supervisors do?" The board can and should be a key shaker and mover in the economic and physical revitalization of the entire county, not just the riverfront. We should insist on having board meetings televised. We should use information technology to maximize exposure and get our citizens involved in key decision facing the county. My opponents conduct most of their business on Tuesday mornings while most Scott county residents at are work and cannot attend. Being a board member has become a part-time job with full-time pay and benefits. I suggest that if we continue in this fashion, board of supervisors members should agree to a 20-percent reduction in salary.
(3) Local control: All three Republican candidates stated that they are in favor of state control of all decisions regarding the placement of large livestock confinement facilities (hog lots). At a recent Farm Bureau function I attended, all three candidates suggested that we cannot trust the County Zoning Commission to make decisions about this issue. I do not agree. The Zoning Commission makes decisions about every other industry in Scott County and should do the same with hog lots.
(4) Helping professions: The Scott County Board of Supervisors will face a monumental task over the next four years allocating and funneling ever-shrinking state and federal monies to private, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. They are having a very difficult time helping meet the needs of our citizens. I'm still learning the budget and funding streams for the board, but know well that our attention must be focused on all consumers.
My opponents are content with the status quo and act surprised that crime rates have risen by 16 percent in the past six months. We should expect nothing less given our stagnated economy and drastic cuts in human services to our most needy populations. But then again this population does not vote in large numbers or contribute to the campaign coffers of our sitting Republican board members, who cater to the wants of our most well-to-do population.
