In the past month, I have found two sources of simple but enormous pleasure, where I feel welcome and pampered as a patron. The first was my discovery of a small Conoco service station at the corner of 2nd and Warren streets in downtown Davenport, just a block west of the Centennial Bridge.

On Christmas Eve of 2001, another dear and cherished friend of my family died, Jim Ven Horst. Jim was 88 years wonderful. Jim wed two lovely women in his life. His first wife, Florine - with whom he had three childen, Joe, Roger, and Debbie - died almost 20 years ago.
On December 29, 2001, my husband Todd and I had the privilege of witnessing our news and arts editor, Jeff Ignatius, marry to his beautiful bride, Pamela Kennerly, in Springfield, Illinois. It was an occasion for true celebration because their union holds all the magical promise of real and abiding love.
On December 19, 2001, Mayor Phil Yerington presided over his final council meeting as mayor of Davenport. The occasion was marked with some very touching and humorous moments, especially when Martha Haire, Phil's administrative assistant, presented him with a ceremonial barstool, complete with names and events that will serve to remind Phil of many events throughout his tenure.
My sadness appears to know no bounds in 2001. So many truly marvelous people have passed. None more so than Larry Jonson, our friend and mentor, who died in his home December 11, at the age of 73, after a long illness.
Unless the public relentlessly watches Channel 13 to observe the conduct of Davenport's elected officials, they unfortunately miss those things that exemplify some of the manipulative pettiness that prevails. Mayor Yerington, who is still the presiding mayor for those aldermen who obviously need reminding, petitioned to fill a vacancy on the Plan and Zoning Commission left by Tom Melchert after he resigned due to job constraints on his time.
Davenport had another dismal civic failure on the part of its citizens with the disgraceful voter turnout for the mayoral race November 6. A pitiful few bothered to vote, practically guaranteeing a continued apathy on the part of our elected officials toward the broader public concerns.
Suzie Martens, a dear friend of my entire family, passed last week amidst the comfort and love of her family. Suzie had battled cancer for years, and battle she did. She actually survived much longer than her doctors predicted, but those who knew her were not remotely surprised.
The Reader has been publishing since 1993, which means we've witnessed a fair number of elections. None has been so fraught with dirty politics than Davenport's 5th Ward race between incumbent Wayne Hean and his opponent Bill Holgerson.
Next week, Davenport voters will have the opportunity to vote for their new mayor and city council. A precious few of you bothered to turn out for the primary, so now you have to live with the slate of candidates before you.

Pages