The 3rd ward is the heart of the city. This is where 19th century Davenport began and the place Jack and I have called home since we came to the Quad Cities over twenty-five years ago.
Those of you who know me understand how determined I am that our heritage neighborhoods become strong, vibrant places for Davenport families to thrive and flourish. That’s exactly why I first ran for alderman in 2017—to ensure that the neighborhoods of the 3rd Ward as well as those across the city have a strong voice in how city hall does its job every day and how we, together, plan for the future. Investments of all kinds are important to a municipality; Davenport home owners are citizen investors who, quite literally, bought into this town despite many other nearby options.
It has been exciting to see projects like DREAM and, for the first time, annual budgeting to repair neighborhood streets, programs that are positively impacting neighborhoods. Locations like our downtown and old commercial corridors The Village, Hilltop and Washington Street rediscovering their unique sense of place.
But we have challenges. We still have too many empty and abandoned houses whose fates we don’t control. We still struggle with too many dis-invested places along our industrial west end corridor. People want to feel safer in their neighborhoods. Our state legislature often makes decisions antithetical to urban places.
But there are opportunities as well. Since I came to council, we have faced flooding, pandemic, a derecho, civil unrest, and other catastrophes. Despite all of these obstacles, our city is fiscally sound due to conservative budget practices and aggressive and successful pursuit of outside funding.
Like the well-loved characters in the Wizard of Oz who were sometimes unsure of their capabilities, I believe we have the heart, the brains, and the courage to robustly address emerging issues while keeping our eyes open for future opportunities.
I pledge to continue work hard for the 3rd ward and for Davenport. I can only do this with your support and your help. I hope I can count on you in the coming months.