Candidate Q&A: Nathan Brown
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By Times staff | Wednesday, September 26, 2007 |
Nathan Brown (FILE PHOTO) Buy this Photo
Office sought: Davenport, 1st Ward
What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods? How would you address them?
Right now there is a lack of communication with neighborhoods in the First Ward and an increased need to return a sense of community to the area. Too many people are afraid of their own neighbors and are frightened to step outside. Sometimes people buy a house and don't know how to be a good neighbor. Neighborhood groups help teach those that are new. I feel that neighborhood groups empower neighbors to take back and care for their neighborhood by coming together and deciding, as a group, what direction their area should take. I believe that neighborhood organizations create an opportunity to talk with their local officials about more specific issues facing their area. Working together to talk with officers and address problem areas before things get out of control is also a more efficient use of police time. The Garden Addition is a great example of what a good neighborhood group can do. Together with help from the city, they are creating green spaces, reducing crime, conducting neighborhood cleanups, and overall, just talking and watching out for each other. If elected, I will work with the various neighborhoods to start their own groups and will strive to be an active participant in providing these groups the help they need in order to succeed.
What's most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
I don't believe either is more important than the other. You can have the greatest services in the world, but if there is nothing to do, people will go somewhere else on the weekend to spend their money. You also can have a lot of amenities that sit empty because basic services and needs are not being met. There has to be a balanced approach between the two. As a husband and father, I want to know that my family and home is safe and secure. I also want to know that we don't have to go out of town to attend family-oriented activities and events. As alderman, I want the opportunity to help make Davenport a place that my children can grow up in, be proud to live in and want to stay when they start their family.
What are the city's most important infrastructure needs?
I feel that the project that would positively affect the future of Davenport the most is the west-side sewer diversion tunnel project. By completing this forward-looking project, it opens a lot more of Davenport for development, an increase in the tax base, and is an investment in future growth. How would you approach economic development?
Economic development needs to be focused with the future in mind. We need to attract businesses that are not only good for the city, but good for the community. The Quad-Cities has a lot to offer and Davenport should be the leader in actively seeking out and bringing new companies to the area.
Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council's role in promoting public safety?
I don't think there can ever be "enough" police. What we need to do is use the officers we have more efficiently. By working with the neighborhood groups, police can be more efficient in troubleshooting neighborhood problems. We all know of a problem house in our neighborhoods, what matters is that we tell someone that can do something about it. As alderman, I will encourage the creation of neighborhood groups, and by working with them, along with police, we will produce a more efficient use of officers and deter crime before it escalates.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?
I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything. Everyone has their own ideas, concerns and suggestions; and no one is right all the time. I take an objective approach when working with others in tackling problems that we face. If there is something where there is no or little agreement, then we will have to agree to disagree. Once a decision has been made though, I will not carry a grudge. I do not have any axes to grind and am willing to work with anyone that wants to make Davenport a shining success.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the city encourage the Isle to do?
If the Isle of Capri wants to move off-shore, I think they should not move into the RiverCenter. I would like to see downtown Davenport become the destination spot with a vibrant riverfront. With all the things that Davenport has to offer, the casino should not be our identity, rather it should be a compliment to the many other attractions the city has to offer.
What is your vision for Davenport?
Davenport is a great city with a lot of potential. I am excited about the opportunity to make it even better. I want to help empower the people of Davenport to become more than just residents. As active members of the community, I know that we can face any challenges that come our way. I want to help foster a newfound pride in our city. I intend on doing this by focusing on the positives, energetically tackling the negatives and by creating a more family-friendly environment. As alderman, I will work with my fellow council members, as a team, to make Davenport a great example of what a strong community can do. As Midwesterners, during adversity, we instinctively roll up our sleeves and work together in order to overcome any obstacles. In this election, with your vote, we can start to stand up, as a community, and say, "Let's get to work."
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