Candidate Q&A: Gene Meeker
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By Times staff | Wednesday, September 26, 2007 |
Gene Meeker (FILE PHOTO) Buy this Photo
Office sought: Davenport at-large
What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods? How would you address them?
Neighborhoods are vital to the ever-changing community as they provide stability and meaning to an area. They bring people together to share common goals and direction. They are also going through a transition as people are free to move about and determine where they want to live. Some are showing age and deterioration while others are dynamic and prosperous. I believe we should recognize distinctive neighborhoods and provide essential programs that will assist in their rejuvenation and make them attractive so families will desire to remain and become part of the stability. The city has on-going programs that are working like the Neighborhood Partnership Program that I am familiar with, innovative policing programs to reduce crime in neighborhoods and housing assistance projects. I will support them and become involved in their promotion and application.
What's most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
There is no reason why we cannot provide basic services and amenities as well. We have been doing that successfully for a number of years. It does not have to be a choice. People demand basic services and they want better attractions and activities. Recent votes of our people for better schools, museums, county facilities and other amenities show our desires like John O'Donnell Stadium and Centennial Park. At the same time, we are paving streets, recycling refuse, playing golf, fighting fires and protecting our citizens. Let's keep the momentum going. With good leadership we can do both. I will support a balance.
What are the city's most important infrastructure needs?
The city definitely needs the west-side diversion tunnel if we are to continue to grow and provide essential services. The railroad spur to the east-side Industrial Park is needed to attract major industries with good-paying jobs. The continual upgrading of our streets and highways is a continual priority especially the Brady and Harrison couplets. I would also like to see additional traffic calming on River Drive through the downtown area.
How would you approach economic development?
I have been involved in economic development programs for many years as a Chamber of Commerce executive. To be effective, it takes a partnership between the private business community and the governmental agencies working together. Each have certain assets they can bring to the table and it takes the skills of a professional staff, both from business and government to negotiate an acceptable deal. The competition for new business and industry is fierce. Our best potential comes from within the metro area. As a council member, I would actively seek out opportunities for new and expanded business in conjunction with the Quad-City Development Corp., DavenportOne, Bi-State and state agencies. Incentives must be retained in our repertoire on a selective basis to be competitive. New jobs and expanded tax base are the necessary ingredients to provide for growth and essential city services. Let's market the daylights to show that we have PRIDE in our community.
Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the City Council's role in promoting public safety?
The City Council is mandated to provide for the public safety of its residents. It is one of our top priorities. Whether the city has enough police officers is another question. We have been adding to the number of officers through the years and bringing on civilian personnel to provide desk and office jobs thus freeing up officers for police work. I support adding police through the budgeting process and incrementally each year. We can only efficiently add a certain number of new officers each year. Let’s see if the new police facility and consolidated dispatch center add greater efficiencies as promised in the short term. I understand that the police department currently has the largest number of officers on the force in our history. I am not qualified too determine if the officers are deployed properly. I leave that up to the chiefs who are trained and experienced in police personnel and tactics.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member? Or does it matter?
There will be disagreements between and among council members. I have yet to see total acquiescence by all council members on all issues. I will work diligently to reach a consensus in discussions with council members in a civil and respectful manner. If not possible, we will vote our convictions again in a civil and respectful manner. I will always show respect to my fellow council members, citizens and city staff. I would expect the same from them. The main ingredient to a successful and smooth working council is communication.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the City encourage the Isle to do?
I have not seen the formal proposal from the Isle to the city, but understand they desire to lease the RiverCenter South for a gaming casino and construct a new hotel south of the center. I do not oppose the move inland for a casino, but we need more dialogue on the specific locations and research all the alternatives. There is still plenty of time for negotiations and the ability to reach mutual agreement. I understand the citizens who attended the series of meetings did not support the leasing of the RiverCenter. I concur with that consensus. I do want the Rhythm City Casino to remain in Davenport and hopefully in the downtown area. The City Council should work with the riverboat to achieve that objective. I also believe that the local taxpayers should not have to absorb any costs to relocate the riverboat.
What is your vision for Davenport?
I am so excited about the growth potential of this city. We have every opportunity to grow and prosper. It is essential that citizens are provided the opportunity to give voice and direction to approved goals and objectives through their respective council members and receive these benefits equally. I see a dynamic city with a diversified business and industrial base; one that provides quality services to all areas of the city; one that protects its people and property; one that plays and prays together and one that demands excellence in educating its children. We must focus collectively on the agreed-upon objectives toward community betterment. We can have it all if we have "PRIDE" in our community and work hard at it. It does not come easily.
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