Candidate Q&A: Tina Gillispie-Clawson
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By Times staff | Wednesday, September 26, 2007 |
Tina Gillispie-Clawson (FILE PHOTO) Buy this Photo
Office sought: Davenport, at-large
What are the most significant challenges facing the neighborhoods? How would I address them?
These are a few of the challenges, but it certainly depends on what part of Davenport you are living in. Some neighborhoods have already taken up the challenge of forming “watch groups” and working with the police to solve crime. Others have embraced historic preservation and refurbished homes that would have otherwise been destroyed.
— Foreclosures on homes and the loss of stability in our neighborhoods. I would work with agencies to help homeowners keep their homes and strengthen them with education tools and support.
— The need for strengthening our neighbors through community policing and focusing the abilities and effectiveness of neighborhood crime watches which puts more “eyes on the street.” Continue to strengthen prevention efforts such as gang education/intervention programs and working with business owners to make their facilities less vulnerable to the attraction of criminal activities with the use of lighting, adequate security systems and procedures. Have neighbors become proactive by getting to know their neighborhood and improve quality of life through partnering with each other.
— I would step up curfew enforcement and introduce “traffic-calming” devices in high-risk areas where traffic needs to be slowed down.
What’s most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
The most important function of city government is to provide the basic city services and infrastructure needed for the health and welfare of its citizens — clean drinking water, sewer and wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste collection and disposal, fire and police protection, and a reliable network of streets for mobility. All needs to be functioning well for the city to maintain proper health.
My approach would be to adequately fund these public services while in office.
What are the city’s most important infrastructure needs?
The west-side sewer diversion tunnel is important because in order for new development to take place, this needs to be finished or otherwise we will be placing a strain on our system that is already burdened and out-of-date.
How would you approach economic development?
I would improve our community image and work closely with all business leaders, not just the downtown business leaders but all business leaders small and large ones. When I am elected, I will be in a position to work on two budget cycles and that should include working with the chamber of commerce to establish and promote Davenport for new businesses that will move into our neighborhoods to help with jobs and add to building up our city’s tax base.
Does the city have enough officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council’s role in promoting public safety?
No, we don’t currently have enough officers for the job. We need to deploy officers efficiently and where they can be the most effective, and that is in the neighborhoods not behind a desk. I would like to see foot patrols and promote public safety as No. 1 on my list. Being a veteran from the USMC and currently working for Homeland Security, I see that we need to be vigilant in our reduction of crime on the small scale before it becomes a major problem.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?
I am ready to take up the challenge of being an effective community leader, to promote on a common ground the needs of Davenport constituents and legislate with fairness for all. I do think it matters to maintain professionalism while being a role model for people who look to you for answers and for the onlookers who see Davenport as a city that may not always solve internal issues very well.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the city do to encourage the Isle to do?
I sat in on the meetings where the Isle was talking about moving near the dam. I was against that whole plan because of the disruption of the spawning areas. I thought the riverboat should not dock permanently to the downtown because it blocked the view of the river and what is a boat for, to cruise. I was against the 10-story hotel there also. I thought the Isle of Capri could move out on Brady Street to promote the attention it needs for revitalization. This is an important area in our town that is slowing dying. I believe the RiverCenter came into the discussions because Davenport is losing money, but that just means we haven’t capitalized on its strengths and promoted it enough. We could look at Credit Island also.
What is your vision for Davenport?
Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there.
They cause change and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there. — John Kotter
If given the chance, I will promote Davenport positively and I will work as a legislative member of the council to work with and for my constituents in this city. I will reach out to community leaders, volunteers and youth to help them have a better understanding of government. My vision is one that embraces the spirit of our founding fathers and that saw the potential for growth, endless possibilities for this river city.
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