Last night I attended a public meeting and input session sponsored by Alderman Frink at the Roosevelt Community Center. In typical QCI-style I was a couple minutes late, which was not helped by the fact that 2 of the 3 doors into the former school were locked. Alderman Meyer (also late) was having a similar problem, but fortunately I was there to let him in. Alderman Barnhill also attended, and so did Clayton Lloyd and some additional city employees. I'd say there were about 20 or 25 community members present also. This is slightly more than Alderman Hamerlinck got at his first meeting, and now he gets over 100, so hopefully attendance will continue to grow at these as well.
When I arrived, Alderman Frink was showing some information about tonight's test/demonstration of the potential lighting on Lock and Dam 15. (Article about the test in the QCTimes) People were generally asking why we were considering doing such a thing, and Ian talked about the importance of first impressions on visitors, and how we tend to take the river and its surroundings for granted. It may have been discussed before I got there, but I hope someone asked whether the installation and maintenance costs would be shared with Rock Island and/or the Corps of Engineers. This downtown topic sparked a discussion of whether we should be spending money on projects downtown, but it wasn't nearly as confrontational and accusatory as I expected the meeting to be.
The other main topics of the meeting were the automated garbage collection, and the NEO changes. It was pointed out that the NEO will be going away at the exact same time that they are most needed when all the kinks are being experienced with the new garbage system. Very few people at the meeting seemed in favor of the changes to the NEO, with a possible exception of Alderman Meyer, who defended it as "not a final plan." Its clear that with less than 2 months to go before the changes take place, that many things are still up in the air. I felt bad for Frink because he was somewhat on the defense about the inspection changes, despite the fact that it was Alderman Lynn's idea.
There was also quite a bit of discussion of what we can do to attract more businesses here, and some talk about the reasons that Triumph isn't an option for northwest Davenport. (Not big enough sewers) During the talk of Triumph I didn't hear anyone say that they wouldn't have wanted them here anyway, so I suspect that they would have faced less opposition in Davenport. Silvis wouldn't have been the wrench in the gears at least. There were lots more smaller issues discussed, and any of you that were there feel free to post them or your general reactions to the meeting in the comments. I may make another post as I remember more, but generally I thought it was a pretty good meeting.
19 comments:
Couldn't tell by the picture. Any political want to bee's attending.
Remember, we are only 18 months away from the November election.
Dam lighting design cost is being paid primarily by a grant from the RDA. Cities of RI, Davenport, Davenport One and Renaissance RI also chipped in. Sharing of installation and maintenenace cost, unknown at this point, is yet to be determined. Download a survey, come down to the riverfront and observe tonight's test, fill in and return the survey. The more participation, the better.
Just wondering, was Van Fossen at the meeting? After all it was held in his ward and attended by his constituents.
Oh, I forgot! Tuesday is one of his nights to get soused at Blueport Junction.
I know, I know, am I ever going to let up on him? The answer is NO, the guy’s a bum. Then again I might cut back a little if the bum would pay his property taxes.
Oh, by the way, he wasn’t that great of a cop either. He was right up there with Murphy in my book.
Frink will never get near the crowd that Alderman Hamerlinck draws at his ward meeting. Alderman Hamerlinck has this uncanny ability for public speaking that people just can't get enough of. If you notice at council meetings the only two alderman that people try to clap for is Keith Meyers and Alderman Hamerlinck. I've never noticed anyone clapping and getting slapped down by the mayor for applauding something Frink says. We can only hope that Shawn is Davenport's next mayor.
Alderman Frink got almost 6000 more votes than Hamerlinck (spread over the whole city, of course) and only 1000 less than Winborn, despite being in a 4 person race. Shawn's a great guy, but his popularity won't extend to the east side. Just because someone can say what some people want to hear about how the city's wasting money doesn't mean they can win for mayor. Ask Niky.
That was before people knew the real Fink, er I mean Frink!
I voted for Frink. Won't make that mistake again!
Hamerlink is a waste of oxygen!
It would be hard for me to believe that someone who was on the board of directors of D1 would have tricked anyone into thinking he was a Hamerlinck/Meyer type. I bet most people knew who they were voting for when they gave him their vote.
QCI, next time when you are not out shooting pics of decaying buildings, come to Hamerlinck's monthly ward meeting again and just notice on the sign-in sheet that the addresses are from various wards throughout the city. The kid has appeal and is growing in supporters while Frink may be a nice guy but is loosing supporters.
It won't matter to QCI....he is obviously quite infatuated with Frink!
I'm not claiming there aren't Hamerlinck fans around town, I am just pointing out that I don't think he could win on the east side. His meetings tend to bring out the same vocal minority that supports Niky, or was against River Renaissance.
For the record, I somewhat consider myself a "Hamerlinck fan." Although we don't agree on the issues, I still think he's an excellent Alderman. He's representing his ward, and what they want. I just don't think he'll be mayor in 2008.
I would like to see him as Alderman At Large, and then with experience the mayor's gig would be a cake walk.
I think your city would like to see some effective and less tethered alderman at large.
Ahmen!
Remember when QCI was in love with McGivern?
mou mou mou! (those are wet kisses)
More like "remember when" people accuse me of strange things for no reason. I unfortunately do.
One of your comforting attributes QCI is that you have this awe like attitude towards public figures - I have seen it first hand from you. I think you are scared of some people in this town - it is because you are young. It is fine.
If you say so...
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