I really don't have much new to say about this, so everyone should take a look at the many discussion of this on SoLo and the Colonel's blogs.
It pretty much comes down to one sentence for me, and that's , "Davenport doesn't need this." I like to make fun of Illinois politics for being dirty and corrupt, but this time its a bit of corruption for Davenport to be embarrassed about. The Moline cops get a break for a while.
I really don't like the QCRPA. I don't think they're all evil like many people do. In fact, I think the majority of the members, and EVEN most of the leaders, are probably decent people and good landlords.
...However. When we get into things like election-time autodialers, attack ads, doing their best to catch people they don't like breaking the law, buying aldermen, or making illicit deals with city staff, there's nothing to like.
I firmly believe that its possible to be an advocate for Quad City landlords without badgering voters, aldermen, and city staff, and WITHOUT autodialers. I don't think a group should have enough power to successfully push for the elimination of the department that regulates their industry. I believe the rank and file members of QCRPA need to stand up and ask for new leadership, or a new direction for that organization. Politics is a rough enough business without a group bringing out the worst aspects of it.
5 comments:
Having worked in both the private and public sector, I knew when I chose to take a government job, I was going to be held to a higher standard. Not only must one's conduct be above reproach, the appearance of one's activities on the job - and off - are scrutinized by the public. What may be considered quid pro quo in the private sector, is "bribery" or "preferential treatment" in the public realm.
having been on the receiving end of ignorance, withholding information, willful "misinformation" and other tactics doled out by city staff I can understand the need for aggressive tactics to promote a position or simply to defend oneself. IF some of the QCRPA's points have merit, the city should be able to respond professionally. Let the city lose a little face if need be. Just as an organization with a good reputation can do something unsavory, so an org. with a poor reputation like QCRPA can be the victim of city mismanagement. My comments ARE NOT a blanket endorsement of the QCRPA. My position is that if the NEO operated according to its own policies and procedures, consistently and professionally, it wouldn't be subject to the attacks coming from the QCRPA. The council and city also need to seriously consider raising the property condition standards in Davenport and change funding and staff priorities to support a more liveable city.
7:55 here. If the city followed its own protocols it may still be subject to attacks from the QCRPA, however the city would be able to defend itself better against them.
Well said, QCI!
All the dirt in Davenport isn't in the Mississippi!
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