Candidate Q&A: Ray Ambrose

By Times staff | Monday, October 01, 2007

Office sought: Davenport, 4th Ward

What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods and how would you address them?

a. Fighting crime

b. Traffic enforcement

c. Keeping them clean

d. Protecting property value

What is most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?

Basic services. Safe and clean neighborhoods, well-maintained infrastructure and good schools. We need to back away from glamorous amenities and concentrate on the basics that will lessen the tax burden.

What are the city’s most important infrastructure needs?

a. Sanitary sewer system upgrades and repair

b. Storm water management

c. Street maintenance

How do your approach economic development?

Unfortunately, economic development practices of out-bidding other states and cities is standard. We should try to shrink city government and the tax levy, also remove fees.

Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council’s role in promoting public safety?

Not by FBI standards. Deployment is the responsibility of the police chief. I believe neighborhood policing is very successful. Elected officials’  first responsibility is to keep people and their property safe.

How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?

Most disagreements are philosophical — big city government versus basic city services and decrease government.

Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the city encourage the Isle to do?

No. Turn their license over.

What is your vision for Davenport?

We are Iowa’s safest, cleanest city with the lowest taxes and the best schools in the USA.