Candidate Q&A: Marcia Patch

By Times staff | Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Office sought: Davenport, 7th Ward

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

We face serious problems in some older neighborhoods where properties are deteriorating. This deterioration leads to lower property values, increased crime and the loss of those residents who move to other cities. Incentives need to be made to homeowners to help revitalize their homes. These incentives could be in the form of low-interest loans, grants, etc., from all levels of government. There should be consequences faced for those who refuse to correct apparent problems. Unfortunately, there are some structures that are beyond repair and those should be torn down. Safety is another issue facing some neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Watch groups are an excellent tool in bringing neighbors together to work on issues they are facing. In areas where there are strong watch groups, there is also a sense of pride and “ownership” of the neighborhood.

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

Basic services have to be the most important thing a community provides. Without good roads, complete snow removal, adequate police patrol and efficient garbage pickup the amenities will not be enough to attract those we are seeking. Visitors to the city, and even residents, will not attend an event or attraction or visit a new library or park if they don’t feel that they can get there safely and easily.

What are the city’s most important infrastructure needs?

As a citizen, the most apparent need is the continuation of revitalizing our streets. Some streets are in serious need of repair or replacement while others are inadequate for the number of vehicles that travel on them. While the sewer system in my area seems to be adequate, I’m aware that other areas of the city need to be upgraded and that this issue is being addressed.

How would you approach economic development?

While it’s extremely vital to the community to attract new business, it’s equally important to retain those businesses who now call Davenport their home. In today’s business environment, financial incentives to attract new business is a must. If we don’t offer it to them, there are plenty of other cities that will. We do need to not overburden those who currently operate a business within the city. For some small businesses, especially, adding additional fees can force them to look elsewhere, or simply shut their doors.

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

The City Council needs to provide the police department with the necessary funding to adequately staff all areas of the department. It will be up to the new Chief of Police to decide whether or not additional officers are needed and where those officers are to be placed. That is why it is extremely important that we hire the best person for the position.

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

If all 10 council members, and the mayor, agree on every issue, every time, we have a definite problem. There will always be disagreements. However, every individual on the council will have been elected by their constituents. This means that a majority of the voters in their area had enough confidence in them to give them their vote. This also means that, hopefully, they are, while expressing their own views, also expressing the views of those they represent. They have a right to express these views and should be given every right to do so. Respect for others is very important and, unfortunately, so lacking in all areas of our lives. We need to remember the Golden Rule.

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

I have yet to find one person who thinks that the Isle of Capri belongs in the RiverCenter. There are several options open to the Isle of Capri, including staying where they currently are.

What is your vision for Davenport? 

I would like to see Davenport become a great city to raise a family, a great city to retire in and one that offers its residents affordable housing in safe, clean neighborhoods.