Candidate Q&A: Ron Solt

By Times staff | Friday, October 12, 2007

Office sought: Bettendorf City Council, 5th Ward

Why did you choose to live in Bettendorf?

My wife, Norita, and I originally moved to Iowa in 1985 and chose to live in Bettendorf because of the excellent schools. Both our daughters were teenagers at the time. Both graduated from Pleasant Valley in the late 1980s and we now have three grandchildren in the Bettendorf school system and four more in Muscatine, Iowa. Adding to that decision were the extraordinary services that we experienced. A real surprise, before I left for work one morning, was the cleared street after the first serious snow storm.

Why are you running?

Past involvement in several issues brought to city council have led me to believe there must be a better process for determining the placement of commercial and residential development areas. Bettendorf needs both commercial and residential development to supplement and improve its tax base. My sense is that when a current project, whether commercial or residential, falls outside the long-range development strategy, then care must be exercised to preserve or enhance the original goal. Secondly, I’d like to be certain that the voices of the people of Bettendorf are carefully and respectfully heard regarding municipal decisions.

What is the single biggest issue facing Bettendorf?

The single biggest issue facing Bettendorf is the ability to balance the revenue stream to the services that the residents demand and a have a right to expect. That is one of the reasons people live in Bettendorf. Like it or not, Bettendorf today is a “bedroom” community. Proactive growth with this in mind can continue to make Bettendorf THE place to live.

What is the city’s greatest asset?

The Mississippi River. With an adequate, accessible infrastructure, the river could be a catalyst for unprecedented development in both residential and business sectors. Close behind that are the individuals and families living in Bettendorf.

Is the fire department sufficiently staffed? Is the current build-up plan sufficient?

As a former volunteer fireman I understand the training and dedication volunteers must have. Staffing a department with both paid and volunteer firemen can be and is fiscally responsible. The question is: Can the department’s staff handle every crisis that might come its way? I don’t know of any fire department that can. The current situation is in my opinion more infrastructure and equipment-related than manpower-related.

A mayoral candidate is campaigning largely on the belief that the riverfront needs to be returned to the public, rather than developed for industry, such as at QCA Pools & Spas. What is the best use, in your estimation, of the remaining riverfront?

I would like to see all of downtown turned into a destination where business, tourist and residential projects could coexist. We need to think exponentially and consider: Can we develop the downtown as a destination and how do we efficiently get people there? Look at Jordan Creek in West Des Moines. The area has become a destination with shops, restaurants, hotels and lakes, and is easily accessible. I would like to think a development like that should be a distinct possibility for the riverfront. Imagine sitting in a restaurant with the Mississippi River as a background with lots of open space, appropriate ground-level landscaping, and perhaps further play on the water theme with a few fountains.

Is the city’s relationship with Isle of Capri good for taxpayers?

I believe the Isle of Capri has been a positive contributor to the community in job creation and revenue generation for the city. It is certainly playing an important part in the development of the events center. Monies distributed by the Scott County Regional Authority have certainly helped many local organizations.

In what areas, if any, would you like to see the city focus more effort on redevelopment?

The city should be considering the future impact the new Interstate 74 bridge will have on those areas specifically affected by the location of the bridge. How will that impact the western edge of the city? What options are available? Will certain businesses relocate, cease operations or seek other options? Subsequently the city should consider the feasibility of a commercial riverfront park (but not industrial), its size and area to be utilized, the city’s ability for property acquisition and economic feasibility. See “destination” comments above.