Davenport leaders no longer ‘lap dogs’

By Terry J. Bush | Sunday, July 20, 2008

Congratulations to Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba and the city council. The article in the July 12 Quad-City Times about the value of the Davenport gaming license was very enlightening. (“Davenport gaming license valued at $169M”)

I hope the initiative taken by the mayor sends a signal to the Isle of Capri management that the lap dog status of our city leaders has ended.

For far too long, city leaders have jumped through hoops and danced to the tune of the Isle.

The signed contract for a $43 million hotel that has been ignored by the Isle and the effort by the Isle to have the city give up rights to the RiverCenter are two good examples.

The city is losing revenue while the Isle allows the Blackhawk Hotel to sit and rot.

It is clear that the Isle wants to take revenue from the Davenport boat ( Rhythm City) and pay for its projects in Bettendorf. I always thought giving both licenses to the Isle was a bad idea.

I also think the current Riverboat Development Authority Executive Director should step down as it is clear that she is a cheerleader for the Isle and not the City of Davenport.

Terry J. Bush

Davenport