Candidate profile: Dean Mayne

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By David Heitz | Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:15 PM CDT | () comments

Here are answers provided by Dean Mayne, candidate for the Bettendorf City Council, 1st Ward. A special election will be held Sept. 2 to fill a vacancy left by a council member who resigned in June.

Q: Why did you choose to live in Bettendorf?

A: We moved to Bettendorf in 1995 when our daughter was one. We wanted to live in an older, walkable neighborhood close to a reputable school, work, parks and shopping. Bettendorf also had a reputation for great city services.

Q: Why are you running for City Council?

A: My neighbors asked me to represent them. We were upset about the appointment of an alderman by the City Council. It gave the city a bad impression. I would never vote to deny voters the chance to choose their representative. A fair and simpler compromise could have been a temporary appointment until November, when a new contest could be arranged. This special election gives little time to prepare and too much advantage to the established candidate. But, we are making him work for it!

Q: What is the single biggest issue facing Bettendorf?

A: Adapting to our new environmental and economic challenges, by providing balance to the City Council.

Q: What is the city’s greatest asset?

A: Our people and the riverfront.

Q: What issues are important in the 1st Ward?

A: While meeting several residents during our meet and greets and while canvassing, we gained many new insights about our city. But three topics kept reemerging:

Safety: with good fire and policing, along with flood and storm protection

Representative government: They want someone that will be accountable, that calls them back and keeps them informed.

Smart Development: Family-oriented use and access to our natural resources, with riverfront parks and trails, along with stores within walkable distances from the downtown and homes.

Q: How can the 1st Ward be improved?

A: Most people we talk to are pretty proud to live in Bettendorf. We have great services. But many are dismayed by an apparent rubber-stamp culture that has been developing in City Hall. Some residents feel that certain people have too much influence and are intimidating to other city employees and business owners. Many residents feel that City Hall has its own agenda that it pushes forward without thoroughly considering the impact on its taxpayers and citizens.

Some times new eyes and ears are good for a situation. We can restore trust by listening and creating a community that responds, in order to maintain our hometown culture and values. This could allow us to adapt appropriately to the new challenges of this environment and this economy. It may be time mix it up a little.

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

A: There are pros and cons: It has created some adult entertainment; jobs, tourism and they are a primary donor to many area charities. They certainly are not the boon they were predicted to be. I feel we need some balance, much like Dubuque has done, with other family and cultural attractions like shops, parks and trails to promote active community and tourism.

Q: What concerns are you hearing from 1st Ward residents as you campaign?

A: Mostly that people want to vote for their elected officials. They want responsiveness from their alderman. They want fair application of ordinances. They want calmer streets. They want old and new neighborhoods treated equally. They want protection from fire, storms, and flooding. They want good services with water and sewer back up systems. They want their streets fixed.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a good alderman?

A: Someone who will listen and respond. I don’t think people expect us to fix all their problems for them. They just need information and connections to the right services and policies. They want someone that will sit down with them regularly to inform them of city plans and options.

Q: What skills do you have that qualify you to represent the people of the 1st Ward?

A: I’m kind of a working class nerd. I feel I’ve been in public service all of my life. I’m that awkward kid with the bad haircut running around with the superhero cape. My parents were wonderful role models through their foster parenting for more than 35 years. I have more foster brothers and sisters than I can count, and we all had responsibilities and had to learn to care for one another. Mom said I was a natural leader because all the kids wanted to hang out at our house. She also said, “Don’t let it go to your head.”

I was the captain of the wrestling team at Moline for 4 years.

I spend most of my free time volunteering for many agencies, clubs, and organizations to promote health, wellness, accessible, and livable communities. Please see web.mac.com/deanmayne for details.

My last two employers, the U.S. Naval Security Group (12 years) and Genesis Medical Center (18 years) have put a lot of time into my leadership and management training. I’ve got great mentors! Everyday we work as a team to help people in our community.