The First Ward aldermanic election in Bettendorf took a decidedly partisan, and sad, turn Friday (8/30) with the arrival of a flyer signed by the mayor and all the Republican council members urging the election of the Republican candidate.
While it is naive to think partisan politics aren't part of city elections, past and present, the overt promotion of party affiliation in this special election is particularly troubling.
First, the mayor and administration misled residents saying a special election (to fill the seat vacated by Keith Kauten) would cost $15,000. The actual cost is now estimated at $3,200. Some Republican council members even had the temerity to question spending $3,200. This from a council that spent more than $20,000 on the 4th of July fireworks.
Then, the city council sought to keep voters in the First Ward from voting on their representative. The Republican-dominated council opted to appoint Norm Voelliger, who had lost in the November election. Residents of the First Ward had to circulate a petition to require the council to hold a special election.
After Dean Mayne stepped forward to run for the vacancy, the council fast-tracked the election with an election date the day after a holiday, no doubt minimizing voter awareness and participation.
And now, at the 11th hour, the mayor and and council inject themselves into the First Ward election telling residents the Republican candidate is "best" for the ward and for maintaining "family values."
The letter from the mayor and aldermen paints a picture of cronyism which would substitute party loyalty for voters' good judgment and an honest evaluation of a candidate's platform, background and responsiveness to First Ward concerns.
The flyer portrays a very closed-minded city council, circling the wagons against any new views and ideas. And, that's a very sad picture for our entire city.
