Scott Webster. 5th Ward Bettendorf City Council candidate

What is the city’s biggest challenge in the coming year?

The City of Bettendorf has done a fine job providing premier service levels to its citizens. In reviewing the multiple studies done by the ICMA it’s apparent that Bettendorf residents agree. In all categories, the city ranks in the 90th-plus percentile for satisfaction. Further, the atmosphere is friendly and attractive to business and commercial development.

The biggest challenge will be balance. The mayor council and staff will need to balance the expectations of the citizens with a tight budget. We must live within our means. The State of Iowa changed the commercial property tax rollback, and in the short-term, it may have a negative impact. Bettendorf has the ability to recover from this potential short-term decrease in revenues and make a positive move by welcoming new business and development.

How would you characterize the city’s fiscal policies and debt?

Until the last bond issuance, Moody’s had consistently improved the city’s bond rating and acknowledged that it is normal for a city growing like Bettendorf to have what on the surface appears to a “higher than average” debt-level-to-capacity ratio. They are the financial experts as are Springsted and Associates, the city’s bond counsel. We need to be aware, for example, of the fact that the TIF for the new hotel downtown counts against the debt levy yet 100 percent of the funds from the hotel’s taxes pay for the indebtedness of the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center. Additionally, there have been great improvements in the Parks and Recreation system, the Family Museum, the Life Fitness Center, Splash Landing and virtually all arterial roads are being improved.

Council members and the mayor need to be well-versed on the methodology of the calculations on both the tax revenue as well as the expenditures. As Moody’s aptly pointed out in the most recent downgrade, there exist significant external pressures that the city must account for in making prudent bonding level decisions. A simple glance at the debt level as a percentage of the debt ceiling does not tell the true story. We will need to monitor and conservatively plan for changes in the tax base, revenue levels, income streams and debt schedules to begin the path back to a more acceptable level that all parties can agree is reasonable.

Should the city use public funds, through TIF or other programs, to promote the recruitment of private business to Bettendorf or the expansion of existing businesses? Why or why not?

Bettendorf does not live in a vacuum that allows it to dictate the economic realities of commercial business expansion. It’s simply a business reality for most businesses to request some form of assistance from the local, state and federal governments.

That recognition of the reality of the business and development world we live in needs to be coupled with a deep understanding of what type of business and commercial expansion best suits the needs and desires of the citizens of Bettendorf. In other words, just because a business requests a TIF or other form of assistance does not necessitate that the City of Bettendorf extend such a program or offering. Rather, Bettendorf should be selective so that we complement what exists today, move forward to where we want to be as a community and always keep in mind the needs of the citizens and community as a whole.

Differentiate Bettendorf from our other Quad-Cities. What is Bettendorf’s niche or unique qualities?

Bettendorf captures a unique place in the hearts and minds of its residents. There exists a strong sense of community within Bettendorf; a community that is safe and has all the amenities of a large city but without all the problems. The school systems work tirelessly to turn out the best and brightest students that are prepared to continue their education beyond high school. Our parks programs for the children are valued by all generations and with very few exceptions, people are pleased to live in Bettendorf.

Property values continue to increase which has a direct impact on not only the wealth of the citizens but also the psyche of its citizens. The city continues to invest in older neighborhoods. This investment appears to spark great regrowth and improvement that helps older citizens as well as young folks just getting started.

Bettendorf is a very special place and will continue to be as long as we keep our eye on the prize.

Bettendorf has invested heavily downtown; assess the impact of that investment. What’s next following the bridge and street-reconfiguration project?

There has been significant development and change in Bettendorf’s downtown. The Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, streetscaping, new buildings on the south side of State Street as well as redevelopment and improvement along Grant Street. Contrasting that is the change taking place to make room for the new Interstate 74 Bridge. It’s almost a Tale of Two Cities in that it’s the best of times and the worst of times. For many, their business has been largely unaffected by the I-74 development; for others, they’ve had to relocate and hope their customers would follow. Ultimately, Bettendorf will benefit from both scenarios. Existing business will be able to thrive in a newly created downtown.

To be most successful the city should begin the process of visioning with the community to develop the best downtown we can have. The new street configuration may allow for some great ideas and opportunities that will not just come from city hall. It’s our community. The best developments will happen when we work together to create something truly special.

If you are elected to city council, what will be your number one priority during your first year?

To be most effective for the duration of my tenure in office it is imperative that I first try to understand before trying to be understood. Relationships are paramount. I will start this process immediately by meeting in a public place once a quarter with the citizens of the Fifth Ward. We are Bettendorf first and foremost, a team. Challenges will come and go; respectful relationships will endure forever.