Recently a column that was in the Quad-City Times (which also appeared as a letter to the editor in the North Scott Press) was brought to my attention. It was by David Stewart, a member of Quad Cities NOW Leadership Team.
Socrates always challenged his students with the question; “Why?”. That is how I start this next part of my story about our Board of Supervisors and their openness to questions from the public. To remind everyone, I submitted four requests for public records to four of our supervisors: Natha…
Iowa’s 88th General Assembly started Jan. 8. Before looking ahead, remember on July 1, 2016, the beginning of Iowa’s fiscal year 2017, Iowa’s treasury boasted a $928 million surplus. Our legislature adjourned on April 22, 2017 with a $130 million deficit; $1.058 billion negative turnaround.
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to be in the beginning of a new year. I have a dream, a plan and anticipation of success. I’m excited about the opportunities and prospects for joy and happiness. I hope you feel the same way. Optimism drives our success. Let’s be positive about our futur…
One of the most enjoyable parts of working at the YMCA is the opportunity to interact with so many different members of Iowa communities. Regardless of where people grew up or what they are doing today, just about everyone has a “Y story.” Each one is a little different (including learning t…
I recently heard Leann Toughy, the mother from the “Blind Side” speak. (Sandra Bullock played her in the movie). She said when she started helping Michael that everyone thought she just wanted another child. She added, in an exasperated tone, "I didn’t even like the two I had. Why would I wa…
Public education in Iowa was established upon our Dec. 28, 1846, statehood. Today, parents are blessed to have six options for their children’s education: public school, public school in another neighborhood through open enrollment, virtual academy, private school, home school and independen…
As a retired professor who taught operations management for over 20 years, I am appalled at the way the Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed in Erie County.
Regarding Sen. Charles Grassley's Jan. 20 column — it's too little, too late. Grassley has enabled Donald Trump and Trump's minions for four years and now is calling for healing. One must believe if President Joe Biden had not won the presidency, Grassley would not be so conciliatory. He int…
America's elections are a critical component of our democracy. The accurate counting of all eligible ballots is key to the integrity of our elections. Iowa's paper trail make this possible.
My family, friends and neighbors are divided about politics. Neither side is listening. Both sides think the other side is acting in bad faith. Most fit the people on the other side into a neat box with a negative label.
On July 1, 2017, Iowa's distracted driving law became a primary law, meaning that a law enforcement officer can stop any driver who is texting (reading, writing, or sending) or using any other portable electronic device, unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop and off the traveled por…
How we respond to the surge in COVID-19 says a lot about what we think, believe and value. Research shows that the virus is more likely to spread by adults than by young children. Yet, in many places, we are closing schools while keeping bars and restaurants open.
Mark Schwiebert’s arguments against the Electoral College (Nov. 12 column) would weigh more if the voting map weren’t so fresh. A sea of red, covering the majority of the U.S., with only the occasional blue dots representing big cities, argues against his contention it is undemocratic.
It is not a matter of choice. It’s a matter of defense. And capitalize that "D", as in Department of Defense, our DOD. Nuclear submarines, missile defense systems, our armed forces, even our SEAL commandos, cannot stop COVID-19. They need you to mask up, keep your distance and sanitize. Be a…
Socrates always challenged his students with the question; “Why?”. That is how I start this next part of my story about our Board of Supervisors and their openness to questions from the public. To remind everyone, I submitted four requests for public records to four of our supervisors: Natha…
Hunger in our community still exists today. Food is a human necessity, yet many do not attain the proper amount of meals. Hunger does not affect just a specific age group or individual. People all across our community still encounter hunger on a daily basis. You never know who encounters hun…
Thank you for Megan Valley's reporting about the giveaway of Lincoln Elementary School. This is clearly not in the public interest. It is time we voters clear the board.
A recent Dispatch-Argus editorial addressed an upcoming project to upgrade to a "state-of-the-art" emergency radio system. Rock Island, Scott County, and other municipal governmental bodies are sharing the cost.
Despite many attempted proposals, bills, and votes for comprehensive immigration reform, none have yet become law. Our immigration system does not reflect America’s current economic and labor-market needs. Current politics divert attention from the real solutions.
On March 29, the Rock Island Arsenal held a 50-year anniversary celebration to commemorate our Vietnam veterans. I was asked to take photos to record this history.
In 2017, Western Illinois University’s core expenses amounted to $243 million. While this may seem expensive, it is only slightly more than what Gov. J.B Pritzker contributed to his own campaign last year. Pritzker’s total campaign donations amounted to $172 million. That would cover over 70…
My disabled child and I just left Davenport and our family. In less than a month, I found two other families who left for the same reason— to protect their disabled children from a broken system.
When I was a sophomore in high school, I rented some farm land of my own, over and above working on the family farm. That means l've been farming 40 years.
It’s Democratic Party caucus time. Every two years, friends and neighbors get together to participate in grassroots democracy at their precinct caucuses.