Blind can hit the ground running - Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,
I was happy to see so many people put their name forth for Mayor of Fort Madison. Participation is essential for the democratic process to work on all levels!
Ideally however, the candidates, whether it be for a council seat or a mayoral post,  are vested and do their homework before they get elected.
Homework means looking at the budget and understanding the issues (reduced income and rising expenses)  that face Fort Madison and comprehending what role the Mayor plays in our City Government.  This includes also understanding what roles the City plays in economic development, tourism, the prison and schools. (Financial and support for the former two and little to none for the latter two.)
Being a candidate requires time and commitment before you get elected. The candidates should have researched how the city is managed. What roles the City Administrator plays and already know that the City Administrator gets its direction from the Council. Knowing that the Mayor sets the agenda and provides a leadership role for the City. The Mayor should be an advocate for what right looks like, not personal agendas.
The Mayor’s role is also not as a wanna-be dictator or  to involve and divide Fort Madison in larger radical political agendas. (see candidate forum if you have not already)
There are four candidates that have a huge learning curve. Three of these four, have their hearts in the right place. They care about Fort Madison, but now is not the time to slow progress by having to teach about the city government’s roles and responsibilities, nor is it the time for scandal or puffery.  Now, experience and knowledge matter more than it ever has.

Fort Madison has so much momentum with Depot, Marina, highway projects and other steps that are making our city standout to visitors as a place they want to visit and industries to invest.
The forum was the opportunity for each of the five candidates to shine. It should have been an opportunity to show the knowledge, research and experience of each as they provided responses to the FM Chambers relatively easy and predictable questions.I did not see that happening with the majority of the candidates.
Only one candidate knew what she was talking about and can hit the ground running. Melinda has her heart in the right place, she has  the experience of city government and knows how to run a meeting. She knows Robert’s rules, city code and exactly what role a Mayor plays. She does not have a personal agenda. She will not grandstand and she will keep the positive progress that Fort Madison has made moving forward.
I am voting for Melinda for Mayor!

Rebecca Bowker
Fort Madison Iowa