DAVENPORT, Iowa — Davenport Mayor Mike Matson has announced that the city will be looking into allegations from its only Black alderman that other members used racist language against him.
At a city council meeting on Sept. 27, Matson said that a task force will be put together to investigate accusations from Fifth Ward Alderman Tim Kelly that fellow aldermen Rick Dunn and Robby Ortiz used offensive racial terms to describe him.
Currently, it is unclear who exactly this task force would include, how long the investigation would take, how it would operate and what changes could happen based on the findings.
Alderman Kelly expressed frustration at this idea, saying multiple people witnessed this racial language, but more drastic changes haven't been made yet.
News 8 reached out to both of the aldermen accused of using racist language. First Ward Alderman Rick Dunn did not respond but Fourth Ward Alderman Robby Ortiz stated the following in an email:
“I am thankful to the Mayor Mike Matson for opening and calling for this investigation. The truth and all facts need to come out! I will fully cooperate with the investigation. I look forward to once the investigation is complete it will show I never called Alderman Tim Kelly a racial slur! I have been involved in Davenport politics for over 12 years. People know me personally and what all I stand for. If I was a racist it would of came out way before this one allegation.”
Dozens of people were waiting to make public comments at the meeting, but the council adjourned the meeting before much of it could happen. Council members said there were too many outbursts, including side comments, laughter and applause while aldermen were speaking.
Due to the meeting's early end, the Seventh Ward Alderman position remains vacant as the council was not able to get to that part of the agenda. This comes after Derek Cornette was removed in a 7-3 vote on Sept. 7.
Before Wednesday's council meeting, around a dozen people were out in protest of the situation, some holding up signs.
"I have mixed children at home — I've had people call my kids names," Davenport resident Katie Stuart said. "That stings, that you know, I may be white but I would never utter those words to anybody, ever."
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel