DAVENPORT, Iowa — After a big month of changes for city leadership, 7th Ward alderman Mhisho Lynch was sworn in at a Nov. 21 council meeting.
Normally, even-numbered years in January is when new council members are sworn in; however, Lynch was sworn in early because former alderman Derek Cornette was removed in September over alleged workplace harassment, leaving his post vacant until now.
"I've always cared about my community and have wanted to engage on some more community level and not business oriented, and I really enjoy solving problems," Lynch said.
Protecting the community is her top priority. "Safety, huge, that's my number one without a shadow of a doubt," Lynch said. "Figuring out how we can minimize the violence we have in the community, how do we recruit more police officers, and kind of get to the core issues of what's driving the crime."
Lynch is looking forward to working with a new council, as new members will represent the 2nd, 4th and 8th wards as well. "Working together with new people is intriguing and exciting, and I think is an opportunity," she explained.
Despite recent conflicts between aldermen, Lynch said her focus is on problem-solving. "I think that, that's something I can perhaps bring to the table, is shed some light on different ways to see things," she said.
Other changes in Davenport leadership:
- City Administrator Corri Spiegel will leave her post by Jan. 2. Assistant City Administrator Mallory Merritt has already transitioned into the role, taking care of the day-to-day operations.
- City Attorney Tom Warner will also retire on Jan. 2. He started as the city's part-time attorney in 1995 and has been full-time since 2008.
- Tim Dunn will be the 2nd Ward alderman. Dunn won over Judith Lee, who currently serves as 8th Ward alderman.
- Jade Burkholder will be the 4th Ward alderman. Burkholder won over incumbent Robby Ortiz.
- Paul J. Reinartz Jr. will be the 8th Ward alderman. Reinartz Jr. won over James Woods.