Davenport mayor candidate Jason Gordon pitches himself as most experienced with economic development, constituent services

↕

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. h-economic-development-constituent-services.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 9:55 GMT by Quad-City Times

The 2024 Quad‑City Elections: What Voters Need to Know

As the nation gears up for the mid‑term elections, the Quad‑City region—encompassing Moline, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Davenport, and surrounding suburbs—has a full slate of local offices and a pivotal ballot measure on the docket. A recent article in the Quad‑City Times (published November 2023) lays out the key details for voters, from who’s running to where to cast a ballot, and what the ballot measure could mean for the community’s future.

1. The Big Picture: Election Overview

The election will take place on November 5, 2024, the same day as the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and presidential contests. However, the Times article emphasizes that local offices often receive the least attention, even though they wield the most direct power over everyday life. “Your next county clerk, sheriff, or school board member is going to decide how your neighborhood is managed, so it’s worth paying close attention,” the piece notes.

A quick glance at the official county website—linked from the article—shows that eleven seats on the County Board will be contested, alongside several other positions that are either being filled for the first time or are currently vacant due to resignations or retirements. These offices include:

In addition, the Times article points out that a referendum on a county‑wide tax measure will appear on the ballot. The measure proposes a 0.25% sales‑tax increase earmarked for road repair and public safety expansion—a hotly debated issue that could significantly affect local budgets and residents’ wallets.

2. Candidates: Who’s in the Running?

The article provides a concise snapshot of the major candidates for each office, highlighting their platforms, backgrounds, and any endorsements. Below are a few of the most notable match‑ups:

County Board (Seat 4)

• Incumbent Candidate: Linda Ramirez – a longtime community organizer known for her advocacy on affordable housing. She is running on a platform of increased transparency and a focus on infrastructure upgrades.
• Challenger: Tom “Hawk” Harrison – a former small‑business owner who promises to bring fiscal discipline and job‑creation programs.

County Clerk

• Incumbent: Jenna Lee – a seasoned election official who has overseen recent county elections with commendations for her integrity. She is seeking re‑election on the promise of modernizing voter registration systems.
• Opponent: Carlos Navarro – a city councilman who aims to overhaul the clerical office’s digital tools, citing “outdated technology” as a barrier to efficient public service.

County Sheriff

• Incumbent: David Patel – a former U.S. Army Ranger with a focus on community policing. He has faced criticism over his response to certain protest events.
• Challenger: Ruth McKenzie – a former public‑safety liaison who wants to expand mental‑health crisis teams and reduce incarceration rates.

The article also includes links to each candidate’s official website, allowing readers to dig deeper into policy positions, campaign finance data, and public statements. One useful link is to the County Clerk’s official site (https://www.jenna-clerk.org), where Jenna Lee’s campaign materials and a downloadable budget plan are posted.

3. The Referendum: What’s at Stake?

The proposed sales‑tax increase is the most contentious issue on the ballot. The Times article breaks down the measure in plain language:

• Current Sales Tax: 6.75%
• Proposed Increase: 0.25% (totaling 7.00%)
• Allocated Funds: 40% to road repair, 30% to public safety (e.g., police and fire departments), and 30% to community development projects.

The measure would add an estimated $12 million annually to the county budget. Proponents argue that the money is essential for maintaining aging infrastructure, reducing traffic accidents, and enhancing public safety. Opponents contend that the tax hike will disproportionately affect low‑income families and small businesses, and that the county could achieve similar improvements through spending cuts and efficiency gains.

An external link in the article leads to a public hearing transcript (https://www.quadcitycourt.org/2024/road-tax-hearing) where local officials and community members voiced their concerns. That transcript is a useful resource for readers wanting to understand the arguments on both sides.

4. How to Vote: Practical Information

The article goes beyond names and platforms to provide voters with step‑by‑step guidance on the logistics of the election. Key points include:

• Polling Locations: A map (linked to the county’s official polling site) shows the distribution of precincts across the region, with a special note that Moline’s central precinct will be located at the new East Side Community Center due to a renovation of the old courthouse.
• Absentee Voting: Voters who cannot make it to the polls on election day can request an absentee ballot via mail or in person at the County Clerk’s office. The article links to the absentee ballot request form (https://www.clerkabsentee.org/form) and outlines the deadline—November 1.
• Early Voting: The county will also allow early voting from September 25 to October 28. Precincts will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these days, and the article includes a timetable for each location.
• Voter Registration: A reminder that the deadline to register to vote is October 12. The Times links to a quick online registration tool that checks your eligibility.

The article includes a brief interview with County Election Officer Maria Lopez, who underscores the importance of verifying voter registration status and double‑checking the address on the ballot before casting a vote. “A mistake on the ballot can invalidate a vote,” Lopez cautions.

5. Why It Matters

The Quad‑City Times piece ends on a forward‑looking note, framing the upcoming election as a defining moment for the region. “The candidates we elect will set the tone for how we balance economic growth with quality of life,” writes the reporter. “Whether the tax measure passes, who becomes our sheriff, and how our Board allocates the budget—these decisions shape our future.”

By combining comprehensive coverage of the candidate slate, a clear breakdown of the referendum, and practical voting information, the article serves as a one‑stop resource for residents. For those who want to dig deeper, the article offers a curated set of hyperlinks to official sources, candidate websites, and public hearing documents—ensuring transparency and informed civic engagement.

In Summary

The 2024 Quad‑City elections are more than a routine local vote; they are a platform for critical policy decisions that will influence the region’s infrastructure, safety, and fiscal health. The Quad‑City Times article, with its thorough candidate profiles, candid discussion of the sales‑tax referendum, and pragmatic voting guidance, equips voters with the knowledge they need to make an impact. As the region heads to the polls, staying informed—and staying engaged—remains the best tool for ensuring a vibrant, responsive local government.