Independent Rock Island mayoral candidate Andy Rowe recently made a bid for votes on social media for the April 4 election.
Rowe recently uploaded what he calls “Kitchen Table” videos, promising to answer questions for Rock Islanders.
“I’m running for mayor of Rock Island because I think we need to think differently about how we look at growth and the priorities we have as a city,” Rowe said in an introductory video. In a subsequent video uploaded March 9, Rowe laid out what he wants to focus.
“I’m going to focus on (four areas) that I think will bring real change to the city,” he said. “First is financial strength. Second is the quality of life. Third is infrastructure improvement, and fourth — and probably most importantly — is business growth or economic development. I look forward to talking with you in the city and appreciate your vote on April 4.”
Rowe grew up in Rock Island and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Iowa. In addition to IT and business development career experience, Rowe gained expertise in large infrastructure projects as an economic development director for former U.S. Democratic Congressman Phil Hare of Illinois.
“Rock Island needs a change of direction,” the candidate said on Facebook. “I’m fighting for a new and better Rock Island built on the strength of our diversity, the passion of our citizens, and the faith that our future is bright.”
Rowe stressed the need for hard work, active listening and “complete transparency.” He spoke of the need to break projects down into tasks, using metrics to ascertain measurable progress.
“We’ll focus on what makes Rock Island unique with an eye towards regional opportunities,” he said on his website.
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