Why Ken in 2024?
Thank you for visiting this page. You are here since you are likely thinking, why should I support Ken Beck for Scott County Supervisor? The County has historically been financially responsible, and strategic decisions must be made moving forward by conservative supervisors such as Ken to maintain our excellent financial condition. Here are some very good reasons to support Ken in 2024:
More than 42 years total experience as a civil engineer and business leader in the local consulting engineering community having retired in 2019. Ken is devoting his entire attention to county business; is NOT a part-time supervisor.
He is engaged with the community attending many events/meetings on behalf of Scott County, local agencies, community needs, non-profit organizations, Davenport Rotary, church, etc. Ken is passionate about his involvement in organizations and activities that serve others and enjoys giving back more than sitting back.
Ken is not a career politician, but is a husband, father, grandfather, business leader, and dedicated, hardworking, and ethical citizen who wants what is best for Scott County.
Ken is accountable to the taxpayers. His experience gained as a consulting engineering and business leader brings a different perspective to the board. As an example, Ken insisted that the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disability Region balance the budget for the 2021 fiscal year.
He is protective of responsible governance. Ken believes in no-nonsense, common-sense governance even when it does not make everyone happy. He strives to thoroughly understand the issue before making his decision that benefits most citizens, not special interest groups that can be divisive and make noise. Tough decisions were made during his 2 terms and will be necessary in the future with the limited funds received though your tax dollars. Ken thrives in this environment and will continue being protective of your tax dollars.
He has gained important institutional experience and knowledge during his 2 terms on how the county operates and has made difficult decisions to balance the budget while maintaining a sufficient fund balance (rainy day fund).
Ken is responsive to the needs of the citizens of Scott County. Those who have worked with him know they will get a prompt response and action. He actively solicits feedback from constituents to hear both sides of an issue, including the silent majority.
Beliefs
Ken considers the Rotary 4-Way test in all aspects of his life. For those not familiar with the Rotary 4-Way test, it is a rather simple concept, but a powerful one, and it goes as follows:
The following “New Year’s Resolution for Elected Officials Who Want to Leave a Legacy That Matters” was authored by Ron Holifield with Strategic Government Resources, and Ken works to follow these guidelines.
In electing me to office, my fellow citizens have entrusted me with the sacred duty of shaping the future of our community. Because I am committed to creating a future that is brighter and healthier and more beneficial to all citizens than when I was called to lead, I will:
Base my decisions on the next generation more than the next election, committed to the ideal that my loyalty must be to the entire community (both now and in the future) and not merely those who got me elected.
Focus on the mission, vision and values as the benchmark for my decisions and recognize that my responsibility is the pursuit of the greatest good for the entire community and not the satisfaction of any particular group’s agenda.
Make decisions based on fact-based evidence and not allow myself to be manipulated into bad decisions for the future based on the decibel level of critics.
Recognize that “it takes a smart person to know when he/she is stupid” and have the wisdom to be smart. Accordingly, I will value those who have the courage to tell me what they really think and will listen sincerely to those who disagree with me to truly understand their perspective, recognize that understanding other perspectives makes me a better leader.
Embrace my responsibility to govern rather than manage, recognize that if I am doing staff’s job, I am not doing my job, while understanding and embracing the appropriate exercise governance role of holding staff accountable.
Place greater emphasis on solutions than on problems, while refusing to offer solutions before understanding the problem.
Understand that mutual trust is the foundation for everything and that if I refuse to trust others, they will be unable to trust me.
Protect the integrity of the process more than the rightness of my position; I will fight hard for my issue but then unify behind the governing body when the decision is made because the decision was made with the integrity of the process, even if I disagree with the outcome.
Understand that my deeply held beliefs, values, and positions will be strengthened, not compromised by courteous, respectful, and civil discourse. I will not treat someone as an enemy just because we disagree.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect because of who I am as a leader…not because of how they treated me or what I think about them.
Be a role model for civility. I will not treat my colleagues or staff in any way that I would be embarrassed if my five-year-old child treated someone the same way.