Mayor Scott Raes has selected outgoing Public Works Director, Mike Waldron, to fill the vacant 7th Ward Alderman seat, pending Council approval at the City Council meeting to be held on July 12, 2016.
Mike Waldron will replace Sean Liddell, who resigned on June 14 and Waldron will take office immediately upon approval. On June 30, 2016, Mr. Waldron will retire from the City of Moline after 37 years of employment. He has been the Public Works Director since 2001. Mr. Waldron has lived in Moline for over 40 years and has lived in the 7th Ward since 2008.
Mayor Raes said, “With the vast institutional knowledge that Mike has, I am certain that he will add value to the City Council. He understands that the role of an Alderman is to set policy and that it is the role of the Administration to execute those policies.“
Eight residents expressed interest in the vacancy, and Mayor Raes is encouraged by the amount of interest in local government. There are plenty of other opportunities to get involved with the City of Moline by serving on various boards and commissions, and he hopes that residents will participate on those levels as well.
Alderman Turner said, “I'm excited to welcome Mike Waldron to the City Council, he will be an excellent representative for residents of the 7th Ward and his experience will bring valuable discernment to Council meetings. Mike will work to continue the progress in the City of Moline and I look forward to having him join City Council."
Alderman Parker said, “With Mike's upcoming retirement as the Public Works Director, the insightful skills and experience he brings will be invaluable to the residents of Moline. When someone assumes the role of Alderman, there is a significant learning curve. Mike will be able to hit the ground running and make a difference on day one.”
“I’m looking forward to this new role with the City of Moline and am excited to be on the policy making side of things instead of on the executing side,” said Mr. Waldron.