Davenport 2nd Ward Ald. Tim Dunn submitted a one-line resignation letter Friday, Sept. 18.
Dunn – who didn’t explain his reasons for stepping down -- has served the 2nd Ward since 2024. A lifelong Davenport resident, he’s a 60-year-old retired steamfitter who served as Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
Mayor Jason Gordon held a Friday press conference at the Davenport Police Department to praise the alderman’s service on the 10-member council.
“He was a strong advocate for the people of his ward. He listened and represented them well, and his constituents were well served by Tim. He ran and served because he believed in the city of Davenport and wanted to be part of the solution to the community's concerns,” he said.
“I know my colleagues will miss him, and I will miss him too. So we wish all the best with him and his future endeavors,” Gordon said, noting he didn’t know the reason for the resignation. “I spoke with Tim this morning very briefly. I wanted to talk to Tim just to make sure there wasn't something more significant going on. And there isn't.
"Obviously, he just made a decision that I think is in his best interest. But I hope to talk to Tim in the near future and just get a better understanding of maybe what his concerns or reasons were. But I think Tim made the decision that's in the best interest of Tim and his family.”
“Although the office itself is a public office, being a City Council member, I think the decision to run or not to run, or in his case step away, is a pretty personal and private decision,” the mayor said. “It involves family, close friends. So, I'm going to respect Tim's privacy.”
Dunn (who has two children) submitted a one-line resignation letter, which he said was effective Sept. 17, and was addressed to “Mayor Gordman.” He could not be reached Friday afternoon for further comment.
Dunn was first elected to City Council in the November 2023 elections, prevailing over Judith Lee for the 2nd Ward seat.
The mayor also said Friday he believed Dunn was not pressured at all to step down, but that it was a personal choice.
According to Iowa Code, council can either fill the vacancy or hold a special election. If the city holds a special election, a primary may be required if more than two candidates complete the nomination paperwork. The process could take up to four months, including the required notification period to set election dates.
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