Loveland City Council, Ward IV: Jon Mallo

Years in Loveland: 13

Professional background: Currently retired from Swiss Re, the largest reinsurer in the world, after a 43-year career as a commercial underwriter, including 20 years in middle management roles.

Education: Bachelor of business administration in finance/insurance from the University of Iowa

Age: 65

Family: Wife Kathy, children Kaity and identical twin sons Drew and Ross, and daughter-in-law Amy.

1) What could the city do to improve the quality of life in your ward specifically? How would you, as a councilor, help accomplish that?

Ward IV continues to grow to the east and south of town. Smart growth can provide good quality jobs for the entire citizenry of Loveland. At the same time, we have the responsibility to improve infrastructure in high-growth areas. Proper traffic flow is imperative. Between buildings and streets, it would be nice to plan for parks and green space. Of course, nothing happens until a majority of councilors agree on the project in question. I would suggest that the councilors in which the project resides take the lead in data analysis and conclusions during council discussion.

2) Under what circumstances would you support using financing tools, such as bonds or certificates of participation, to fund capital projects? When would you prefer to see the city pay cash up front?

Paying up front is always the best choice. However, there are times when budgets are tight, and projects need to be done quickly. Bonds can then be used to stretch out the payments over time and give the city some room to breathe. There are also instances when interest rates and terms are such that it's smart to take advantage of them. In these cases, these options are used as tools to provide better options for the city. Again, paying up front always is the best choice. But, just as in personal finance, sometimes loans are a necessary thing.

3) Are there any groups in Loveland whose voices you feel are underrepresented currently, and who you would like to represent specifically if elected?

If elected, I would clearly like to reach out to the Hispanic community to get a feel for what needs they have. I've been able to be help somewhat in the Hispanic and other minority communities through my work with Loveland Habitat for Humanity as past president and currently with Loveland Housing Authority on its board of directors. This involvement has been at a high level, but I would also like to be more on the front line. I would immediately reach out to local minority leaders to direct me in what needs to be done and then work together to ensure it happens.

4) In the past year, the city of Loveland has faced and settled multiple lawsuits against police stemming from alleged incidents of excessive force. Do you believe there is a culture tolerant of excessive force within the Loveland Police Department? What changes, if any, do you believe should be implemented to improve the department?

I do not believe there is a culture tolerant of excessive force within the Loveland Police Department. However, as in any large organization, there are bad apples that need to be rooted out and addressed. We must remind ourselves that once improprieties are discovered, all U.S. citizens are to be given due process. We must not rush to judgment before all the facts are clear; however, once the investigations are complete, punishments need to be swift and appropriate for all guilty parties regardless of rank. It is the responsibility of the police chief, city manager and City Council to provide this oversight.

5) What is the most significant long-term challenge you believe Loveland will face over the next four years?

For the past few years, the City Council has not functioned well. Meetings run by the current mayor are not efficient. Often the agenda is left unfinished, so the topics people care about are postponed to a later date, which exacerbates the next meeting. This is not what the people of Loveland deserve. It is the responsibility of the mayor to run an efficient meeting and the responsibility of councilors to listen while respecting all viewpoints, providing input (without venom), and voting their conscience. Different opinions are healthy if communicated in a noncombative way by both sides. Once we turn the climate around to one of camaraderie, the council can provide the leadership necessary to once again do great things for Loveland.