Encyclopedia Dubuque
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SCHALLER, Louis J.
SCHALLER, Louis J. (Dubuque, IA, July 2, 1913--Dubuque, IA, Jan. 3, 2011). MAYOR. Schaller began his own business, Schaller Movers, in 1945 and continued it until his retirement in 1969. From 1960 to 1964 he served on the Dubuque City Council and was elected mayor in 1962.
Schaller cited three problems that needed attention after being elected mayor. Parking in the downtown and Central Avenue shopping areas needed attention before the city began URBAN RENEWAL. He called for "taking the city up" to encourage new industry. He also believed it was important to explain the necessity of annexation to the public. (1) Within a month, the new mayor and council were faced with the closing of FARLEY AND LOETSCHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
There were many accomplishments during his administration. A site and designer were chosen for the city's first PARKING RAMP. In addition more than $100,000 in new equipment were purchased including four staff cars, six patrol cars, fire trucks, an aerial tower for tree trimming, a $21,000 carbon dioxide furnace for the water works and a new $60,000 pump for the flood dike. The MUNICIPAL COURT was established and opened in rented quarters in the Fischer Building. Civil Defense was expanded to include all of Dubuque County and steps were made to identify and label FALLOUT SHELTERS. BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE was realigned, touch football and women's volleyball leagues were established, and participation in recreational program increased eleven percent. The Dock Commission prepared eighteen acres of industrial land and Sears was responsible for improving a large segment of MOORE'S MILL. Parking lots at the AIRPORT were paved and a long-range improvement study and report were completed. There were 161 new street lights and twenty-five new 12-inch red stop signs installed in the city. The city debt was retired by the city buying up the outstanding revenue bonds resulting in a savings of $63,820 in interest payments. The proposed FLOODWALL moved to the authorization stage in Congress. The city increased its representation in outside groups and maintained active membership in the League of Iowa Municipalities, American Municipal Association, Iowa Engineering Society and the Iowa City Managers' Association. (2)
During his term of office, Schaller and Nicholas J. SCHRUP II switched on the electronic barometer on the top of the downtown AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK building. He led efforts in developing the overpass between Garfield Street and Kerper Blvd.; presented the key to the city to Miss America, Jacqueline Jeanne Mayer, in 1961; and served as the president of the Iowa League of Municipalities. (3)
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Source:
1. "Schaller New Mayor, Cites Three Problems," Telegraph Herald, January 3, 1962, p. 1
2. Shively, Neil, "Dubuque Administration Reflects on Achievements, Future," Telegraph Herald, December 30, 1962, p. 13
3. Obituaries. Telegraph Herald, January 5, 2011, p. 14