Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WERTZBERGER, Richard
WERTZBERGER, Richard. (Atlantic City, NJ- ). MAYOR. Wertzberger, then an executive with the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY, became mayor in 1979. In his first statement after being chosen mayor, he listed industrial development as his major area of concern followed by annexation, TOURISM, sewage treatment, solid waste recycling, and the development of the downtown area.
Wertzberger was first elected to the City Council in 1975. In that election he compared city government to big business and promised to bring a businessman's approach to the office if elected. During his campaign he distributed approximately two thousand ten-point questionnaires seeking opinions from Dubuque residents on the issues and visited every department of city government.
During his years in city government, Wertzberger witnessed the Dubuque Water Works nearly double in size. Urban renewal began with the closing of Main Street between 5th and 9th STREETS to develop a center for offices and small shops, and the first city-parking ramp was constructed. Annexation of property including Barony Woods was ratified. This was important in increasing Dubuque's tax base. Dubuque was then the most densely populated city in Iowa. The first city-zoning ordinance was enacted, and public hearings were held concerning the proposed highway construction. As mayor, Wertzberger chaired DMATS (Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study Committee). Wertzberger also chaired the committee to bring the WILLIAM M. BLACK to Dubuque. The year Wertzberger was mayor the FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER was dedicated.
Wertzberger chaired the DUBUQUE BUSINESS HALL OF FAME and served on the boards of directors of MERCY HOSPITAL, JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, and the DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. He chaired the Boost Dubuque Days that was a combined effort of the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY, TRAUSCH BAKING COMPANY, and Hilldale Dairy to make people realize the importance of local businesses. This preceded Dubuque’s LEGISLATIVE DAYS in Des Moines. Wertzberger was employed from 1949 to 1981 by the Dubuque Packing Company. From 1981 to 1986 he worked for the Rath Packing Company. From 1986 through 1991 he was the Director of Corporate Facilities for CyCare Systems.