Urban Review STL

Author:Steve Patterson February 17th, 2009

I recently contacted candidates in contested primary races for the city’s March 3, 2009 primary.  The following are the responses received in the 7-way Democratic primary for the 23rd Ward.  I received responses from Colleen Bridges, Doug Dick, Mary Homan, Forrest “Woody” Lange, Kevin Toal and Joe Vacarro.  Not everyone answered all the questions.

The first 3 questions were related to name, phone number and a secret code to ensure it was the candidate answering the questions.

4. Campaign website URL is (this WILL be published). Type ‘none’ if you don’t have a website/blog.

Bridges:     colleenbridges-23rdward.com

Dick:    dougdick.com

Homan: www.maryhoman.com

Lange:   vote4lange

Toal:  www.KRTOAL23RDWARD.COM

Vaccarro:    www.stlvaccaro.com

5. List your 3 main qualifications for the position?

Bridges:
#1: Excellent communicator
#2: 20 Years of community service experience
#3: Exceptional leadership qualities

Dick:
#1: As president of the Lindenwood Neighborhood Association (LNA) for the last 7 years, I have worked extensively with  neighborhood and Ward issues pertaining to neighborhood stability, public safety and new housing development.
#2: Being president of LNA, I have worked closely with the current and past alderpersons and other city officials to address the problems and find solutions.
#3: I assume this as a full-time, 100%, commitment, not a part-time undertaking.

Hohman:
As a working woman, I understand the concerns of people in my ward.  Most importantly, I’ve been a lifelong resident of the 23rd ward and know the needs and desires of 23rd ward residents. After serving as a political consultant for legislators, I realize the importance of good government. I understand that to effectively answer those needs and desires, an energetic, organized, and thoughtful person must be elected. I am up to the challenge.
I have volunteered as a health policy analyst for state legislators, advocated on behalf of health and human services, served on the bylaws committee for the Young Democrats and currently work at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, a Center for Policy, Ethics, and Evaluation. I understand what makes good legislation and my my broad work and academic experience allow for me to solidly represent the 23rd ward in all areas. I have considerable experience working with policy-makers, community groups and individuals interested in the betterment of the City of Saint Louis. I have great working relationships with a variety of City offices including Planning and Urban Development, Education, Public Health, Public Safety, Public Administration, and Human Services. I also work with a variety of community stakeholders including investors, social and health services providers, entrepreneurs, and education administrators and staff.
I believe that the City of Saint Louis is on the cusp of excellence and that the residents of the 23rd Ward are energized and ready to be part of the larger conversation. With so many challenges facing our ward and city as a whole, I’m ready to bring my passion and experience to City Hall and work for progress. I hope that I can be a part of that change as the next Alderwoman of the 23rd Ward.

Lange:
#1: Experience
#2: Neighborhood Leadership
#3: Implement appropriate development to preserve the historical integrity of our neighborhoods

Toal:
#1: Experience with city hall in landlord-tenant relations
#2: An interest to know and input where our money is spent in the city
#3: An experienced leader in business and local issues that affect our city

Vacarro:
#1: Lifelong citizen of the Ward, and business owner in city
#2: Endorsements by 23 Ward Committe and all major leaders, unions, Police and Firefighters
#3: Knowedge of City and local politics as serving on boards and commissions of charity and civil groups

6. Only one of the current 28 Aldermen does a blog so that others can read about issues in that ward. Will you, if elected (or
re-elected), have a blog with postings on a regular basis? If not, what method of communications will you have with your constituents,
the press and interested citizens?

Bridges:  I will absolutely maintain a blog for communication purposes. I will also utilize the neighborhood associations and reestablish the
Block Captain Program as a means of networking with the residents.

Dick:    Yes, I will do a blog through a regularly maintained web site. I will also undertake regular communition through the 4 neighborhood
associations and their newsletters in the Ward.

Homan: Yes, I believe that we need to use all possible methods of communication with the ward including newer technologies like blogs, facebook, twitter. But we also need to utilize traditional methods for those not so inclined.

Lange:   I am considering this as one of the methods in keeping the ward informed about the issues.

Toal: A blog would be absolutely necessary. In addition, mass e-mail for those in the ward, press, and interested citizens. Information not
only in the ward, but in the city board of alderman. Citizens must know what is going on, so they can have input on the running of the
city.

Vaccarro:   I currenly have a blog on my website at www.stlvaccaro.com and will continue running open lines of communications as Alderman. I
also seek to have a 23 ward Headquarter where neighbors can gather, ideas are welcomed, and committee gathings held.

7. The top five issues facing your ward in the coming four years are:

Bridges:

#5: Awarding of TIFs and tax abatements
#4: supporting and enticing small businesses to the area
#3: Vandalism and criminal activity
#2: Communication between neighbors
#1: Communication between the residents and the alderman

Dick:

#5: Closure of city public schools.
#4: Possible closure of parochial schools.
#3: Issues of public safety and crime.
#2: Fallout from home foreclosures placing pressures on neighborhood stability.
#1: Nuisance and problem properties, especially associated with rental property.

Homan: The top 5 issues facing our ward are the economy, our schools, keeping our residents safe, making sure everyone has access to good health services and maintaining our parks.

Lange:

#5: Absentee Landlords
#4: Infill Housing
#3: Stability
#2: Schools
#1: Public Safety

Toal:

#5: Problem properties, lack of landlore knowledge
#4: Tax abatement, TIF’s and eminent domain
#3: need more police presence - police spotter solution
#2: lack of information to the public, to know what is happening in the city
#1: lack of enforcement in the courts on law violations

Vaccarro:

#5: Crime
#4: Preservation of Housing Value
#3: Schools
#2: Civil Services
#1: Accessiblity and Accountability of Alderman

8. The top five issues facing the City of St Louis in the coming four years are:

Bridges:

#5: Families moving out of St. Louis
#4: Satisfying the concerns of firefighters and police officers
#3: Awarding of TIFs and tax abatements
#2: Promoting energy efficiency ; going green

#1: St. Louis Public Schools

Dick:

#5: Situation with St. Louis public schools.

#4: Closure of parochial schools and diminishment of that educational option.

3: Continued physical deterioration with resulting impetus to demolish the architecural legacy of the city.
#2: Continued erosion of economic base and declining tax base.
#1: Financial challenges resulting in dimuation of city services.

Homan: The top 5 issues facing the City of St. Louis are the same as for the ward.  If we can focus on stabilizing and improving each of these specific issues for every ward then the City of St. Louis will also remain strong.

Lange:

#5: Absentee Landlords
#4: Proper Development & Tax Incentives
#3: Schools
#2: Public Saftey
#1: Jobs

Toal:

#5: rampant fatherless homes and pregnant teens
#4: poor schools, that pass on students who cannot read or write
#3: Not enough police on the streets and enforcing the laws
3. Issues P1
#2: no communication in city hall, they are giving away our tax base in the city
#1: Tax abatements, TIF’s and eminent domain issues gives away millions

Vaccarro:

#5: Budget
#4: Foward Communication and Progress among all municipalites
#3: Crime

#2: Jobs

#1: Schools

9. The top five issues facing the Greater St Louis Region (The St Louis MSA) are:

Bridges:

#5: crime and vandalism
#4: transit issues
#3: health care
#2: racial division
#1: progress in the public school system

Dick:

#5: Demise of Metro.
#4: Economic decline.
#3: Home foreclosure crisis.
#2: Tax base and tax collection inequalities between jurisdictions.
#1: Balkanized municipal governance of St. Louis County.

Homan: As with the ward and the City, the metro area faces primarily the same issues.  Issues of economic development and maintaining quality schools during a slower economy are going to face every part of our community in the near future.

Lange:

#5: Transportation
#4: Proper Development
#3: Schools
#2: Public Saftey
#1: Jobs
Toal:

#5: Spending money on a MetroLink to nowhere
#4: Urban sprawl caused by poor schools and neighborhoods
#3: Lack of police presence and law enforcement
#2: Career politicians
#1: Tax abatements, TIF’s and Eminent Domain giveaways

Vaccarro:

#5: Budget
#4: Foward Communication and Progress among all municipalites
#3: Crime
#2: Jobs
#1: Schools

10. State offices like State Rep & State Senate as well as the Presidency all have term limits. Cities like New York City have term limits in place. What are your thoughts on local term limits of 8-12 years:

Bridges:     I believe local term limits should be in place. If someone elected is devoted to the neighborhood, when their term is up they will
continue to serve.

Dick:    Would support term limits of 8 - 12 years.

Homan: I believe that term limits are one method of bringing about a fresh perspective.  Of course, elections also have the same ability.

Lange:   I don’t beleave in term limits. If you serve your community the correct way your experience will be an asset to your district. If you  don’t service your community, they will know and vote you out!

Toal:  Term limits are mandatory. Career politicians care nothing about their constituents but just want to get elected and feather their beds. A 2 term or 8 years is enough time to serve your community:

11. Would you support a ban on smoking in public places within the City of St. Louis? Yes or no and explain.

Bridges:   Yes. As a parent of a child with asthma, I understand the dangers of second hand smoke. Smokers would find themselves smoking less if it were prohibited. Smoking is a nusiance to non-smokers rights.

Dick:    It should be a state initiative, but absent that, would support a City of St. Louis specific ban.

Homan: I support a comprehensive smoke-free policy for the City of St. Louis.

Lange:   If you read the side of a pack of smokes, the Surgeon General of the United States will tell you why you shouldn’t smoke. I would  support a ban.

Toal:  Yes. Smoking and second hand smoke is shown to have a major negative effect on our bodies. The surgeon general states it on each pack. Further, in eating establishments, it taints the food and the air reeks with the smell of smoke and nicotine.

12. Do you support effort to get local control of the St Louis Police?

Bridges:     No I do not. I also support the Firefighters in their efforts for state control. These men and women have legitmate cause, in my  opinion, for demanding state control.

Dick:   It makes sense conceptually but I have never seen a case built that there are some over-arching benefits for the change. Absent that, there are more important priorities with St. Louis vis-vis the State of Missouri than gaining local control of the police.

Homan:  I am open to studying any plans that would help protect our citizens and make it easier and safer for our police officers to do their jobs.

Lange:    I support partial control of the police department. The cival war is over!

Toal: Yes, local control only makes sense. Why have Jefferson City control how we handle our police department.

13. Elected offices in many cities are non-partisan. In the city we seldom have candidates other than Democrats yet we hold a primary and general election. Going non-partisan could save money every two years by eliminating the March Primary. Your position on switching to non-partisan local elections is:

Bridges:    I have no problem with switching to non-partisan local elections.

Dick:    Support making elections non-partisan.

Homan:  Going to a non-partisan system of electing local officials could give a greater voice to those who don’t feel that they are represented by the party system in addition to the potential for saving money.

Lange:    I don’t know enough about this subject to give an oppinion.

Toal:  Switching to non-partisan elections would be benefitial to the city in that people with other ideas would have a chance to be elected.  The city is replete with people who just press the democate lever with no thought as to the issues or who the person i, and what they could do for the city.

14. Prior Charter Reform measures, if passed, would have reduced the number of Aldermen/Wards in the city. Describe your thoughts on a reduction in the number of wards:

Bridges:    I believe we need to become fiscally responsible, now more than ever.I believe it is possible to reduce the number of wards and still serve the residents responsibly.

Dick:    Has merit but will never happen. So forget about it.

Homan:  Reducing the number of wards and elected aldermen is a complicated issue.  The positive side of reducing the number of wards is the streamline affect it could have on governing.  Fewer wards and fewer elected aldermen could make it easier to get legislation passed.  However, reducing the number of wards would make ward communication less grassroots level and more difficult to do effectively.  Each alderman would be less in touch with the block by block occurrences of the ward and would be looking at things at a much larger level.

Lange:    It may be time to consider this possibility with the reduction of population in our city.

Toal:  Reductions in amount of alderman would help in the legislative process, since you would have less bickering between 28 people.  They want to hold on to their power, and do not want to go out and find a job.. Since the city population is always decreasing a fewer number of alderman is needed. It is still a part time job. Add to this issue term limits and I think we would have profound effect on the walfare of the city.

15. In many wards persons interested in seeking office are told to “wait their turn.” Describe your thoughts on this view:

Bridges:   This suggests to me that qualified candidates could be overlooked because it’s “not their turn.” Candidates for office can demonstrate their knowledge and ability in the process of a campaign and voters should have the opportunity to decide whose turn it is to represent  them.

Dick:    People should disregard such advice and proceed with what they consider to be in their best interests.

Homan:  The “old school” system of selecting candidates is becoming less prevalent.  If a quality candidate wishes to run and they work hard, they can win.

Lange:    If you are ready to run and you have a strong conviction to serve, go for it. I did!

Toal: Anybody that wants to run, should be able to without any negative input. The wait your tern is just the old political hack machine trying to influence who they can be in bed with. But, I do feel there should be some pre-registration, so people could find out who is running, so they do not waste time and money running when they have the same views an others.:

16. Past charter reform also would have consolidated many of the county offices. Describe your thoughts on consolidating County offices and/or making some appointed positions rather than elected:

Bridges:   Again, this is a question of fiscal responsibility in government. If consolidations and appointed positions would save money without detracting from city or county services, then I am in favor of those reforms.

Dick:    See #14.

Homan:  Coordinating services in a way that makes government provide more services with greater efficiency is in the best interests of everyone.

Lange:   The existing county officials are fine public servents and do a very good job with the responsibilities they were elected to do. The  Mayor would like to consolidate some of these offices to strengthen his office and give him some additional say so on some issues.

Toal:  Appointing, is patronage. One political party should not run the show for 60 years, with no chance of different views. Elections, term  limits and the reduction in the amount of alderman would make things work better.

17. Outline your thoughts on the role/duty of the Alderman vs. Bureaucrat. Who should do what and why? What is the ideal role of the Aldermen?

Bridges:  The ideal role of the alderman is to represent the constituents. Decisions made should be based on residential input and make the  necessary compromises to benefit the city as a whole. The alderman should be the voice of the individuals they serve.

Dick:  An alderman is part of the legislative branch of St. Louis City governance and is responsible for passing laws (ordinances) and making budget decisions which in turn, help set the long-term stategic direction of the city. Part of the role is to help make sure that city services are delivered efficiently and effectively which thereby places it in the bureaucratic realm. This is also part of providing good constituent service which is top goal for any aldermanic perspective.

Homan:  The ideal role of the Alderwoman is to represent the issues and concerns of her constituents and to write and pass legislation that helps promote the common good of both her ward and the City of St. Louis at large.  The role of the bureaucrat is to effectively and efficiently make sure that the programs instituted by the elected officials achieve their purpose.

Lange:   The Alderman is elected to manage his or her part of the city, to make it a good safe place to live and play and I hope that is why you were elected. To be proactive and responsive to your neighborhood and city. You could sit back and take advantage of some of the perks made avaliable to alderman you then may be considered that Bureaucrat

Toal:  Alderman should never become bureaucrats. They should be active in the ward finding out what the people think and want. Then they should reflect those ideas and ideals when voting on citywide issues. There is a great deal of similarities in all of the wards in the city of St. Louis

18. “Aldermanic Courtesy” is the practice of letting an alderman do as they wish in their ward even though it may not be the best policy for the city as a whole. Your thoughts?

Bridges:   The practice of “Aldermanic Courtesy” is not a good policy for the city. All parts ultimately affect the whole and this is a practice I
would not condone.

Dick:   Aldermanic courtesy should not be the absolute standard for decision making.

Homan:  Sometimes the hardest issues to deal with are the ones in our own back-yard. No one likes having the finger pointed at them or blamed for short-comings. There are development issues that affect the whole City and they ought to bring to the whole Board without fear of retribution. Real collaboration begins with humility and each Alderman need to speak with a spirit of generosity that seeks to improve the whole City and not simply pass an issue because “it’s not in my ward.” As in any business, colleagues need to be brought to task and viable solutions must be sought out.

Lange:  Question some of those decisions for the betterment of the city! Most of the decisions are made in committe meetings. Who goes? If you lift the rock and let the sun shine in things could change. Remember that in politics, you must sometimes give to get.

Toal: Get rid of the practice. If it is not in the best interest of the city and the ward it should not be a practice. Again this shows the alderman are not working for the food of the city.

19. St Louis’ zoning code (classifications, parking mandates, etc) is now 60+ years old. It is largely an auto-centric code. Many cities are replacing such codes in favor of “form based” codes designed to produce more urban building forms. Describe your thoughts on the current zoning ordinances and efforts to bring St Louis’ zoning into the 21st Century:

Bridges:     I am not informed enough on this matter to respond at this time. However, it is certainly something to be considered since the zoning
codes are aged.

Dick:    I support zoning initiatives that encourage high-density, urban, pedestrian friendly environments.

Homan:  The zoning code needs to be evaluated and options need to be considered to bring the City of St. Louis to a level that makes us competitive with other major cities.

Lange:   Needs to be reviewed.

Toal: The city ordinances, without knowing all of them, are just fine. If a developer or other interested parties want a zoning issue changed, they can go to the board of appeals and with the approval of the ward alderman and a sensible plan, to show economic benefit for the city, the board of appeals can approve whatever zoning issues.

20. With respect to physical development, how do we attract more residents & businesses?

Bridges:   In order to attract more residents and businesses, we need to work to overcome the negative image that many have about St. Louis.  The 23rd ward supports many small businesses and they add to the unique nature of our area. We also need to work towards  improving the image of St. Louis Public Schools and demonstrate this through marketing.

Dick:   Eliminate the city 1% earning’s tax would probably be the first best step.

Homan:  I believe strongly in the walkability of neighborhoods and having the ability to run down the street to grab some groceries or meet a friend for a drink or purchase some art supplies. We need to help small businesses succeed and we need to offer both physical space and marketing so folks know they exist. We also need to work with big local companies on job training programs. If a company is looking to hire, we should be able to send the best and brightest from the City but we have to have job training that prepares high school students to enter the workforce. St. Louis Public Schools have a drop-out 3 times the national average. There is a growing coalition that looks to find the kids that have dropped out of school to bring them back and equip them with the skill set needed to add to the workforce. On average, a student who drops out of high school makes $10,000 a year less than a high school graduate. If we help high school students finish school and get into a job in the City.

Lange: We are an old city and this is the $64,000 question. How can we reinvent ourselves? Everyone is asking the same question but as of now no one has won the $64,000. How about a new Soccer team? How about bringing in manufacturing and high tech business.

Toal: We must start from square one. No tax giveaways. Not all businesses will leave the city. There are many businesses and citizens that will be happy to move into the city especially when they could corner a market. We raise the conditions on the streets in the downtown and the neighborhoods by getting rid of the trashed buildings and the vagrant who now control the streets. There is a way to do it, but you have to have the guts and the understanding to make the hard choices.

21. In November 2008, voters in St Louis County rejected a sales tax that would have triggered a previously approved city sales tax for transit funding. To fund transit in the future we need to do what?

Bridges:  We need to convince voters that this sales tax will benefit the region. Again, this is an issue that I am not informed enough to speak about.

Dick:    This is one where St. Louis should look to the State of Missouri for additional financial assistance.

Homan:  In this time of economic uncertainty, we need to make our services more efficient instead of increasing taxes.  Monitoring the spending of our transit system and streamlining services in a way that provides the highest quality service without frivolous waste is the best approach.

Lange:     This a regional question. With our fuel cost, and the cost of running a car , mass transit can deliver a person to a destination at a lot less cost than a car. We have been a mobil society for the longest time and it will take time to convince the public this is one of the ways to the future.

Toal: Raise the price for those who use the transit. We have to have better routes and service. We need to cut excessive costs and have the people of the region help with transporting people. Thirty and forty years ago, family supported the transit for their families, but now everyone relies on government to get them around. Thousnads of people volunteer to help all types of people. Lets get these volunteers to help with transit for needed services and keep the voters taxes in their pockets.

22. The Gateway Arch is the symbol for the city but many feel is is not well connected to downtown & the rest of the city. A lid over the depressed section of I-70 has been discussed for many years. Some have argued in favor of eliminating that stretch of I-70 once the new Mississippi River bridge is finished and having a nice boulevard to handle north/south traffic. As an alderman, which option would get your support and why?

Bridges:  I was not aware of this issue. I would have to say that I would base my support on all the information provided as well as feedback from the residents who make use of this section of I-70.

Dick:    A lid over I-70 is the best approach.

Homan:  Without seeing specifics of all alternatives, I can not support one method over the other.

Lange:    I only know enough about this sibject to be dangerous. Once elected I would be given more information to make a valued decision.

Toal:  There can be some pedestrian traffic issues to be added, like bridges over the lanes. It is connected and has been for years. As a retailer, you want people walking around in and around the downtown areas. People do not need a place to eat every 25 feet. Let them walk, get some exercise and it will save millions in tax dollars and calories.

23. Last year or so a bill was passed by the Board of Aldermen to give restaurant owners with outdoor patios/sidewalk cafes the option of allowing customers to bring their pet dog with them. However, 7 of the 28 wards opted out of this provision. What are your thoughts of having what should be a city-wide policy cut up into a ward by ward policy?

Bridges:    I believe a city-wide policy should be in effect for the entire city. It is confusing to residents when legislation is cut up ward by ward.

Dick:    I support the existing approach.

Hohman:  This is the challenge of working in such a diverse city.  Policies which may be appropriate for some wards may not be for others.  When dealing with policies like public health, education and citizen safety; citywide policy should remain just that.

Lange:    NO DOGS in any restaurant anywhere!

Toal: The city should have a sensible ban on animals in restruant areas. Animals are just that, not people. As an individual, I do not want to have to search for an area to eat that does not have animals in eating areas. I should have the right to eat and sit in areas that are not teeming with animals. Animals can be dirty, diseased, worms,and make a smelly and distasteful biological functions, that most people do not want to see or hear.

24. East-West Gateway has studied expanding MetroLink light rail through both North & South St. Louis. Assuming we could get federal assistance, what are your thoughts on expanding the current system?

Bridges:   I use the metrolink for travel to downtown events and as a student at UMSL. My neighbors use metro and bi-state buses for travel to
and from work. I think expanding MetroLink is vital and would be appealing to residents considering city living.

Dick:    The current system should be expanded.

Homan:  We need to work hard at effectively and efficiently increasing the services provided by MetroLink.  A broad ranging, safe and efficient light rail system can benefit residents throughout the city.

Lange:  Lets do this. If you have ever lived in a city with mass transit like D.C., Boston, New York, San Francisco,and Chicago? If so, you
would encourage this expansion.

Toal:  We cannot afford the present system, so why would you add further financial burden to the city and state. MetroLink was not voted in by the people, but rammed through by a Senator Danforth. Now we are cutting services because we cannot affor the present system, and you want to add another MetroLink to nowhere.

25. Some have advocated the building of streetcar lines in the city to serve the transit needs with in the city. As opposed to Light Rail used to transport suburbanites through the city to downtown. What are your thoughts on the use of modern streetcars such as those used in cities like Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?

Bridges:    I would rather focus on the expansion of MetroLink than begin another costly project.

Dick:   These would be a great amenity. They should be considered as part of special taxing districts for certain areas such as the Delmar
loop.

Homan: -

Lange:    Good Idea. Some of the old tracks are still imbeded in some of the city streets.

Toal:  Streetcars were and still are a great idea. They do not have to be on every street, but could move people around the downtown area with no negative effect on the envoirnment. Lines could be placed below grade to keep the view of the city intact.:

26. The population of the city is roughly 353,000, down a half million from its 1950 peak. What number of total population should be
our goal for the 2050 census?

Bridges:    600,000

Dick:    500,000

Homan: -

Lange:    500,000

Toal:  There is nothing wrong with the population number, we need a better city.

27. The 1% City Earnings Tax gets blamed for a lot. Many feel the City needs to eliminate this tax and seek alternate revenue sources. What are your thoughts on eliminating the Earnings Tax?

Bridges:    I feel we should keep the City Earnings Tax.

Dick:    There should be serious consideration for its elimination.

Homan: I believe that in order for us to evaluate the city earnings tax we would need to increase economic development to a point where those tax revenues would become insignificant.

Lange:    Keep the tax. the alternative would be various regressive taxs on the citizens of the city of St. Louis.

Toal:  All earning taxes should be eliminated. The raising of revenue could be offset by entertainment taxes, hotel tax, and increased revenue from more people living and coming to the city to do business.

28. In 2010 we will have a new U.S. Census. The population of St. Louis will be determined at that time. In 2011 we will need to redraw ward boundaries to reflect the change in population that occurred between 2000 and 2010. Please share your thoughts on how to draw ward boundaries to best serve the city as a whole.

Bridges:  I believe the ward boundaries should be redrawn based on the number of residents per alderman. This would most likely reduce the number of alderman serving our city and I am in favor of that change.

Dick:   It was messy, but the past approach is as good as any.

Homan: I believe the ward boundaries should be drawn in a way that provides for the best representation of a ward.  For example, we should try to keep wards as consistent as possible to simplify the process.

Lange:   This will be a cat fight! Boundaries are set by population. Sad to say we may have to move a ward in the city, We also have the possibility of losing a congressman in the state because of the loss of population.

Toal: Reduce the number of alderman and then use the present east/ west streets that run the length of the city. It would keep out politics in drawing lines. Any monies alocated would be divided by population to be used in the wards.

29. The Americans with Disabilities Act became federal civil rights law in 1990. Yet today, nearly 20 years later, we still see new construction which lacks a basic provision such as an accessible route from the public sidewalk to the front door od the business. How do we as a city ensure future development is accessible to those with disabilities as well as friendly to the able-bodied pedestrian?

Bridges:     The accomodations made for those with disabilities should be a part of the initial plan for new construction as well as for
redevelopment.

Dick:    Make sure city codes are appropriate and are adhered to during the construction process.

Homan: We must enforce all civil rights laws including the ADA.  We must make certain that all new developments and renovations are in compliance by enforcing any punitive systems available.

Lange:    I don’t know why developers and architects don’t follow the law.

Toal: A large issue. Any new construction should be mandated and the law eforced. You cannot have new construction for a business without proper access provisions.

30. Share your thoughts on historic preservation tax credits and demolition of our older building fabric:

Bridges:   I believe historic preservation tax credits are important in saving the beautiful buildings that add to the uniqueness of St Louis. These
buildings and homes are one of the many reasons I was drawn to live here my whole life.
Dick:     Historic preservation tax credits should be preserved and expanded. Demolition of historically and architectually significant buildings  should be discouraged.

Homan: We should work to preserve the historical fabric of our city as long as is financially viable.  We can do this by incentivizing private renovation or offering public matching assistance.

Lange:   I believe when you save a older building you are saving the architectural and historical character of your neighborhood and city. I live in a home that will be 100 years old next year. I have stained glass, hard wood floors, pocket doors and many other accents.

Toal: No problem with taking down old buildings. If noone wants them, and they are an eyesore to the community, take them down. Also, if someone wants the building, why do they need tax credits to do the work. When you put in a bath or living room, you choose what you want the room to look like. I can see no reason to give away our tax dollars to help someone rehab a building and make a profit, at our expense.

31. The Edward Jones Dome is not getting any younger. If elected, it is a possibility that the St. Louis Rams may ask for major upgrades or a replacement of the dome during your term in office. Share your thoughts on this issue:

Bridges:   I do not have enough information at this time to respond to this question. There are many considerations to be made when addressing an issue of that magnitude.

Dick:    I think there will be demands for upgrades and those will be met.

Homan: I have no thoughts on this issue at this time.

Lange:   We have a contract with the Rams to upgrade the dome and we should abide by that contract. As for a replacement, I would not vote to support that effort. Ever read a book called “Free Lunch”? If you have you will understand how the public gets the shaft. If the Rams move to the county, we may have to support the project because the county supported the dome in the city. Tough choice.

Toal: No more money to billionaires. They make tons of money and have been given billions already. The city survived before without a football team. The dome could be still used for the converntions and other large and small functions for the city and businesses.

32. Bicycle friendly cities tend to attract young workers and good paying jobs (aka the Creative Class). How can St. Louis become more bike friendly? For example, one thought is to provide bike racks along sidewalks on commercial streets. Please share your thoughts on the goal of becoming a more bike friendly city.

Bridges:    I think becoming more bike friendly is a great idea. My family and I travel by bike regularly.

Dick:    Providing more bike racks is a good start.

Homan:  We can encourage a more bike friendly city by encouraging the work of Great Rivers Greenway and Trailnet.  We can also support efforts to provide more things such as bike racks.

Lange:    I agree with placing bike racks. Will there be bike parking meters on the racks?

Toal: Bike racks throughout the city would be no problem. Bikers bike, whether there are set asides for them or not. Large streets, Grand, Arsenal, Jefferson, Hampton, Watson, Clayton and others could have setasides. An issue is the amount of traffic and the traffic flow as not to hold up traffic and still move the bikers along. But bikers must know they have a responsibility on the road. They must stop at stop signs, give turning signals and abide by other rules of the road. Slower traffic to the right.

33. Related to the above is the idea of requiring developments to provide bike parking as a small percentage of the auto parking provided. Share your thoughts on setting minimum standards for bike parking within the city:

Bridges:   Again, this question requires input from businesses and residents and I feel that I would need more input to give a response to this
question.

Dick:    1 bike rack slot for every 10 auto parking spots.

Homan:  I am open to the idea, but would also need to see specific plan recommendations.

Lange:    This should be discussed with the developer by an advocate for bycycles.

Toal:  I would feel the biking community, would be best to talk of their needs. The alderman should meet with their association and talk out how to provide the maximun amount of parking and biking needs.

34. More and more progressive cities are providing narrow on-street parking spaces for scooters & motorcycles. 5-6 scooters can be parked in the space normally occupied by one car. Would you favor efforts to do such in St. Louis?

Bridges:  Yes

Dick:  Yes

Homan:  Yes

Lange:   In residential areas I agree. In the downtown areas it may be difficult because those areas are revenue areas for the city.

Toal: To set aside a space and have noone use them is not sensible. Again, the poeple in the ward, or the business communities in the city, talk and meet with the alderman and talk of how space could be possibly set aside. We do not want to set aside 100 spaces in the city and 2 people use them.:

35. Recently we’ve seen the city & Clayton use tax incentives to lure law firms to new developments or to retain them. These are firms that have lots of money. However, they also provide a good tax base for the city.  Share your thoughts on the use of tax incentives to attract/retain affluent firms:

Bridges:   This is another way of piloting businesses from area to area. Tax incentives, in my opinion, can be detrimental to the city operating costs.

Dick:   The use of tax incentives by economically advantaged Clayton to entice any firm to move from economically challenged St. Louis is an outrage. If it worked the other way, the use of tax incentives would be appropriate.

Homan:  Tax Increment Financing is a needed economic development tool that has been abused in the St. Louis area. In the City, since we do have a weak market for development, TIF can be a useful stimulant to make up gaps in financing for a project that may not otherwise work. Government should be working to get the market going with a subsidy, and then back off when the private market sees an area as profitable. TIF should not be used to build suburban strip malls or projects that stand up on their own merits.
I would support change in the use of Tax Increment Financing. Regionally, TIF supports moving retail around among municipality’s and creating winners and losers. This only makes for a zero sum game, or even negative game in economic development. Unfortunately, without any sort of regional agreement, changes will be difficult. St. Louis has to compete with suburban municipalities in the incentive game instead of working together to bring in new development to the region.
Within the city, I think we need to take a closer look to see if projects really do need public subsidy to cover a gap in financing. This includes all subsidies, not just TIF. Some projects certainly do have a gap and require subsidy if the City wants that type of project to happen, but many others do not. If we continue to hand out subsidies to anyone that asks, there will be much less new tax revenue to cover the city budget. Subsidies such as TIF should also have conditions attached such as urban design guidelines. If we are going to bother to stimulate a market with subsidy, we should build projects that will enhance our neighborhoods. Right now TIF is a developer driven system. We need to turn it around to be a system that serves the needs of St. Louis.

Lange:    Organizations will always move to the lowest taxing area. An agreement between cities could mitagate this occurence.

Toal:  No tax abatements, or a limited 2-3 year abatement. As stated, these firms have lots of money. Why should tax payers further their profits? With the city courts and federal building and city hall in the downtown, I would feel they would want to be close and not fight traffic to get to the courts, where they make their excessive profits.

36. Ballpark Village remains a drawing board fantasy at this point. Did tax payers get taken by the Cardinals on promises to build on the site of the old Busch Stadium?

Bridges:    I think “taken” is pretty harsh. However, this is another example of how the use of incentives can fail the residents.

Dick:    I am optimistic Ballpark Village will be built.

Homan:  Time will answer this question.

Lange:    No. But I thik we gave them too much public support to make this project work.

Toal: Absolutely, we were taker. Where were our smart city lawyers and lawmakers. Some of the alderman did not even read the bill that was passed. This is the problem with the present city government.

37. It has been nearly a year since Pyramid Construction folded. Low & high-profile projects remain stalled. One high-profile project is the remaking of the failed downtown indoor mall, St. Louis Centre. In 2007 St. Louis committed general revenues to help get the project done. With Pyramid out of the picture should any new deal on St. Louis Centre put general revenues at risk?

Bridges:    I think “taken” is pretty harsh. However, this is another example of how the use of incentives can fail the residents.

Dick:    Yes, if it can make the project work.

Homan:  No.

Lange:     Sad to say, YES. Being so close to our convention center where many visitors spend time and to see an eye sore so close ,we may
need to address this situation.

Toal:  No- There is a larger problem than just the building of the centre. The last centre was out of control with theft and the wrong kind of people in the mall. Noone wants to go shopping and get accosted by gangs, theives and intimitating people. The same thing will happen and is would be a waste of money.

38. Many say they’d move to the city if the schools were better. As an Alderman you have no control over the schools. Still, what advice would you offer for those in charge of the St. Louis Public Schools?

Bridges:    I will work with SLPS and their board to better their image. Marketing is the initial step. SLPS has a lot to offer. The image that prevails is faulty.

Dick:    Parents should have options to the city schools. There should be state tuition tax credits granted to families who send their children to parochial or private schools. School vouchers should also be available.

Homan:  We need to make sure that the only interest at play in our city public schools is that of educating out children.

Lange:  Change!

Toal: Demand the students and teachers perform. Students graduate and cannot read , write sentences, or do basic math, adding and subtraction. The schools teach less, expect less and get less. The teachers unions have held the schools hostage and the students have been hurt.

39. Charter schools are seen as a viable alternative by some and undermining to the public schools by others. What are your thoughts on charter schools?

Bridges:  Charter schoolos undermine our public school system. Informed individuals know that charter schools are able to take advantage of loopholes that SLPS cannot avoid. This gives the perspective that Charter Schools are a better choice, when in fact they are not.

Dick:    Charter schools are viable alternatives.

Lange:    Change is hard to take sometime but they are trying somthing different.

Toal: Charter schools take the students they want. They do not have to tolerate the unruly and disruptive students. They have the parents to back them and not want to sue them at each turn. They have standards and have a better chance of attaining their goal, because of their accepted students.

40. St. Louis as the center of the region attracts homeless from throughout the region. Share your thoughts on the City’s current
response and what the city should be doing to help the homeless?

Bridges:  This is an example of the need for providing more effective mental health programs in the city. Many of our homeless suffer from illnesses that are treatable with medication. They absolutely deserve our attention.

Dick:    There should be better metropolitan efforts to address the homeless problem

Lange:    The city has good services for the homeless. Sometimes they don’t want to take advantage of the services offered.

Toal:  Move the homeless out of the city. We do not need to drop them off outside the city, but can find a home and shelter system, through federal monies to care for the homeless. We should be able to provide them with adequate shelter and basic necessities. But they should be removed from the city business and living areas.

41. Many Aldermen advocate owner-occupied development only within their wards. In our current economic climate new owner-
occupied development may not be a realistic demand for a few years. Most of us have rented at one point in our lives, share your
thoughts on insisting on owner-occupancy in order tp support the redevelopment of a property.

Bridges:   Owner-occupied development suggests that ALL owners are negligient. This is certainly not the case. I don’t believe in blanket reform in situations such as this.

Dick:    Owner occupied is still the goal.

Lange:     If you as a developer plan a project that will be owner occupied and the winds of population and finance change and you say the sky is falling you should give back all public support to change your status.

Toal: A riduculous idea. It is not the issue of owned occupied, but rather the issue of poor landlording. This is a very easy solution if the neighborhoods, alderman, inspectors, police, and city courts would work together. Today, they do not. Bad landlords get away with ruining our neighborhoods. It can be stopped but noone takes a real interest on solving the problem. It is easier to come up with another law than to do the real work.

• Politics/Policy