20th Ward Endorsement: Shannon J. McGinn

This year I’m only making one primary endorsement: Shannon J. McGinn.  I’ve known Shannon, who is running in the 20th ward democratic primary against 4-term incumbent Craig Schmid and candidate Rod Yeager, for many years. I first met Shannon at the popular coffeehouse she started, Hartford Coffee.

I’ve known incumbent Craig Schmid nearly twice as long.  Schmid is a nice guy with the best of intentions.  Much has changed in the city since 1995, but Schmid hasn’t.  Schmid remains locked in nuisance problem removal mode rather than transitioning to attract residents & business mode.

From a recent article in the RFT:

“Her implication is that the current alderman, Craig Schmid, who’s held his post for 16 years, isn’t tapping into the needs of all his constituents in the 20th ward, one of most ethnically diverse, with a thriving Mexican community. It’s anchored by Cherokee and Chippewa streets, and bounded by Dutchtown, Marine Villa, Gravois Park and Benton Park West.” (RFT:  Shannon McGinn: Fresh-Faced Alderman Candidate, Discusses Her Campaign With RFT)

Shannon would bring a variety of real-world experience to the Board of Aldermen, including community involvement and as a former small business owner.If you are a registered voter in the city’s 20th ward please vote for Shannon J. McGinn on Tuesday March 8th.  Not a resident of the 20th ward? Consider volunteering and/or donating.

Find Shannon  online, on Facebook and  Twitter  @ShannonJMcGinn.

– Steve Patters0n

Readers: City Meets Snow Removal Expectations

Last week readers weighed in on the topic of snow removal:

Q: How good of a job does the City of St. Louis do at snow removal?

1. About what I expect 68 37.57%
2. I expect better 60 33.15%
3. Better than I’d expect 31 17.13%
4. Other answer… 18 9.94%
5. No opinion 4 2.21%

A close second was the expectation of a better job. The other answers were numerous:

1. We specifically bought an AWD drive car because we live IN the city.
2. I am betting that “I expect better” wins.
3. Snow removal is an unecessary expense.
4. what about sidewalks
5. I would like better, but realize it is not realistic due to budget realities.
6. It’s sporadic, sometimes good, sometimes bad. unpredictable.
7. pathetic, northern states do much, much better
8. Worst ever for a city with annual snow.
9. They do a great Job!
10. Great!
11. Snow in STL is so infrequent; the city spends to much time and energy on it.
12. the lack of plowing side streets is a reason to live in inner suburb.
13. I’d LIKE better
14. Depends how good your Alderperson is
15. About what I expect, but I expect a terrible job.
16. Embarrasingly awful
17. If you want side streets plowed, you need to pay more in taxes.
18. Laughable

Clearly readers have different expectations causing a wide variety of answers. Wondering if the ice & sleet this week has changed any opinions?

– Steve Patterson

Historic Urban School to be Razed for Parking & Playground

The old Hodgen Elementary School at California & Henrietta is to be razed, the exact date is unknown.  Yesterday I had to admit to two friends, when they asked my opinion,  I was behind on my reading.

The Post-Dispatch had the story on January 27th but the demo was one sentence: “The old Hodgen School will be demolished to make way for more playground and parking at the newer Hodgen Elementary School on California Avenue.” Michael Allen posted on the school later that day.

I keep hoping we are beyond razing our great urban fabric for parking.  The new school is tolerable only because of the existence of the old school.

Further reading & great photos:

• Preservation Research Office
• St. Louis Patina

– Steve Patterson