I never thought I'd be writing a partisan political story on the Rock Road Reporter blog, but one can never say never. I'm a candidate for Alderman in St. Ann's Ward One and I'm having a great time talking to everyone in the Ward about the city. Well, not everyone, because many people haven't been at home when I dropped by and some people probably think that I'm a salesperson and won't answer the door anyway. I've already encountered so many dogs that I'm pretty sure I can tell you what breed the dog is, just by the sound of its' bark.
As of February 28th, a couple friends and I have covered about two thirds of Ward One, with campaign materials, but so far, I've only been able to knock on about one quarter of the doors myself. I figured we should get the campaign information out right away and I'll catch up on personal visits as soon as I can. (Some people really have a whole lot to say and by God, I'm gonna listen).
As of February 28th, a couple friends and I have covered about two thirds of Ward One, with campaign materials, but so far, I've only been able to knock on about one quarter of the doors myself. I figured we should get the campaign information out right away and I'll catch up on personal visits as soon as I can. (Some people really have a whole lot to say and by God, I'm gonna listen).
By election day, I will have personally knocked on every one of the estimated 1,500 doors in St. Ann's beautiful Ward One and I'll be a better man for it. So far, the reception from the people has been very good. I feel very welcome at people's homes and I've gathered a lot of information about what Ward One residents really think... both positive and negative. I'll certainly use all that information to better represent Ward One residents, if I'm fortunate enough to get elected.
Let's start with the negatives I've been hearing:
People are genuinely concerned about decreasing home values in St. Ann. The home equity that they have counted on for retirement is quickly crumbling right before their eyes.
There is concern about decaying sidewalks and pothole filled roads.
The recent prevalence of vacant homes and the negligence of absentee landlords is a very strong concern and probably the number one source of complaints.
Business vacancies are another major source of concern and the lack of good shopping options in St. Ann is very frustrating for Ward One residents. "When you turn east on the Rock Road from Lindbergh, it looks like a Ghost Town, it looks like a bomb went off around here," said one Ward One resident. "I can't even buy a pair of pants around here anymore."
Apathy. Many people complained that there is a general sense of apathy among the residents and the officials at City Hall. "It almost seems like we've just given up," said one very spirited grandmother.
Several complaints were also heard about the speed traps and speed cameras throughout the city. One resident said "You're constantly looking over your shoulder around here and you get paranoid just driving to the store. I'm always afraid that I'm going to get ticketed, even when I know I'm going the speed limit. That's not right." There were also many concerns that the city is being kept afloat by writing tickets and that people were staying away from St. Ann, because they believe we have turned into "one big speed trap."
Other complaints regarded everything from trash and yard waste removal to unruly neighbors, but most of the complaints regarded items listed above.
Okay, now it's time to talk about the good stuff:
I didn't hear any complaints about such city services as snow removal and street cleaning, etc. Many people said that they think that St. Ann has "the best Street Department around."
I've heard very few complaints about crime in the city, or at least the part of the city that I've been walking in. The statement of "I feel very safe here," was echoed by several residents. "I like that they snuff out little gang problems before they become big problems," said a World War 2 Veteran. There was also general agreement that response times from the Police Department were extremely quick.
"We have the best park system around and everyone knows that," said a woman who plays golf in Saint Ann, uses the indoor pool quite a bit and likes to take long walks through Tiemeyer Park. 'I just hope we can keep them up,' she added.
For the most part, elected city officials were given a free pass. There were not too many complaints about the Mayor, Aldermen, or the Chief of Police, who seems to be very popular. It was also evident that people don't like to drop names and complain, because they either don't know who I'm friends with, or they just thought that it would be impolite to do so. Don't get me wrong... a few people complained loud and long, but on the whole, there was not a lot of vitriol directed at elected officials in St. Ann.
There also seems to be some new hope over here in Ward One. Several people commented about how happy they were that progress is occurring at Northwest Plaza and elsewhere around town. "It's about damned time," said a close neighbor of mine.
I agree. It is about time and I believe that it's about time that we took the momentum and ran with it. The City of Saint Ann has a lot of work to do, but if the residents of all the other Wards are as honest and expressive as the folks here in Ward One, I think we'll be just fine. Most residents can tell you exactly what the city needs: "We need more businesses!"
That's what I heard while I was walking and that's the platform I'm running on. More business and more businesses. That's what's going to increase St. Ann's tax base, decrease property taxes, improve our home values and improve our standard of living once again. Our great parks and city services were built on sales taxes from businesses in this city and I believe that City Hall lost the focus over the years on bringing new businesses here and on keeping the ones we have. Simply put, getting more business in St. Ann will be my business if I'm elected. New business, new ideas and responding quickly to all of the great people I have met and will meet in Ward One.
To all of those I've met, please call me if you have any more questions. To those of you I haven't met, please jot down a few questions, because I'll be glad to answer them for you. If you see me out walking, it will probably be in the best Ward the city has to offer. We're number One!
Let's start with the negatives I've been hearing:
People are genuinely concerned about decreasing home values in St. Ann. The home equity that they have counted on for retirement is quickly crumbling right before their eyes.
There is concern about decaying sidewalks and pothole filled roads.
The recent prevalence of vacant homes and the negligence of absentee landlords is a very strong concern and probably the number one source of complaints.
Business vacancies are another major source of concern and the lack of good shopping options in St. Ann is very frustrating for Ward One residents. "When you turn east on the Rock Road from Lindbergh, it looks like a Ghost Town, it looks like a bomb went off around here," said one Ward One resident. "I can't even buy a pair of pants around here anymore."
Apathy. Many people complained that there is a general sense of apathy among the residents and the officials at City Hall. "It almost seems like we've just given up," said one very spirited grandmother.
Several complaints were also heard about the speed traps and speed cameras throughout the city. One resident said "You're constantly looking over your shoulder around here and you get paranoid just driving to the store. I'm always afraid that I'm going to get ticketed, even when I know I'm going the speed limit. That's not right." There were also many concerns that the city is being kept afloat by writing tickets and that people were staying away from St. Ann, because they believe we have turned into "one big speed trap."
Other complaints regarded everything from trash and yard waste removal to unruly neighbors, but most of the complaints regarded items listed above.
Okay, now it's time to talk about the good stuff:
I didn't hear any complaints about such city services as snow removal and street cleaning, etc. Many people said that they think that St. Ann has "the best Street Department around."
I've heard very few complaints about crime in the city, or at least the part of the city that I've been walking in. The statement of "I feel very safe here," was echoed by several residents. "I like that they snuff out little gang problems before they become big problems," said a World War 2 Veteran. There was also general agreement that response times from the Police Department were extremely quick.
"We have the best park system around and everyone knows that," said a woman who plays golf in Saint Ann, uses the indoor pool quite a bit and likes to take long walks through Tiemeyer Park. 'I just hope we can keep them up,' she added.
For the most part, elected city officials were given a free pass. There were not too many complaints about the Mayor, Aldermen, or the Chief of Police, who seems to be very popular. It was also evident that people don't like to drop names and complain, because they either don't know who I'm friends with, or they just thought that it would be impolite to do so. Don't get me wrong... a few people complained loud and long, but on the whole, there was not a lot of vitriol directed at elected officials in St. Ann.
There also seems to be some new hope over here in Ward One. Several people commented about how happy they were that progress is occurring at Northwest Plaza and elsewhere around town. "It's about damned time," said a close neighbor of mine.
I agree. It is about time and I believe that it's about time that we took the momentum and ran with it. The City of Saint Ann has a lot of work to do, but if the residents of all the other Wards are as honest and expressive as the folks here in Ward One, I think we'll be just fine. Most residents can tell you exactly what the city needs: "We need more businesses!"
That's what I heard while I was walking and that's the platform I'm running on. More business and more businesses. That's what's going to increase St. Ann's tax base, decrease property taxes, improve our home values and improve our standard of living once again. Our great parks and city services were built on sales taxes from businesses in this city and I believe that City Hall lost the focus over the years on bringing new businesses here and on keeping the ones we have. Simply put, getting more business in St. Ann will be my business if I'm elected. New business, new ideas and responding quickly to all of the great people I have met and will meet in Ward One.
To all of those I've met, please call me if you have any more questions. To those of you I haven't met, please jot down a few questions, because I'll be glad to answer them for you. If you see me out walking, it will probably be in the best Ward the city has to offer. We're number One!
Thanks for spending some time at the Rock Road Reporter today. Check in often.
Steve Erdelen
