Political Changes Moving U-City Forward
I recently discovered a group called U-City Forward that has a simple website listing some principals they seek for their community. It begins:
To regain the excitement and energy of the past, we believe that U City needs to reinvigorate, revitalize, broaden and deepen citizen enthusiasm and involvement in government at every level.
In the two years since they’ve started apparently they’ve replaced a few members of the City Council. I like it, a citizen based group organizing to take control of city government. Now if only I could think of another municipality where such an organization might do some good…
– Steve
Indeed, it sounds good in theory. But look at the list of supporters — many developers with self-interests that are not being met by U City’s current administration and codes. These folks are leading the charge to tear down historic homes in favor of economic development.
[REPLY – OK, you’ve got my interest. Please tell me and other more because I know very little about this group and what has been happening as a result. – SLP]
Why don’t you run for office? you’re knowlegeable.
[REPLY – Thank you for the compliment. Actually, I did run for office in the last aldermanic cycle in March 2005. In fact, in just a few days it will be the one year anniversary of the day I filed to run for office. I garnered 44.4% of the vote with only 25% of the money of my opponent. You can read more here:
http://www.urbanreviewstl.com/archives/000109.php and
http://www.thecommonspace.org/2005/05/churchstate.php
– SLP]
I’d like ctydwllr to expand on that as well. Most of the names on that list are either neighbors of mine, school board members, fellow parents at my children’s school or all of the above. While I see one “developer” on the list, I know him and trust his instincts. I don’t see a whole lot of loss of historic homes in U-City, either. So I’m at a loss.
If ctydwllr is talking about some of the proposed redevelopment at Big Bend and Forest Park, well, that’s right in my backyard. A couple of things. Some of us aren’t so certain that development would be a bad thing. Though we’re also not certain it’d be good. AND…we in U-City are a little at the mercy of our largest land owner – Wash-U. And that’s a whole ‘nuther issue. (Hint, that large land owner doesn’t pay taxes.)
Building codes and their subsequent enforcement in U-City is tough. As a normal, everyday homeowner with few suspicious “self-interests” (and who is not a member of U-City forward and perhaps I should be) – I think that while “toughness” is a good thing, consistency would be even better.
Having said this, U-City Forward’s web site is very out of date. Very. I wish it said more about who they are and what they do.
Bev is right. Most of the names on that list are neighbors that I know personally and who I know without question have the best interest of the community at heart.
Shelley Welsh, one of the names on the list, is running for mayor in the next cycle. She is an excellent candidate, running on a platform very similar to the principles of this organization. I am very excited about Shelley potentially being the mayor of U City.
While, I have always felt that we are priviliged to live in one of most vibrant urban communities I have ever seen, there are areas where we can improve U City. It is encouraging to see the residents of our community coming together to do that.
I’m a developer trying to tear down historic homes? Who knew.
From my interactions with the people who are the main actors in U City Forward, I understand they are against big box development and actually want to create a more open system of citizen engagement.