Still Time For Candidates To File

Those sitting on the fence contemplating a run for the St Louis Board of Aldermen still have time to file for the office — the deadline is Friday January 2, 2009.  Fourteen odd-numbered wards are up this coming Spring.  In a democracy it is important to have choices come election day.

Your current elected alderman may be a nice person.  He or she may also have the best of intentions — or at least they did when first elected.  Some were first elected before many of you were born.

The Board of Aldermen has, in general, become a stagnant institution.  Fresh ideas about positioning St Louis to meet 21st century problems do not originate there.

Remember that in 2010 we will have a new census which means we’ll have redistricting of the ward boundaries in 2011.  The Aldermen from odd numbered wards will have a hand in these boundaries that will be in place through 2021.  All elections are important but this one is especially important.

So while you may like your current representation, ask yourself if they are doing the pro-active steps to manage our city.  Do you think you can do a better job?    Do you have a flexible schedule that would allow you to serve as an Alderman?

Change is coming to Washington D.C. in under a month.  We need change at city hall.

The first step is viable candidates.  That is where you come in.  Many have thought about it but few take that important step of filing for office. For me, running for office in 2005 was one of the most rewarding life experiences I’ve had.  I didn’t win the election but I won in other ways.Running for office changed who I am and who I hope to become.  Challenging an entrenched incumbent helped raise issues and expectations for the ward and city.

Registering to vote and voting is simply not enough.  We must all be more involved. Work on a campaign.  Organize a debate.  Engage your neighbors in discussions about the future of the city.  And get yourself down to the St Louis Board of Election Commissioners before 5pm on January 2, 2009.

If you are a current Alderman and have been in office for more than 8 years please consider stepping aside so that we can get some fresh thinking in City Hall.  Your time served is appreciated but really, step out of the way.  Granted your not running is not a guarantee of fresh thinking but your sticking around it is certain we won’t have new ideas for old and new problems facing the city.

I’ve run for office before so this is not just talk.  To continue to stay involved I’m putting the finishing touches on an online questionnaire for all candidates in the St Louis Spring 2009 election – instructions will be mailed to all candidates after the close of filing with answers being posted online in February 2009.  I’m also continually updating my 2009 Election page to help inform voters of the candidates seeking office.

We just need more of you to become candidates.