The Numbers are the Same

On February 9th I posted a report here on all 28 Wards and their respective bricks & mortar investment. Two weeks ago we distributed a very telling flyer regarding how our ward came in last place our of all 28 Wards in bricks & mortar investment over the last four years. To me the numbers were disappointing but not completely unexpected.

As disclosed on the prior post and on the flyer, all financial numbers have been based on information supplied to the general public (you and me) through the Slay for Mayor web site.

• Click here for our flyer called, “The Numbers Tell The Story”
• To read my post from February 9, 2005, click here.
• Mayor Slay’s detail of the 25th Ward investment can be read here.

When it comes to looking at the numbers I guess it all depends upon your perspective? My opponent’s recent literature says:

Slay’s website says we had $2.9 million in investment in housing with 10 “substantial rehabs” and 2 “new construction” over the last four years. Three per year. I personally don’t consider that a housing boom. If we had 12 per year I’d be happy – but not for four years.

Of note are the 9 businesses that make up the $800,000 in business investment over the last four years. At least four of the businesses, (Ackerman Toyota, King Dodge, McMahon Lincoln Mercury and Bimmers R Us) were part of the old 25th Ward boundaries and in the heavily commercial corridor along Kingshighway. I don’t know from this information what percentage of the $800K was invested in these four auto dealerships compared to the other businesses listed but my guess would be a majority. Again, here is the link to Slay’s detail on the 25th Ward.

The information is all there for you to review. My opponent and I agree on the numbers but clearly disagree on their meaning. I strongly believe we can do better as a Ward in attracting greater bricks & mortar investment. What do you think?

– Steve

“Look Out, Old School: Here Comes the New School”

In the March 2005 issue of the Commonspace, Larry Hanlin’s story entitled Look Out, Old School: Here Comes the New School takes a look at how local races, including mine, are reshaping the political landscape.

Crusoe’s to Host Celebration Party on Election Night

Everyone is welcome to join us on election night as we celebrate our grass-roots campaign for progress. The Original Crusoe’s located at 3152 Osceola is the place to be on Tuesday, March 8, 2005:

Map of
3152 Osceola St
St Louis, MO 63111-1239

The celebration will begin at 8pm and continue until around midnight. We will have a TV to watch election returns as well as internet access to check the latest numbers.

We will have appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Crusoe’s has some great beer specials either by draft or bottle for those so inclined.

Come out and be a part of the celebration!

– Steve

You are invited!

Public Meet & Greet Wednesday March 2 (tonight) ; 5pm-8pm

Local Architect Frank Scherr is hosting a meet & greet at his office/home located at 3137 Meramec (across from St. Anthony of Padua). Refreshments will be served. Stop by, have a drink and chat with Steve Patterson. Talk with other volunteers and supporters. This is not a fundraiser so we won’t be asking for money – just good conversation!

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight.

– Steve

The price tag of the Mt. Pleasant Roller Hockey Rink

I have received a reply to my inquiry to the St. Louis Board of Public Service regarding the total cost to construct the Roller Hockey Rink in Mt. Pleasant Park:

$156,219.49

Included in the letter from BPS President Marjorie L. Melton, P.E. was the following statement:

The project number is 04725.01 and the contract number is E.A. 04-029. Further questions are directed to Project Engineer Anne Lamitola at 314-361-0243.

Click here to read my previous post on the Mt. Pleasant Roller Rink.

– Steve