VOTERS GUIDE THE ELECTION IS JUNE 2 Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter who makes a mistake on the initial ballot may request a new one. Voters do not have to vote on every candidate or issue for their ballots to be valid. If you have questions, call the League of Women Voters Hot Line at 314-961-6869 during polling hours or your local election authority at the telephone number that appears at the top of the next page. Propositions are listed at the end of each county. The guide also is available online at stltoday.com/votersguide. The online version allows users to email or print a sample ballot after comparing candidates’ responses.
The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Thestltoday.com League of have joined forces to produce this Voters Guide for the June 2 Wo election in Missouri. Biographical information is current as of mid-March. The Information Service
election, which had been scheduled for April 7, was delayed until June 2 by Gov. Mike Parson because of the coronavirus crisis.
What are your top three priorities? 1. Public health and safety: ensure that our police officers are fully equipped and supported so they may fulfill their goal of excellent public safety, 2. Financial security: work with fellow city leaders to ensure we maintain a solid retail sales tax base despite online sales. 3. Provide superlative delivery of city services to residents (e.g. street maintenance). Why are you qualified to serve in this office? Thankful for this honor bestowed by my neighbors, I shall continue to be an alderman fully dedicated to our city. My experience will remain of value as we handle needs such as selection of a new city administrator and upgrading of police facilities. As an attorney, I help pass proper legislation. Dedicated to communication with residents. Parent of Marquette HS graduate.
BALLWIN ALDERMAN, WARD 2 KEVIN ROACH No response received.
BALLWIN ALDERMAN, WARD 3
ST. LOUIS COUNTY AFFTON SCHOOL BOARD Elect 3 RACHEL AMANDA AYRES Occupation: Homemaker Age: 30 Highest post-secondary education: B.A., Lindenwood University, philosophy Website: rachelayres.com What are your top three priorities? I would like to see the Affton School District continue its commitment to fiscal responsibility, the education of the whole person and fair compensation for employees. Affton has been a leader in recent years, not just in paying its employees well, but in developing innovative programs and spending its funds wisely. I would like to be a part of that continued success. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I am a parent, taxpayer and community member. I have a unique background in critical thinking and philosophy, which would bring something new and valuable to the board. JUSTIN P. CARNEY Occupation: Urban planner Age: 47 Highest post-secondary education: M.U.P., University of Iowa, urban and regional planning What are your top three priorities? 1. Embrace innovation and technology, and do so in a way that supports our teachers and students in an effective learning environment. 2. Embrace the diversity of our district, and approach our policies with a focus on equity and community. 3. Continue to promote the school district as an important asset of the Affton community. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? As an urban planner, I bring a wealth of experience in strategic planning, consensus building and policy. I am an active listener and critical thinker, with a focus on the community. I am on the district’s budget advisory committee, and have volunteered my skills to facilitate several parent and staff focus groups for the district’s strategic plan. LARA KUEHLING LEONBERGER Occupation: Lead specialist - learning and organization development, Nestle Purina NA Age: 32 Highest post-secondary education: M.A, University of Missouri-St. Louis, history What are your top three priorities? My priorities are: 1. Maintaining Affton’s small-school atmosphere and reputation for educational excellence. 2. Ensuring the district does what is necessary to prepare students for life-long employability in the 4th Industrial Revolution. 3. Providing a holistically safe learning environment for students, parents and staff. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I am qualified to serve in this office because: 1. I have relevant corporate leadership experience with critical director-level functions, such as goal identification/ measurement and strategic planning. 2. I hold a BS in Education and have experience working in local public schools. 3. I am an invested, long-term member of the Affton community. BRIDGET DENISE SINAMON Occupation: Parent educator, Parents As Teachers, Fox School District Age: 43 What are your top three priorities? My top three priorities are to partner with parents, collaborate with teachers and support our students’ full needs. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I want to make sure kids get the best education possible: I work in public education and I am a strong advocate for educational rights. Affton is a great school district, I want to be part of leading it in the right direction. PATRICIA ZAHN Occupation: Director, University of Missouri - St. Louis Age: 52 Elected offices held: Affton School Board, 2011-present Highest post-secondary education: M.P.P.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis, nonprofit management and leadership Incumbent: Yes Website: facebook.com/PatriciaZahnForAfftonSchoolBoard What are your top three priorities? Priorities for next three years include: 1. Develop a new strategic plan to guide the district in continuous improvement. 2. Remain fiscally sound while continuing to be responsive to needs of students and community. 3. Provide access to and support for a wide array of educational experiences that yield high academic achievement and student development of life skills. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? 30-year Affton resident; experience in nonprofit and educational fields; education/expertise in policy & administration. On ASD Board since 2011, building a culture of improvement/transparency. Understands ASD policies/ procedures, working with administration to support innovative education, bolster the district’s financial capacity and attract/retain top-notch educators.
BALLWIN ALDERMAN, WARD 1 MICHAEL FINLEY Occupation: Attorney, Brown & Crouppen, P.C. Age: 50 Elected offices held: Alderman, Ballwin, 2010-present Highest post-secondary education: J.D., St. Louis University Incumbent: Yes
INDEX
THURSDAY • 05.21.2020 • SECTION V
FRANK FLEMING Occupation: Technology industry Age: 53 Elected offices held: Alderman, Ballwin, Ward 3, 2004-present Highest post-secondary education: B.S., St. Louis University, business administration Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? Over the years I’ve served in office, Ballwin’s finances have been my top priority and that is still true. During the next term, I will be very focused on everything involved with building a new police station and bringing in a city administrator to replace our current interim one. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? It’s been a privilege to serve in office over the years. I’m experienced in all aspects of our city business and I can put that to good use working with our new city administrator. The search process is currently underway with many outside qualified candidates under consideration. Over the next two years, I look forward to helping get our new person firmly established.
BALLWIN ALDERMAN, WARD 4 RAYMOND L. KERLAGON No response received.
BEL-NOR ALDERMAN, WARD 1 JOSEPH M. RIEBOLD No response received.
BEL-NOR ALDERMAN, WARD 2 DOUGLAS ANDERS Occupation: Retired clergy Age: 67 Elected offices held: Alderman, Bel-Nor, Ward II, 2018-present Highest post-secondary education: D.Div., Eden Theological Seminary Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? 1. Serve collaboratively-cohesively with the current Board to maintain good oversight of city services. 2. Support city projects: new city park; working with Ameren to improve city street lighting; continued street improvements; oversight, golf course development. 3. Address: deteriorating homes and their effect city-wide. Strong enforcement of existing city codes. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I am an experienced alderman and have learned a lot. I care about the city of Bel-Nor and where I live. I have several wider community-wide connections-involvements which help to give me a wider perspective about governance in small cities. I complete assignments-work given to me on behalf of the city. I remain open to citizen input. I show up. I do work that is needed.
BEL-NOR MAYOR WILLIAM D. HOOK Occupation: Retired Age: 68 Elected offices held: Mayor, Bel-Nor, 2018-present; Alderman, Bel-Nor, 2016-2018 Highest post-secondary education: B.S., United States Naval Academy, political science Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? 1. Start and finish Horatio Park Trail project on schedule and within budget. 2. Work closely with the University of Missouri-St. Louis to transition Normandie Golf Club to a new manager or owner who will ensure its longterm viability as an historic golf course. 3. Continue to communicate with all residents on issues of neighborhood preservation and community involvement. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? As a long-term resident of the city, and having previously served several years on the Board of Adjustment and as an alderman, I understand the challenges we face in trying to maintain the stability and character of our neighborhoods. My educational background and work/volunteer experience provide me with an understanding of the leadership required to perform in this role.
BEL-RIDGE ALDERMAN, WARD 1 LATWANYA DAVIS No response received. MIKE RUFF No response received.
BEL-RIDGE ALDERMAN, WARD 2 GLENN TOPE No response received.
BEL-RIDGE ALDERMAN, WARD 3 WILMA ABERNATHY No response received.
BEL-RIDGE MAYOR WILLIE FAIR Occupation: Retired Age: 73 Elected offices held: Mayor, Bel-Ridge, 2018-present Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? 1. I’d like to put in a Burger King. 2. I’m working on getting Natural Bridge redone from I-70. 3. I’m overseeing new
St. Louis City: There is no election scheduled St. Louis County .......... 1 St. Charles County ....14 Jefferson County.......18 Franklin County ........ 21 Lincoln County ..........23 Warren County ......... 24
housing developments. We’re working with a lot of developers and other people to try to get things done. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? As mayor, I’m trying to run again to straighten things out and fix things in Bel-Ridge. There are a lot of things that were not working that we’re trying to resolve. ROBBIN RUSSELL No response received.
BELLA VILLA ALDERMAN, WARD 1 ALICE FAYE LOTSPEICH No response received.
BELLA VILLA ALDERMAN, WARD 2 No candidates filed.
BELLA VILLA ALDERMAN, WARD 3 JEFFREY SCOTT ROBINSON No response received.
BELLA VILLA MAYOR DONNA MARIE PULEO No response received.
BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS ALDERMAN, WARD 1 DANNIELLE JAMES No response received. DINAH LYNN TATMAN Occupation: Alderman, Ward 1, Bellefontaine Neighbors, 2019-present Age: 60 Elected offices held: Alderman, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Ward 1, 2019-present Highest post-secondary education: B.A., Missouri Baptist University, religion and religious education, emphasis on New Testament Theology Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? Public safety/crime prevention, community cohesiveness, transparency in government. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I presently serve as alderman for Ward 1 in the city of Bellefontaine Neighbors and I have a track record for getting things done and I’m running for re-election to continue the progress we have made. I have gained the trust and respect of citizens, the mayor, my colleagues, law enforcement, first responders, department heads, city staff and workers. EBONY WILLIAMS Occupation: Youth coordinator, social justice activist Age: 28 Highest post-secondary education: Certificate, Everest College, dental assistant Website: facebook.com/EbonyForBfN What are your top three priorities? My top three priorities are community inclusion, crime prevention and community engagement. Those are my targets as they affect all the residents of Bellefontaine Neighbors. My priority is my community and speaking and showing up to build bridges and make connections for a better Ward 1. Right time, right choice! Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I’m qualified to run in this office because I speak and represent the people in a way that hasn’t happened yet. I am a friend, activist, mentor and so much more to the community. Where they need me to show up I will do my best to make those connections so that the real work can be done in the neighborhood! I don’t want my residents to have to wait years to see the results.
BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS ALDERMAN, WARD 2 JAMES CARROLL Occupation: Counselor Age: 50 Highest post-secondary education: M.A., Lindenwood University, counseling What are your top three priorities? 1. Work with other elected officials of the city to develop a strategic plan for our community; we need to start addressing issues and implementing solutions to address these issues. 2. Fiscal management and responsibility; we spend more than we bring in; we need to find alternative revenue sources. 3. Community stabilization; work to have people remain in this community. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? I have lived in this community for 10 years and seen the decline (e.g., higher crime, lower property values, unaccredited school district, etc.), and I have seen little being done by our elected officials in addressing these issues. I am qualified because I am tired of living in this type of community and want do something to begin to start addressing issues. MICHAEL WIESE Occupation: Electrical engineer Age: 61 Elected offices held: Alderman, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Ward 2, 2019-present (appointed) Highest post-secondary education: B.S.E., Washington University, electrical engineering Incumbent: Yes What are your top three priorities? 1. Reduce crime. 2. Improve the relationship among the city, landlords and tenants. 3. Attract new economic development and increase revenue. Why are you qualified to serve in this office? My family has lived in Bellefontaine Neighbors since 1975 and are lifelong North County residents. I am passionate about the future of our community. Based on my years of experience in business and construction, I learned team-building is critical. I will leverage that to attract new economic development and to improve our quality of life.
BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS ALDERMAN, WARD 3 JAMES W. THOMAS SR. Occupation: Transit Service Manager Metrobus Age: 63 Highest post-secondary education: Graduate of St Louis Community College at Forest Park, Certificate of Funeral Service Director, Graduate Greater St Louis Police Academy What are your top three priorities? Economic development for Bellefontaine Neighbors. Reorganization of the recreation center to create more daily participation. Work to create a safe community through community policing. Creation of block units within Bellefontaine Neighbors.