Last week (July 30th, 2009) marked my 100th day as a St. Louis City alderman proudly representing our 21st Ward in City Hall. While I am very excited by everything we have already accomplished, I am even more aware of the work that lies ahead. In light of this significant milestone, I thought it important to deliver the following report to the community.
Some of the highlights of this first 100 days in office have included:
- Opening our 21st Ward headquarters located at 4202 Natural Bridge
- Hiring a two-person team to respond to constituent needs and crackdown on nuisance properties in the ward
- Passing of my first piece of legislation, Board Bill 78, designating the 21st Ward as an historic preservation district
- Co-sponsoring historic workforce legislation which now sets a goal of 25% minority workers on city projects costing more than $1 million, including the new O’Fallon Park recreation center scheduled to begin construction later this year
- Passing a budget line item as a member of the Ways & Means committee which funded 3 additional forestry crews to help cut the high grass of the many vacant lots and buildings throughout our community
- Beginning the process of bringing Historic Tax Credits to the 21st Ward, which will lead to new development and rehabbing in our neighborhoods
- Countless meetings with the various heads of city departments on how to better city services in the 21st Ward
- Building strong working relationships with the captains and officers of the 3 police districts of the 21st Ward
- Organizing the churches and faith-based organizations of the 21st Ward
- Beginning the process of organizing block units on every block in ward
- And much, much more…
Some of the greatest challenges have been:
- Returning law and order to some sections of the ward, including Natural Bridge and West Florissant, and restoring building code enforcement to our neighborhoods
- Addressing nuisance properties in the ward, although we have seen successes already with getting several drug houses permanently shut down
- Coming up with sustainable solutions for cleaning up and maintaining vacant lots and alleys in the ward
- Finding additional funds for the home repairs needed by many seniors in our community
I campaigned on the promise of, first and foremost, being accessible to all my constituents. I am proud to say that for the first time in 20 years, we have a 21st Ward headquarters (located at 4202 Natural Bridge) where constituents have access to myself, State Representative Jamilah Nasheed, and members of our staff to assist them with their needs and concerns. In addition, I have required that all city employees who work on behalf of our ward be dedicated, responsive, and thorough in the job that they do for our citizens.
During my campaign I also promised to bring a vision of redevelopment to the 21st Ward. During these first 100 days in office, I have been active in pursuing developers, acquiring land for future projects, and working with the city’s various development agencies on plans to redevelop Natural Bridge into a thriving commercial district.
I’ve also been working to bring Historic Tax Credits to the 21st Ward. This is the major tool which has led to the revival of other areas of the city like the Central West End, Downtown, and Soulard.
I passed my first piece of legislation, which designates the 21st Ward as a historic preservation district, meaning that from now on before buildings are torn down, the city’s Preservation Review Board will examine the impact on the rest of the neighborhood. This was a significant first step in helping to maintain our buildings as we proceed with getting our neighborhoods designated as historic, which then brings powerful tools to encourage rehabbing and future development.
I am also working to create housing development councils, as well as a business development councils to both the Penrose and O’Fallon neighborhoods. In addition, we will have committees dedicated specifically to the tasks of redeveloping Natural Bridge, revitalizing O’Fallon Park, and preventing crime in the 21st Ward.
As excited as I am about some of our accomplishments in just the first 100 days, I remain focused on the work that lies ahead. I do not need to remind you about the many challenges that face our ward; you live them every day.
Working in the halls of city government, I have experienced firsthand the frustration that many of you have felt for a long time. I’ve been forced to cultivate patience as I seek to learn how various processes work (and don’t work) and what it takes to accomplish what is needed on behalf on my constituents. I say that I am learning the process, but I will also tell you that I am not satisfied with the system as is.
My least favorite thing about city government has been the frequent “CAN’T DO” attitude of many bureaucrats. After only 100 days in office, I’ve already heard about as many “I can’ts” as I can deal with. It’s time to talk about what we CAN DO. It’s time to say that the system as is, is just not good enough. As the session reconvenes in the fall, I will continue to work, as I promised you in my campaign, to bring the fresh energy that is needed to City Hall.
This summer and fall, I will continue to work with Representative Nasheed and members of my staff to organize our entire ward, block by block. But we cannot do this alone. This effort will take the participation of every willing and able resident. It will not be easy, but it is essential to the future of our community. We must take back our neighborhoods, one block at a time, from those who would threaten our peace and security.
What I ask of each of you is to commit yourselves to being a part of this transformation. I need each of you to engage in this effort on your block, in your church, and through the various boards and committees we are setting up. What I promise you is all my energy, and all of my resources, in your defense and support. We can, and we will, do this together.
Thank you again for your faith and continued support.