Pipeline to Local Office

This past week, I attended a class at UMSL, "Pipeline to Local Office." It was a campaign training workshop, and I recommend it to anyone interested in either running for office, or campaigning for a candidate or issue. The sponsor was the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life, and it was moderated by Dayna Stock and Vivian Eveloff. There were about 50 people in attendance, and the split was pretty even between candidates and campaign workers. We learned about building a campaign plan, fundraising, reporting the funds, and how to reach targeted likely votes. The discussion was good, but my campaign workers and I have already done or have started most of what we were taught. Thankfully so! I gained the most from the Panel Discussions. The first night, we met and heard from Melissa Hattman, who campaigned and won a seat on the Board of Trustees for St. Louis Community College, as well as Gina Jaksetic, who is a first-term councilwoman for Kirkwood. The second night of class, the panel was Laurie Feldman, councilwoman for St. Charles, and Viola Murphy, who is the Mayor of Cool Valley.

I was most impressed with Laurie Feldman. We have a lot in common, as it relates to running for public office. There are some similarities on a personal level as well. She had never run for public office until she ran for the City Council. Laurie was a relative newcomer to St. Charles (11 year resident), but this did not diminish her desire to make it a better place to live. She wanted to be a candidate willing and capable of bringing credibility and human respect back to the St. Charles city government. That is one of the main reasons I want to be elected as well!

Much like Laurie, I would bring a multitude of professional skills to the office of Mayor, including:

• Communications
• Relationship Building
• People Management
• Process Management
• Budgeting
• Reporting and Analysis
• Conflict Resolution

I was inspired and motivated meeting her, and hearing about her story and success. So, with that, I'm off to knock on some doors this afternoon. I have a goal to talk to at least 50 residents each weekend, between now and the election. I can't wait to share my message with the residents Woodson Terrace.

By the way, Brad and I received a mailing yesterday, which gave us quite a surprise. It was a photocopy of my Localite ad on one side, and someone wrote on the other side "Are you ready for a change?" and to check out the ad just delivered. The message was "Pass this news around....." and come to my Meet and Greet on Saturday, Feb. 6, 1p - 4p. In the best manner of Get Out The Vote, this anonymous person asked for residents to place one of my yard signs, to show they want to have a change, as well as remember to vote on April 6. Outstanding! I was utterly shocked, the effort almost made me speechless! So, to that person or group of people, thank you for the support!

More later. Be sure to drop me an email with any questions or issues you would like for me to address. If I don't have the answer or knowledge, I will do the research and report back.


Kathy


If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
~Marian Wright Edelman

The Second Week Begins

I'm happy to report that my campaign is moving forward at a rapid pace. There have been some very supportive calls and emails received from my followers....thank you! Your words of encouragement and support are appreciated. The train has definitely left the station, and I'm enjoying the ride! I spent the morning and part of Saturday afternoon waiting to interview and gain a very important endorsement. I will be sure to post here if I get their support!

While spending time in the waiting room, I had the chance to meet other North County individuals, who are also running for office. Some of them were seasoned politicians (Lee Beel from Normandy, Carol Stroker from Hazelwood, and Bob Dody from Overland), who are either seeking reelection, changing agencies they are elected to, or throwing their hat back in the North County political ring. And some of the people I met and chatted with were new to the game, much like me. I met Donna Lewis, a new candidate for Overland City Council, Ward 3. She and I have so much in common! She's "small town" Illinois, just like me. She's determined, passionate, and seeking to make a change, just like me! We made plans to get together and see how we might work together to get each other elected. Additionally, I was invited to a Meet and Greet by Carol Stroker. Her event is this coming Thursday (Jan. 28). I will be sure to post about the experience after it's over.

Speaking of events, be sure to save the date, Saturday, Feb. 6, 1 pm until 4 pm. I'm hosting a "Souper" Bowl Kick-Off Party at the Community Center in Woodson Terrace. 9351 Guthrie, 63134. Come out and meet me, or let’s get reacquainted. My friends and family are bringing their best soups, chili, or chicken & dumplings to share with all who attend the Meet and Greet. I will be asking for the support of Woodson Terrace residents, businesses, and other local candidates. I plan to share with everyone I meet my plan for when I’m elected Mayor. I also want to hear about what’s working or not working in the city today. Keep an eye out for my ad in the February Localite.

One of my plans, if elected, is to spend at least 4 – 5 hours each week, in City Hall, holding Open Office Hours. During this time, residents, businesses, administration, or city employees can meet with me, speak candidly about their concerns or merely let me know how things are going in their corner of the world. I am prepared to work hard for the citizens of Woodson Terrace. I believe it begins and ends with the residents and their safety, prosperity, and community involvement.

I met with a few registered voters today, getting the word out about my campaign. The folks I spoke with seemed genuinely excited about the possibility. I truly believe I will win this election at the door, listening to the residents and sharing my message about the plan to make this city a Better Woodson Terrace. If you have a list of neighbors you would like for me to meet, drop me an email with their names and addresses. I will make it a point to knock on their doors. Or even better, if you would like to host a coffee for me, I will be glad to meet your neighbors and friends in this more informal setting. I will come prepared to share my message and plans for when I’m elected mayor. I will also come prepared to listen.


It’s Sunday evening everyone; let’s gear up for Monday and make this a great week!


Kathy



The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.
~Vince Lombardi

A Better Woodson Terrace

Having been deeply involved with revitalizing Woodson Terrace's Neighborhood Watch program during the past year, I have worked many hours to institute positive change in our community. Now my husband and I, along with our friends and family, believe that the time has come for me to seek an elected office. I want to bring a fresh approach and new ideas to the city administration by running for Mayor.


I have been fortunate to be influenced by several positive role models of public service. I was raised to be committed to fellowship, partnership, and service, while giving back to the local community. I believe there are ample opportunities available that will enhance and grow our Community Partnership, in relation to:


1. The Citizens of Woodson Terrace
2. The men and women who conduct business within Woodson Terrace
3. The current City Administration and Board of Aldermen
4. Fellow mayors and city administrators of our neighboring communities



I would like to see steady and routine communication with the citizens of Woodson Terrace, our businessmen and businesswomen, and with the surrounding townships. In the coming weeks, I will be posting my platform here on this website. I will explain the new direction and ideas I have for when I am elected as Mayor. My platform includes, but is not limited to:


Build Partnerships
Public Safety
Community Image
Fiscal Responsibility

I do hope you will check back here often to read what's going on with my campaign. Feel free to send me an email with your questions or concerns. I will read and respond to every correspondence. Please help me to bring better government to the people of Woodson Terrace.
Thanks in advance for your encouragement and support! I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,

Kathy

Kathy.Wheeling@gmail.com

Kathy Wheeling
Candidate for Mayor of Woodson Terrace