I received the following email from a resident on Bataan. With his permission, here is the exchange we had yesterday afternoon.
"Kathy,
I have been a Woodson Terrace resident for 11 years. Until recently, I have only considered state and federal level elections to be of any importance. I no longer feel this way. I now see the importance having a competent group of leaders right here in our own community. It's for this reason that I've begun research for the upcoming election in Woodson Terrace. I would appreciate it if you would take the time to answer the following questions to help me make a decision.
Where on the political spectrum would you consider yourself?
What is the role of municipal government in the lives of residents?
Which of the Founding Fathers of our country is your favorite and why?
Thanks in advance for your response."
Here was my response:
"I believe that all politics start local. I applaud you for doing your homework. I’m happy to answer your questions.
On the political spectrum, I’m a moderate. I have voted for candidates from both of the major political parties. Heck, I even thought about voting for Ross Perot back in 1992! Another fun fact, my husband and I voted for opposing presidential candidates back in 2000, so you can count on me to always base my vote on the facts and the platform as I see them. Great ideas don’t come from just one idealogy. And this is a non-partisan election… filling a pot hole doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat, somebody do it!
I’m a big fan of Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark. We’ve been following his political career since 2002. His work is an inspiration. He’s a role model for all of us. I read everything about him that I can get my hands on. What he’s done with that city is a testament to “Yes, we can.”
To answer your second question, municipal government is the closest level of government to the people. Me and you. Your family, my family, our neighbors and friends. This is where every day life happens. This is where you keep your most prized possessions, where you eat your breakfast and dinner, and this is where you lay your head at night. The role of the municipal government affects so much of our day-to-day, and we should ask these questions. Are the streets plowed when it snows so our residents can get to work? Is the trash being picked up? Do the police have a presence and are their efforts visible? Are the streets and parks well lit? Is it safe to walk to the store? Was that pot hole fixed? Did the mayor / alderman / chief of police call that concerned resident or even go by to make a home visit? Are the houses kept up to code? Is there routine communication going on between our elected officials and the residents? This is as real as it gets.
Municipal government is not going to solve the big problems that face our entire nation, like health care, the war, illegal drugs, immigration, public education, the bailout. But the things I think are most important about municipal government are accessibility, honesty, and partnership. Sometimes you win because you're honest, sometimes you lose because you're honest. The important thing is to remember to be honest.
Your last question, hands down, Benjamin Franklin! He was a rock star! The reasons why are numerous, but off the top of my head, he was an inventor, a writer, a scientist. He thought up public libraries, the Thirteen Virtues, Poor Richard’s Almanac. He was a wealthy man, and didn’t need to get involved with the government, but he did. He was the original connector, and totally influential. This is a good reminder for me to re-read his autobiography.
Thank you for the email. Any other questions, please let me know.
Kathy"
And here was his reply:
"Thanks for your quick response. I appreciate you taking the time to get back to me. I know this is a non-partisan election but I know many who seek public office have an "agenda" and I like to be aware up front. I also like to make sure that my local politicians aren't out to make a bunch of new laws that are "for my own good." Those who have been elected to represent me work for me and I can't respect any representative who thinks they know what's best for me and my family. Benjamin Franklin is my favorite Founder as well and for many of the same reasons you listed. Thank you again and you may repost my email if you wish."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Spring 2010
It's the first day of Spring, and how I love this season. Like most people, I look forward to it every year. This morning I've been thinking a lot about my mom and dad. They too, loved Spring and all its beauty. Most of their children were born during April and May, including me. My birthday is April 6, election day!
My mom died in 1992; I was 21 years old at the time, working on a Spanish-speaking church mission in central Florida. She was ill for some time, and lingered for a few years before she passed on. Then six years later, my dad passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. So much has changed in my life since they were alive. I wonder if mom and dad were still around, what they would think about my endeavor to be mayor? My wish would be to have them here, to seek their advice, to feel their love and support. To ask what they would do, in any given situation. I reflect on our campaign activities during the past 3 1/2 months, and I have to admit, I am very proud of what I've done. There isn't one thing that I would be fearful to admit to my mom and dad. That's my litmus test for whether I've done the right or wrong thing. It always has been.
As I head out to hit the streets of Woodson Terrace this afternoon, I hold my head high, because I know my parents would be proud of me. I wish they were here to see it! They would love all the yard signs, all the planning and hubbub, all the people who wave and honk as they drive past our house on Keats Drive. My dad especially would love the waving. He was as Small Town as you can get - born and raised in town of about 200 people. "Blink and you'll miss it" he'd say we drove through. I think it's Small Town Law that you have to wave back to anyone who waves at you, at least that's how I was raised.
So, enough of that. I look forward to meeting you, hopefully before the election, so that we can talk what's on your mind and discuss my plans to bring a bigger spirit of Community and inclusiveness to our town.
Happy Spring to you and yours!
Kathy
My mom died in 1992; I was 21 years old at the time, working on a Spanish-speaking church mission in central Florida. She was ill for some time, and lingered for a few years before she passed on. Then six years later, my dad passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. So much has changed in my life since they were alive. I wonder if mom and dad were still around, what they would think about my endeavor to be mayor? My wish would be to have them here, to seek their advice, to feel their love and support. To ask what they would do, in any given situation. I reflect on our campaign activities during the past 3 1/2 months, and I have to admit, I am very proud of what I've done. There isn't one thing that I would be fearful to admit to my mom and dad. That's my litmus test for whether I've done the right or wrong thing. It always has been.
As I head out to hit the streets of Woodson Terrace this afternoon, I hold my head high, because I know my parents would be proud of me. I wish they were here to see it! They would love all the yard signs, all the planning and hubbub, all the people who wave and honk as they drive past our house on Keats Drive. My dad especially would love the waving. He was as Small Town as you can get - born and raised in town of about 200 people. "Blink and you'll miss it" he'd say we drove through. I think it's Small Town Law that you have to wave back to anyone who waves at you, at least that's how I was raised.
So, enough of that. I look forward to meeting you, hopefully before the election, so that we can talk what's on your mind and discuss my plans to bring a bigger spirit of Community and inclusiveness to our town.
Happy Spring to you and yours!
Kathy
Sunday, March 14, 2010
When I'm Elected - Part I
The past week has been a week of transition for my campaign. We are still moving forward with our plans, and we’re gearing up for the last two weekends of the campaign. Making plans, working the plan! My fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, March 26. In the spirit of full disclosure, we are having it at one of my husband’s restaurants in downtown St. Louis. This will allow our friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances to join us, from all areas of St. Louis and Illinois. The name of the restaurant is The Stable, and it’s at the corner of Cherokee and Lemp.
I was out yesterday, going door to door and posting several new yard signs. The weather, while cold, dreary, and rainy, didn’t get my attitude or spirits down. I met several new residents, and I’m positive I gained some new votes! While I was out, I received a call from a concerned resident, who is also a good friend. He was calling to let me know that there are several misleading stories going around about me and how I’m going to run the city, if I’m elected. I’m here to set the record straight. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about this! Call or email me if you want to hear it from me directly.
1. Office Hours: there is a story I’m only planning to work 4 – 5 hours per week. This is completely false! I’m planning to work as much time as is necessary to do this job, and doing it well for each of you, the residents of Woodson Terrace. I fully expect it will be at least 15 – 20 hours, each week, if not more. Heck, I’ve been working 15 – 20 hours a week since I filed as a candidate, just to meet you and let you know my plan for the community! You can count that I will be there when I’m needed. What I have reported is that I’m planning 4 – 5 hours of Open Office Hours. This is true. This will be blocks of time wherein residents, local business owners, and City employees can drop in and meet with me, unannounced and unscheduled. I will be in the office at that time, with no meetings planned.
I’m planning to spend time in the office and out meeting residents, dedicating as much time is needed. But if we have the right people in the right positions, with the right management and leadership, the mayor shouldn’t have to spend 4 – 8 hours a day in City Hall. I plan to spend a few hours a day in the office throughout the week as needed, then get out from behind the desk, get out of the office, and meet my constituents! This will include evenings and weekends, when most residents are readily available.
My campaign of knocking on doors won’t end, just because the election is over. I have told several residents that I don’t want them to say in a year, “yeah, I met the mayor once.” I want them to be able to say “yes, I know the mayor, I feel comfortable calling her or visiting with her, to talk about what’s going on in the city.” I want the residents to say they “know” me not just have “met” me.
I am also planning to attend all of the city’s committee meetings and other North County community organizations. If I can secure an invitation, I will attend as a representative of Woodson Terrace.
2. Layoffs: someone is telling the story that I’m going to “clean house” when I’m elected. This is most disturbing. It feels a bit like intimidation and a fear tactic towards the current City employees. I am not planning on any layoffs or “cleaning house” of City Hall. Please know this, with a surety. The citizens deserve and require experienced City employees handling the business of the City on a day-to-day basis. In these times of economic instability, and with the job situation and growing unemployment here in St. Louis, I would never do anything to take anyone out of a job that they are doing and doing well. I do plan to spend time getting to know each employee and what he or she is responsible for doing. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to lay off people. I am planning on no lay offs.
I am not out to change the course of history. I want to make a difference locally. My father taught me that service to my fellow man and community is the biggest and most immediate way to make a difference. I am wanting to correct some problems we've seen, to bring my talents and resources to the community. It is for these reasons that I have decided to offer the voters of Woodson Terrace a real choice in the upcoming election.
As always, you can call or email me with your questions or concerns. I have returned 100% of all calls and emails, and you can count on that to be the trend for years to come.
Kathy
Email: kathy.wheeling@gmail.com
Phone: 314-488-5779
I was out yesterday, going door to door and posting several new yard signs. The weather, while cold, dreary, and rainy, didn’t get my attitude or spirits down. I met several new residents, and I’m positive I gained some new votes! While I was out, I received a call from a concerned resident, who is also a good friend. He was calling to let me know that there are several misleading stories going around about me and how I’m going to run the city, if I’m elected. I’m here to set the record straight. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about this! Call or email me if you want to hear it from me directly.
1. Office Hours: there is a story I’m only planning to work 4 – 5 hours per week. This is completely false! I’m planning to work as much time as is necessary to do this job, and doing it well for each of you, the residents of Woodson Terrace. I fully expect it will be at least 15 – 20 hours, each week, if not more. Heck, I’ve been working 15 – 20 hours a week since I filed as a candidate, just to meet you and let you know my plan for the community! You can count that I will be there when I’m needed. What I have reported is that I’m planning 4 – 5 hours of Open Office Hours. This is true. This will be blocks of time wherein residents, local business owners, and City employees can drop in and meet with me, unannounced and unscheduled. I will be in the office at that time, with no meetings planned.
I’m planning to spend time in the office and out meeting residents, dedicating as much time is needed. But if we have the right people in the right positions, with the right management and leadership, the mayor shouldn’t have to spend 4 – 8 hours a day in City Hall. I plan to spend a few hours a day in the office throughout the week as needed, then get out from behind the desk, get out of the office, and meet my constituents! This will include evenings and weekends, when most residents are readily available.
My campaign of knocking on doors won’t end, just because the election is over. I have told several residents that I don’t want them to say in a year, “yeah, I met the mayor once.” I want them to be able to say “yes, I know the mayor, I feel comfortable calling her or visiting with her, to talk about what’s going on in the city.” I want the residents to say they “know” me not just have “met” me.
I am also planning to attend all of the city’s committee meetings and other North County community organizations. If I can secure an invitation, I will attend as a representative of Woodson Terrace.
2. Layoffs: someone is telling the story that I’m going to “clean house” when I’m elected. This is most disturbing. It feels a bit like intimidation and a fear tactic towards the current City employees. I am not planning on any layoffs or “cleaning house” of City Hall. Please know this, with a surety. The citizens deserve and require experienced City employees handling the business of the City on a day-to-day basis. In these times of economic instability, and with the job situation and growing unemployment here in St. Louis, I would never do anything to take anyone out of a job that they are doing and doing well. I do plan to spend time getting to know each employee and what he or she is responsible for doing. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to lay off people. I am planning on no lay offs.
I am not out to change the course of history. I want to make a difference locally. My father taught me that service to my fellow man and community is the biggest and most immediate way to make a difference. I am wanting to correct some problems we've seen, to bring my talents and resources to the community. It is for these reasons that I have decided to offer the voters of Woodson Terrace a real choice in the upcoming election.
As always, you can call or email me with your questions or concerns. I have returned 100% of all calls and emails, and you can count on that to be the trend for years to come.
Kathy
Email: kathy.wheeling@gmail.com
Phone: 314-488-5779
Monday, March 8, 2010
Comments
After discussing with my husband, I have decided to hide all comments. My intention for this blog and continuing to allow comments was to do something new and fresh, and to foster constructive discourse with residents of the community. It has gotten ugly on both sides of the fence, and I will have no part of it.
Remember, no matter the outcome of this election, we all need to live and work in the area. We all need to work together to build a Better Woodson Terrace.
If you have questions or comments for me, you can email me. I will respond.
Thank you,
Kathy
Kathy Wheeling
Candidate for Mayor of Woodson Terrace
kathy.wheeling@gmail.com
Remember, no matter the outcome of this election, we all need to live and work in the area. We all need to work together to build a Better Woodson Terrace.
If you have questions or comments for me, you can email me. I will respond.
Thank you,
Kathy
Kathy Wheeling
Candidate for Mayor of Woodson Terrace
kathy.wheeling@gmail.com
Coming Soon! Job Description for Mayor
Good morning! We got a lot accomplished this weekend. Yard signs are up and out! They look fantastic, and we delivered almost all of them. There are quite a few still on the list to receive their sign, so if you ordered a sign, it's on the way! I worked Saturday 1:30 pm - 5 pm and yesterday from 11 am - 10:30 pm on the campaign, and it was really worth it. During my door-to-door efforts on Saturday and Sunday, I received so much good feedback from all the Woodson Terrace residents on what a good Mayor means to them. I asked "what qualities or qualifications do you look for in your Mayor?" or "what does a good Mayor mean to you?" I will be writing up the feedback, so expect that in the next few days.
Last night's campaign committee meeting was good too. We finalized some dates and times for the next month, as well as my Friends and Family letter and volunteer list. Election Day is just 30 days away, and we've got so much to still get done. It seems that everyday I'm getting offers to help with my campaign, and I will certainly call in the those favors when the time is right.
Right now I'm off to work, as I'm trying to get in early and leave a bit early - I need to take advantage of this great weather! This is the first year of many that I'm looking forward to Daylight Savings. By "losing" an hour I gain more time in the evening to get out and meet you and other Woodson Terrace residents. Spring has almost sprung, I am counting the days.
Remember if you'd like a sign, please let me know. Call or email me.
And remember to mark your calendars for April 6th. I ask you to remember me and would love your support when you go to vote, thanks!
Last night's campaign committee meeting was good too. We finalized some dates and times for the next month, as well as my Friends and Family letter and volunteer list. Election Day is just 30 days away, and we've got so much to still get done. It seems that everyday I'm getting offers to help with my campaign, and I will certainly call in the those favors when the time is right.
Right now I'm off to work, as I'm trying to get in early and leave a bit early - I need to take advantage of this great weather! This is the first year of many that I'm looking forward to Daylight Savings. By "losing" an hour I gain more time in the evening to get out and meet you and other Woodson Terrace residents. Spring has almost sprung, I am counting the days.
Remember if you'd like a sign, please let me know. Call or email me.
And remember to mark your calendars for April 6th. I ask you to remember me and would love your support when you go to vote, thanks!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Former Mayors and my next Blog post
It seems that my blog posts continue to be taken out of context, which of course will happen when there are sides to be be taken and opposition coming to meet you. I have never made any derogatory comments about Mayor Brown or Mayor Ratchford. In regards to my going door-to-door, the only comparison I draw is to the current mayor, not past mayors. I promise you. I have only reported on this blog what has been told to me, by the residents I've been able to visit. If you are a resident would like to meet me, or if you have family members who are residents and want to meet me, just say so. If the phone and email methods of communication aren't your thing, then I will arrange a time to visit, face to face.
My comments about the current mayor are based on my own experience, and that's not hearsay. I have never stated "the chairs of each committee, save Alderwoman Martin, are do-nothings and know-nothings." It has been suggested that I said this, by who I suspect is a current Alderman. This is a complete falsehood, and perhaps a tactic by a few current elected officials to defame me and derail my sincere efforts. Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but if by sharing my personal experience with what the Alderman who heads up the Economic Development board has done (or not done!), then that's my personal experience. I know what I know.
I do have some concern over the omission of work, not the commission of what has recently transpired. Let me repeat for emphasis..... I do have some concern over the omission of work, not the commission of what has recently transpired.
I will be glad to justify answers to questions as they are posed, in the spirit of building up this community, not tearing down of me or the good work by our current adminstration and elected officials. I see a good foundation to build upon. I hope to clear up any misunderstandings or misgivings about my intentions. If you want to know what I'm all about, just ask me. Please don't rely on what you hear from those who oppose me. How is that fair?!
Do I have all the answers.....? No. I don't. That's why, after I'm elected, I want to surround myself with the best, the brightest, the motivated people who also want to make Woodson Terrace a better place for all of us. Let's make it *better* not let's dig ourselves out of a hole. It's good to be in Woodson Terrace, now let's move forward, grow, see some additional progress and partnerships.
I have another blog in process. I will post it this weekend. And it's going to address the Job Description for Mayor of Woodson Terrace. Before I post it, let's hear your ideas!! What would you write in a Job Description for your ideal mayor, of Woodson Terrace?! No holds bound.
Let's hear it.
My comments about the current mayor are based on my own experience, and that's not hearsay. I have never stated "the chairs of each committee, save Alderwoman Martin, are do-nothings and know-nothings." It has been suggested that I said this, by who I suspect is a current Alderman. This is a complete falsehood, and perhaps a tactic by a few current elected officials to defame me and derail my sincere efforts. Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but if by sharing my personal experience with what the Alderman who heads up the Economic Development board has done (or not done!), then that's my personal experience. I know what I know.
I do have some concern over the omission of work, not the commission of what has recently transpired. Let me repeat for emphasis..... I do have some concern over the omission of work, not the commission of what has recently transpired.
I will be glad to justify answers to questions as they are posed, in the spirit of building up this community, not tearing down of me or the good work by our current adminstration and elected officials. I see a good foundation to build upon. I hope to clear up any misunderstandings or misgivings about my intentions. If you want to know what I'm all about, just ask me. Please don't rely on what you hear from those who oppose me. How is that fair?!
Do I have all the answers.....? No. I don't. That's why, after I'm elected, I want to surround myself with the best, the brightest, the motivated people who also want to make Woodson Terrace a better place for all of us. Let's make it *better* not let's dig ourselves out of a hole. It's good to be in Woodson Terrace, now let's move forward, grow, see some additional progress and partnerships.
I have another blog in process. I will post it this weekend. And it's going to address the Job Description for Mayor of Woodson Terrace. Before I post it, let's hear your ideas!! What would you write in a Job Description for your ideal mayor, of Woodson Terrace?! No holds bound.
Let's hear it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Community Image
Has your week been as crazy as mine? Work is going so well, in fact I'm traveling to Southern California Sunday evening. It's a great opportunity! It's just the timing with the upcoming election is less than optimal, but me and my committee with work it out. I have such great support from the friends and family!
The campaign is going well. I've been out every weekend, knocking on doors and meeting residents. So many have expressed surprised when they meet me. One resident said he's lived here over 40 years and doesn't recall a mayoral candidate going door-to-door. Thank you all for such support and a warm welcome!
So, one of the ideas I'm most excited to bring to Woodson Terrace is a formalized method of tracking your visits and phone calls to City Hall. I plan to put in place a mechanism for the staff who answer the phones to fill in a short form:
With a database like this, we'll be able to track and trend all sorts of issues reported by our citizens. And it will ensure that I'm kept apprised of all the issues. I promise to read each and every one. This idea is just the tip of iceberg when it comes to doing things different around town and City Hall, in a positive fashion. One area me and my friends have put some thought into is the aspect of Community Image. Rebranding the community will take some time, but it starts with ALL of us instilling some pride when we talk about where we live or where we're from. The T-shirts we made up for Neighborhood Watch have on the back "I'm From The Woo and I'm Proud." We have a wonderful town, and it is a duty of each of us to talk up the area. If you hear someone, your kids or neighbors, talking about living in "the hood" please correct them!
The more involved we get in our community, the more pride each of us can take in its positive change!
An immediate change we can make is to the signage around the city, in particular the sign for Woodson Plaza and at other of our businesses. It would be nice to explore a digital sign or marquee in front of City Hall.
One idea told to me by a friend and resident, is to focus on a few city blocks, one month at a time, and by using volunteers with a detailed plan, clean up the streets and houses on those blocks. Take time to help those residents who may need some extra help to get their corner of the world straightened up. Work proactively to bring those households in compliance with city ordinances.
We are planning to call this program Four Blocks of Focus. We hope this plan will address the overall goal to:
* Sustain or Improve Property Values
* Improve Code reviews and enforcement
My bullet points over the next few weeks leading up to the election will overlap, and that's intentional. One other idea for when I'm elected as mayor --- I plan to create and send out Welcome Packets. I would send a letter and packet to all new residents, and the packet would include information about our City and surrounding resources. It would also include coupons to local businesses and encourage them become a regular customer.
The overlap? Building pride in the community, fostering positive feelings about their move to Woodson Terrace, and instilling a reminder to Shop Local, keeping as many dollars as we can in our community and North County. This is the idea behind establishing a strong community we can take pride in. A strong, stable community is key to keeping families from moving away and is appealing to people looking for a place to call home.
The campaign is going well. I've been out every weekend, knocking on doors and meeting residents. So many have expressed surprised when they meet me. One resident said he's lived here over 40 years and doesn't recall a mayoral candidate going door-to-door. Thank you all for such support and a warm welcome!
So, one of the ideas I'm most excited to bring to Woodson Terrace is a formalized method of tracking your visits and phone calls to City Hall. I plan to put in place a mechanism for the staff who answer the phones to fill in a short form:
- Who called?
- What was the inquiry or concern?
- Was it resolved?
- Was is referred (and to whom)?
- Do I need to follow up?
With a database like this, we'll be able to track and trend all sorts of issues reported by our citizens. And it will ensure that I'm kept apprised of all the issues. I promise to read each and every one. This idea is just the tip of iceberg when it comes to doing things different around town and City Hall, in a positive fashion. One area me and my friends have put some thought into is the aspect of Community Image. Rebranding the community will take some time, but it starts with ALL of us instilling some pride when we talk about where we live or where we're from. The T-shirts we made up for Neighborhood Watch have on the back "I'm From The Woo and I'm Proud." We have a wonderful town, and it is a duty of each of us to talk up the area. If you hear someone, your kids or neighbors, talking about living in "the hood" please correct them!
The more involved we get in our community, the more pride each of us can take in its positive change!
An immediate change we can make is to the signage around the city, in particular the sign for Woodson Plaza and at other of our businesses. It would be nice to explore a digital sign or marquee in front of City Hall.
One idea told to me by a friend and resident, is to focus on a few city blocks, one month at a time, and by using volunteers with a detailed plan, clean up the streets and houses on those blocks. Take time to help those residents who may need some extra help to get their corner of the world straightened up. Work proactively to bring those households in compliance with city ordinances.
We are planning to call this program Four Blocks of Focus. We hope this plan will address the overall goal to:
* Sustain or Improve Property Values
* Improve Code reviews and enforcement
My bullet points over the next few weeks leading up to the election will overlap, and that's intentional. One other idea for when I'm elected as mayor --- I plan to create and send out Welcome Packets. I would send a letter and packet to all new residents, and the packet would include information about our City and surrounding resources. It would also include coupons to local businesses and encourage them become a regular customer.
The overlap? Building pride in the community, fostering positive feelings about their move to Woodson Terrace, and instilling a reminder to Shop Local, keeping as many dollars as we can in our community and North County. This is the idea behind establishing a strong community we can take pride in. A strong, stable community is key to keeping families from moving away and is appealing to people looking for a place to call home.
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