Election Profiles: Dan Hurt, Candidate for Chesterfield City Council

Biographical Information

• Name, age and address: Dan Hurt, 61, 2035 Emerald Crest Ct., Chesterfield, MO 63017 
• Occupation: Owner/Operator of two US Manufacturing companies (St. Louis Pneumatic & Stoner Machining)
• Education: Washington University St. Louis - MBA and BSME
• Family: Wife of 37 years Rhonda, two children Justin & Jenna (Parkway Grads)
• Years lived in Chesterfield: 34

Brief Background

• Served 20 yrs. as Chesterfield Councilmember (1989-2009)
• 4 time President Pro Tem of City Council – elected by fellow councilmembers
• Past Chair of the Chesterfield Planning & Zoning Committee of Council
• Past Chair of the Chesterfield Finance & Administration Committee of Council
• Owner/Operator of two USA manufacturing companies (St. Louis Pneumatic & Stoner Machining) employing Americans workers with “Made in USA” products
• Professional experience at Monsanto, Sherwood Medical, Watlow Electric,  McDonnell Douglas
• Past YMCA West County Board Manager
• YMCA martial arts instructor
• Member of Ascension Church
• Eagle Scout and past committeeman of Troop 848

Reason for Running

I have a long held commitment to public service, perhaps beginning as an Eagle Scout a number of years ago.  I have tried to help our youth as a scout leader, coach and YMCA instructor.  At the same time I served on the Chesterfield City Council for 20 years beginning with the first election in 1989.  I felt then that a brand new city might benefit from my education and business experience, and I hope I proved that to be the case.  I can’t think of anything more rewarding than having a hand in improving the quality of life in our community in the coming years.

Questions

Biggest issues facing the city of Chesterfield? As a member of Council, how would you address them? 

I believe the biggest issues facing Chesterfield is protecting our families, the character of the neighborhoods, and our financial stability.  I would work to get our police force back up to the full strength we had in 2009.  I will oppose sales tax subsidies for new retail development like the ones used for the new outlet malls in Chesterfield Valley. Chesterfield is a prime retail area and it does not require sales tax subsidies to promote further development.  I will work to keep commercial development away from our residential areas so that citizens can enjoy peace and quiet at home.

In what area do you think Chesterfield needs to improve? Are you satisfied with the way city government has been operating? 

I am concerned that the current City Council has not properly prioritized the needs of our community.  I did not agree with their layoff of 7 police officer positions in 2010 or their allowing the sales tax subsidies for the Chesterfield Valley outlet malls.  They both burden our citizens with more risk and taxes than are necessary. The Chesterfield Council put $50,000 into the 2013 budget for a tourism consultant.  That money could help put one policeman back on the force.

What role do you think city government should play in promoting economic growth?

I believe in our founding fathers’ principles of capitalism and a government role limited to being a public service for the protection of citizens, their property, and provide services and infrastructure to promote harmony in the environment in which we live, work, and play. As an entrepreneur, I believe that following these principles will insure economic growth to meet all of our needs.

When considering the city’s budget, what programs do you think should be prioritized?  How would you decide what should be cut, if such a move was needed?

First priority should always be given to the safety and financial stability of the citizens that we represent.  This follows the principles I mentioned in the preceding question. Items that do not directly contribute to those principles would need to be prioritized and evaluated based on the public’s willingness to fund them.

What contributions have you made to the community and how do you see yourself using those experiences if elected?

Many things come to mind and here are some.  I was on Chesterfield Council when the City faced the dark period after the 1993 flood. I am proud of the role I played in developing a way not only to bring about recovery but economic growth in the aftermath.  I am also proud to have helped produce the Parks Master Plan and participated in purchasing the first parks properties. I am most proud of initiating the current City fund reserve policy which led to our AAA bond rating and helped get us through tough economic times without raising taxes.  I think my business and life experiences that contributed to the above will serve the City well in the future.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Chesterfield?

Chesterfield’s growth over its 25 year history has gone from only a few eating establishments to many.  Its variety goes from sandwich shops to fine dining at Annie Gunn’s and others.  They are all good and I have eaten at most, if not all, but my favorite is still home in Rhonda’s kitchen.