LETTER: Joanne Boulton Announces Candidacy for Clayton Ward 1 Alderman

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to announce that I am running for Alderman of ’s Ward 1 in the April 3, 2012 election. Judy Goodman, who currently serves in the Ward 1 seat, will not be running due to term limits. I would like to introduce myself and tell you why I would like to serve as your alderman.

I moved to the St. Louis area 30 years ago with my husband, Scot, to pursue an MBA at Washington University while Scot earned a J.D. at St. Louis University. We grew to love the St. Louis region and decided to put down roots here. Our family expanded to include our two daughters, Elizabeth and Alexa. We moved to Clayton from University City in 2000 to enjoy the active lifestyle offered by this area and enroll our daughters in the Clayton schools.

We currently face tough economic times, but my understanding of finance and respect for fiscal discipline have prepared me to seek solutions that are cost-sensitive while allowing our city to pursue growth and maintain our pre-eminence as a regional leader. I have made good use of my
financial skills while serving on several non-profit boards, including the Finance Committee of , Chair of the Financial Aid Committee on the New City School Board of Directors and as PTO Treasurer at . My professional private sector experience includes service as a financial analyst at Famous Barr. In addition, I administered University City’s Meals on Wheels.

Currently I am a Project Coordinator with Trailnet on The Confluence Partnership and have direct responsibility for developing and implementing projects that reconnect people to our region’s Great Rivers. Regularly, I collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, for-profit and non-profit corporations, and individuals. I believe I have the ability to listen and partner with diverse stakeholders to forge a shared vision that translates to actionable programs. Working collaboratively to design and implement programs that improve our region’s quality of life and governance are what I love doing and I want very much to do that for Clayton’s Ward 1 as your alderman.

Participating in civic life has always been important to me. I helped establish the Skinker Heights Neighborhood Association and served as its first president. I served on the Clayton Housing Task Force, where I co-authored the current Historic Preservation Ordinance, and served as Owner’s Representative for a $2.5 million new Chapel and renovation for my church, First Unitarian.

Clayton is a vibrant community because of the efforts of many dedicated and highly motivated citizens who over the decades deeply cared about their city. My goal is to enlist the newest and best themes in urban design while maintaining sensitivity to the cherished heritage of generations of families who have settled here.

I hope to earn your vote on April 3 so that I can serve as Ward 1 Alderman and I look forward to meeting you as I go door to door. I also invite you to attend a coffee so that I may learn what your thoughts and concerns are for our ward and the city. Please contact me about upcoming dates and times for coffees or with any other questions at 314-725-6034 or by email at boultonforalderman@gmail.com.

Sincerely yours,

Joanne Boulton