St. Charles City Council Ward 2 Candidate Profile: Venetia McEntire

Venetia McEntire is one of four candidates running for election as Ward  2 Council Member. Other candidates include Bill Conrey, incumbent Larry Muench and Tom Besselmann, whose candidate profiles are available. McEntire filled out this questionnaire and submitted it to St. Charles Patch via email. The answers are edited for spelling only.

CAMPAIGN CONTACT INFORMATION

• Website: http://venetiamcentire.com/
• Email: innkeeper@booneslick.com
• Phone: 314-575-2925

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Age: 43

Family: Wyatt, my 4-month-old son

Education: Bachelor of Arts, political science, University Missouri-Columbia

Occupation: Owner, Boone's Colonial Inn and Part Owner, Boone's Lick Trail Inn

Party affiliation: The race is non-partisan.

Previous elected offices: none

Applicable experience: Served on various city boards and commissions as president and chair.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

As a lifelong resident, I have always been been concerned about the quality of life for our residents and the development of our community. The primary reason I am running is that Ward 2 residents are not being represented in City Hall in the way that they should be and there is little or no communication with the residents on upcoming development or activities which affect them. A council person should communicate reguarly with the constituents, hear their issues, take action to solve  their problems and then stand by those decisions.  

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

My single most important priority if elected will be to communicate with the Ward 2 residents by listening to their concerns and relaying information to them that affects the Ward at the Council level. I will listen, act and communicate with the residents. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested?

My undergraduate degree is in political science and it is this educational background, combined with my involvement with city issues over the years that gives me the tools needed to understand and secure Ward 2's fair share of city services and resources. As a business owner for over two decades, I have the tenacity, determination and the strong will needed to stand up for the residents of Ward 2. As a mother and a lifelong resident, I know where we have been and I know where we can go if Ward 2 is adequately represented. I am not intimated by other council representatives or pushy developers and  I can say no when it protects the residents of Ward 2.      

How long have you lived in St. Charles?

All of my life, since 1968

What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

My favorite thing about St. Charles is that I love living in a community which has small town values and the people who give it that small town flavor. Another favorite thing is the precious resource of our Historic District. I have a passion for the area I live and work in and strive everyday to protect the resource so it may be enjoyed by many visitors and residents for another 242 years since we were founded in 1769.  

What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

The biggest problem in St. Charles is lack of communication with its residents who want to take an active role in how city decisions affect them. Sometimes there is also a confusion about whom a resident might contact to get a problem solved. I hope to change that by being a hands on Councilmember of Ward 2 and communicate with my residents when they need help.