St. Charles City Council Ward 5 Candidate Profile: Nathan Schauf

Nathan Schauf is one of two candidates running for the Ward 5 council seat. Incumbent Mike Weller's candidate profile is available here. Schauf filled out this questionnaire and submitted it to St. Charles Patch via email. The answers are edited for spelling only.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Age: I am 22 years old.

Family: My parents are together, I am the second oldest of four sons, and I am in a long-term relationship with my girlfriend.

Education: I will graduate in May 2011 from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a second major in Urban Affairs, and a minor in Music.

Occupation: I am a full-time student but I am also a seasonal clerk at a local hardware store.

Party affiliation: I am an independent voter; however, I am fiscally conservative and socially moderate.

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience: I interned with the City of St. Charles during the summer of 2010 where I gained invaluable knowledge on the operations of the city from the inside outward.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

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

I am running for City Council because during my internship, I got to see how the city government operated from the inside out. While there, I decided that I could have a positive influence on the City Council and represent the residents of Ward 5 the way they deserved to be represented.

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

If I get elected, I will have two main priorities. First, I will make it a point to increase transparency and promote communication between the City Council and the residents. I will make the reasoning known why I vote certain ways and I will make myself available for discussion and conversation with the residents on a regular basis. Also, I will make it a point to be fiscally responsible. The City Council is responsible for spending the tax payers’ money and the residents deserve for that money to be spent wisely. If elected, I will promote transparency an fiscal responsibility.

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

I feel as though I will place a larger amount of importance on putting conversation with the residents as my priority. I will also have a different opinion and potentially some fresh ideas to offer the City Council.

How long have you lived in St. Charles?

I have lived in my house in St. Charles for about 18 years.

What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

My favorite thing about St. Charles, if I had to pick one, is that there are so many things to do in our city. From Main Street to the Convention Center to Lindenwood University, the City of St. Charles has many attractions and options to view. If you wish to do something that St. Charles does not have, many other cities are right next door. St. Louis is close enough to visit often but far enough away that you can come home to a different environment in St. Charles. There is always something going on ranging anywhere from a national exhibit to our local Christmas Traditions. St. Charles is a great place to visit but an even better place to grow up.

What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

I cannot find one large problem facing St. Charles. There may be smaller issues but they are quickly alleviated. St. Charles does not have any large problems or issues.