Letter to the Editor: St. Peters Welcomes Governments Officials from Zimbabwe

The city of was proud to be involved recently in a program sponsored by The World Affairs Council of St. Louis.

Rudo Gray works with The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). It is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. The IVLP is a program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.  These visits reflect the International Visitor’s professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.

The city of St. Peters was asked to meet with eight government officials from Zimbabwe, a country in southern Africa. They were particularly interested in the roles and responsibilities of city governments in implementing economic development strategy. 

On Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, we met with the mayors of Masvingo and Bulawayo, the deputy mayor and City Clerk of Harare, the Town Clerk for the municipality of Redcliff and the President and Co-Secretary General of Zimbabwe Local Government Association.  

In our presentation at our new , Julie Powers, Director of Planning showed a power point presentation that gave an overview of the City, its organizational structure and how Economic Development has been a successful cornerstone in St. Peters. Scott Durachek, from then detailed the retail and industrial successes in our city.  Additionally, the subject of sustainability and quality of life in the city of St. Peters was showcased. Mayor Len Pagano then took the group on a tour of the water plant and Recycle City.

The meeting was quite educational to both our visitors and to us.  We encourage this type of communications and will participate again if the World Affairs Council would permit us. 

Len Pagano
St. Peters Mayor