April Election 2013: Meet Your Candidates For Aldermen And Their Qualifications

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With the April 2 election day drawing near, Patch wants to make sure voters are able to make informed choices about their candidates.

There are seven total open aldermen seats in Town and Country and Manchester, with eight candidates running. Only one race is contested, which is the seat for Manchester Ward III alderman currently held by Alderman John Schrader.

Aldermen are elected to two-year terms.

Four of seats on the Town and Country Board of Aldermen are be up for election in April: Lynn Wright from Ward I, Tim Welby from Ward II, Fred Meyland-Smith from Ward III and Jon Benigas from Ward IV. 

Three seats on the Manchester Board of Aldermen are up for election in April: Paul Hamill from Ward I, Michael Clement from Ward II and John Schrader from Ward III. 

Earlier this month, Patch sent questions regarding the election to all aldermanic candidates. All week, Patch will share the candidates' responses with readers.

Each day, Patch will post one question along with the answers of those who responded. 

Editor's Note: All candidates received an identical questionnaire via email and were each given the same amount of time to reply. They are listed below in the order of their wards. 

PATCH QUESTION:

1. Briefly explain your qualifications to serve as alderman.

CANDIDATE ANSWERS:

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TOWN AND COUNTRY:

Ward I: Lynn Wright - 

My experience is my main qualification. I have served as Ward 1 Alderman for the past 8 years. While on the board I have served on many commissions such as the Parks and Trails Commission for 7 years, the Public Art Commission for 3 years and the Clayton Road Task Force.  I helped guide the planning and implementation of the new road and multi use trail on Clayton Road.  In addition, I am on the Topping Road Task Force. We will be evaluating the possibility of constructing a similar project as Clayton Road project. Chairing the Dog Park Committee to see if there is a need to have a Dog Park at Preservation Park.  I have also served on the Deer Management Task Force. 

Ward II: Tim Welby - 

No Response

Ward III: Fred Meyland-Smith - 

• Served for 8 years on the Board of Aldermen
• Served on the Town and Country Planning & Zoning Commission for 10 years
• 33 years of corporate management experience with two Fortune 100 firms – Procter & Gamble and Ralston Purina
• Town and Country resident for 27 years
• Leadership and decision making experience currently serving on the Board of Directors of an international organization headquartered in St. Louis

Ward IV: Jon Benigas - 

No Response

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MANCHESTER:

Ward I: Paul Hamill -

I have been an alderman for four years. Prior to that I served as a member of the Manchester TIF Commission from 2006-2008. I have also been a trustee for my subdivision since 2006.

Ward II: Michael Clement -

As a long-time resident of the area, I've served as a Ward 2 Aldermen since 2001. Prior to being elected to the Board of Alderman, I served on Manchester’s 1999 annexation team and was a Trustee for Countrylane Woods Gascony. Since becoming Alderman, I also serve the community as the Board of Aldermen's Liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission. And, I serve on Manchester's Homecoming Committee which plans/oversees Manchester's mid-Sept festival. Most recently, I have helped birth Manchester Arts, a new regional arts council that will be promoting community arts events this year. Last fall, I was appointed to the Legislative Affairs Committee for the STL County Municipal League, an agency advocating for beneficial municipal legislation. 

Ward III: John Schrader (Incumbent)-

Currently serving as Alderman and very familiar with the benefits and problems facing the city. Having a sales and business background, I believe we need to continue to run the city as a business with 19,000 shareholders. I am also involved with the Homecoming Committee and have taken on the responsibility of the annual car show.

Ward III: Anthony Mueller -

I have been the president of a political group and a ministerial alliance. These positions have given me an understanding of how to work with a board and make group decisions. In operating a business, I have a keen understanding of budgeting, employee management, and listening to the public to create better operations.

READ RELATED STORY:

April Election 2013: Meet Your Mayoral Candidates