Mayor Terry Crow Takes Office In University City

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO — Terry Crow, University City's new mayor, spoke to a packed house last night shortly after being sworn in. "I am humbled and honored to serve as mayor of University City," he said, telling the gathered citizens that they are what democracy looks like.

"You have shown that every person has a voice, every voice has a right to be heard, and that every person in this community makes a difference," Crow continued. "We are here tonight because of each of you."

Crow thanked his family for their support and said no one was happier that he ran unopposed than his two children, before turning to his priorities for the city.

(Watch the April 23 council meeting here.)

"I really want you to always hold us accountable for what you should expect from us," he said. "So, let's talk about what to expect. The last time this room was filled to this capacity was when a vote was taken to outsource our ambulance service. And I will tell you that the city manager and staff are working on a thorough review of our obligations and our providers' obligations and service levels under that contract, and we will get back to you in the near term as a pathway that is the best for the city, for the citizens, for us to decide what is the best way to go. That will happen very quickly.

"Next, you are hearing an awful lot, from your friends and you're seeing a lot on social media, about the intersection of Olive and 170. You owe it to yourself to research that on your own. This is too important for you to just look at the Post and say, 'Oh, my. Oh, my.'"

(Read Patch's reporting on the proposed Olive development here, here, here and here.)

Crow said that the city had talked about development along Olive Boulevard for more than 50 years and finally has a chance to make it a reality.

"To everybody in this room, it is time to move forward," he said.

Crow also discussed a review of the city's finances, saying that many had come to the council with strategic initiatives to consider, but that the city should see where it stands financially before starting anything new.

"Next thing, let's talk about something that's going to start either in May or in June, and that is a new addition to our city, and that is the Trolley," he continued. "Everybody in this room — everybody in this room — has had their opportunity to say the pros and cons and express your opinion. But we have one of the 10 best streets in America. We have one of the busiest restaurant rows in St. Louis. And that is the backbone of the tourism trade in University City. So, the luxury of us debating the Trolley is now gone. It is our Trolley. It is incumbent on us to ride it."

Crow also called on University City to work more closely with surrounding municipalities, including Clayton and Olivette, and to heal the wounds of University City's often contentious politics.

Crow asked fellow U City residents to consider serving on a commission and donating a couple hours a month to give back to the city they call home.

After the council meeting, residents lingered to talk and share food prepared by Syrian refugees. "The food is absolutely fantastic," Crow said. "Many of the houses of worship in University City have used them for their events. I thought this would be a good way for many of you to introduce yourselves to them, to take their business cards, and also to help us help them assimilate more into our country, let them know how welcome they are, and we are so glad that they are here."

Photos: Mayor Terry Crow and Councilmembers Stacy Clay, Tim Cusick and Steve McMahon were sworn in April 23 in University City. (J. Ryne Danielson/Patch)