Election 2008: Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen
Age: 64
City: Sunset HillsOccupation: Retired civilian chemical engineer
Employer: Department of the Army
Incumbent: Yes
Political experience: Alderman, Ward II, Sunset Hills, April 2006-present
E-mail: tom.hrastich@sunset-hills-ward2.net
Web site: www.sunset-hills-ward2.net
If elected, what would your three main priorities be?
1. Protect residents' personal and property rights. Avoid passing on unnecessary property tax increases as a result of injudicious city sponsored taxpayer-assisted development projects. Keep the residential nature of Sunset Hills through enforcement of zoning regulations and keeping commercial developments from encroaching on our neighborhoods. Eminent domain shall never be used for private gain.
2. Insure Proposition P revenues are used for park improvements and storm water infrastructure projects in a cost effective manner. A new community center and swimming facilities are to be built on the City Hall and Watson Trails Park properties with a design that can be operationally sustained after the Prop P sales tax expires.
3. Ensure that the spirit of the Missouri Sunshine Law, not just the technicalities, is respected in conducting City business. Meeting notices for committees that don't meet on a regular schedule will be announced when placed on the schedule.
What is the primary reason you are the most qualified to serve the community in this position?
With 10 years of chemical plant management and 20 years in federal research, development and acquisition plus combat area unit command experience, I am qualified in operations and project management as well as government procurement procedures.
As a licensed Professional engineer, I filled-in as Acting City Engineer (at no salary) between the departure of the previous and hiring the current City Engineer. I instituted a bottom-up process for developing the City operating budget and published the first list of approved projects for public information.
Also, during my first term as Alderman, I have developed a reputation of listening to constituents and being responsive in a manner that protects their rights and well being of the neighborhood.
John E. Smith
Age: Not provided by candidate.
City: Sunset Hills
Occupation: Retired after 36 years at Monsanto
Employer: N/A
Incumbent: No
Political experience: Never elected to public office
If elected, what would your three main priorities be?
I cannot currently rank three main priorities among several possibilities that will or may exist following the April 8 election with one contingent on pending legislation and litigation. The obvious candidates for concern by members of Ward 2 and-or the entire city include the following:
Holiday Inn-Viking Redevelopment proposal.
McEagle's proposal for redevelopment of the Heimos property and more.
Storm water projects throughout the city.
Major expenditures for park and recreation facilities with a civic center under consideration.
All of these need attention and study by the Board of Aldermen, now and ongoing. If elected, I'll have them high on my priority list.
What is the primary reason you are the most qualified to serve the community in this position?
Thirteen years service to Sunset Hills during the financial recovery period starting in 1993.
Ten years experience as an alderman in Ward 2 with assignments including Finance Committee, Public Works Committee, Personnel Committee, TIF Commission Chair and Municipal League Liaison.
Academic background - BS Chem Engr Univ of Colo., MS Engi Admin. Washington Univ. St. Louis Registered Prof. Engr., State of Mo. 35 years.
Established ability to work as a team member with the mayor and other aldermen along with other appointed "citizen members" serving on commissions, boards and committees.
Demonstrated response and assistance to Ward 2 constituents on a wide variety of issues.
