League of Women Voters of St Louis Information Service
	Saint Louis City, MO April 7, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Alderperson; City of Saint Louis; Ward 21

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Saint Louis and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualification, Priorities Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Antonio French: I have managed and/or consulted on campaigns for State Reps Jamilah Nasheed and Rodney Hubbard, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, former State Senators Wayne Goode and Pat Dougherty, and many others. On my political blog, http://www.PubDef.net, has been a trusted source of political news for thousands of people. Last year, I was elected the Democratic Committeeman of the 21st Ward. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (50 word limit) Answer from Antonio French: 1 - Economic Development - Helping to create new businesses and encouraging the rehabbing of vacant and abandoned buildings will help create the jobs the 21st Ward so desperately needs. We will be using the same tools in that other neighborhoods and commercial districts have used to encourage and create development (Tax Increments Financing, Community Improvement Districts, Historic Tax Credits, etc.). I will also it clear that the 21st Ward is "open for business" again. No more side deals, family hook-ups, or favorite developers. If you're willing to invest in our community, you will find a ready ally in me. 2 - Better Constituent Services - 21st Ward residents deserve an alderman who is responsive to their calls. I give out my personal cell phone number and encourage residents to use it. 3 - Crime Prevention - organized blocks are safer blocks. State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed and I will be working to create block units on every block in the ward. I'll also be looking at installing cameras at high crime spots. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.