Two incumbent aldermen, a former alderman and a political new-comer are vying to become Crestwood’s mayor in a special election on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Ward 4 Alderman Tom Fagan, Ward 1 Alderman Richard LaBore, newcomer Peter John Mead and former Alderman Roy Robinson are vying for the mayor’s post.

The special election is being conducted to fill the remainder of the term of former Crestwood Mayor Jim Robertson, who announced his resignation Jan. 27. Whoever is elected in August will serve until April when Robertson’s mayoral term would have concluded. An election for mayor then will take place in April and whoever is elected will serve a three-year term.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the race, the candidates gave the following responses:

• “Crestwood’s finances are obviously the most important issue at this time because of the problems we have had with the general fund. The capital improvements fund and the parks and stormwater fund are both ‘in the black’ at this time, while the general fund is in a precarious position. There is no doubt we have to continue rectifying this deficiency,” Fagan said.

• “Continue lowering current operating costs and developing new partnership with (the) business community toward stabilizing our retail mix so we can benefit as the economy improves,” LaBore said.

• “Re-establishing community trust in government and re-establishing a forward-looking community vision,” Mead said.

• “Restore financial stability, which will protect property values and hopefully prevent the necessity of tax increases,” Robinson said.

Fagan, 37, 8715 Red Oak, is an attorney with Wuestling & James. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children, ages 1½ and 10 weeks.

Fagan has served as a Ward 4 alderman since 1993. He said he is seeking the mayoral post because “I am uniquely qualified to lead the city based on my professional and personal experience as both an attorney in private practice and as a member of the Board of Aldermen since 1993. I believe I am the most pro-growth-oriented person seeking this office.”

LaBore, 70, 1421 Woodhue Drive, is a pastor and chairman of the Theology Department at Lutheran High School South. He and his wife, Gaylene, have two grown children.

A Ward 1 alderman since 1983, he twice has been president of the Board of Aldermen and was acting mayor for several months in 1996.

LaBore did not give a reason why he is seeking election as mayor.

Mead, 39, 8907 Harwich Drive, is a senior editor at Creative Communications for the Parish. He and his wife, Beronica, have three children, ages 5, 2 and 9 months.

Mead, who is making his first bid for elective office, said he is seeking the mayoral post “to serve the wonderful community of Crestwood.”

Robinson, 61, 9165 Cordoba Lane, is retired. He and his wife, Joan, have two grown children.

Robinson, who served as a Crestwood alderman from 1988 to 1992, said he is seeking election as mayor because “I believe I have the leadership experience and ability to put our city back on track.”

The candidates gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

The Board of Aldermen in 2002 voted to tape record closed sessions of the board involving litigation and real estate matters. Do you support such taping? If so, why? If not, why not?

Fagan said, “No, I do not. No other governmental entity in the state of Missouri did this at the time in 2002. In addition, it would only take a judge’s order to release the tape, even if it was the wrong decision for the tape to be released. In addition, I believe many people refrain from making comments in closed sessions because of the sessions being tape recorded.”

LaBore said, “I support the board’s decision.”

Mead said, “Yes. It seems honest. I ask myself: ‘If this were recorded, would I want to erase the tape? Why?’ And then correct my behavior accordingly.”

Robinson said, “I have no problems with taping closed sessions involving litigation and real estate matters as long as it does not subject the city to liabilities and is conducted in a lawful manner.”

Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Crestwood Smart Growth Alliance? Should this organization release its membership list to the media and the public? Have you ever attended a meeting of this organization?

Fagan said, “No. There is no doubt this organization should release its membership list. They make broad accusations which are unsubstantiated. They claim they will release their membership list, but they have never done so. One must question why they are opposed to certain policies, but one will never know the true intent of the Crestwood Smart Growth Alliance without the membership list being released.”

LaBore said, “Not a member.”

Mead said, “No. No. No.”

Robinson said, “I have never been a member of this group or any other group of this type. It is not up to me whether they release their membership list. I have never attended a meeting (of the) CSGA group.”

What did you think of Mills Properties’ proposal to redevelop the southeast corner of Watson and Grant roads?

Fagan said, “This corner needs to be redeveloped, and though I would have liked to have seen more condos in the initial proposal, I believe the proposal was one worth looking at. I am hopeful Mills or some other entity will consider submitting a proposal for this particular corner at this time.”

LaBore said, “Since he did not acquire the property needed and had not finished discussion with the city on exactly what would be included in his final plans — retail or not? Owner-occupied condos only, etc. — his plan was only a preliminary one. That is now withdrawn.”

Mead said, “Creston Center appears to be improving. Give our small businesses time to correct. If they don’t or can’t correct, then intervention is helpful.”

Robinson said, “I am in support of developing this property as long as the city is not expected to use eminent domain in order that the developer can obtain this property.”

Should the southeast corner of Watson and Grant roads be redeveloped? What would be the best use for this site?

Fagan said, “Absolutely. The best use for this site would be a residential area because the area is in the ‘annexed’ part of Crestwood. As such, even if a business which generates a large amount of sales tax moves there, the city will realize very little gain. As such, the best thing from an economic standpoint for the city of Crestwood is for it to be redeveloped into a residential area.”

LaBore said, “If the business interests can agree on a development plan, the best use would be owner-occupied condominiums, possibly with some provision for small businesses or services.”

Mead said, “As stated above, Creston Center appears to be moving forward. Leave it. The rest needs help. I’m in favor of business growth. How about Shop ‘n Save?”

Robinson said, “If it can be obtained without the city taking the property by eminent domain. Any business or development that can produce long-term revenue to the city and is supported by the residents living around it.”

In view of the city of Crestwood’s financial problems, should the city proceed with construction of a new stand-alone police facility or should the police facility be “retrofitted” into the City Hall building?

Fagan said, “Though I have not seen the final proposal, I am leaning toward the idea of retrofitting the City Hall.”

LaBore said, “The BOA (Board of Aldermen) has decided to retrofit the existing building. I encouraged that choice and support it as a less expensive way of improving the police facilities.”

Mead said, “We should investigate both. I’m the grandson of an officer killed in the line of duty. Police protection and service is vital in my view. That trumps cash flow. But we should make good and wise financial decisions.”

Robinson said, “I believe the city should not proceed with any new construction until we have resolved our financial problems.”

Has the current administration responsibly managed the city’s finances? Please elaborate. Would you have done anything differently?

Fagan said, “I believe the current administration has done a tremendous job of reducing the city’s expenses. I am not sure that much more in expenses can be cut without the city’s services being decreased considerably. The city’s finances are currently up for review, and we have several proposals as to what can be done.”

LaBore said, “Yes.”

Mead said, “The current administration seems very responsible, but we need to look to the future to increase revenue, population, etc.”

Robinson said, “The current administration is trying to put our finances back in order. I would have conducted more oversight concerning the city’s finances.”