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Sunset Hills Mayor Pat Fribis will face Ward 2 Alderman Christine Lieber for the mayoral seat in the April 5 election.
Fribis has been mayor of Sunset Hills since 2016. She is retired and married to Philip C. Denton. She has four children, Jon, Jennifer, Jessica and Julie, who all graduated from Lindbergh Schools and attended various colleges.
Prior to her position as mayor, Fribis served as Sunset Hills Ward 4 alderman from 2008 to 2016.
When asked why she was seeking reelection, Fribis said, “To maintain a higher-caliber, responsive city government and maintain city services, parks and activities.”
Lieber is the current Ward 2 alderman and the president, CEO and founder of Christine Lieber Agency, LLC-Shelter Insurance. She is licensed for life, health, property and casualty insurance in Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. She has one daughter who attends Christ Community Lutheran School.
Lieber was first elected to the board in 2021.
When asked why she is running for mayor, Lieber said, “Sunset Hills is a desirable community that I am deeply invested in. I grew up in Sunset Hills, attended Lindbergh schools, started my own small business here and I am raising my family here.”
The candidates gave the following responses to The Call’s questionnaire:
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
Fribis: Upholding the law and dignity of our city and to hold elected officials accountable to residents. If you read my campaign mailings, you will see there have been several incidents that reflect poorly on our city in my opinion. I am very concerned about the future of the water tower project, and the legal issues and disagreements surrounding the legal opinions. Our political sign ordinance is being ignored. There have been secret tape recordings of public officials and business officials we are trying to locate in our city like Bass Pro Shops. This is the antithesis of transparency promised and outrageous and unethical in my opinion. We have seen unauthorized meetings with developers and businesses under development. Board members have been told this is improper and is breaking city rules. The list goes on.
Lieber: Collaborating is fundamental to our success as a city. The board supports me because of my track record of leadership and consensus-building in contrast to the divisiveness and closed-door posture of the current administration. The board and I are very concerned that there is a pattern of poor decision by our mayor that will continue to undermine our success. There are eight hard-working and talented aldermen and through collaboration, we can guide our city to a better path. I will never forbid aldermen from speaking with city staff and I will never take credit for the board’s hard work for political gain as our current mayor has done with the Bass Pro project.
In your opinion, have the Board of Aldermen and other city officials complied fully with the Sunshine Law? What will you do as an elected official to ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law?
Fribis: The Sunshine Law obligations are discussed with the alderman by the city attorney and me, and everyone is aware of their duties under the law. Everyone knows that conversations in closed sessions are confidential under the law. I copy all aldermen, the city administrator, and city attorney on all emails, and I do not have meetings without a quorum. There have been potential violations of the Sunshine Law with emails sent or responded to by aldermen. They have been advised and warned repeatedly concerning their legal obligations with electronic messaging wherein a quorum exists on the messages. The city attorney is advised of potential violations. Violations are subject to ethics complaints and reporting to the Missouri Attorney General.
Lieber: I am very concerned about transparency when our current mayor forbids aldermen from speaking with city staff. Transparency will be a hallmark of my administration. As mayor, I will have an attorney hold training for my board on the Sunshine Law and will participate in this training and ongoing discussion. Residents deserve more timely notice of proposals through the newsletter, email and social media. It is the mayor’s responsibility to inform residents of important city business. Like many residents, I am very concerned about the city’s limited notifications of city business that affects them. My administration will go above and beyond the bare minimum of 48 hours of notification. I have a track record of sharing information and connecting with residents that I will continue as mayor.
Should the city reject projects such as water towers or cell towers, even if it risks a lawsuit?
Fribis: To restate the question for clarity, if the law of the State of Missouri severely limits or prohibits city regulation of public utilities because the power and authority to regulate public utilities has been delegated to the Public Service Commission (PSC), should the city ignore the law and try to regulate anyway? It would be foolhardy to do so knowing that you are violating the law, and so the answer is no. There is Missouri Supreme Court precedent involving litigation with the City of Crestwood that concluded that a city’s zoning laws as applied to a public utility are preempted by state law and cannot be enforced. If a valid legal interpretation of the law exists to support regulation of a public utility by a city, then the answer is open to debate. Many residents support the new replacement water tower project in order to deliver more consistent and higher water pressure service (4-6 p.s.i.).
Lieber: While I appreciate the need for a new water tower, the board and I were very concerned the city did not vigorously consider options given the safety and property value concerns. Once the board demanded answers under my leadership, we learned that the water tower will not significantly increase water pressure and is located in an area prone to sinkholes. We also learned that other land that is available that does not encroach upon residential properties.
The city was willing to simply allow a 1.5 million gallon water tower to be constructed near homes without asking questions and tried to suppress protests. I would encourage residential input, not suppress it, and always listen when residents’ property or lives are endangered.
Are you satisfied with the proposed Bass Pro Shops development plan at the former Toys “R” Us?
Fribis: Yes, and the plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Aldermen. The city is excited and proud to have Bass Pro Shops to locate in our city. We are hopeful that MoDOt will approve a plan for Watson Road access to help with traffic.
Lieber: I am very excited to welcome one of my favorite stores to Sunset Hills. I believe that the TEAM of aldermen, Sansone Group and Bass Pro worked hard to refine the project so it will succeed in the confines of the current space. I would never try to claim unilateral credit like my opponent for what has been a team effort and I would never misrepresent efforts by the board to optimize the project as being opposed to the project for political gain. I am astounded that my opponent would play politics with a project of such importance to Sunset Hills. I celebrate the success of those I work with – another reason why the board supports me.
What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing and other tax tools?
Fribis: The city has used tax increment financing in the past on a few developments. But at the present time with pending proposed projects, I do not feel a need for tax increment financing. I have previously stated when I first ran for mayor that tax incentives should be rarely used and in only the most compelling circumstances. I do not feel that there are currently any blighted areas in Sunset Hills to warrant tax abatements. The burden of proof and onus is on the developer to prove convincingly that a blight area exists that is endangering the public welfare to warrant any tax abatement. The city has utilized a tax tool known as a community improvement district (CID) in the past (Johnny Macs) and created a CID with the Bass Pro Shops. This allows the community improvement district to charge a 1 percent increase in sales tax but only for purchases in the District. It does not involve any city funds, nor does it affect the current sales taxes due to the city.
Lieber: Any proposal should be thoughtfully and intelligently evaluated with the board. I would have to be convinced this is in the best interest of the city and would not adversely affect anyone. Community improvement districts have been used successfully in our city and are usually more appropriate. In general, TIFs should be used sparingly.
What is your vision for the city of Sunset Hills?
Fribis: A primarily residential community that is peaceful and non-divisive, where the residents of the entire city share the same goals and visions, where all residents’ concerns are treated equally, where we can all enjoy what has become a beautiful and desirable place to live. To continue to provide an enhanced quality of life, from the young children to our elder residents. We have beautiful parks and recreational facilities that we should continue to support, to continue to provide playgrounds for our youngsters, and sport fields for our athletes. To recognize and preserve our area’s green space, history and heritage. We can do this if we continue to work together.
Lieber: This is an area of great difference between myself and my opponent. My opponent simply states she has experience and offers no vision. But what good is experience if it brings poor results and loss of confidence of the board? My vision is for collaboration and respectful and responsive leadership. I will continue to develop transparency tools, like my transparency portal to allow residents to know how their tax dollars are being used at any given time. I will be responsive to residents and collaborate with their aldermen. I agree with YOUR concern about our property values and fighting commercial. I have proven to be a respected leader among my peers on the Board of Aldermen and encouraged by them to run for the office of mayor. I am not focused on accolades or attention or taking credit, I will keep my head down and work for YOU.
Is the city of Sunset Hills business friendly? What do you propose to keep current businesses in the city and attract new economic development?
Fribis: Our city’s focus is the residents that own the city. We welcome businesses that meet our residents’ needs and help keep our taxes as low as possible. Business taxes help finance our city services and beautiful parks. Businesses wanting to do business in Sunset Hills must comply with all our laws and regulations. We encourage our residents to patronize our local businesses when possible. We are responsive to our business’s questions and concerns. We are blessed with the number of businesses that want to locate in our city.
Lieber: I believe we are business friendly but that the Board of Aldermen, the decision makers, should be made aware of businesses approaching city hall. The board should not be forbidden from talking to city staff. Too many times, the mayor has kept information from aldermen which caused the business to invest additional monies for redrawing, re-positioning or making major adjustments to their project. This will allow aldermen to represent their residents and make suggestions before a project is brought forward to planning and zoning. Your Economic Development Committee went for almost a year without meeting. This would never happen if I was mayor.
The city is searching for a new attorney. What would you like to see in the next city attorney?
Fribis: Extremely well versed in the law but has the humility to admit when he or she does not know the answer and would need to research the legal issues. I want a proactive city attorney that will speak up and advise the board and myself and the city administrator when necessary to prevent unlawful positions and decisions. The city attorney should provide unbiased legal advice. I would want to see an ordinance enacted that would prevent the city attorney and his or her firm from representing the city and profit in defending any lawsuit that occurs substantially as a result of their legal advice and opinions.
Lieber: Competence, integrity and professionalism are of course the baseline. Beyond that it is important that the city attorney understands that the Board of Aldermen set policy goals and the City Attorney helps the Board and all city officials meet those goals within the limits of the law. Also, it is important that the city attorney be proactive to prevent potential problems. This can be done by offering or suggesting training where necessary or by stopping a meeting if he or she sees the board or commission is acting improperly.
Would you consider it unethical to tape record someone without their knowledge? Please elaborate.
Fribis: Yes, in my opinion it is clearly unethical for a city elected or appointed official to tape record someone without their knowledge and consent. The question rightfully presupposes that the issue of legality is separate from the issue of ethics. The city ethics code states under Section 2-363 that “public officials should be above reproach and should avoid even the appearance of impropriety.” Consequently, considering our city code as a whole, and where cited above, and based on my belief and the public’s belief that public officials must be respectful, transparent and fair in all interactions with our residents, businesses and other individuals the city is working with, and the public in general, together with our city’s strong policy of openness and transparency, I am firmly of the opinion that it is unethical, and warranting censure, for a public official to secretly tape record residents, the public, or business people, or others interacting with public officials and employees. It is not transparent and open, professional, considerate, or honorable, to record someone’s conversations with elected officials without their knowledge or consent.
Lieber: It is important to have a record of any meeting between developers and city staff and officials in which city business is conducted. In this age of technology that is most usually done via recording. In fact, our city attorney has recommended that all meetings be recorded. For one meeting which was hastily arranged by the city, I was asked to record the meeting by my fellow alderman who could not attend. What is unethical is misrepresenting events for political gain which is what my opponent has done.
Traditionally, Sunset Hills has had a close relationship with Lindbergh Schools. Do you believe the city should maintain a positive relationship with the school district?
Fribis: Absolutely, Lindbergh Schools continues to be an asset to our city by being a top performing school district for many years. Our property values go up with having a highly desirable school district in our city. I have served on many committees in the Lindbergh School District and was given the Lindbergh Leader award. All four of my children attended and graduated from Lindbergh Schools. Their great education with Lindbergh catapulted them to successful college and master’s degrees and successful careers. I have maintained a very respectful and cordial relationship with the Superintendent of Lindbergh School District, through Dr. Tony Lake and his staff.
Lieber: I am a Lindbergh alum and I have maintained a positive relationship by funding yearly scholarships. I would definitely continue and encourage the city to collaborate with our school district for the success of our next generation and to preserve our property values.
Do you support the performance of City Administrator Brittany Gillett?
Fribis: Yes. Ms. Gillett has performed exceptionally well in the administration of the city. She deserves a lot of credit.
Lieber: I believe that overall our City Administrator has done a good job but is not receiving proper direction. Many times she has been put in difficult positions by our current mayor including asking her to make excuses for our excessive budget deficit for 2022 and asking her to publish that in the Horizon, an abuse. I am looking forward to working with our city administrator and allowing her to thrive under new leadership.
In your opinion, have the Board of Aldermen and other city officials complied fully with the Sunshine Law? What will you do as an elected official to ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law?
Fribis: The Sunshine Law obligations are discussed with the aldermen by the city attorney and me, and everyone is aware of their duties under the law. Everyone knows that conversations in closed sessions are confidential under the law. I copy all aldermen, the city administrator, and city attorney on all emails, and I do not have meetings without a quorum. There have been potential violations of the Sunshine Law with emails sent or responded to by aldermen. They have been advised and warned repeatedly concerning their legal obligations with electronic messaging wherein a quorum exists on the messages. The city attorney is advised of potential violations. Violations are subject to ethics complaints and reporting to the Missouri Attorney General.
Lieber: I am very concerned about transparency when our current mayor forbids aldermen from speaking with city staff. Transparency will be a hallmark of my administration. As mayor, I will have an attorney hold training for my board on the Sunshine Law and will participate in this training and ongoing discussion. Residents deserve more timely notice of proposals through the newsletter, email and social media. It is the mayor’s responsibility to inform residents of important city business. Like many residents, I am very concerned about the city’s limited notifications of city business that affects them. My administration will go above and beyond the bare minimum of 48 hours of notification. I have a track record of sharing information and connecting with residents that I will continue as mayor.
Do you agree with the decision not to take over Tapawingo Streets? Why or why not?
Fribis: Yes. The city had a valid factual and lawful basis to refuse to take over the streets. The lawsuit against the city filed by the Manor’s of Tapawingo will determine if the Board of Aldermen’s decision was correct.
Lieber: This matter is settled as a vote was taken to deny the city take-over of Tapawingo Streets. I will thoughtfully and responsibly consider any proposal from any of our residents as our ordinances require appropriate consideration. I hope that the residents of Tapawingo can find a solution to manage their private streets and I will listen to them as I would any residents.
Should the city collaborate with Lindbergh Schools when undertaking a development that would impact the district?
Fribis: Yes, the school district’s perspective and concerns are respected and relevant.
Lieber: Yes.
