Incumbent Green Park Ward 2 Alderman Ronald Slattery faces one challenger for his seat on the Board of Aldermen in the April 5 election — resident Kate McKay.
McKay works in business operations for St. Louis Public Radio. She has not held public office in the past.
When asked why she is running for office, McKay said, “I’m running for alderman because I believe in fostering a community where everyone’s voices are heard.”
Slattery works in sports service administration. He has a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in integral research and Master of Business Administration.
Slattery was elected to the board in 2020. He previously served as alderman for the city from 1996 to 1998.
When asked why he is seeking reelection, Slattery said, “Public service.”
The candidates gave the following responses to The Call’s questionnaire:
Editor’s note: The following questions and answers appeared in the Feb. 22 print edition of The Call. They may have been edited and shortened for grammar, clarity and space. Keep reading for web-exclusive responses from the candidates.
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
McKay: “One of the most pressing issues facing Green Park is attracting new businesses to stimulate economic growth.”
Slattery: “Health, welfare and wellbeing of our citizens.”
Do you agree with the direction the city is moving?
McKay: “Yes, I agree with the direction Green Park is heading. The city has made significant strides in various areas, such as maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting community engagement and prioritizing infrastructure improvements.”
Slattery: “I would like to see our city move in the direction of improving the health, welfare, safety and community of our citizens.”
Do you agree with the decision not to install speed humps in the Ronnie Hills subdivision? Should more be done to reduce speeding in residential areas of the city?
McKay: “Yes, I agree with the decision not to install the speed bumps. As they can have both benefits and drawbacks, it’s important to explore other measures to address speeding and ensure the safety of pedestrians and residents.”
Slattery: “I am not for speed humps. Our police officers will continue to enforce speed limits in our city.”
Are you satisfied with the city’s response to crime? Is there more you would like to see done?
McKay: “Yes, I’m satisfied.”
Slattery: “More interest from the Board of Aldermen would be appropriate.”
Do you support the city’s agreement with the St. Louis County Police Department, and would you change it in any way?
McKay: “Yes, the county police department plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our community, and they have consistently demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in serving the residents of Green Park.”
Slattery: “We still need more weekend patrol where most of the criminal activity could happen.”
Should the city be expanded through the annexation of nearby areas of unincorporated St. Louis County?
McKay: “Annexation is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the benefits and drawbacks of expansion.”
Slattery: “I would be open to conducting a study to annex nearby areas of unincorporated St. Louis County.”
Are you satisfied with the services the city provides to residents, including snow removal and street maintenance?
McKay: “Yes, very much so. I also enjoy the holiday lighting contest.”
Slattery: “Not much snow. But our street maintenance is sub-par. Street cleaning is not to be blown in people’s yards.”
What is your vision for the city of Green Park?
McKay: “I would like to see the city of Green Park continue to be a great place to live. Where families feel safe and supported, where neighbors know and care for one another and where residents take pride in their community.”
Slattery: “I see a City of Green Park that is healthier, neighbors talking to each other, not just a city, but a community.”
What would you propose to increase citizen involvement in city government?
McKay: “A couple of ways to increase involvement would be for the city to host community workshops or forums on topics of interest to residents, and regular email updates or online engagement for residents to have a voice in the community.”
Slattery: “Going door-to-door and inviting citizens to become involved.”
What kind of growth, if any, do you envision for the city?
McKay: “I would like to see some of the vacant businesses revitalized and transformed into assets to the community again.”
Slattery: “In talking to our citizens, I am finding too many in ill health and isolated. We need to grow in health and community.”
What do you believe should be the top priorities of the next city administrator?
McKay: “Top priorities are having a city administrator who is genuinely invested in the well-being of Green Park and its residents is crucial. They should prioritize fostering open communication and collaboration with residents, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
Slattery: One, get caught up on everything. Two, establish procedures for informing each alderman. Three, recommend what he or she has done in the past to connect with citizens.”
Do you believe the city should provide notices to media of upcoming meetings? Should city meetings be recorded?
McKay: “Yes.”
Slattery: “The media should be informed of all upcoming meetings. City meetings should be recorded or at least have a stenographer take minutes.”
Do you support a city-county merger?
McKay: “No.”
Slattery: “I think there are areas where both could still benefit by sharing.”
Keep reading for web-exclusive questions and answers from the candidates
Editor’s note: The following questions are as they were submitted to The Call by the candidates in their entirety. They have not been edited in any way, other than to ensure appropriate language and no direct attacks on opponents or other candidates.
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
McKay: “One of the most pressing issues facing Green Park is attracting new businesses to stimulate economic growth.”
Slattery: “Health, welfare and wellbeing of our citizens.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each?
McKay did not respond.
Slattery: “Hiring a city administrator. It has been too long, and we have had only one interview in the past month.”
What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing and other tax incentives?
McKay: “Currently, I do not see a need for the use of TIF and other tax incentives in Green Park. Instead, I believe in prioritizing responsible fiscal management and exploring alternative strategies for promoting economic growth and development.”
Slattery: “I am in favor of tax incentives as long as they benefit the City of Green Park.”
Do you agree with the decision not to install speed humps in the Ronnie Hills subdivision? Should more be done to reduce speeding in residential areas of the city?
McKay: “Yes, I agree with the decision not to install the speed bumps. as they can have both benefits and drawbacks, it’s important to explore other measures to address speeding and ensure the safety of pedestrians and residents.”
Slattery: “I am not for speed humps. Our police officers will continue to enforce speed limits in our city.”
How much of a fund balance should the city keep in its reserves each year? Please elaborate.
McKay: “The city has over the required amount of funds needed in reserves, This provides a solid foundation for stability and flexibility in budgeting and decision-making.”
Slattery: “The amount of reserves kept in the fund balance should vary each year. For example, a difficult winter may require more snow removal.”
Do you agree with the direction the city is moving?
McKay: “Yes, I agree with the direction Green Park is heading. The city has made significant strides in various areas, such as maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting community engagement and prioritizing infrastructure improvements.”
Slattery: “I would like to see our city move in the direction of improving the health, welfare, safety and community of our citizens.”
In your opinion, have city officials and the Board of Aldermen faithfully adhered to the provisions of the Sunshine Law? What would you do to ensure compliance with the law?
McKay: “I don’t have any information or specific instances of compliance or noncompliance with the Sunshine Law in Green Park. I would comply with all Sunshine requests and would expect the same from other alderpersons and city employees.”
Slattery: “The Board of Aldermen need to be careful about not violating Sunshine Laws. I would seek legal advice.”
Should the city be expanded through the annexation of nearby areas of unincorporated St. Louis County?
McKay: “Annexation is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the benefits and drawbacks of expansion.”
Slattery: “I would be open to conducting a study to annex nearby areas of unincorporated St. Louis County.”
Should the city impose an administrative fee on businesses or require businesses to obtain a license?
McKay: “At present, I don’t see a need for imposing administrative fees on businesses, nor to obtain a license. While such fees can generate revenue for the city, it’s important to carefully consider their potential impact on local businesses.”
Slattery: “I am not in favor of fees on businesses residing in the city.”
Are you satisfied with the services the city provides to residents, inclufding snow removal and street maintenance?
McKay: “Yes, very much so. I also enjoy the holiday lighting contest.”
Slattery: “Not much snow. But our street maintenance is sub-par. Street cleaning is not to be blown in people’s yards.”
Are you pleased with the city’s comprehensive plan? Are changes needed? If so, what would you propose?
McKay: “Yes, it serves as a valuable foundation for guiding the city’s future development and growth. Regular review and updates to the plan ensures that the plan remains open to evolving needs and opportunities.”
Slattery: “We have a sound comprehensive plan.”
What would you propose to increase citizen involvement in city government?
McKay: “A couple of ways to increase involvement would be for the city to host community workshops or forums on topics of interest to residents, and regular email updates or online engagement for residents to have a voice in the community.”
Slattery: “Going door-to-door and inviting citizens to become involved.”
Do you believe the Board of Aldermen and city officials are doing enough to ensure rental properties in Green Park comply with city code?
McKay: “Compliance with city codes is important for all properties in Green Park, regardless of whether they are owner-occupied or rental properties. All residents deserve to live in safe and well-maintained environments.
Slattery: “Yes.”
Are satisfied with the city’s code enforcement? Why or why not?
McKay did not respond.
Slattery: “Yes.”
Do you support the Board of Aldermen’s decision to offer free trash pickup and recycling services to citizens? Should renters be charged for these free services?
McKay: “Yes, I support free trash pick-up for all residents, regardless of homeownership status. It’s fundamental for public health, sanitation and the overall well-being of our community.”
Slattery: “I do support the decision and renters are citizens.”
What kind of growth, if any, do you envision for the city?
McKay: “I would like to see some of the vacant businesses revitalized and transformed into assets to the community again.”
Slattery: “In talking to our citizens, I am finding too many in ill health and isolated. We need to grow in health and community.”
What is your vision for the city of Green Park?
McKay: “I would like to see the city of Green Park continue to be a great place to live. Where families feel safe and supported, where neighbors know and care for one another, and where residents take pride in their community.”
Slattery: “I see a City of Green Park that is healthier, neighbors talking to each other; Not just a city, but a community.”
What is your greatest accomplishment on behalf of the city?
McKay: “N/A”
Slattery: “Establishing the past two years a city-wide neighborhood watch.”
Do you support a city-county merger?
McKay: “No.”
Slattery: “I think there are areas where both could still benefit by sharing.”
Should the city do more to regulate medical residential businesses in city limits?
McKay: “The city’s regulatory actions should always be guided by legal requirements and the necessity to protect the well-being and interests of our residents.”
Slattery: “The city needs to continue to be vigilant in this area.”
Do you support the city’s agreement with the St. Louis County Police Department, and would you change it in any way?
McKay: “Yes, The county police department plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our community, and they have consistently demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in serving the residents of Green Park.”
Slattery: “We still need more weekend patrol where most of the criminal activity could happen.”
What do you believe should be the top priorities of the next city administrator?
McKay: “Top priorities are having a city administrator who is genuinely invested in the well-being of Green Park and its residents is crucial. They should prioritize fostering open communication and collaboration with residents, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
Slattery: “1. Get caught up on everything. 2. Establish procedures for informing each alderman. 2. Recommend what he or she has done in the past to connect with citizens.”
Do you believe the city should provide notices to media of upcoming meetings? Should city meetings be recorded?
McKay: “Yes.”
Slattery: “The media should be informed of all upcoming meetings. City meetings should be recorded or at least have a stenographer take minutes.
Does the city need to do more to ensure the grants and liens through the Neighborhood Enhancement Program are fulfilled properly?
McKay: “In instances where the city has failed to place a lien on properties in the past, it’s essential that lessons are learned and improvements are made to prevent similar oversights in the future. This may involve implementing stronger oversight mechanisms, enhancing record-keeping processes, and providing adequate training for staff involved in administering the program.
Slattery: “Continuing to monitor is appropriate.”
Are you satisfied with the city’s response to crime? Is there more you would like to see done?
McKay: “Yes, I’m satisfied.”
Slattery: “More interest from the Board of Aldermen would be appropriate.”