Shelia Vita is challenging incumbent Sunset Hills Ward 2 Alderman Marie Davis in the upcoming April 8 election. 

Vita did not return The Call’s questionnaire. 

Davis is a business advisor with MMD Consultants and a graduate of Columbia University’s business school. From 1965 to 1966, Davis served as the deputy county clerk of Wayne County. She has three children and three grandchildren, all of whom are graduates of Lindbergh High School.

The candidate gave the following responses to The Call’s candidate questionnaire: 

Editor’s note: The following questions and answers appeared in the March 20 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? 

Davis: “As the Alderman for Ward 2, I listen to my constituents and bring their concerns to the board.” 

How many board meetings have you attended in the past year? In what other ways have you been involved with the city of Sunset Hills? 

Davis: “I have attended every board meeting since my election in April of 2023. I am a founding member of the Art Committee and am now the board representative for the Parks and Recreation Department. I participate in most city events, from fishing derbies to markets and music to parades.”

What would you do to get community members more involved with and/or interested in city government?

Davis: “I have listed ways for members of the community to become more involved with the city in the March and February newsletters from the city.”

Do you believe the city is in a strong financial position? Why or why not?

Davis: “Yes, we budget wisely, and through business projects such as Tidal Wave and Bass Pro Shops, we have heightened tax revenue. Our departmental directors also seek grants from public and private entities in order to enrich our community.”

Do you support a city-county merger?

Davis: “When businesses or individuals look at moving to St. Louis, they review the statistics of the city and not the metropolitan area as a whole. When St. Louis city becomes just another municipality of the county, the metropolitan area statistics will improve dramatically, and we will become one of the top 20 metropolitan areas in the country.”

Are you satisfied with the performance of City Administrator Brittany Gillett?

Davis: “Yes, she is excellent and has improved the city’s work environment and maintained a good relationship with our residents and her staff.”

What are your thoughts on short-term rentals? Should they be permitted in Sunset Hills?

Davis: “There have been some positive comments about short term rentals, as well as some concerns. It has not yet come before the board.”

Should Sunset Hills continue to partner with Crestwood for SunCrest Fest or other events? Should Sunset Hills partner with other neighboring municipalities for similar events?

Davis: “Yes, Sunset Hills should continue to partner with Crestwood for SunCrest Fest and the dog park. SunCrest Fest must be made more family friendly and include LHS music program events.”

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?

Davis: “Absolutely, the Lindbergh School District is one of our best assets.”

Do you feel that town home or “cluster home” developments have a place in the city? Why or why not?

Davis: “Yes. As our residents age, many wish to stay within the community, but prefer homes with less maintenance. There are two new cluster home developments in Ward 2 – 21 homes at Gates Manor and nine homes at Manors at Lynstone Park.

What are your thoughts on commercial encroachment of residential areas?

Davis: “Listening to the needs of the residents is extremely important. To me, encroachment means changing residential properties into business properties. It takes the right zoning laws, negotiation and cooperation to bring businesses and residents together.”

Should the city of Sunset Hills be more bicycle friendly? If so, what do you propose?

Davis: “Yes, we should connect up with the Great Rivers Greenway. Residents should be able to take a walk, ride a bike, push a stroller and visit neighboring communities in safety.”

Is the city of Sunset Hills business friendly? What do you propose to keep current businesses in the city and attract economic development?

Davis: “At times, the city is more business friendly than others. As a former manager of four businesses in the city of Sunset Hills, I found it was a slow process. In 2025, the city’s upgraded UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) and master plan has attracted businesses like First Community Credit Union and Bass Pro.”

What is your vision for the city of Sunset Hills?

Davis: “A city that listens thoughtfully to its citizens and businesses, cooperates with its neighboring communities and provides safety through excellent fire and police presence.

What would you do to increase the city’s responsiveness on projects or provide public notice of projects?

Davis: “The city already posts at the City Hall, on social media, in the newspaper, through the newsletter and through announcements at a myriad of community meetings as well as on site project signage.”

Do you agree with the direction the city is moving under Mayor Pat Fribis? Why or why not?

Davis: “I believe the city of Sunset Hills has flourished under the management of Mayor Pat Fribis. She recognized the need for focused city management and brought in a city administrator. This helps retain the services of well qualified directors and provides citizens with approachable staff.”

Do you support the use of eminent domain for redevelopment projects? Why or why not? Please be specific.

Davis: “Eminent domain should be used sparingly with specific attention to the rights of our citizens. Examples: neglected properties which house criminal activities, with vermin infestations and with flora overgrowth which harm the neighborhood property values.”

Do you agree with the decision not to take over Tapawingo Streets? 

Davis: “Yes, because the streets do not presently adhere to city code. Once they adhere, we should revisit the decision.”

Keep reading for web-exclusive questions and answers from the candidate

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. 

Should the mayor strictly adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order during meetings? Should the public be allowed to speak at city meetings?

Davis: “Yes. Yes, the public should be listened to during designated comment periods. Otherwise, the meeting turns into an argument rather than a decision making body.”

What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing and other tools?

Davis: “No, unless for public benefit. Tax tools are intrinsic to the negotiations between the city government and businesses. Tax increment financing must undergo careful consideration so that it will not cause future harm to the city.”

Should the city reject projects such as water towers or cell towers, even if it risks a lawsuit?

Davis: “According to Section 2-382 of the City Code of Ethics, city officials are bound to uphold the laws of the nation and state. Missouri law states utilities cannot be rezoned by cities. Filing lawsuits contrary to the state law is frivolous and costs the citizens of Sunset Hills money.”