South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Sunset Hills resident commends Kostial for his use of technology

To the editor:

I would hope the Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen would not vote to remove Ward 3 Alderman Keith Kostial from the board because he wants to use videoconferencing whenever he cannot be at an aldermanic meeting.

In this age of technology, videoconferencing is acceptable whenever someone cannot be at a meeting. Mr. Kostial is to be commended for his diligence at using technology so as to participate in the meetings.

After reading the July 7 article, it seems Mr. Kostial is able to participate in discussions and contribute his thoughts and concerns on items that are being discussed. Being in Keith Kostial’s ward, I have always been impressed with this knowledge of issues, and he has positive solutions to problems and concerns. Mr. Kostial also comes up with new ideas and suggestions.

It is evident that he spends time and energy on issues to make Sunset Hills a good city to live in. I think he represents the people in Ward 3.

It appears that the city has the equipment to handle videoconferencing — so there will not be an exorbitant amount to be spent for videoconferencing. This is an advantage to using this method to accommodate Mr. Kostial’s absence. From the article, it sounds that the situation will be resolved toward the end of 2016. I think Mr. Kostial should remain as our alderman, since he was elected by the Ward 3 residents. I guess it is not possible at this time, but wouldn’t it make sense to have Ward 3 residents decide if Mr. Kostial can represent us at meetings? I don’t think the other aldermen should decide his fate — that is up to Ward 3 residents.

I think part of the problem is that there are some board members who want Mr. Kostial removed from the board because he is not part of the clique that has been at odds with many members of the board. I wonder if the board would be so adamant about this situation if Lori Scarlett had been elected.

Mr. Kostial is probably a thorn in the side of many of the existing board members. So let’s try to remove him, they seem to say.

Who would replace Keith Kostial? And who would decide who that replacement would be? Will Ward 3 residents have a say in this? (Call Executive Editor) Mike Anthony says Keith Kostial was elected by three votes. The number of votes doesn’t matter — Mr. Kostial was elected; therefore, he should be Ward 3 alderman. The decision to have Mr. Kostial removed is not up to Mike Anthony.

Ward 3 Alderman Kurt Krueger’s suggestion to possibly change the date of meetings is feasible. Has the board considered that? I think they should.

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