In Sunset Hills Ward 2, incumbent Casey Wong and newcomers Greg Zveitel and Mark Schwarz vie for the open seat. The seat carries a two-year term. The municipal election will be held on April 7.
Greg Zveitel is a Police Lieutenant for the Sunset Hills Police Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), where he graduated in 1977. He is a member of The BackStoppers, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families of fallen and injured public safety officers.
When asked why he is seeking office, Zveitel said: “After a 49 year career serving the city of Sunset Hills as a police officer and a 40 year resident, I want to continue to maintain, and improve, the quality of life in our city.”
Casey Wong is an attorney for a governmental agency. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2006, and a law degree from Saint Louis University in 2009. He is a St. Justin Martyr parishioner, and he coaches several local sports teams.
Mark Schwarz is now retired from AT&T. He spent 35 years in management and has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Louis University. Schwarz has been involved with the Telephone Pioneers of America, and he has been a parishioner at St. Catherine Laboure for over 45 years. He is a newcomer to public office.
When asked why he is seeking office, Schwarz said: “I aim to bring change by openly representing Ward 2 residents, encouraging their input on key issues and applying my professional experience to ensure responsible fiscal decisions are made.”
Are you in favor of continuing the imposition of a sales tax of one-half percent (1/2 of 1%) for funding stormwater control and local park improvements?
Zveitel: “Yes. This is a good source of financing these projects without the burden of increased taxes on the residents alone. Both of these projects are vital to the city given increased issues with flooding and the desire to maintain and update our outstanding system of parks.”
Wong: “I favor the continuation of the Parks and Stormwater sales tax which has provided for first-class amenities like the Aquatic Center and more to come.”
Schwarz: “When non-residents (and residents alike) shop in Sunset Hills, they pay this tax, thus helping cover the costs of stormwater management and park maintenance. No matter the source, stormwater management and park maintenance will require funding, and will either be through continuation of this tax or through budget apportionment. Keeping the tax reduces budget impacts and ensures that non-residents contribute more toward stormwater management and park maintenance than if such funding came from the general budget. For this reason, I support extending this tax.”
What is your vision for the city of Sunset Hills?
Zveitel: “I would like the city to continue to maintain a residential character with continued emphasis on public safety (traffic enforcement, floodplain consideration, etc.) and our outstanding parks system. I want to encourage thoughtful growth with quality businesses without encroaching on the residences. We should continue to encourage community input and ensure decision-making and communication is open and transparent.”
Wong: “The city is in great shape. Financially, staffing and beyond. Stay sunny!”
Schwarz: “My vision for Sunset Hills is a vibrant community where the residents and businesses are proud to call home. A city that is served by highly ranked schools, a strong police force and where property values can be maintained.”
What would you do to increase the city’s responsiveness on projects or provide public notice of projects?
Zveitel: “The city must take advantage of all of the various media options (social, print, notice posting at proposed project sites) to encourage residents to provide input. The city does an excellent job of posting this information on its website and just needs to make residents aware. This means being aware of proposed, as well as approved, projects.”
Wong: “The city is extremely responsive to residents, both staff and elected officials. The city provides notice to the public that exceeds what is required.”
Schwarz: “Conveying public notice of projects via the city website, Horizon Newsletter articles, placard postings and signage effectively inform the necessary interested parties. Some individuals will choose to remain uninformed regardless of the method of conveyance.”
Do you agree with the direction the city is moving under Mayor Pat Fribis? Why or why not?
Zveitel: “The mayor has done an admirable job in leading new businesses, and the attendant tax revenue, into the city of Sunset Hills. I would encourage her to proactively try to reduce the number of lawsuits against the city that do not appear to be won in its favor and ultimately have cost the city significant settlements.”
Wong: “Mayor Pat Fribis has been an excellent leader for Sunset Hills. Extremely responsive to residents, fair and balanced with businesses.”
Schwarz: “The city’s finances and development appear strong and progressing well, thanks to Mayor Fribis, the Board of Aldermen and other Sunset Hills staff.”
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.
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
Zveitel: “Ensuring the financial stability of the City by encouraging business development in balance with the residential character of the City.”
Wong: “The City is in a great position and I do not see or foresee any particularly significant, single most important issue. We have terrific department heads, the Chief and City Administrator with excellent personnel doing great work daily. With Pat Fribis, Sunset Hills has the best mayor this side of the Mississippi and the City has a solid, drama-free Board of Aldermen.”
Schwarz: “Fiscal responsibility which was a major factor in my decision to run for Alderman. Elected officials and City staff must ensure taxpayer dollars are apportioned wisely and lawfully. A road project in my area may not have been fiscally responsible.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each:
Zveitel: “Traffic Safety: Create 2-officer traffic team in PD to reduce residential street traffic violations. Eliminate costly lawsuits that have resulted from ill-advised political opposition to planned development.”
Wong: “I expect either of the other two candidates would do well for the City and I am glad to see such interest. The City has come a long way since I joined the Board and the gains in transparency are the ones I am most proud of (today, the City’s financial transparency is excellent). Reasonable minds can and often do disagree on issues, with all striving to act in the best interests of the City. Upon reflection, I would say what residents get with me is a known quantity: I have consistently taken a resident protective position on all issues, with my voting history demonstrating such. Sometimes that meant I was in the heavy minority, other times I was leading a charge or building a coalition to get more conditions attached to a new development. But I have always strived to put myself in the shoes of the impacted residents and did my best to protect and serve them. We are blessed to live in a City in which elected officials are responsive to the needs and wants of its residents, and we have terrific personnel and resources to provide first class services and amenities. If my time for service is up, I am glad for the privilege and opportunity to have served. And sincerely believe the City is doing wonderful and will continue to do so. ”
Schwarz: “Road Maintenance – the use of the “chip and seal” process must be revisited. Zoning Issues – I’m opposed to zoning changes that reduce lot sizes.”
Should the mayor strictly adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order during meetings? Should the public be allowed to speak at city meetings?
Zveitel: “Roberts Rules of Order should be guidelines for conducting public meetings. However, there should be use of common sense in their application when necessary. There should absolutely be an option for public speakers at any city meeting.”
Wong: “Mayor Fribis follows Robert’s Rules of Order, and the public must always be allowed to speak at meetings. Sunset Hills is small enough that resident comments and feedback is very impactful and I believe the City’s meetings are very welcoming and give everyone a great opportunity to provide meaningful input.”
Schwarz: “Robert’s Rules of Order is a well-established standard for conducting orderly meetings and should be followed during board meetings. The public should be allowed to speak, for a predetermined length of time, during a designated ‘public comment’ period, provided remarks are respectful and on point.”
What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing and other tools?
Zveitel: “Any should be rarely used and only then in cases of major new development, e.g., the Bass Pro store. They must have a very limited and minimal effect on residents that may be impacted.”
Wong: “I generally do not favor the various tax-break financial tools, but any situation must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there might be exceptions. Bass Pro Shops is a notable exception.”
Schwarz: “Tax-increment-financing (TIF) as well as other financing methods should be carefully evaluated and used sparingly. The use of these incentives must not have an adverse effect on the city or its residents.”
Should the city reject projects such as water towers or cell towers, even if it risks a lawsuit?
Zveitel: “These projects must be very carefully reviewed and evaluated by both elected officials who respect the advice of a City Attorney. The latter must be capable of providing solid grounds for either opposing, or allowing, the project. Too often the City has suffered significant losses both financially and with the outcome of the lawsuit.”
Wong: “I believe each proposal or project must be evaluated on its merits and cannot answer this in the abstract other than to say no one wants to embroil the City in undue litigation.”
Schwarz: “The new water tower that went online recently is adequate for the city. Cell towers need to be carefully evaluated and not rejected out of hand. Obviously, finding an acceptable location is a major concern so public input is imperative.”
Do you support the use of eminent domain for redevelopment projects? Why or why not?
Zveitel: “It should only be used in extreme cases where acquisition of private property is 100% necessary for a genuine public need. It is not appropriate to utilize it for the transfer of private property to another if that only benefits the private entity.”
Wong: “I do not favor the use of eminent domain and I cannot think of any compelling reason a municipal city would need to use such power.”
Schwarz: “Eminent domain should be reserved for rare cases where the public need and benefits are clear, such as removing nuisance properties. I oppose its use for commercial projects.”
Is the city of Sunset Hills business friendly? What do you propose to keep current businesses in the city and attract economic development?
Zveitel: “The City needs to take advantage of its geography making it very accessible from several major highways and stay on a path the makes it an attractive destination for businesses, their employees and customers. While there must remain ordinances governing all aspects of business operation, board members must be able to look at the ‘big picture’ and avoid overly strict applications.”
Wong: “The City is an extremely attractive place to do business because of the location of major highways and roadways, high standards, and quality of living. The reality is, elected officials need not do anything to “attract” business. The City is very business friendly.”
Schwarz: “I believe Sunset Hills is business friendly, as indicated by the limited number of commercial real estate vacancies. The best way to keep existing businesses and attract new development is for people to patronize the businesses in our city. It’s doubtful businesses will move out if sales are robust. Sunset Hills offers many retail options but lacks a grocery store. I want to attract one to our city.”
Should the city of Sunset Hills be more bicycle friendly? If so, what do you propose?
Zveitel: “The City does not need to make any infrastructure changes but needs to encourage more safety education for both the bicyclist and motor vehicle drivers.”
Wong: “The areas in which residents have expressed the most interest in being more bicycle friendly are under the jurisdiction and control of the Missouri Department of Transportation.”
Schwarz: “I don’t bike myself, but friends who do haven’t reported issues to me. Improvements for cyclists are likely possible, but public safety always should be the top priority.”
What are your thoughts on commercial encroachment of residential areas?
Zveitel: “I am opposed to the takeover of any residential area with businesses.”
Wong: “I do not favor commercial encroachment on residential areas. My voting history demonstrates such.”
Schwarz: “Sunset Hills is a residential community first and then a place for commercial entities. I strongly oppose commercial encroachment of residential areas unless the parties involved are able to enter into good faith negotiations and reach a lawful settlement that meets Sunset Hills ordinances.”
Do you feel that town home or “cluster home” developments have a place in the city? Why or why not?
Zveitel: “There is absolutely a place for this type of housing in Sunset Hills (witness the Courtyards). Care must be exercised in the location and application of high zoning and construction standards making them built to the same quality as single family residences.”
Wong: “With the right development, I am not scared of town home or cluster home developments. We live in a very nice area, and I believe any potential such development is going to be high end with high pricing and reasonable density. Courtyards is a wonderful example of this type of development done right and is a great fit for Sunset Hills.”
Schwarz: “Absolutely. Sunset Hills is primarily made up of free-standing single-family homes. For those unable or uninterested in maintaining such a home, a cluster home provides a viable alternative — as long as they comply with local regulations, are appropriately located, and preserve the character of nearby neighborhoods.”
Traditionally, Sunset Hills has had a close relationship with Lindbergh Schools. What should a relationship between Sunset Hills and Lindbergh look like going forward?
Zveitel: “The current relationship is outstanding and should continue down that path. Of particular note these days is school safety. With Truman Middle and ECC in Sunset Hills the police department has been very active in working with District security personnel. Plans are in place to quickly deal with any type of law enforcement matters at these facilities.”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “The future relationship between Sunset Hills and Lindbergh Schools should be the same as today. A strong Sunset Hills equals strong Lindbergh Schools and vice versa.”
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?
Zveitel: “We should continue to jointly put on this event. With geography being what it is, Crestwood would seem to be the only sensible municipality to partner with for public events.”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “Sunset Hills should continue to partner with Crestwood for the Suncrest Fest as it’s good to see the cities work together. I don’t see a need to partner with other municipalities for additional events.”
What are your thoughts on short-term rentals? Should they be permitted in Sunset Hills?
Zveitel: “I am opposed to the use of short-term rentals in Sunset Hills. Those tend to cause many more issues (regulation, noise, potential crime, etc.) than advantages they bring to anyone but the property owner alone.”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “They should be prohibited.”
Are you satisfied with the performance of City Administrator Brittany Gillett?
Zveitel: “Ms. Gillett has done an outstanding job in managing a $12 million dollar budget and about 70 full time employees of the City. Working with her relative to the police department she has always been available and prompt with her responses and I have nothing to indicate otherwise with our other City departments. The City is fortunate to have her as the City Administrator and should retain her going forward!”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “I’ve had very limited contact with Ms. Gillett so I’m unable to appraise her performance.”
Do you think the city listens to its residents regarding traffic concerns/the desire to implement traffic calming measures?
Zveitel: “From a law enforcement perspective we have attempted to address all of the citizen complaints that we receive. I have previously advocated in this survey for additional officers to enhance these efforts. The City has been very responsive to complaints about traffic issues (e.g., the recent reduction of Geyer and Denny road speed limits with institution of double fines for speed on those streets).”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “Yes, change happens over time. For instance, after long discussion, the city recently lowered the speed limit on Geyer Road.”
Do you believe the city is in a strong financial position? Why or why not?
Zveitel: “The position is currently sound but needs to be closely managed and flexible to take into account overall economy shifts. The accounting practices are secure and transparent and have prevented any wrongful diversion of any City monies.”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “The city’s finances appear strong and progressing well, thanks to Mayor Fribis, the Board of Aldermen, and other Sunset Hills staff.”
What would you do to get community members more involved with and/or interested in city government?
Zveitel: “Continue to utilize social media to encourage citizens to attend events and offer their input into all things relevant to City operation. Set up quick on-line surveys on City decisions to be made. Small ‘town hall’ or ‘meet the mayor/aldermen’ (like Coffee with a Cop) could be set up. Ensure that appropriate and timely responses are made to those who have questions or complaints about City operations.”
Wong did not answer.
Schwarz: “This is my first time participating in city government. People either choose to engage because they’re interested or are motivated by something specific, but ultimately participation is voluntary. Some individuals simply aren’t interested.”