In Sunset Hills Ward 1, former alderman Frank Hardy and newcomer Natalie Akins vie for the seat which will soon be vacated by Alderman Ann McMunn. The seat carries a two-year term. The municipal election will be held on April 7.

Frank Hardy is a retired electrical engineer, and he holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Louisville. He previously served as a Sunset Hills alderman in Ward 1 from 2006-2012. He is involved with the Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial and the Sunset Hills Historical Society.

When asked why he is seeking office, Hardy said: “When Alderman Ann McMunn announced that she would be moving out of Sunset Hills and, therefore, unable to run for re-election as Ward 1 Alderman, I was approached by some current members of the Board of Aldermen and asked if I would be interested in running for Ann’s seat. Those board members know that I have been attending almost every Board of Aldermen meeting for over 22 years and that I stay current with what is going on in the city. They also know that I was previously a Ward 1 Alderman and I know how the city works and what the job requires. I was humbled by their suggestion, I considered my other obligations, and decided to run for office to again serve the city and the residents and businesses of Ward 1 in Sunset Hills.”

Natalie Akins is a Director of Strategy Advancement for a Fortune 100 Health & Wellbeing Company. She is a newcomer to public office. She holds a Master’s of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Akins has been a member of the Sunset Hills Parks and Recreation Committee since 2022. Akins is also a long-time volunteer of the ALS Association’s St. Louis Chapter.

When asked why she is seeking office, Akins said: “I am seeking office because I believe Sunset Hills is strongest when leadership listens carefully, serves with purpose and works collaboratively on behalf of residents. Through my service on the Parks and Recreation Committee and my professional background in strategy and operations, I have seen how thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making can strengthen a community. I want to bring that same steady, practical approach to the Board of Aldermen.”

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?

Hardy: “I happened to have been on the Board of Aldermen in 2007 when this sales tax was originally passed for Parks & Stormwater improvements which included replacing a leaking swimming pool with the new Aquatic Center, adding a new community center, and multiple stormwater projects that had been postponed for lack of funds. When that Board of Aldermen passed that new sales tax in 2007 it had a 20-year Sunset Date added to it so that it could be reviewed and reassessed by the voters if this sales tax was being used as initially proposed and if it was still necessary to continue. In 2017, there was a proposed sales tax increase in St. Louis City and County called “Proposition P” for Public Safety to fund salary increases, improved training and better equipment for police, fire departments and medical emergency staff. Prop P passed in St. Louis City easily and barely passed in St. Louis County. When this sales tax money was collected and distributed to the various small cities in St. Louis County, some cities did not use this tax money for its proposed uses and used that tax money to do things like filling pot holes in the roadways and calling that a Public Safety use. The Prop P sales tax proposal did not have a sunset date included in the proposal so the voters did not have the ability to review and reassess this sales tax and how that money was being used by some cities. The current 20-year sunset date for the Parks & Stormwater sales tax in Sunset Hills expires September 30, 2027 and this sales tax is being brought to the Sunset Hills voters for renewal on the April 7, 2026 ballot without another 20-year sunset date on this sales tax extension making it a permanent sales tax with no further review and reassessment available to the voters. I propose that the Sunset Hills voters deny this sales tax extension this April so that it will go back to the Board of Aldermen to have them add another 20-year sunset date to the proposal and have that new proposal added to the August or November 2026 ballot for the Sunset Hills voters’ reconsideration. The Sunset Hills voters of 2047 deserve the same right as the Sunset Hills voters of 2027 to review and reassess the uses and the continued need of this sales tax. I think all optional city sales tax proposals, which this one is, should have a sunset date included in the proposal to allow for periodic voter review and reassessment. To be clear, I am in favor of this Parks & Stormwater sales tax passing, but with a sunset date included.”

Akins: “I support continuing the one-half percent sales tax for stormwater control and park improvements. Stormwater management protects homes and infrastructure, and our parks are central to the quality of life in Sunset Hills.”

What is your vision for the city of Sunset Hills?

Hardy: “I would like to see everyone, residents and businesses, prosper more in Sunset Hills. What do I mean by that? I want to see the businesses in the city  have a financially beneficial business that serves the community well and is a long-term, friendly and popular entity that customers frequent often. I want the residents to enjoy living in the city, for the residents to be able to call their neighbors ‘friends,’ for everyone to be safe and served well by the city. I want the residents to support our businesses and our businesses to support our residents, and for our businesses and residents to be happy and proud to call Sunset Hills ‘home.’”

Akins: “My vision is a city that preserves the quality of life residents value while planning thoughtfully for the future. This includes safe neighborhoods, strong infrastructure, well-maintained parks and connected gathering spaces that celebrate both our natural beauty and community spirit. I want residents to feel heard, informed and confident in the decisions made on their behalf.”

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

Hardy: “One thing that is already being done is to ask residents to voluntarily serve on various city committees. The city of Sunset Hills does not function well without our residents participating in those committee views and recommendations to the Board of Aldermen. Another possibility is one I have suggested before, which is to ask questions on the city’s website that could be either ward-wide or city-wide questions to get public opinion on various topics.”

Akins: “Engagement begins with making city government accessible and understandable. Encouraging participation through clear communication, welcoming public comment and highlighting volunteer opportunities can help residents feel more connected.”

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?

Hardy: “I am running to be a representative of the people of Sunset Hills with a focus on my constituents in Ward 1. I have always been readily available and responsive to the people both personally and professionally and I would continue to do so as an alderman. I think hearing a person’s thoughts and concerns and trying to help them when I can is how you treat people decently, respectfully, and show you care about them. The one thing people want most is to be heard and to be treated fairly.”

Akins: “I believe the most important issue in this race is protecting and strengthening the quality of life that residents value in Sunset Hills. This includes maintaining safe neighborhoods, strong infrastructure, connected parks and gathering spaces, and transparent decision-making. Thoughtful planning and responsible use of taxpayer dollars are essential to preserving what makes our city special.”

Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each:

Hardy: “I think other issues are to continue to pursue making Sunset Hills a safe, friendly, and desirable place to live and to work or have a business. Also, to maintain existing park land and facilities and improve them where possible. We have a good Public Works Department that keeps our streets in good shape and handles permits, inspections, and any building or code issues. Our police keep us safe and we need to keep them properly equipped, trained, and staffed. We also have wonderful people who call Sunset Hills home and the city needs to create neighborhood events where neighbors meet other neighbors whether they live next door or in another part of the city. After all, a new friend is simply a neighbor that you haven’t met yet.”

Akins did not answer.

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

Hardy: “Following Robert’s Rules of Order helps to ensure everyone is allowed to be heard, questions to be asked and possibly answered, order to be maintained, and the proceedings to be advanced. The Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen meetings are somewhat casual, but Robert’s Rules of Order are followed and should continue. The public should absolutely be allowed to speak at Board of Aldermen meetings and I welcome their input.”

Akins: “Robert’s Rules of Order provide important structure and fairness to meetings and should generally guide proceedings. At the same time, meetings should remain accessible and understandable. I support allowing public comment and ensuring residents have a meaningful opportunity to be heard in an orderly and respectful manner.”

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

Hardy: “I am not in favor of tax-increment financing. There are other types of financing available to developers that do not put such a multi-year burden on the taxpayer, school districts, fire departments, libraries, etc.”

Akins: “TIF and similar tools can be useful in limited circumstances, but they must be applied carefully. Any use of incentives should be transparent, financially responsible, and clearly demonstrate long-term benefit to Sunset Hills. I would support their use only when they protect taxpayers and align with the character and needs of our community.”

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

Hardy: “I am not in favor of such things as water towers or cell towers being constructed near residential areas and other areas should be reviewed and considered for their location. The city should stand up for the rights of its residents and businesses, but the city is also obligated to follow other laws beyond its control. If a lawsuit is justified, reasonable, and, upon legal advice, winnable the city should consider pursuing that action.”

Akins: “Projects such as water or cell towers should be evaluated carefully based on safety, necessity, location, and community impact. The city has a responsibility to protect residents’ interests while also considering legal and financial risks. Decisions should be guided by expert input, legal review, and thoughtful community discussion.”

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

Hardy: “I do not support the use of eminent domain for commercial redevelopment projects. I have been on the wrong side of eminent domain abuse and defeated it. The use of eminent domain for commercial redevelopment and personal profit is absolutely wrong. The only time eminent domain might be considered, and this is in extreme cases, is for public uses and, even then, rarely and with good compensation for the property owner’s loss.”

Akins: “Eminent domain should be used sparingly and only when clearly necessary for essential public purposes. Private property rights are important, and redevelopment efforts should prioritize voluntary agreements whenever possible. Transparency and fairness must guide any such decisions.”

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

Hardy: “From the outside looking in, the City of Sunset Hills seems to be moving in a good direction with Pat Fribis as Mayor. The City Hall has gone through a renovation, the parks are very nice, the police department is keeping the residents and businesses safe, the public works are addressing roadway, stormwater, permits and inspection needs, and the city is in good financial shape.”

Akins: “I believe Sunset Hills has benefited from steady and collaborative leadership. Mayor Fribis has helped guide the city thoughtfully, and I appreciate her commitment to fairness and transparency. If elected, I look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor and fellow aldermen to continue serving residents responsibly.”

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

Hardy: “Much of the available commercially zoned areas are already filled, but there are vacancies from time to time. As those vacancies occur, they could be published in business publications to attract new business owners to those possible locations. As to retaining existing businesses the answer is new and repeat customers. If business is good, you are likely to stay at that location or close to it. A successful business wants to be easily found and sell a good product or service at a fair price for both seller and customer.”

Akins: “Sunset Hills has a strong business presence, and maintaining a welcoming environment is important. Economic development should align with the character of our city and remain financially responsible. Clear communication, predictable processes, and thoughtful planning will help retain businesses while protecting neighborhoods.”

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

Hardy: “Sunset Hills already has some roadways and trails where bicyclists can ride. To make the city more bicycle friendly, where practical and popular, the city could possibly add bicycle lane markings. Sunset Hills also participates in SunCrest Fest which has a midnight bicycle ride as part of the festivities.”

Akins: “Improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians is important, particularly where traffic patterns present challenges. I support evaluating practical, cost-effective measures that improve safety while respecting neighborhood concerns and infrastructure constraints.”

What are your thoughts on commercial encroachment of residential areas?

Hardy: “Sunset Hills for years has primarily been a residential city with some separate commercial areas. I believe in protecting the character of this popular and desirable community. I believe in protecting the property rights and the property values of our residents from commercial encroachment.”

Akins: “Protecting residential neighborhoods is essential to preserving the character and quality of life in Sunset Hills. Commercial development should be thoughtfully planned and appropriately located so it supports the city without negatively impacting established neighborhoods.”

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

Hardy: “If the Sunset Hills public would be willing to sign up for notices with an email address or text number those notices could be sent out to them informing them of the situation with a possible link back to the city’s website for further information.”

Akins: “Clear and timely communication builds trust. I support proactive public notice for major projects, consistent updates through multiple channels, and clear explanations of timelines and next steps. Residents should understand what is happening, why decisions are being made, and how they can provide input.”

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

Hardy: “The character of Sunset Hills is single family stand-alone homes on spacious sized lots for the zoning that they are in. Although cluster homes might be acceptable in some areas of some cities, for the most part this seems to not be complimentary to other residences in Sunset Hills.”

Akins: “Housing decisions should be evaluated based on location, infrastructure capacity, traffic impact, and neighborhood compatibility. Any development should respect the character of surrounding areas and align with long-term planning goals.”

Traditionally, Sunset Hills has had a close relationship with Lindbergh Schools. What should a relationship between Sunset Hills and Lindbergh look like going forward?

Hardy: “The Lindbergh School District is amongst the best in the St. Louis area and in the state of Missouri. Sunset Hills is privileged to be part of this school district and should strive to continue a close relationship with it and participate in any activities and events that it can to promote both the Lindbergh School District and the City of Sunset Hills.”

Akins: “Sunset Hills and Lindbergh Schools share many of the same families, making a cooperative relationship important. While the city and school district have distinct responsibilities, open communication and collaboration on issues such as safety, traffic, and community events benefit everyone.”

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?

Hardy: “Sunset Hills has had a great relationship with the City of Crestwood including participation in the SunCrest Fest which has had a bike ride, a classic car show, kids’ booths and games and several other activities for all ages. As to partnering with other neighboring cities as the old saying goes, “You never have enough friends,” so if another neighboring city would propose something like that, I am sure the Board of Aldermen would consider it.”

Akins: “Partnerships like SunCrest Fest help build community and strengthen relationships with neighboring municipalities. I support continuing collaborative efforts when they are well-organized, fiscally responsible, and beneficial to residents. Thoughtful regional partnerships can enhance services and events while sharing resources efficiently.”

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

Hardy: “This issue has been brought before the Board of Aldermen already and they determined for several reasons that short-term rentals are not a permitted use in Sunset Hills and created an ordinance stating such. At the time the issue was brought forward to the board some people already had some short-term rental contracts in place so the board allowed those existing contracts to be honored, but disallowed any future contracts. Should they be allowed in Sunset Hills? Based upon the negative reasons given to the Board at the time plus the new ordinance approval, I’d have to say no.”

Akins: “Short-term rentals raise important questions about neighborhood character, safety and enforcement. If permitted, they should be carefully regulated to protect residents and ensure accountability. Any policy should prioritize preserving the stability and quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

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

Hardy: “From the outside looking in, as far as I am able to tell Ms. Gillett is quite professional and seems to be doing a good job for the city.”

Akins: “Based on what I have observed, the City Administrator has worked professionally and collaboratively to support both the board and residents. Strong administrative leadership is essential to effective city government.”

Do you think the city listens to its residents regarding traffic concerns/the desire to implement traffic calming measures?

Hardy: “Recently the residents along Denny Road between Sappington and Lindbergh came before the Board of Aldermen to ask them to reduce the speed limit and to double the speeding fine along that stretch of road. Walkers, runners, children and pedestrians frequently are on the shoulder of that road. The current Board agreed and changed the speed limit and the speeding fine. On some other roadways in Sunset Hills residents have asked the Board for modifications on their streets. Some have been accepted and others have been denied for various reasons including practicality on that stretch of roadway or the police department said that there was not a need for that modification based on their traffic data. Therefore, it seems that the city does listen to the residents concerning traffic issues, but those requests are not always accepted.”

Akins: “I believe the city listens to residents, though there is always room to improve communication and follow-through. Traffic decisions should be data-driven and informed by resident input to ensure safety and fairness.”

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

Hardy: “Again, from the outside looking in, the city seems to be on strong financial footing and should do well for the foreseeable future.”

Akins: “Sunset Hills appears to be in a stable financial position, and responsible budgeting must remain a priority. Careful financial planning, transparency, and disciplined use of taxpayer dollars are essential to maintaining long-term stability.”