Sunset Hills Ward 4 will see a race between former Ward 3 Alderman Cathy Friedmann and incumbent Ward 4 Alderman Mark Colombo. The seats carry two-year terms. The municipal election will be held on April 7.
Cathy Friedmann was the president of Inventory Sales Co. before her retirement, and she served as a Sunset Hills Ward 3 Alderman from 2020-2025. She left office due to a move that put her address in Ward 4. Friedmann holds a juris doctorate from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. She is a member of the Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, a tutor at Bayless Elementary School and serves on the Board of Directors at EFC International.
When asked why she is seeking office, Friedmann said: “To continue to serve the residents of Sunset Hills.”
Mark Colombo works as an exclusive consultant at Swarco America, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance. He served as a Sunset Hills Ward 4 Alderman from 2016-2021 and currently holds the seat, having been appointed by the board in November after a former alderman’s departure. Colombo is involved with St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church.
When asked why he is seeking office, Colombo said: “To preserve the financial integrity and viability of our community I so dearly love!”
Are you in favor of continuing the imposition of a sales tax of one-half percent (1/2 of 1%) for funding storm water control and local park improvements?
Friedmann: “Generally, I am in favor. However, a true ‘continuation’ of the existing tax would have included a sunset provision as now exists in the tax. As alderman, I moved to have such a sunset provision added to the ballot language to provide voter oversight but it was not approved. The tax on the ballot does not sunset so the residents will not be afforded an automatic opportunity to revisit the tax in the future.”
Colombo: “I strongly support the one-half percent sales tax dedicated to storm water control and park maintenance. We are a city of many serene parks and manage over 300 acres of parkland, complete with a beautiful river and streams that require responsible upkeep. Stormwater control is one of those unglamorous but absolutely essential pieces of community infrastructure, albeit expensive, that protects our homes and property and must be fully funded.”
What is your vision for the city of Sunset Hills?
Friedmann: “Sunset Hills is a gem. Its defining feature is low density, large lot residential areas. I want to maintain this. Our city is a safe place to live, thanks to our police department. Our street department does an extraordinary job plowing the streets and jumping on downed trees or other such street problems. We do have some deferred maintenance on some streets that is a budgetary matter rather than a deficiency with the department. Our parks are unsurpassed thanks to a great parks department. Our staff and elected officials are accessible and responsive. My vision is to maintain these features by careful stewardship of city resources and oversight of staff.”
Colombo: “My vision is the continuation of the original plan. Sunset Hills is meant to be a quiet bedroom community with large lots and few businesses, which gives the city a unique personality — more serene, more spacious, more intentionally slow-paced.”
Is the city of Sunset Hills business friendly? What do you propose to keep current businesses in the city and attract economic development?
Friedmann: “Sunset Hills is a great place to do business as well as a great place to live. Our Code of Ordinances, specifically the UDO (Uniform Development Ordinance), provide protections for residents near commercial or industrial lots. These include setbacks, buffers, landscaping, trash screening, noise and light mitigation requirements. The Board of Aldermen has been and should continue to be careful in its application of these requirements to strike a harmonious balance. Setting expectations is key in this respect. I would propose to continue to apply the code as we have since the inception of the UDO.”
Colombo: “Sunset Hills has a relatively small commercial footprint and the land zoned for commercial use must be fully utilized with the highest and best use. The businesses within our city are the financial engine that sustains our operations, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I encourage the board to maintain a strong and respectful relationship with business petitioners while ensuring development that aligns with the values of Sunset Hills.”
What would you do to get community members more involved with and/or interested in city government?
Friedmann: “Emphasize that YOU can make a difference — show up for meetings and call and email your aldermen. I had never held a public position nor had political aspirations when I first ran against an incumbent in 2020. I simply attended board meetings on issues that mattered to me and found that I was better read and prepared on many of the agenda items than some aldermen voting on them. Sunset Hills is a great community with a very accessible staff. I was initially surprised as a resident at how much time staff would take to review plans and documents and explain city workings with me.”
Colombo: “Over the years, I have encouraged many to serve on city committees, participate in civic initiatives, and even run for public office. It is challenging, but the impact and sense of accomplishment is rewarding, and that should be repeatedly stated.”
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?
Friedmann: “The continuation, or not, of the Parks and Stormwater Tax and its impact on city policy and budget. This tax currently brings about $1.8 million to the City’s annual budget. The tax is now used almost wholly to pay down the debt incurred to build the community and aquatics centers. That debt will be retired in 2027. If voters continue the tax there will be an excess of funds. If the voters do not continue the tax, important budgetary issues will need to be addressed.”
Colombo: “To avoid senseless unproductive and wasteful lawsuits that defy commonsense and fiscal responsibility.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each:
Friedmann: “Listening and responding to resident concerns and making decisions on all matters that come before the board with those concerns first in mind. Also, it is important that aldermen read, question and understand all proposed ordinances, resolutions, contracts, grants, developments and underlying documents. This takes time and diligence. In my five and a half years on the board as Ward 3 alderman I did just this.”
Colombo: “To continue development of both commercial and residential properties consistent with Sunset Hills values.”
Should the mayor strictly adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order during meetings? Should the public be allowed to speak at city meetings?
Friedmann: “The public should be and is allowed to speak at city meetings. Our Code of Ordinance states: ‘Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern the proceedings of the board of aldermen where applicable and when not in conflict of any state statute or ordinance’ (Section 2-26). Such instances are rare and the City does not have a Parliamentarian. The mayor has traditionally run meetings in good order. ‘Strict adherence’ is not necessary.”
Colombo: “The Robert’s Rules of Order provide a fair, effective, and universally respected framework for conducting government business and should continue. I fully support and encourage public participation in government. The residents of Sunset Hills deserve to have their voices heard, and we serve them best by listening.”
What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing and other tools?
Friedmann: “I am not in favor of TIFs which would diminish local tax revenues. We currently have CIDs (Community Improvement Districts) in the City. Customers buying from businesses in these CIDs pay additional sales tax which goes directly to the business in the district but does not diminish City tax revenues. However, the City has certain statutory oversight obligations under these CIDs. We should be careful of taking on additional such obligations and be sure we understand what we are getting into.”
Colombo: “I would only use it judiciously and with great reservation and discernment.”
Should the city reject projects such as water towers or cell towers, even if it risks a lawsuit?
Friedmann: “The City should always do its very best to follow its ordinances to ensure that all projects offer the best protections and results for its residents. In this litigious environment the threat of lawsuits are prevalent. The best path forward to avoid such suits is to follow our ordinances.”
Colombo: “No, the water tower lawsuit was an absolute waste of time, money and resources. Legal counsel advised Sunset Hills had no authority to stop or impede the construction of a vital utility. The issues with other non-critical utilities like cellular towers would be reviewed case-by-case.”
Do you support the use of eminent domain for redevelopment projects? Why or why not?
Friedmann: “I do not support eminent domain for private redevelopment. Eminent domain should be limited to public use only — and then only very carefully so. I believe this because a resident’s or business’ property rights should not be taken by government to advance another entity’s private interests.”
Colombo: “I would only use it with great reservation and discernment, the argument to use eminent domain must meet a compelling standard before proceeding.”
Do you agree with the direction the city is moving under Mayor Pat Fribis? Why or why not?
Friedmann: “We live in a great community and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Often we hear from developers that our ordinances and procedures take too long. But I believe this is a good feature for our residents. It gives residents ample opportunity to be heard and compromises made. Mayor Fribis has given residents these opportunities to be heard. It is my hope that this careful review and protection of residents continues.”
Colombo: “Yes, I have known Mayor Fribis for over ten years, and under her leadership, Sunset Hills has experienced unprecedented growth and financial stability. During the Covid 19 crisis, I served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, working closely with the Mayor to guide the city through a very challenging period. Thanks to her leadership and our collective, prudent decision-making, the city emerged unscathed.”
Should the city of Sunset Hills be more bicycle friendly? If so, what do you propose?
Friedmann: “In Ward 3 I lived off of Robyn Road, I now live on Kennerly. Both are winding with blind spots. While I envy and admire cyclists who possess the intestinal fortitude to navigate these roads and respect their rights to share the road, I do not think it is wise to encourage more cyclists on busy roads with dedicated bike lanes or signage painted on the street.”
Colombo: “Yes, however our roadways were constructed for motor vehicles and to try to retrofit a system that was not designed for shared use would be difficult. I am in the roadway pavement marking industry and safety would be the most important consideration, I would be open to further discussion on or if this could be accomplished.”
What are your thoughts on commercial encroachment of residential areas?
Friedmann: “I am opposed to commercial encroachment of residential areas. While it is important to have a sustainable tax base our fund balances have grown significantly (32% from 2018 to 2024 – the most recent year for published numbers), Sunset Hills is a wonderful residential community and I would like to see it remain so. I was first motivated to run for alderman in 2019 when the draft UDO proposed reducing the number of residential zoning districts and to allow many more smaller lots. Once alerted to the language and the impact the draft would have on residential zoning residents demanded, and retained, the same residential zoning districts.”
Colombo: “Our city at its heart is a residential community that is why I will continue to uphold clear boundaries between residential and commercial zones.”
What would you do to increase the city’s responsiveness on projects or provide public notice of projects?
Friedmann: “The city has come a long way in the past few years on this count. While I chaired the Public Works Committee we fielded many complaints of projects that did not progress expediently or were essentially abandoned. St. Louis County is the permitting and therefore the enforcing authority on these projects which limits the City’s enforcement capacity. However, the Public Work Committee challenged Mike Knight, City Director of Planning, to find something the City COULD do. Mr. Knight has implemented a process whereby he and his staff meet with prospective builders to explain City requirements and expectations before issuing the Municipal Zoning Letter which the County requires for its permitting process. Mr. Knight also maintains a tab on the City website to update progress on all projects. Mr. Knight is a true asset to the City. But nothing replaces the ability to call your local alderman for any questions or concerns! I’m always happy to hear from the residents.”
Colombo: “The city currently does an adequate job communicating through mailings, postings, and our city website, but I am always open to exploring new ways to improve outreach and transparency.”
Do you feel that town home or “cluster home” developments have a place in the city? Why or why not?
Friedmann: “I favor maintaining the low density, large lot residential flavor of Sunset Hills. Neighbors living in and adjacent to such zoning district rightfully expect that the investment they made in purchasing their home is protected from the infringement of high density cluster homes or town homes. The argument is made that residents would like to “age in place” in Sunset Hills where they have lives for decades. However, most proposed developments come at a price point that would prohibit many of these long-time residents to downsize in Sunset Hills. I remain committed to protecting residents’ interests in these matters. Recently, I voted in favor of the development at Gates Manor which I personally believed to be too dense. But the neighbors to that development spoke in favor of the denser development. It was important to me to listen to the residents.”
Colombo: “Yes, if done properly, judiciously and sparingly, the concept of ‘age in place’ is desired by many Sunset Hill residents.”
Traditionally, Sunset Hills has had a close relationship with Lindbergh Schools. What should a relationship between Sunset Hills and Lindbergh look like going forward?
Friedmann: “Sunset Hills should maintain its close relationship with Lindbergh. The district contributed funds to the sidewalks at Eddie and Park and has seats on the commission overseeing Gempp Park. These sorts of working relationships are great for the community.”
Colombo: “No changes are needed, keep the close-knit relationship in place.”
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?
Friedmann: “We are a great community with great municipal neighbors! We should always be on the lookout for opportunities to work with municipal neighbors for our mutual benefit. Some years ago Chief Dodge arranged for both the Sunset Hills and the Crestwood police departments to be dispatched through Sunset Hill’s police department. During the pandemic there was cooperation around aquatic center sharing. More recently the City signed a Mutual Aid Agreement whereby signatory cities list equipment and manpower it can contribute in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. This agreement sets forth matters of insurance and liability so that the municipalities may come to each other mutual aid immediately.”
Colombo: “Absolutely on all accounts, we are a ‘community of municipalities’ and should gather and celebrate together.”
What are your thoughts on short-term rentals? Should they be permitted in Sunset Hills?
Friedmann: “Short term rentals are not permitted nor should they be permitted. This issue was vociferously debated by residents a couple of years ago and opinion was overwhelming in favor of prohibiting them.”
Colombo: “No, short term rentals are not consistent with Sunset Hills values and I would oppose them.”
Are you satisfied with the performance of City Administrator Brittany Gillett?
Friedmann: “Ms. Gillett is a true asset for our City. She is bright, cheerful and a great leader for our staff. While she is a great administrator it is up to the aldermen to be the front line of contact with residents and to exercise oversight on their behalf.”
Colombo: “Yes, she is an outstanding asset to the City of Sunset Hills!”
Do you think the city listens to its residents regarding traffic concerns/the desire to implement traffic calming measures?
Friedmann: “Yes, the City does listen. I saw this first hand as Chairman of Public Works. Traffic safety concerns are tricky because one resident’s traffic concern is his neighbor’s potential traffic nuisance concern. Both want a safe city with efficient traffic flow. The city does its best to take all view points into account, conduct traffic studies and coordinate between the Public Works (streets) and Public Safety (police). A recent example is residents’ use of our traffic calming ordinance to petition for a lower speed limit and double fines on Denny Road.”
Colombo: “As a former Sunset Hills police officer, I can emphatically state the police department takes every concern seriously and implements every available resource to address the issues.”
Do you believe the city is in a strong financial position? Why or why not?
Friedmann: “Yes, the city is in a very strong financial position. Since 2018 our fund balances have grown from $10,871,758.00 to an expected $15,201,647.00 in 2025. In 2027 city debt for the pool and community center will be retired and the Parks and Stormwater Tax will also sunset, unless it is extended in our April 2026 election. Respondents to the recent Parks survey have overwhelmingly voiced support to continue the tax. Should this support prove to be widespread and the ballot measure passes the tax will continue bringing in about $1.8 million in revenue — revenue that at this time does not at this time have an offsetting budget expense. In preparation for this the City commissioned a Parks and Recreation Master Plan — the draft document of which ran 308 pages. I read the draft in its entirety and commented before my resignation from Ward 3 to point out costly DEI initiatives in that draft. The City also commissioned a Stormwater Master Plan. As Public Works Chair I vetted the firm hired to do the report — HR Green. I attended the public meeting and also attended a preliminary report meeting with HR Green and Mr. Knight. I have read the draft report so as to be up to speed on those issues. It is important we are good stewards of city funds and understand the proposals staff brings to us.”
Colombo: “Yes, as the former Chairman of the Finance Committee and present committee member, I know Sunset Hills is in outstanding financial health.”