Charlotte D'Alfonso, Ward 3 Creve Coeur City Council Candidate

Name, Age, Address: Charlotte D'Alfonso, 41, 128 Ladue Oaks Drive 

Family: Dr. Thomas D'Alfonso, Children Charlee, Michael, Jacqui 

Education: BS Business Management University of South Florida, CTU Coach University 

Occupation: International Executive coach, Stay at home parent 

Years as a Creve Coeur Resident:9  

Reasons for Running (100 Words)

I would like to continue being a voice for residents and ensuring transparency, fiscal responsibility and open communication in Creve Coeur.  It is an honor to serve our city. I take it seriously and pledge to continue to work with the rest of council, our staff, our businesses and our residents for the benefit of our city. 

Why are you qualified to be on Creve Coeur City Council?  

As a current council member I have represented residents of both my Ward and the city overall.  I  have worked hard to keep residents of Ward 3 informed and engaged. As a former trustee of Ladue Pines, I attended council meetings regularly, successfully voicing the concerns of my subdivision, and bringing important information back to Ward 3 residents. With a business degree, and management experience, I understand the complex questions that the council faces.  I have actively worked with citizen-led groups seeking and encouraging our elected officials to display transparency, show fiscal responsibility, and provide cohesiveness among wards. I am on Parkway’s Safety Network board and am involved in my children’s schools and other organizations in a leadership role. 

Should Creve Coeur residents pay for rear yard service as part of the city’s next trash contract? 

There are more issues to rear yard service than just if residents or the city should pay for it.  Environmental issues, the number of trash companies who can bid for this feature, the city's financial picture, etc all need to be considered.  The city will be hosting 2 separate public meetings to discuss these issues.  I think everyone should keep an open mind to see the whole picture, options available, and pros and cons before making absolute statements.   

What should the city of Creve Coeur do with cash reserves? What should it expressly NOT do? 

The city should discuss all options fully at a work session which is currently planned.  I favor lowering or refinancing Millenium Park debt, more fully funding the Pension plan, and lowering utility taxes.  There is nothing I would expressly say we shouldn't do as long as we maintain a current and future healthy economic picture.

Some small business owners have claimed that the city of Creve Coeur isn’t friendly to them. What would you do in your official capacity as a city council member to address that perception? 

Business owners are an important part of our city. I will make sure they are part of the updating process for the comprehensive plan. We engaged our business community when streamlining our sign codes. I will continue engaging the business community and support the Chamber of Commerce. 

Under what circumstances would you support increasing taxes or otherwise raising revenues in Creve Coeur? 

I currently support lowering our utility tax. Following our Comprehensive plan and creating a favorable business environment that works in conjunction with residents is the best way to bring in revenue and keep our city healthy. 

Describe the most significant decision made by the Creve Coeur City Council over the past 2 years that you disagreed with and explain why? 

I don't have one significant decision made by the Council that I disagreed with over the last few years. On issues I disagreed with other council members a compromise was generally reached.  If you look at my record, you will see that I vote independently every time.  I explain my votes when controversial.  I take every vote seriously and when I am in the minority viewpoint I have voted thus because of resident outcry.    

What is the most important issue facing your Ward and what would you do about it?

The most significant issue to my Ward is the updating of the Comprehensive Land Use plan.  I have spoken with and for my residents concerning the plan.

How will you commit to communicating with and informing residents and business owners outside of their attendance at city meetings. 

I write e-mail updates to my Ward. I hold regular Town Hall meetings for Ward 3 residents. I attend subdivision meetings, Chamber of Commerce events and local community group meetings.