Politics & Government

David Caldwell, Ward 1 Creve Coeur City Council Candidate

Caldwell is one of two people seeking the Ward 1 City Council seat.

Name, Age, Address:David Caldwell, 68, 257 Brooktrail Court

Family: Patricia, spouse

Education:B.S. Chemical Engineering, Washington University, M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin MBA (Finance), St. Louis University

Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Occupation:Creve Coeur business owner, GRAN PRIX Bowling Supply, a wholesale distributor

Years as a Creve Coeur Resident: 37 years at the same address

Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brief Biography (100 Words)

I grew up on a small farm near Blytheville, Arkansas. I earned a scholarship to Washington University, which brought me to St. Louis. I met my wife, Patricia, at St. Louis University, married in 1972, and moved to Creve Coeur in 1976. I had a great career at Monsanto and retired as Director of Corporate Finance. I got into the bowling supply business in the 1980’s helping a buddy. Patricia and I bought the business in 1991 and grew it to a leader in its industry. For more bio see my websites,www.crevecoeurvoter.com and www.caldwellforcrevecoeur.com.

Reasons for Running (100 Words)

The seat became open this year. I was urged by several current and former Councilmembers to become a candidate, based on my contribution to the Council over the last six years as founder and editor of CreveCoeurVoter.com. Over the last six years I have seen new Council members take office who had rarely if ever even attended a meeting, so I sincerely felt that I was the most qualified person for the job (see next question). I felt I could make my best contribution to Creve Coeur as an official member of the Council.

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

First, I worked hard all my life- first to get a solid education, as a Monsanto employee, and as an entrepreneur/businessman. I can bring this 50 year experience to the City Council. More specifically, as editor of CreveCoeurVoter.com covering the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council, I attended almost every meeting for six years. I gained knowledge of the issues, listened, and learned the expectations and concerns of residents. I worked with P&Z, the Council, and residents to gain consensus and forge solutions to problems. I was recognized by the Council as a 2011 Citizen of the Year for my efforts and accomplishment. I know how to make city government work for residents.

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

Creve Coeur residents ALREADY pay for full service trash pick-up. The city does not need new fees to maintain this service..

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

As I recommended months ago in CreveCoeurVoter.com, the excess reserves should be used to retire the city debt and to reduce the unfunded employee pension liability. The Council is already moving in this direction. In addition property and utility taxes should be lowered to stop adding to the surplus. Creve Coeur voters are responsible and will approve increasing taxes if they are needed in the future. The city should NOT make risky investments with the cash reserves.

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

I have already started getting input from business owners in Ward 1. I would work to streamline the project approval process while maintaining a high standard of due diligence and resident involvement. I would also review the body of business regulations and fees and try to simplify and reduce them. I would work with the Economic Development Commission to develop a “handbook’ for business owners.

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

Given the current financial strength of the city, I do not foresee ANY circumstances which would indicate raising revenues over the next two years. A very long bear market could impact the pension fund and the overall financial position as employees retire over the next decade.

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

I supported the Olive/Graeser intersection project but I disagreed with the Council’s (5-3) decision to finance it with a Transportation Development District, which allows developers to collect an extra sales tax. This added over a million dollars of interest and administrative overhead to the taxpayers’ cost. And as I warned, the city eventually had to buy all the bonds anyway because they could not be sold to investors.

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

We need a better plan for Ward 1, particularly along Olive, that works for businesses and residents. The current situation has led to uncertainty, conflict, and stagnation. A resident told me she lives in the “forgotten corner of Creve Coeur.” A business person told me that he did not want to get involved in Creve Coeur. I will work with businesses and residents to change these perceptions and forge a consensus that will bring a more certain and positive future to all.

How will you commit to communicating with and informing residents and businessowners outside of their attendance at city meetings?

I will continue my CreveCoeurVoter.com website and emails, blog on CreveCoeur.patch.com, meet with subdivision trustees and residents, and, of course, answer the phone. I will also work to improve the city website.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Creve Coeur