Jay Steinback, Ward 2 Creve Coeur City Council Candidate

Name, Age, Address: Jay Steinback, 34, Runnymede Dr. 

Family: Wife and two children (5 and 1)

Education: Ladue Horton Watkins High School; Attended University of Rhode Island (no degree)

Occupation: Owner and Executive VP of Rothman Furniture Stores
 
Years as a Creve Coeur Resident: Born in Creve Coeur 1978 

Brief Biography (100 Words)

I was born in Creve Coeur in 1978 and have lived most of my life in either Ward 1 or 2. I spend my days either at work or with my family. Some of my hobbies include; Photography, scuba diving, computers and technology, hiking and traveling. I am currently a member of EO (Entrepreneurs Organizations) a worldwide group of business owners and founders and I currently sit on the board for the Children's Heart Foundation.  While I do have a busy schedule, I still have time to make sure that not only is Ward 2 represented, but that it is represented by a resident who wants to see the city continue to grow and prosper. The city is in much need of a boutique hardware store since losing Essen Hardware in 1999.

Reasons for Running (100 Words)

I am running for City Council Representative of Ward 2 with no personal agenda, just the desire to give back to the community where I was born and raised. Creve Coeur has so many first rate programs that should be continued and possibly expanded, if it is fiscally responsible, including: our leaf and limb service; valet trash pickup; snow removal; and the growth and maintenance of our local parks which are the finest in the St. Louis region. Also, I completely support our police and fire protection departments who are the pride of Creve Coeur. Having grown up in Creve Coeur, I know first hand what a wonderful and caring community this is. 

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

I lived most of my life in Creve Coeur, as a child that grew up and now a father I appreciate what a wonderful community that we have. Running a large business gives me most of the tools needed to understand the inner workings of the city and the challenges that they face.
 
Should Creve Coeur residents pay for rear yard service as part of the city’s next trash contract?

The contract for trash should not change. There are a number of trash providers in the area that should be bid out for the job. I do not support any loss of service or new/increased taxes/fees. 

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

The city should look at enhancing roads and sidewalks along with better street lighting. 

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?

Creve Coeur is very challenging to small businesses. As a retailer myself with a store in Creve Coeur I would hope to bridge the gap and and encourage growth in the retail and restaurant category, which would lead to increased tax revenue for the city.

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

Under NO circumstances would I support any increased taxes.
 
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 do not look at any single decision, I simply want to make sure that the residents are represented for what they want and not by anyone with a personal agenda. 
What is the most important issue facing your Ward and what would you do about it?
We are very lucky to have no major concerns, but the residents currently are concerned about red light cameras, trash and limb removal and police protection. 

How will you commit to communicating with and informing residents and business owners outside of their attendance at city meetings?
 
I have already started a website Creve-Coeur.com and will be doing a monthly newsletter to Ward 2 residents. Residents are also welcome to call or email me directly jay@creve-coeur.com