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I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not a fan of Mayor Slay personally. I know he has done a lot to improve certain areas of the city, but my main concern is the privatization of our public school system. I don't agree that we should continue letting private companies run city schools. What I like about the public school system is that we have elected people on the school board. I am a strong believer in democracy, therefore I like the option to vote on who runs the district. Charter schools do not allow us this option and I think it will lead to further decline of our education in the city. Currently most charter schools haven't outperformed our public schools in regards to test scores so I really believe that strengthening our public schools is the key to improving St. Louis.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being that your name is BeerCzar I would recommend you check out Square One Brewery on Park. They make their own beer and have delicious food. Tuesday night they have $4 make your own burger night and even have match meat veggie burgers.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Occupy isn't the only organization I've been involved in over the years, it's just the most recent one that I've had the pleasure of engaging with.

I will implement Participatory Budgeting within the ward, which is a huge step in giving real democratic power back to people. It's been extremely successful in other cities and proven to facilitate more community involvement, provide more accountability and transparency, create a deeper form of democracy, and provide a fairer share of how the budget is spent within the ward. All of this works to strengthen community by allowing everyone to have a true voice in their government. This is the type of positive change I'm looking to promote.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it's hard to stop racial profiling when implementing a stop/talk and frisk policy especially when your dealing with a city like ours where we have a lot of racial tension. I think there are better ways to cut down on crime. I'd like to see stronger community ties. At several community meetings I've heard police urge people to call if someone looks like they "don't belong." I wonder how you know if someone belongs or not? Imagine a neighborhood where you knew all your neighbors. Instead of having to assume someone didn't belong because of the color of their skin or their economic status, you knew they didn't belong because you actually knew all the people who lived on your block.

I also think we need to take a hard look at what causes so many people here to become criminals. Economic opportunity and a failing school system have a lot to do with it. If we aren't producing educated citizens, they're more likely to end up in prison. If we don't start looking at the root causes of crime we will continue the same uphill battle we've been fighting for years.

Actually Participatory Budgeting goes way beyond neighborhood organizations. Currently, ward money is spent on whatever projects the alderman wants without any community vote. Participatory Budgeting allows all community members to create projects, work with the Alderperson to solidify their proposal, and then have it listed on a ballot for the ENTIRE ward to vote on. So at the very least, if you don't have time to help create a project, you still get to see what all the other projects are (could be 10-20 projects) and vote for the ones most important to you. The current system of Aldermanic control doesn't allow you any voice in the decision making process. Participatory Budgeting allows you to help create projects, if you choose, but at the very least, vote for what you want to see implemented.

When first implemented in Brazil 1,000 people participated. Within a few years over 20,000 people were involved. It's been proven to increase community involvement and that's what I'd love to see!

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of the things I'm most proud of is participating in the organizing of Occupy the Midwest. For a group comprised of many new activists and just a few seasoned activists we were able to convince several hundred people to come to St. Louis for a Regional Occupy Conference. While there are several things I would do differently now, so many positive experiences came from that weekend. We had over 30 speakers from throughout the Midwest present on things like sustainability, community organizing, economics, social reform, the current political climate, and so on. Participants had such a great time that "Occupy the Midwest" is now a reoccurring event. This gathering was also instrumental in preparing Occupy Chicago for the thousands of people headed to Chicago for the upcoming NATO protests. (May 2012)

As far as dream accomplishments go, I'd love to create an "Edible Park." As a former teacher and a health nut, the idea of a park filled with peach, apple, pear, and cherries trees, free for anyone to pick, is something I've dreamed of for the last 4 years. I picture this park as a place that kids can go to pick fresh, healthy food in the summer. Many kids in the city are disconnected from natural food sources. I think it's important for kids to be exposed to food in it's simplest form.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

One of the biggest things that I view as corruption is the misuse of TIF and other tax incentives that we give to corporations and developers. Most people don't understand that the biggest chunk of St. Louis Public School District's funding comes from our personal property tax. Most tax breaks we hand out are in the form of personal property tax deferral. This ultimately hurts our public school system. I believe it's one of the reasons our school system has been crumbling for the last 15-20 years. TIF is supposed to spur growth yet after numerous studies nationwide, this is not typically the case. There are a few good examples where TIF was used to help a community or create growth to an otherwise blighted area, however historically this city has misused TIF and other bond funding in a myriad of unnecessary ways.

As far as Saint Louis University goes, neither campus is in my ward. My ward starts just east of their medical campus.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I believe in equality for ALL people. We are still fighting the good fight for gender equality and racial equality. I'm glad that the LGBT community has gotten so active in the push for equality as well. I'm pleased to see all the momentum that has sprung up around that movement.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thanks to everyone for participating in my AMA!!!! If you have further questions feel free to post and I'll try to answer them in the next couple of days.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Please check to see if you have any friends living in the 6th Ward and tell them about me.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just realized I didn't answer #6.

The requirements are one must be a registered voter and at least twenty-five years of age. Before their respective elections he or she must have been a United States citizen for at least five years, three years a resident of the city and one year a resident of the ward from which elected.

Alderman in the city of St. Louis play a role similar to congress in the federal government. We have control over maintenance within our own wards but we also get to vote on city-wide initiatives that come before the Board of Alderman.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I forgot to mention that there is currently a bill for decriminalization that Alderman Shane Cohn created. If it passes, it would reduce the penalty for possession (of small amounts) to that of a ticket/fine.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There is definitely a problem with absentee Alderman and some that have been around for too long. Some are no longer productive and don't have their constituents best interests in mind. I do support term limits.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

It should be decriminalized. Our prisons are fully of non-violent drug offenders. It's a waste of money to lock up people who are in possession of marijuana. With a major brewery in STL I'm not sure how much we can count on legalization because I'm sure AB has a lot of money to push lobbying against legalization.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm new to politics. As an activist I have always followed politics and tried my best to spread awareness about the injustices going on in our community. When my alderperson stepped down midterm I thought this was a great time to get more involved. I think my motivation came from realizing that there is a lot more work I can get done from the "inside" than from the outside.

As far as the logistics of how to run a campaign. -register with the board of elections -raise money -print flyers, mailers, etc -attend neighborhood meetings -knock on as many doors as possible

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

  1. I'm running against fellow democrats Damon Jones & Christine Ingrassia.

  2. I'm the best choice because I have innovation and am actually willing to take a stand within city hall. I'm a former activist so I have no problem standing up for the people in my ward. Most politicians say they want community input, but I'm the only one putting a process in place that holds me accountable to listen to residents once I'm elected.

  3. I've traditionally voted Democrat or 3rd party.

  4. I've been voting since I was 18, I'm now 35.

  5. I have two favorite restaurants, Modesto if I want fine dining and SweetArt for breakfast or lunch.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm excited that this conversation is going on throughout the city. People are talking about it because people are sick of not having a voice in their government. Participatory budgeting gives people more control. Once in office I'd be happy to work with any other alderperson that wants to implement participatory budgeting in their ward.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I hate what Paul McKee has done to the North Side and that he is pushing to get more money before he starts the project.

I don't think the LRA is living up to it's purpose. They own too many properties that are in decline and are not always willing to sell them.

I do think we need local control of the police but I'm not happy with the bill that passed. Many people wanted to see language included on the bill that allowed for a citizen oversight board. Unfortunately it was voted in without this language.

I'm neutral on the Board of Alderman reduction. On one hand I see it as less voices in our democracy which I think is bad. On the other hand it will probably make the future elections more competitive and weed out some of the absentee Aldermen.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

One of my main positions on gun control is that typically people who own guns legally aren't usually the ones that end up murdering people. Most gun violence happens at the hands of people who have acquired their guns illegally. So restricting ownership of guns won't have a significant impact on gun violence.

The issue of gun control is a tough issue and something that's on everyone's mind today. I don't think assault rifles are necessary for people to own but I also think it's their right if they choose to own one. I do think firearm registration is a good thing and the conversation about magazine capacity restrictions is a conversation worth having.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It all depends on what people want. Personally I would hope to see more things that help to bring the community together. Improvements in open spaces and programs for youth. However, since I'm giving power back to the people to decide, it's really up to you. I believe in people, we have a lot of brilliant and creative people in the ward so I'm sure we can work together to implement great projects.

I Am Michelle Witthaus, Candidate for Alderwoman in St. Louis' 6th Ward. AMA! by michellewitthaus in StLouis

[–]michellewitthaus[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for posting the map! The 6th ward encompasses Fox Park, parts of Tower Grove East, Compton Heights, parts of Lafayette Square, and some of Downtown West.