One of the hottest races, literally and figuratively, for the City’s Board of Aldermen pits incumbent Bennice Jones-King against Committeeman Antonio D. French in the 21st Ward.
The race has been littered with accusations of sign theft, and even physical intimidation. But it also has offered actual campaigns by both candidates that include many ideas on what they want to accomplish.
The contest will likely be decided in the municipal primary on Tuesday, March 3, when Irene J. Smith faces incumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay for the Democratic nomination.
The highest-voting ward in North City, the 21st Ward includes parts of the O’Fallon, Penrose, Ville and Mark Twain Neighborhoods.
“My demonstrated commitment to the community, strengthened through my experience and application of sound legislative policy, make me a more qualified leader to implement the hard tasks that face the neighborhoods I represent,” King tells constituents in a league of Women Voters questionnaire.
When launching his campaign, French said he is running “so that I can help the seniors, the homeowners and the families of my ward.”
“I’m running because I believe I have the vision and energy to use the office of alderman to better the lives of the people of the 21st Ward and the city of St. Louis.”
Both candidates list economic development and job creation as their first priority.
King said she wants to “expand incentive programs that support business in the ward.” She also wants to “increase quality, desirable housing by supporting developers and programs that provide capital for redevelopment,” including federal and state low-income housing and historic tax credits.
King also promises “$8 million in new housing development” and a new recreation center in the coming year.
French said he wants to use the same programs for neighborhood re-development “to create new businesses and encourage the rehabbing of vacant and abandoned buildings will help create the jobs the 21st Ward so desperately needs.”
“I will also make it clear that the 21st Ward is ‘open for business’ again. If you’re willing to invest in our community, you will find a ready ally in me.”
Crime is a problem throughout the city, but it is acute on its North Side. Both candidates say they recognize that criminal activity must be stemmed for the ward to truly flourish.
“Organized blocks are safer blocks,” French said.
“State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed and I will be working to create block units on every block of the ward. I’ll also be looking at installing cameras at high crime spots.”
King wants to “implement initiatives to support law enforcement legislation and increase community safety such as the Weed and Seed and Nuisance Property programs.
“We can improve neighborhood stability by targeting abandoned buildings and by supporting rehabilitation and strategic demolition,” she said.
Saying she has “a proven record of accomplishments,” she cited 20 new businesses and 100 new housing units during her current term.
French said the ward “deserves an alderman who is responsive to their calls. I give out my cell phone number and encourage residents to use it.”
King says she is “a lifelong resident of the 21st Ward.” King says she is “a lifelong resident of the 21st Ward” and holds a BS in psychology and criminal justice from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State). She has served as 21st Ward alderman for more than 13 years, on and off, since first elected in 1993.
The son of a politically active North City family, French is a graduate of C.B.C. High School and holds a BA in political science from Auburn University. Before serving as committeeman, among other political posts, he managed Rodney Hubbard’s unsuccessful bid for state Senate and worked on Lewis Reed’s successful campaign for aldermanic president. He is best known for producing and editing the website PubDef, a pioneering political blog that has become more quiet as he began to pursue his own political aspirations. He recently married.
