November 28, 2006
Gondolfi for Alderman
Well, well. Having heard some vague rumors to this effect, it wasn't a complete surprise to see that Galen Gondolfi's emerged as an officially announced candidate for the Aldermanic seat in the 20th Ward. (This press release was posted on the archcitychronicle.com site earlier today.) Though I've had pretty good dealings with longtime officeholder Craig Schmid, it's hard not to be intrigued by the possibilities offered up by Gondolfi, one of the key forces in making the Cherokee/Compton arts zone a going/evolving concern.
Below is the text of the message signalling his intent:
(St. Louis) – Community activist Galen Gondolfi is entering the race for alderman of the 20th Ward. Filing Monday at the St. Louis Board of Elections, Gondolfi made official his intention of seeking the post in the March 6, 2007 primary election.
Gondolfi's platform prioritizes affordable housing preservation, small business development and resident participation as critical issues facing the ward. As former president of the Benton Park West Neighborhood Association, Gondolfi is a seasoned community activist with an emphasis on "participatory politics." A Senior Loan Counselor with the local non-profit Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation, Gondolfi links first-time home owners and small business people with local, state and federal resources.
"The ward's greatest assets are its residents," declares Gondolfi. "We need an alderperson who not only listens to our residents, but acts on their behalf."
Gondolfi's campaign committee is co-chaired by Glenn Burleigh and Lizzie Kucharski, with Amber Dover serving as treasurer. The 20th Ward includes, in part, the neighborhoods of Gravois Park, Dutchtown, Marine Villa and Benton Park West.