Recently, the Board of Aldermen met to vote on our city’s budget for the new fiscal year. As a member of the Ways and Means committee, I was proud to work with my colleagues to balance a budget that had a projected $30 million dollar shortfall.
However, I was disappointed that the final bill removed $1 million from the affordable housing programs that serve our city’s most in need. I believe that it’s simply wrong to cut programs that help our residents remain in their homes during one of the worst housing crises in our country’s history; and am adamantly opposed to cutting funding that was created by the tax payers for this specific purpose.
I was the only member to vote no against passing our city’s budget bill; and I am okay with that. I felt it important to take a stand and bring light to this issue. There are too many people in our City who are in need. We must never develop a philospohy that it is okay to balance the budget on the backs of our most low-income and elderly residents.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created for a specific reason, and by law is to be funded at a specific level. By removing these funds and using them for other purposes, I feel is completely wrong.
ST. LOUIS – The International Association of Fire Fighters, Paramedic, EMTS and Dispatchers of St. Louis, Local 73 has endorsed Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett in her re-election bid.
“I appreciate the firefighters’ endorsement,” said Triplett. “Quality emergency services and community safety is something that concerns everyone.”
A statement from the President for the Fire and EMS Professionals of St. Louis, Local 73, said, “We need Kacie on the Board of Aldermen to help us fight to protect essential emergency services. Some city officials want to degrade the quality of service by laying off firefighters. The result will be an increase in response times that puts lives at risk. Kacie understands that, we’re proud to support her.”
Triplett adds the firefighters’ support to that of the 6th ward Democratic committee, and President of the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed, the previous alderman.
During her tenure at City Hall, Triplett has regularly been singled out both locally and nationally for her leadership on important issues. In addition to her everyday duties as Alderman, she’s taken on slumlords that leave properties in disrepair and worked extensively to provide better access to services for the homeless.
Alderman Triplett became elected to the Board of Aldermen in 2007, becoming the city’s youngest elected official. She is committed to improving local neighborhoods and the city as a whole. In addition to her legislative duties Triplett an active participant in the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, where she sits on the Board of Directors, and serves as a member on the St. Louis Downtown Partnership and the Water Tower Preservation Board. She is a proud member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in the 6th Ward and lives in the same neighborhood in which she spent her childhood.
The 6th Ward includes the all or parts of the neighborhoods of Tower Grove East, Compton Heights, The Gate District, Lafayette Square, Fox Park, Downtown West, Midtown, Peabody Darst Webbe, and JeffVander Lou.
I am pleased to host a new television show which features young St. Louisians who are making a difference in our community. Inspire St. Louis was created to highlight young professionals who are doing great things right HERE in St. Louis! Far too often, the images we see and hear about our City can be negative and bleak — especially concerning our youth. Inspire St. Louis seeks to counterbalance the negativity, and highlight young individuals, who are doing all they can to make our City thrive and progress.
Those featured on Inspire St. Louis, all have a story. They all have overcome significant obstacles and life experiences. Yet, they were resolved to not let those bleak life experiences hold them down. Instead, they made a decision to rise above and INSPIRE. (more…)
ST. LOUIS – Last night, the 6th Ward Democratic Organization endorsed Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett in her re-election bid. Even with a significant snowfall earlier in the day, a large crowd turned out to support Triplett during the candidate forum and endorsement meeting.
“I’m thrilled to have the endorsement of ward organization,” said Triplett. “The enthusiasm around the endorsement process and the dialogue it generated proves that it was a success.”
In addition to the support of the organization as a whole, the endorsement gives Triplett the support of both the Democratic committeeman and committeewoman.
“Kacie is a young and exciting leader,” said Democratic committeewoman Ollie Stewart. “In my estimation, she has to be the hardest working Aldermen in the city. She’s done tremendous work for our community, especially the elderly.”
“I’m happy to endorse Kacie Starr Triplett,” said Democratic committeeman John Maxwell. “She’s been working tirelessly on finding ways to help reduce crime, addressing problem properties and nurturing neighborhood growth throughout the ward.” (more…)
ST. LOUIS – Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett released the following statement today after the Senate vote to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:
“With President Obama’s signature we will take another meaningful step forward for civil rights in our country. I applaud the Senate’s action and realize we are at one of those times when our nation’s policies align with the values our country was founded upon. Ending this policy will allow those who wishing to serve in the armed forces – regardless of sexual orientation – to keep us safe and provide gay military personnel well-deserved peace of mind.”
“In 21st century America, It’s unconscionable that dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines had to lie about themselves to serve their country. America’s better than that. I think as we look back at this decision from the future, we’ll find that our nation was once again on the right side of history.”
Alderman Triplett currently serves as Alderman of the 6th Ward which includes diverse and progressive neighborhoods such as Lafayette Square, Tower Grove East and the western portion of Downtown. For more information about Alderman Triplett, please visit http://www.kaciestarrtriplett.com
(St. Louis) – Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) honored Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett with recognition as its DMO of the Month for November. The DMO showcases an up and coming Democratic leader once a month during the year. As the largest coalition of Democratic officials in the United States, DMO represents more than 50,000 Democratic leaders in local governments of sizes, geographies, and compositions.
Alderman Triplett was appreciative of the honor. “I am so grateful to have a national democratic organization such as the DMO take notice of my work here in St. Louis. It inspires me to continue to provide great public service and maintain my commitment of providing quality service to those in the 6th Ward.”
As a constituency organization of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) is the Democratic voice in local politics and the local voice in Democratic politics. DMO helps Democrats win and maintain seats at the municipal level, supports the Democratic Party’s national goals and programs through local work, and highlights leaders and policy work at the local level that contribute to a stronger America.
Highlighting Thriving Neighborhood Businesses in the City of St. Louis
(St. Louis, MO) – The Jeff Vanderlou (JVL) Initiative South office will host a 6th Ward Business Showcase on October 11, 2010 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Hodgen Elementary School. Residents and visitors will interact with independent businesses located in the neighborhood. The showcase will also feature demonstrations from 6th Ward restaurants, hair salons and retail service companies. The Business Showcase is designed to highlight the numerous local businesses that operate in the 6th Ward and to encourage local residents to shop in their neighborhood.
Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett has vigorously spearheaded economic growth opportunities in the 6th ward and has worked to make small business development a priority. The 6th Ward consists of over 600 small and large businesses, including large employers such as Wells Fargo Advisors, AT & T and Ameren Missouri.
“This is an excellent opportunity for 6th Ward residents to become aware of the many different businesses located right in their neighborhood. In a difficult economy, it is absolutely critical that we support our local businesses that have invested in our neighborhoods,” stated Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett.
The 6th Ward is located in the central corridor of St. Louis city and includes popular neighborhoods such as the Downtown Loft District, Tower Grove East and Lafayette Square. All neighborhoods in the 6th Ward are serviced by the Jeff VanderLou Initiative, a non-profit organization, created to provide business and community development in the City of St. Louis
Who: JVL Initiative with the support of Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett presents the 6th Ward Business Showcase
What: 6th Ward Business Community Showcase
Where: Hodgen Elementary School, 1616 California St. Louis, MO 63104
Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett Featured in YEO Frontline News for
Vacant Building Initiative
(St. Louis) – Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, a national organization supporting elected leaders ages 35 and under, recently highlighted Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett for the passage of the St. Louis Vacant Building Initiative which was signed into law this past spring. YEO regularly covers the activities of young elected officials and chose to highlight Triplett’s legislation as a model example for other cities combating foreclosures and rising vacant properties.
Alderman Triplett has consistently taken a stand for issues that affect the entire City of St. Louis. She stated, “I am proud to be featured within the YEO network. Vacant buildings are a serious concern for the city of St. Louis, and we must do everything possible to hold vacant property owners accountable.”
Several provisions of Ordinance 68610, St. Louis Vacant Building Initiative legislation include a penalty of $200 for property owners who chronically leave property vacant with building code violations; and an additional assessment of $250.00 every six months which is added to the property owner’s real estate taxes.
Under the new initiative, property owners are also required to register their property with the City of St. Louis and provide local contact information excluding the use of P.O. Boxes and LLC’s. Failure to provide local contact information results in a $500 fine.
Banks and mortgage companies are also held responsible under the same regulations and provisions as individuals and banks. Failure to comply with provisions under the St. Louis Vacant Building Initiative can result in the city executing a lien against the property and/or 90 days in jail.
Alderman Triplett tenaciously pushed for passage of the St. Louis Vacant Building Initiative for three years and coverage regarding her tenacity was profiled in the August 2010 issue of online publication, YEO Frontline News.
(St. Louis) – Residents of the 6th Ward in St. Louis City will participate in the St. Louis citywide beautification initiative, known as CLEAN THE LOU, on September 25, 2010.
On this day, residents will “Clean the Lou” by picking up trash in local parks, alleyways, streets and green spaces. With the tagline “Don’t be dirty”, CLEAN THE LOU, hopes to reinforce the positive change that picking up trash in a community can bring.
Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett will organize key areas within the 6th Ward for clean up participation. “This is an easy and proactive way for all residents to get involved,” said Triplett. “As little as one hour working in the neighborhood can make a significant difference, to help maintain a strong and vibrant 6th Ward.”
Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett has teamed with the 6th Ward Community office to help spearhead efforts. Residents will gather at the local office located at 2901 Sidney Street at 8am to begin beautification efforts.
What: 6th Ward Participates in “Clean the Lou” Day
When: Saturday,September 25, 2010
Where: 2901 Sidney Street (corner of Sidney & Nebraska)
Oprah Magazine has since lived by its motto “Live Your Best Life” and has focused on empowering and inspiring women throughout the world.
Alderman Triplett is featured in the August 2010 issue alongside nine other successful ”power players.” Also profiled are Julie Greenwald the Co-chairman and COO of Atlantic Records; Nancy Dubuc the President of History and Lifetime Networks; and Ifeyinwa Offor, Vice President for Teach for America. The magazine highlights Triplett’s advocacy work with the homeless community and her revitalization efforts in spurring economic growth in downtown St. Louis.
“I’ am honored to be recognized for my work on behalf of city residents,” said Triplett. “Oprah Winfrey is a dynamic, inspirational woman. Without a doubt, her tireless contributions to the world are well-renowned and respected. Inclusion in her magazine alongside such high-profile and amazing women is truly a blessing.”
Triplett was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen at the age of 26. Her progressive platform advocates inclusiveness and accessibility in local government. Triplett has worked to build coalitions and relationships with diverse groups throughout the city. Her commitment to working with the homeless community and her ability to secure $80 million for economic development in downtown St. Louis prompted O Magazine’s feature.
