Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett issued a sharply worded letter to Little Caesars Pizza corporation expressing disappointment  and disapproval with the pizza’s company policy of discarding unclaimed pizzas after 30 minutes.

“Given the thousands of hungry individuals in the city of Saint Louis alone, it is unfathomable that Little Caesars has chosen to discard their excess pizzas rather than committing to donate them to a local food bank or homeless care provider”, says Triplett. “In light of Little Caesars’ public commitment to ‘give back to the communities in which it serves’, this policy is both surprising and disappointing.”

In her letter, Triplett specifically mentions the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, a federal law that protects food donations from civil and criminal liability when donating perishable items.  Triplett also recommends Operation Food Search, a local food bank operating in the Saint Louis area, that receives donations from several local restaurants, caterers and food manufactures, including Little Caesars’ competitor, Pizza Hut.  While Operation Food Search has attempted to obtain donations from Little Caesars in the past, Little Caesars has yet to contribute to the food bank.

Alderman Triplett is currently in her first term at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.   She represents the 6^th Ward, which includes part of Downtown St. Louis where several homeless shelters and social service agencies are located, in addition to south side neighborhoods Tower Grove East, Fox Park and Lafayette Square neighborhoods. Ltr to Little Caesars Pizza

We had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Jackson-Bramwell to discuss ways in which Project Compassion could join in our efforts to provide more hope to the homeless. No matter how hard the times are it is important that those who are unable to attend neighborhood meetings and events are included in the legislative process and that their needs are being met. It is our intent that this collaboration as well as others can assist in improving access to services and a more clear path to permanent housing.

“It is an honor to be invited to attend this event and be in remembrance of this tragedy alongside the Banyamulenge Tribe and to be a part of the healing process. ” Ald. Triplett states. “I am also very eager to hear the Tribe’s stories and learn more about their community and culture.”

The event will be held this Saturday and Sunday, August 14th and 15th at 10:00am at St. Louis University Busch Student Center in the Woll Ballroom. For more information contact April Houston at (314) 650-4398 or visit www.gatumbasurvivors.org.

The troop is enrolling girls grades K-12 on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 6:00pm. An adult must be present to register any girl. If you have any questions contact Frances Fenner at (314)773-2484.

Ald. Triplett featured in Oprah Magazine

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.

You may be interested in this!!

Microsoft has a FREE 3-day camp, which will be held August 9-11, 2010 at the St Louis Science Center.

Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. One of their signature programs, “DigiGirlz High Tech Camp” for girls, works to dispel stereotypes of the high-tech industry.

During the camp, the girls listen to women in technology executive speakers, participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network and learn with hands-on experience in workshops.

Girls also get a chance to experience some of the most cutting edge technology. They get to interface one-on-one with women who are successful in science, math and technology careers. They receive invaluable information and also get goody bags, attendance prizes and good eats.

Spaces is limited and there are several registration forms that will need to be completed.

Please REGISTER Today at: www.microsoft.crgevents.com

* Girls must be in grades 7th – 9th for the 2009-2010 school year.

City residents must now pay for trash collection

Boy, is it hot outside!

Speaking of air-conditioning, there hasn’t been much “coolness” inside the Board of Aldermen chambers. In fact, things have been quite heated as we have discussed several issues that impact you directly. I am sure by now, you have heard about the proposal to charge for bi-weekly trash collection. For the first time in its history, the City of St. Louis will now charge residents for refuse collection.

As one of eight members who voted against the trash fee, I am very concerned about the negative impact the trash fee will have on the low-income and elderly residents in our community. As you are aware, the economy has been tough, and many residents have found themselves out of work or seeking additional employment to make ends meet; I am concerned about what an extra $132.00 will do to their pocketbooks.  Additionally, for many years we have all enjoyed “free” trash pick up due to our willingness to pay local taxes, such as the earnings tax. Despite all of these things, the trash fee legislation has passed and we all must make adjustments to accept this new change.

I do believe there was one bright spot in the trash bill — language stating that the city will provide single stream recycling bins in our alleys. (Many residents I have spoken to have said they are willing to pay the $132.00 a year for trash collection, because of this provision.)

Let me know your thoughts about this new trash fee. How do you feel about being charged for trash pick-up? Does the recycling component make the fee more palatable? Let me know your thoughts. Perhaps you have some new ideas about the city and refuse collection. I always appreciate hearing from you.  Feel free to email me at:Triplettk@stlouiscity.com” Triplettk@stlouiscity.com or on Twitter at: Twitter.com/KacieStarr

As always, it’s a pleasure to serve as your voice at City Hall. I look forward to seeing you out in the ‘hood. Until then, stay cool!

“This forum is important because it allows homeless residents to hear from their community representatives about issues that directly affect them” says Triplett.  “Many of these individuals are not able to attend ward or community meetings to get the information they need.  The “Know Your Rights” forum is a chance to bring this information to them.”

Triplett has focused on fostering community involvement and input since first being elected as alderman of the 6th ward in 2007.  She hosted a downtown residents meeting addressing homelessness during her first 100 days in office.  This forum is intended to serve as an opportunity to hear from individuals within the community who are normally without a voice.  Triplett currently serves as the youngest elected official in the city of St. Louis, and represents part of downtown St. Louis and several south St. Louis neighborhoods.

Pizza & Politics with Ald. Triplett

Calling ALL 6th Ward Teens!!! Please join me this Saturday, July 10th for Pizza &  Politics with Alderman Triplett.

If you are a teenager living in the 6th Ward, I want to hear from you! Let’s discuss your thoughts and ideas on ways to improve the neighborhood. What should the City do to include the thoughts and ideas of city residents?

Come meet other young residents in the community and come learn about what is taking place right in the neighborhood. Good food, good discussion, lots of GOOD fun!  Make sure you attend.