MEGAN ELLYIA GREEN'S VISION FOR 2015

AND BEYOND

Few would argue that in terms of our perceptions of equality and justice, our society has undergone a transformation recently. Events in Ferguson, in Shaw and on South Grand have brought issues to light, affecting lives, sparking anger, fear and hope, and fueling conversations. For many, 2014 was a year of awakening.

2015, then, must be the year for change.

Since being elected to office in the City of St. Louis, I've been doing a lot of reflecting. I've been reminded that I was elected wearing a "Heal STL" shirt. Many in the 15th Ward have contacted me expressing "high expectations" to bring about real reform, and urging me to take a lead on issues that divide us, so that we may move forward and truly heal.

We've had our breakdown moment as a region. Now is time for our breakthrough.

With that in mind, in 2015 I commit to:

Opening Government to the People

Kicking off the Participatory Budgeting process.
Investigating more options to cultivate a participatory democracy.
Keeping the 15th Ward abreast of what is occurring at City Hall (bills, committee meetings) through weekly communication.
Ensuring that City buildings are kept open and accessible, and respect the First Amendment rights of all.
Continuing the Community Conversation Series as more issues of concern are brought to my attention.

Restoring Trust

Between the community and police to ensure that all citizens feel safe, protected, and have their constitutional rights upheld
Co-Sponsoring the Civilian Oversight Board in order to increase civilian participation in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's approach to law enforcement.
Advocating for Community Policing models that focus on crime prevention. These being used with success in cities such as Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Boston.
Reviewing "use of force" policies to avoid violations of 1st and 4th Amendment rights.
Advocating for implicit bias and civil disobedience training for all officers.

Reducing Crime

Through addressing its Root Causes (economic disparity, educational inequality, drug-seeking behavior)

Supporting Ald. President Reed's Public Safety Plan for St. Louis

Investing in Early Childhood Education.
Ending the School to Prison Pipeline to create more effective paths away from prison.
Increasing Economic Opportunities and Economic Self-Sufficiency.
Improving Safety through Investments in the Built Environment.

Continued Redevelopment of the 15th Ward

Conducting a traffic study to evaluate how the changes in the arteries around our Ward have changed the traffic patterns within our Ward.
Expansion of the Historical Districts to include all of Tower Grove South, to spur redevelopment efforts.
A Tenant Bill of Rights to protect renters and other property owners from absentee landlords.

Healing will not be easy. It will not be without struggle. It will not be without disagreement. It will not be overnight. And healing must begin. Which means that we all have a role to play in ensuring that true progressive long-lasting change occurs.

Over the next year, I am committed to continuing to engage with the SLMPD, the Ferguson Commission, Better Together St Louis, and For the Sake of All as we study these issues and determine possibilities for public policy changes.

I look forward to working with each and everyone one of you as we build ONE St. Louis and make the 15th Ward a Place Where ALL want to Live, Stay, and Play.

Megan

The Honorable Megan-Ellyia Green
Alderwoman, 15th Ward
St. Louis, Missouri

The Thought behind the Vision

There is no denying that in the nearly ten years since I moved to the 15th Ward, our Ward has undergone a major transformation. Houses that were once boarded up are now given new life. A hand full of stores and restaurants have blossomed into one of the City's best wards for dining out. Streets once nearly empty of children are now full of joyful giggles. My mission as Alderwoman will be to continue this renaissance, address the key issues that often deter families from staying in our ward and city (safety and schools), while maintaing and celebrating the diversity that makes so many of us love the 15th Ward.

I hope my vision can become our vision, and together we can make the 15th Ward where ALL people want to live, stay, and play!

A Vision for our Ward:

A place where ALL want to live, stay, and play

JOIN MY MAILING LIST