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<br />those residents, as they feel they are under attack because they are surrounded completely by <br />The Loop, Wash U and its expansion. Mr. Crow said in the residents’ minds they think the City <br />is not listening to them. Mr. Crow asked for an update of where the City is on replacing the <br />City’s Fire Chief, the Director of Community Development and what else has happened in the <br />two departments, per emails of October 18 and 6 from the City Manager, in the elimination of <br />Information Technology Department and Human Resource Department. All he would ask is to <br />look back to the Charter, Article II, Section 13 and determine whether or not that is something <br />that should have been done by an ordinance. Lastly he spoke of the ICMA awarding past City <br />Manager Frank Ollendorf with an award for his distinguished service as a City Manager. <br /> <br />Mr. Sharpe stated that he still did not believe that Councilmembers should have unbridled <br />access to City records that was his own personal belief and Council should do something about <br />it. Mr. Sharpe asked to see if the City could assist those in the flood buyout to obtain their <br />settlement as some have contracts on a new place to move in to. <br /> <br />Mr. Price referred to Mr. McCarthy to look at the minutes from the Study session of September <br />27. He said he would agree with him but said he needed to look at the last page that Council <br />was not to balance the budget with use of reserves. He stated that is like saying people can’t <br />use their savings account in tough times but that things happen and it becomes necessary. Mr. <br />Price said, he would like to make a brief statement about seeing stuff about him on the <br />websites but he was not going to belittle himself and even look at it. He said he did what he <br />needed to do and went to church Sunday. He read, “When I decided to seek reelection, I <br />pondered over what is the best value I can provide my constituents. I came up with leadership <br />you know and can trust. As citizens of University City you deserve an open government that is <br />honest and has a sense of integrity. When I give my word about doing something I work very <br />hard and diligently to keep it. I gave my word on a job program for the youth, it took place. I <br />gave my work on the flood victims; on the million dollar money that needed to be allocated, it <br />took place. I gave my word and I see a colleague in the back, when we were told years ago <br />that people wouldn’t pass a bond issue that would upgrade the community center, I gave my <br />word on that and it happened. I gave my word years ago the youth that they would have a <br />track and not run on dirt at the high school, it happened. I try to work hard to make things <br />happen. Because as an old saying goes, so as a man and his word go so does he. I have <br />worked hard for services to be improved for seniors, youth and residents. I have been honest <br />with you in my efforts to keep University City moving forward in a positive direction. I think <br />there is vindication when the Green Practices come in here and one of their primary objectives <br />is recycling. I have never wavered on that; been clear that that is a viable solution that is a <br />revenue generator. I understand that we are here in hard times and tough decisions have to be <br />made, however every resident, employee deserves fair and equal treatment. They deserve to <br />be treated with respect and dignity. They deserve a right of privacy. In conclusion the citizens <br />deserve the right to be heard in every Public Hearing that has been posted that goes through <br />January before any drastic measures are taken prior to their public comment and input. If <br />anybody thinks that I will advocate that right, I will never, whether I am here or there. People <br />deserve to be heard and if anybody has heard me over these past few years I have said and I <br />don’t back off. Get the bond issue out there; let the public speak and if they don’t want it let <br />them vote no. Everybody has that opportunity to be heard. I believe that public should be <br />heard, that’s what they were told, that’s what should happen. So no matter what you say or do, <br />I will do what I think is best for the constituents of the third ward and for the benefit of the whole <br />for this community.” <br /> <br /> <br /> 12 <br /> <br />