Candidate Profile: Karen Vennard, Ward 2

Name:  Karen Vennard

Ward: 2 (incumbent)

Personal information: Age 49, married to Jim, an Electrical Engineer, almost 19 years, no children, 1 cat, Muffin.  Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lindenwood University.  Board of Alderman is a non-partisan position.  My party affiliation is Republican.

Previous elected office: 2010 to present Lake Saint Louis Board of Alderman; 2009 President St. Charles County Association of REALTORS®, largest trade association in St. Charles County.

Related experience: As stated above. Experienced in budget and operations management of a 1400 member association and a city of almost 15,000 residents.

Other accomplishments: At the local level, I helped fight against a large assessment increase by the Community Association.  At the state level, I was part of a petition initiative to place on the ballot a constitutional amendment permanently banning transfer taxes on the sale of real estate. That ballot initiative won by over 83% of Missouri voters. At the national level I work to help preserve the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homeowners which may be eliminated. I work hard every day to fight against threats to homeowners and their private property rights.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?  I am the incumbent. When I ran for this position 2 years ago it was not for any one specific reason. I heard from many different residents that they felt that their voices were not being heard at City Hall.  Today I feel I am just getting started in this position—like any new job it takes time to learn the ropes, so to speak.  Being part of a board that runs a municipality is a great responsibility, one of which I have taken seriously. I would like to continue accepting that responsibility.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? There are many priorities that we face as a City. The biggest priority is the state of our infrastructure and maintaining our streets. In 2013 the EPA will be passing mandates on the amount of sediment in storm water that runs into lakes and streams. Lake Saint Louis has over 1.8 million dollars in needed repairs to storm water infrastructure that needs to be funded. Also, in order to maintain our streets we will need to invest 1.5 million dollars a year in concrete and asphalt repair and replacement. We currently fund about a half million dollars a year, a huge shortfall. Alternative funding sources, besides raising real estate taxes, is being considered by the Board at this time and will be part of the budgeting process.

What sets you apart from other candidates? I believe my profession as a REALTOR® gives me a unique perspective on what are the needs of our great citizens. I am sensitive to any laws that we pass that could adversely affect our homes and businesses. I understand the needs of our citizens whose lives and lifestyles have been impacted by this tough economy.  I have seen my business and income drop substantially, so I understand the challenges that many citizens face today in trying recover in this economy. Who is better to represent you than someone who defends your dream of homeownership?

How long have you lived in Lake Saint Louis?  Over 11 years.

What’s your favorite thing about Lake Saint Louis? Many things, the people, the natural beauty, the solitude. I feel comfortable about walking down the street by myself.

What issues do you see facing Lake Saint Louis in the future? Like any American city, a weak economy can be an issue. Lower assessments means less tax revenue for services such as street repairs. More home foreclosures also means lower assessments and homes going into disrepair and affecting the values of neighboring homes. Businesses being slower to move to Lake Saint Louis because of the cost of bricks and mortar operations and loss of sales revenus to internet buyers. All are things that are addressed daily by City staff and the Board.