Linda L. Wright: Candidate for Wentzville Board of Aldermen, Ward 3

Name: Linda L Wright
Age: 66
Family: I am one of four children.  My family lives in South Carolina and Florida.  I have one grown child who also owns a home in Wentzville.
Education: B. S. Management, Masters in Education, MBA studies
Occupation: Software Project Manager and Consultant
Previous elected offices: None
Number of years living in Wentzville: 7 years
Organizations: President of Stonegate Villas HOA, Rotary Club Benefactor, Faith Church

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
Simply put, I just want to serve the community I live in and I’ve done that many times mostly with HOA organizations and volunteer work over the years.  Usually that is done quietly and without much fanfare.  Running for Alderman is going to be an important and demanding job and it is one I want.  This is mainly because I’m at a point in my life where I can soon devote my time to the position without a full time job.

2. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
I am very satisfied with the management of Wentzville and the growth and improvements I see everywhere.  From the Mexico Road work to all the new business we are thriving.  I would have to say I want to support those responsible for that growth and improvement without leaving the historic district out and maintaining the community spirit we enjoy now.

I also want to make sure the community shows deference to the senior citizen community which is slated to grow so much in the future.  Our demographic will likely change and we need to be ready for whatever direction that takes.

3. What's your favorite thing about Wentzville? 
I really like my neighbors and Wentzville allows its residents access to just about anything they want to buy or see. 

4. What is the biggest problem you see in Wentzville? 
I have seen a certain amount of unethical behavior recently and I hope we can manage that.  The mayor has encouraged us to shop in Wentzville and I agree with that completely.

5. What is your vision for Wentzville?
I don’t have my vision completely developed but I do have a few initial thoughts.  I’d like to see Wentzville continue to prosper and provide the infrastructure for individual citizens and families to live and play here without having to leave to buy certain items, go to a water park, or rent a car.  The biggest challenge is to be able to think globally but still act like we are a small town.  So bring in new roads, large GM type business but keep the traffic flowing, historic district alive and lastly well-kept neighborhoods with reasonable laws.

READER SUBMITTED QUESTION: What leadership will you bring to the Board of Alderman and the City of Wentzville that will help avoid costly mistakes like the one currently happening with the building of the new parks, specifically like with Splash Station?
I have managed several large projects in my work history.  That experience included short line railroad installation projects for my employer, cost saving projects including many millions of dollars but one specifically which yielded $3 million per year.  In short I’ve managed construction, reorganizations and software projects. But, no amount of experience will help manage projects and make good decisions if you are not able to be the leader who is capable of following or leading when either is necessary.  No single person will have all the answers and I’ve found you have to talk and really listen to staff to know what needs to be done.  You also have to be willing to solve problems, identify the root cause so you don’t make the same mistakes over and over.  That takes a special leader whose goal isn’t to point out the mistakes of others but help move the process forward by letting the ego go for a while.

 The kind of leadership I will provide means you work with others to accomplish organization goals.    The leader who is unduly critical demonstrates the reason why large government doesn’t work well with others or get anything done no matter how long they have been around.  They have so much invested in ego and years of government experience but no passion for the heart of true leadership and community accomplishment.  I will not be one of those people but I will make the tough decisions.