Candidate Profile: Ralph Sidebottom, Ward 1

Name: Ralph Sidebottom

Ward: 1 (incumbent, 2-year term)

Personal information: Age, 69. Retired, Lake Saint Louis resident for 23 years. Married to wife Lillian for 30 years with 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Previous elected offices: Have served 3 terms (6 years) as Alderman Ward 1.  Also unanimously elected President of the Board of Aldermen (Mayor pro-tem) each year for the past 2 years.

Related experience/other accomplishments:

• 33 years’ experience in arbitration and negotiations across North America.
• Serve on the Lake St. Louis Development Review Board
• Serve on the Architectural Review Board
• Buildings Appeal Board - Alderman Liaison
• St. Charles County Extension Council – liaison for Lake Saint Louis

Developed the Neighborhood Assistance Preservation Program (NAPP).  I introduced this program to the Board in response to the needs of residents in our community facing personal challenges and limited resources that make home maintenance difficult.

Brought forward the Property Maintenance Grant program and St. Charles Urban County Home Improvement Loan Program to the City to benefit the residents facing monetary challenges.

Water Service and Sewer Lateral Insurance Program.  Brought both of these programs forward to the City to be decided on by the voters on April 3, 2012.

Sponsored a resolution for the City to support St. Charles County drug efforts which ultimately led our police department, working with county authorities, to raid and eventually close the drug shop next to our post office.

The replacement and infrastructure upgrade of Freymuth Road.

Fought for the completion of the Freymuth sidewalk from the top of the hill to Dauphine.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? To continue to represent and be the voice of the residents of Ward 1.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? To advance the best interest of the people of Ward 1 and the City as a whole.

What sets you apart from other candidates? My ability to listen, interact and respond to the needs of the people I represent.

How long have you lived in Lake Saint Louis? 23 years

What's your favorite thing about Lake Saint Louis? The people. They have welcomed me, my wife and family into the community and it has proven to be a great place to live and retire.

What issues do you see facing Lake Saint Louis in the future? As the City continues to grow, we have to monitor that growth and related infrastructure so that it is in the best interest of the citizens as well as the businesses of our community. 

The economic future of our city is an issue which must be continuously addressed and watched so as to balance income and needs.