Politics & Government

Sandra H. Kownacki: Ward 4 City Councilman Candidate

Kownacki will face Gary L. Plunk on the April 5 election.

Sandra H. Kownacki provided the following information.

Biography: A 39-year Arnold resident; past member of the Arnold Police Personnel Board and the Arnold Board of Adjustments; Elected Arnold Committeewoman; volunteer for the Arnold Community and Fox School District; Mehlville School District teacher for 28 years; Lifetime member of National Education Association and Missouri National Education Association; Past President of National Autism Society of America; Founding member of National Organization for Autism Research; Past President of The Autism Society of America — St. Louis Chapter.

What is your plan to deal with expected budget constraints in the City of Arnold?

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Since I am not currently on the city council, I am not familiar with all of the expected budget constraints.  However, I would scrutinize the city of Arnold’s monies, to make sure expenditures were warranted and are for needs rather than wants.  I would expect that jobs be done correctly with no job duplications budgeted monies should be kept in interest bearing accounts until needed.  Taxpayer money needs to be respected and carefully spent, as we would do with our own money.

What areas of Arnold need to be improved to attract businesses and industry and why?

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The northern end of Arnold could use some sprucing up.  Especially the areas that experience frequent flooding.  Our infrastructure needs improvement.  Jeffco Boulevard is crowded with restaurants and car lots.  We need diverse retailers.  We need businesses that qualify to collect more than just one kind of tax.  Some businesses can qualify for sales, gasoline, cigarette and liquor taxes all at one site. Rather than wait for businesses to come to us, we need to actively “sell” Arnold as the best place to locate; thus providing jobs and bringing more residents and visitors into our community.

What are your priorities in office and why?

If elected, my priorities will be prudent fiscal oversight, open council meetings with input from our constituents, and decisions made on sound and carefully thought out facts. I believe the citizens of Arnold need and deserve a voice in decisions that have an impact on the entire community.  No more power struggles or personal agendas.  Arnold needs to continue its forward momentum to be a city we can all be proud of.

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