Terry Crow to Run for Re-Election to University City Council

Councilmember Terry Crow wants to represent Ward 1 in University City for another four years. He told University City Patch that he will run for re-election.

"I enjoy being on the city council, and I think that I provide a unique perspective on the issues that our city faces," Crow said.

Tuesday is the opening day for candidates to file for the muncipal election on April 3.

Crow said it's important to have people on the council who ask questions and go after additional information—something he believes he does. And he emphasizes that just because he asks a lot of questions at council meetings does not mean he hasn't done his homework.

"There is no question that I do my homework," Crow said. Occasionally when Crow asks a question at a meeting, he is told that the information he seeks is contained in the city council packet that went out to councilmembers.

"I believe the question about, 'It's in the packet,' is part of an attempt by the administration to isolate and discredit me," he said. "I read the packets as I get them."

Crow feels that "the current administration views people asking questions as not being in support of a specific project." He believes that as a city councilmember he has "every right to ask every question."

He said asking questions doesn't necessarily mean he's "negative" about a project—he views it as part of the legislative process.

"It is very appropriate for us as councilmembers to ask questions to learn more about what is going on," Crow said.

Why keep Crow on the council?

Crow said both his business and legal background give him a good perspective and good thought process as to what concerns the citizens of Univerisity City and in particular, Ward 1.

Crow said his four years on the council mean he is "pretty well versed regarding the budget process, our priorities and the issues that we face."

Economic development

Going forward, Crow believes a priority for University City should be to spur development and attract business.

"I think we have to recognize that we need to work with those industries and developers who want to relocate to University City."

He said it's important that University City strives to make itself more attractive to businesses and developers.

"We are a central location," he said. "We have strong demographic numbers, and I think that it's important for us to attract new businesses."

Crow takes issue with the site the city is eyeing to . He said it's "odd" that University City would spend time accumulating land at Olive and Midland for economic development purposes and then turn around and possibly build a police station there.

"I don't think any of us as taxpayers anticipated having our economic development funds go for land for a new police station," he said.

In September, the council approved a motion giving city staff the go-ahead to pursue a cost study for the possibility of building a new police facility at Olive and Midland boulevards. Rough estimates put the cost of a new police station between five and six million dollars.

Finances

Crow said the city must continue to be diligent about its finances.

"We have a lot of folks seemingly taking credit for a balanced budget, and then they continue to come up with multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars that weren't included in the budget that still have to come from somewhere," Crow said. "I'm still trying to determine how we really got a balanced budget."

New firehouse

Crow said he believes University City needs a new firehouse, and it was appropriate to use the stimulus funds for the firehouse. However, he said he's concerned about ballooning costs.

"I'm greatly concerned that the current administration will have a difficult time managing this process within the budgetary limits that are appropriate for our citizens."

Highlights and lowlights

Crow said one of the high points of his time on the council was his work in getting passed. "I think that speaks volumes for our community and for the welcoming nature of our city."

Crow said one of the low points for him was the "inappropriate" . The reprimand resolution passed in a 4-3 vote. Crow voted against it.

Price was reprimanded for his behavior at a Feb. 14 council meeting. He was accused of acting like a bully and being disorderly, as well as being "physically menacing," to other councilmembers by rising from his chair and shaking his index finger in their faces.

Below are some of what Crow's lists as his strengths:

• An in-depth understanding of budgets, finance, business and government and how they interrelate
• Experience in working with citizens and business owners on city issues in a professional and respectful manner 
• Ability to look at an issue, ask questions, and then make a fair and effective decision
• A track record of commitment to University City and the broader community (Children’s Service Fund Chair; Doorways; etc.)
• A commitment to the charter form of government

Background

Crow has lived in University City for 17 years. He and his partner, Tom Peters, have two children.

• Crow was president and CEO of Edward Jones Trust Company and general partner of the firm.
• Crow owns several Great Clips hair salons.

People can find out more about Terry Crow by visiting his official website at http://www.crowforucity.com.