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By SCANews Editor
University City Mayoral candidate Shelley Welsch met with area
Chinese business leaders last week at Weir Hong Restaurant to
outline her ideas to improve University City. The conversation
focused on the outstanding issues surrounding the Olive Street
corridor - critical to Chinese business growth.
Shelley explained to the group of about 12 leaders representing
various business interests that she believes University City needs
a new type of leader -- one with a vision to make the City better
and not accept things as they are. Shelley said the current administration
seems hesitant to do anything more than what the businesses have
done themselves.
She outlined her track record of proactive community outreach
during her 3 - 1/2 years on the City Council. Her record is one
of gathering input from citizens and driving new ideas through
the council.
Shelley explained to the group that the City has stacks of files
including recommendations for improvements to Olive but that nothing
has really been implemented. Her plan is to get a citizen group
together and have the City take a role in the driving the plans
to reality.
The group discussed the needs to coordinate the citizen's efforts
and expand them to make Olive more pedestrian friendly to encourage
growth. Shelley outlined her vision to make University City a
place where you can do all your business -- entertainment, restaurants,
shopping and medical needs. She explained she thought the city
should be more involved. She outlined her record in helping the
City get federal grants for lighting and sidewalks.
There was a lively dialogue about the cultural needs that the
city hasn't addressed and Shelley acknowledged that some of the
ideas presented would change the look and feel of the area for
the best. Shelley explained how to get involved to help make change:
1) Read the plans the City has for the area. 2) Come to the City
Council as a group with specific ideas and goals and 3) get your
plans in place - change ordinances and work with the state.
Shelley said that she envisioned the area to be like the Loop
in terms of destination appeal, "it could even be bigger"
she said.
Shelley is hosting a public party -- for free -- this Thursday,
December 15 at the University City Public Library from 5 PM until
7:30 PM.
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