Maplewood Richmond Heights School Board Director Ray Crader on Thursday announced his plan to run for City Council for Maplewood Ward 2. Andrew Bolin picked up a petition in September to run for city council in the ward.
Crader emailed this statement to 40 South News on Thursday:
Today, longtime Maplewood resident and MRH School Board Director, Ray Crader, announced his plans to run for Maplewood City Council representing Ward 2.
Crader has been a resident of Maplewood for 23 years where he lives in Ward 2 with his wife Cindy and two young sons Nathan (8) and Austin (5). He is a civil servant for St. Louis County Public Works where he works as an Architect and Supervisor of Project Mangers.
Crader’s points of emphasis during the campaign will include: a focus on attracting the small independent unique businesses that have helped change the perception of Maplewood, a hands-on approach to ensuring that the City Council reflects the best interests of the residents of Maplewood, a strengthening of the working relationship between City Hall and the School District, and a common sense approach to the improvement of Maplewood roads and infrastructure using his experience with St. Louis County Public Works.
Crader feels passionate about being a positive influence in the community of Maplewood and has demonstrated that passion through his volunteer work with MRH School District. As a 23-year resident he has experienced the Maplewood renaissance and wants to ensure the current positive image of Maplewood continues to grow.
Are there no conflicts of interest here? Someone who works with the school board already, and works for St Louis County Public Works wants to be a decision maker in Maplewood as regards the schools and roads in Maplewood?
Patty,
I could certainly see where you might think there is a conflict of interest. But let me explain why there is not.
First, regarding my volunteer position on the MRH School Board of Education. The City of Maplewood has no connection whatsoever with the School district. They make no decisions regarding the school. If there were any decision to be made in the future, such as a property Zoning change, that affected the School then I would need to abstain from that decision. It would be no different if a Council Member owned a business and a decision of the Council could affect that members business, then that member would need to abstain from that decision.
This assumes that I would continue as a member of the school board if elected to City Council. Although I am postponing that decision until the February 7th election day, I will say it would be very time consuming and unlikely I would try and do both.
Regarding my employment with St. Louis County, there are only 2 roads in Maplewood which are County roads, Hanley and Big Bend. Again, if there was ever a vote or negotiation with St. Louis County Public Works regarding these 2 roads, which I can think of a scenario, then I would simply abstain from that vote or negotiation.
Rather than a conflict of interest, I think my position with these 2 agencies would prove a great asset to the Council. I will work for greater communication between the city and the school district to make sure their future plans and goals are aligned with each other. I also bring to the council a great understanding of public works project; how they are funded, contracted, constructed and managed.
Thank you for your question, I hope I have answered it sufficiently. Ray Crader
Mr Crader, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the widening of Big Bend to allow a turn lane heading East onto Manchester. It seems this is a choice made by the county (being a county owned road) with little input or opinion given by Maplewood. One concern that many residents have stated, and rightfully so, is that it adds another lane of traffic to cross by foot. Are these types of discussions that could potentially be facilitated with your presence on the council?
Joe S,
Thanks again for your questions. I released a statement earlier today outlining my plans to launch a social media forum in the very near future. This topic you bring up is exactly the type of thing that I would like to discuss in depth and hear from the community about in this future forum. Please stay tuned.
Ray Crader
Thank you, Ray, for suggesting that you would abstain from any future vote where there would be a potential conflict of interest. This, I believe, is very important to us all.
I am sorry to see that Mr. Bolin has decided not to run. It would at least have given us some choice on who would be the best representative for our ward.
As a resident of Ward 2, I am pleased to see more than 1 individual interested in representing our community on the City Council. I look forward to learning more about both Mr. Crader and Mr. Bolin.
I would be interested in hearing more in depth thoughts from Mr Crader and Mr Bolin. There may be some disagreement in terms of school funding/taxes (prop Y) as well as a difference of opinion on how much focus needs to be placed on road improvements vs bike paths and alternative means of transportation.