Election Q&A: Sunset Hills Ward 3 Alderman Stephen Webb

Current Sunset Hills Ward 3 Alderman Stephen Webb is seeking another two-year term for office after serving since 2008. He is running unopposed in the April 3 election. 

Patch: What were some of your goals coming onto the board, and how do you think those have or have not been accomplished?

Webb: This is a fair question, and one that I know is frequently asked, but I would be remiss if I did not first clarify that being on the Board of Aldermen in my mind is not about any individual or personal goals. The Board exists to serve the people of Sunset Hills, and it is our job to do so in the most effective and efficient manner possible. We as individuals get involved in municipal government, no matter what the position or title, to truly make a difference in the communities in which we live. I embrace that perspective in all the different roles that I have performed in support of the City. 

But with that said, we as a City have accomplished many things since I joined the Board in 2008. We successfully completed numerous important infrastructure projects, including roadway resurfacing, bridge replacements, storm water upgrades, and construction of the new pool and community center.  Each had their own unique challenges, but in all cases, we overcame them and spent taxpayer dollars wisely. 

In 2009, we set out to improve residential waste collection within the City, and I think we did just that. We reduced costs and wear on our streets, while at the same time improved the level of service. Further, we’ve come a long way in improving the City’s relationships with local business leaders, heightening awareness for what they do for our community, streamlining the business license application process and making Sunset Hills overall a better place to do business. 

Lastly, we’ve tried to increase citizen involvement in various initiatives and projects, refusing to rely solely upon what has been done or tried in the past.  We have had great success here as well, and I look forward to continuing that increased citizen involvement in 2012 and beyond.

There are a number of other accomplishments I think we could elaborate on, but overall, I think the Mayor, Board and City staff can be proud of where we are today and what is ahead for us in the future.

Patch: How long have you lived in the City of Sunset Hills? Can you tell me a little about your family?

Webb: Shortly after getting married, my wonderful wife and I moved in to our first home in Sunset Hills. Ten years later, we now have two amazing children and a dog, and truly enjoy living in such a family-friendly community. 

Patch: What do you love most about your community?

Webb: Quite simply, it is the people and the countless amenities available to us as residents that I love most about our community.

Patch: What is the biggest issue facing the City of Sunset Hills today and how do you plan on addressing that issue as a board member?

Webb: Based upon the election filings, there will be at least one, or possibly more, changes to the Board following the election. For those of us that will continue on in service to the City, I think the next few years offer us an excellent opportunity to look well beyond what we know today and shift our attention toward what challenges lie years ahead. 

Having two young children myself, I at times catch myself wondering what the City will look like 5, 10 or 20 years from now. We obviously cannot predict the future, but I feel strongly that it is part of our job as elected officials to plan for the unknown. We need to assess where we are today in terms of public safety, zoning, revenue sources, green space and infrastructure, and make sound decisions that will better position us to overcome the future challenges in those and other areas. Again, we cannot predict what will happen in the world around us, but it is our obligation to proactively think ahead.

Patch: What are your goals as a board member?

Webb: We as a Board must continue to ensure that our city remain a place where residents, businesses and civic leaders are partners in building a community that is family-oriented, safe, and citizen-friendly. I am committed to doing everything possible to fulfill that mission, and be as open and transparent as possible. Sunset Hills is a proud community that should invest in those initiatives that enhance our 55-year history and natural environment, providing diverse recreational opportunities while remaining financially responsible.

Patch: What are some changes you would like to make to the current board?

Webb: Though significant strides have been made over the years, I truly believe improved communication is something we can, and always should, improve upon. Human nature tends to cause us to gravitate toward comfort zones and only those groups that share the same opinions and perspectives.  But if we as a government really want to preserve our proud history and continually enhance the quality of life here in Sunset Hills, we must seek out opposing views and better understand all sides. This openness and transparency goes beyond just our interaction with the public, as it also includes how we as a governmental body communicate with each other. We are absolutely headed in the right direction on this, but again, it is something I feel we must intentionally focus on at all times.