Election Profiles: Melissa Heberle, Candidate for Chesterfield City Council

Biographical Information

• Name, age, address: Melissa Heberle, 43, 248 Brixham Drive, 63017
• Occupation: Home Maker
• Education: UM-Columbia (Political Science), Fontbonne University (B.S. Special Ed)
• Family: Husband, Geoff of 12 years, I do not like to provide my children's information as a safety precaution, but they both attend River Bend Elementary
• Years lived in Chesterfield: I have lived in Chesterfield for 12 years

Brief Background

I am on the Chesterfield Board of Adjustment, third year as President of River Bend Elementary PTO. I started River Bend's Neighborhood Watch program; have been editor-in-chief of neighborhood newsletter, website, electronic communications and directory.  I am on the board of the River Bend Association, a member of the Diversity Awareness Partnership of St. Louis and started the Citizens for Responsible Progress.  My volunteering includes the Bethlehem Home in Columbia, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, Open Door Animal Sanctuary, Missouri Stream Team and Open Space Council. 

Reasons for Running

I have been active in our community to ensure neighbors, municipalities, schools and businesses live in harmony.  I believe in preserving our beautiful environment and strong safety commitments to all residents, schools, places of worship and businesses.  I intend to promote responsible growth and development in accordance with Chesterfield's comprehensive plan that focuses commercial development in already commercial areas.  I plan to continue Chesterfield's tradition of fair and equitable growth and forward thinking; to keep this a city where we can all safely raise our families, and have access to good education and prosperity for the future.

Questions

What do you think are the biggest issues addressing the city of Chesterfield? As a member of the council, how would you address them? 

I think the biggest issues addressing the city of Chesterfield now are the St. Louis County Sales Tax Pool and development (commercial vs. residential).  As a council member, I would be mindful of the planning and zoning opportunities brought before the council to ensure equitable growth that is respectful of the residents, current businesses, the city budget and the environment.

In what area do you think the city of Chesterfield needs to improve? Are you satisfied with the way city government has been operating? 

If it is in the city budget, I would ask to see adding more native plantings to the city's tree list.  I am satisfied that the city of Chesterfield has provided balanced planning and budgeting with regard to every facet of city government.  Is it perfect?  No municipality is. We live within our means and balance progress with secure responsibility to our tax payers.

What role do you think city government should play in promoting economic growth?  

I believe the city of Chesterfield has the duty of partnering with private, public and not-for-profit entities to ensure economic growth that is appropriate for those who live, work, worship and play here.  Successful growth depends on the right investment in infrastructure.  When the council provides policies to accommodate appropriate development consistent with the city's comprehensive plan, businesses and non government entities are encouraged to grow in Chesterfield. 

When considering the city's budget, what programs do you think should be prioritized? How would you decide what should be cut, if such a move was needed?

I think to maintain balance and fairness to all who live, work, worship and play in Chesterfield, any cuts should be across the board and not for one program to suffer.  Our general and reserve funds are stable and reflect growth or shortfalls of the entire city.  I would base any budget cuts on what benefit each program offers those who work, play, worship and live here.  I intend to help the city continue to protect our quality of life, live within its means and balance any cuts or increased spending with our economy.

What contributions have you made to the community and how do you see yourself using those experiences if elected?

I volunteer at my children's school almost daily and have volunteered in committees with the Parkway District for over ten years.  I coordinate our neighborhood directory, send communications out to each resident to keep them apprised of safety, social and government information that may effect us.  I have volunteered for many years for a variety of organizations including Open Door Animal Sanctuary, Bethlehem Home, Incarnate Word Parish, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, Diversity Awareness Partnership, Dining Out for Life, Missouri Stream Team, Open Space council, CASA, for many neighborhood kids events and worked with the Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth to help protect Creve Coeur Park and the area of land near Chesterfield's bluff from massive commercial development.  Any time a neighbor has an issue, I learn more about it, educate others and try to find a solution for everyone involved.

What's your favorite place to eat in Chesterfield?  

My family and I have not found a bad Chesterfield restaurant yet, but we regularly eat at Hunan Empress by our home.