St. Charles City Council Ward 2 Candidate Profile: Tom Besselman

Tom Besselman is one of four candidates running for election as Ward 2 council member. Other candidates include Bill Conrey, incumbent Larry Muench and Venetia McEntire, whose candidate profiles are available. Besselman filled out this questionnaire and submitted it to St. Charles Patch via email. The answers are edited for spelling only.

CAMPAIGN CONTACT INFORMATION

• Website: http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Besselman-for-Ward-2/191701714193586
• Email: TomB4Ward2@aol.com
• Phone: 636-940-2555

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Age: 54

Family: I am married and have three biological children, one stepson and three grandchildren. My mom and dad reside in St. Charles. I am the fourth generation to live in Ward 2. 

Education: I am a graduate of  St Charles High/Lewis and Clark Tech.

Occupation: Self employed business owner.

Party affiliation: None.

Previous elected offices: Countless Boy Scout leader positions and meetings.

Applicable experience: Here are the meetings I have attended over the past few years. Some of them were held during the day, some during the evening: Post office relocation, water treatment plant, Laurie Feldman’s Ward 3 meetings, Parks and Recreation meetings, civic center, work sessions, Planning and Zoning, Quick Trip new store site plan Sunset and First Capitol Drive, McDonalds site plan on Fifth Street, French town roundabout, St. John's parking lot, Oasis food pantry/ thrift store I offered my services by donating equipment and time, Highway 94 and West Clay: I asked questions that resulted in changing the plans, Old Town neighborhood association meeting with Lindenwood, the retention pond at the new Napa store... residents’ concerns were not being heard, Strategic Planning Committee, I am one of the original 35 members. I attended the Citizens Police Academy 2010. I also attended the meeting concerning Fifth Street at Interstate 70 and the post office. I am concerned about the closing of Spring and Cunningham streets. I’ve asked the staff questions regarding the design. I have been to many City Council meetings and any other such meetings to get more involved in our community. I am a board member of The Festival of the Little Hills. 

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

I believe that I can make a difference by better informing our community regarding the things that are being brought before the city council. Citizens are more empowered when that awareness has been raised. It helps them be more proactive in the community. Everyone has the right to have a say in what’s going on. Not just the few.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

I will make myself more available to the citizens of Ward 2. I am very interested in listening to their concerns and actively doing something about them in a timely manner. I have been walking about our neighborhood and am disappointed in the way things have fallen through the cracks and have not been addressed.

What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested?

I have more flexibility in my schedule. I am self-employed and my children are grown. I have kept myself very informed and updated regarding St. Charles current events. I have attended and participated in many city meetings and events over the past four years.

How long have you lived in St. Charles?

I have lived in St. Charles for 51 years and am a fourth generation native, all living in Ward 2. 

What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

My favorite thing about St. Charles is the people. I enjoy getting to know them, working alongside of them and given the chance, representing them at city hall.

What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

I believe that the biggest problem in St. Charles is miscommunication. Our citizens aren't being given the opportunity to have their opinions represented. The public is poorly informed. The direction that the city is heading does not take into consideration the voice and will of the people. Some ordinances are not being enforced. I believe that the council is influenced by high dollar deals which leave the needs of the citizens of ward 2 neglected. This is what I have learned from voters as I've walked through my ward.