Harold Sanger for Mayor of Clayton

Patch sent all local candidates for office identical questionnaires in order to compile candidate profiles prior to the April election. Each candidate who returned the survey will be featured on the site.

Harold Sanger, 66

• Address: 510 Francis Place, Clayton
• Occupation: Retired
• Education: University City High School, Class of 1964; Southeast Missouri State University, Class of 1970 BS in Business Administration; MBA from the University of Memphis, 1971.
• Spouse: Diane. Clayton High School, Class of 1967; University of Oklahoma, 1971.
• Children: Whitney: Clayton, Class of 1995; University of Wisconsin, 1999; George Washington University, MBA 2004. Stefanie, Clayton, Class of 1998; Washington University, 2002; American University JD, 2005; Logan College of Chiropractic DC, 2008. Bryan: Clayton, Class of 2000; Indiana University, 2004; St. Louis University JD, 2007.
• Years in Clayton: 27
• Campaign Web site: www.sanger4mayor.com

Background

Public Office History

• 1987 – 1993: Member, Clayton Board of Adjustments
• 1993 – 2002: Alderman, City of Clayton; including Mayor Pro-Tempore 1999 – 2002. Served on the Uniformed Pension Committee, Planning & Zoning Commission, Clayton Arts Council and various ad-hoc committees.
• 2002 – 2012:  Chairman, Clayton Planning, Zoning and Architectural Review Board

Work History

• 1971 – 1977: Chrysler Corporation –management positions
• 1977 – 2009: Executive/co-owner of a local, family owned wholesale distributor of flooring and ceramic tile products.
• 2009 – 2012: Business consultant /advisor

Community Service

Washington University Entrepreneurial Board; Pulaski Bank Advisory Board; Board member - Clayton Parks Foundation - Clayton Century Foundation committee; Volunteer : Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry; Animal Protective Association (APA) of MO.

What prompted your decision to seek elective office?

My 36 years of business experience combined with almost two decades of service to the City of Clayton have prepared me to lead Clayton as mayor. These attributes along with my direct, collaborative and “get it done” leadership style, uniquely qualify me to lead Clayton into its 2nd century.

Top 3 priorities

The core principal of my campaign is: Preserving our past; Building our future.

• Balance the budget; 
• Protect residential neighborhoods while encouraging development of high density living opportunities and other commercial development in the downtown district; 
• Champion economic growth and support of businesses while enhancing Clayton’s regional leadership in sustainability, culture and commerce

Biggest issue facing Clayton

Clayton has had an operation deficit for the past three years and is projected to have deficit of $3,681,000 in 2013. The city manager has presented a three year plan to balance the budget. This plan must be properly managed and adjusted to be certain a balanced budget is attained.

In what area does Clayton need to improve?

Clayton will be celebrating 100 years as a chartered city this year. To assure a strong fiscal base to take us into our second century, we must approach budget issues proactively, and make fiscally sound decisions. Additionally, efforts must continue to make Clayton business friendly, promote economic development, and increase residential living opportunities in the downtown area.

What will I do to help small businesses and retail?

Clayton needs more high density, affordable residential living opportunities in the downtown area. This will put more people on the streets of Downtown Clayton to patronize local retailers and restaurants. Emphasis needs to be placed on making our downtown area more attractive to pedestrians. A reduction of traffic lanes on Central Ave., widening of sidewalks, complete overhaul of landscaping and ease of access through walkable/bikeable initiatives, and a rubber wheeled hop on/hop off San Francisco styled trolley system connecting the Metro stops will make the downtown area a point of destination.

What single thing would I want to accomplish in my 1st year:

Nothing is more important than fiscal stabilization. My goal would be to bring Clayton to a balanced budget as quickly as possible.