Politics & Government

Ward 3 Alderman Race: Mark Winings Says He Would Bring New Perspective

He said he experience as a lawyer and an accountant would allow him to weigh decisions and engage citizens.

Mark Winings has lived in Clayton for seven years. He, his wife, Rula, and their four children—Annie, Will, Jack and Elle—are newcomers compared to some residents. But the couple intend to raise their children in the city, and they came from University City "with that kind of long-term time horizon" in mind.

"I feel like I've got a different viewpoint," Winings said. He is the father of a young family, and he's thinking about how he wants Clayton to look 20 years from now when he retires and his kids are getting married.

It is the first time Winings has run for an elected office. He is seeking to become the next Ward 3 representative on the Clayton Board of Aldermen. He would succeed Alex Berger, a longtime representative who has endorsed Winings in the three-way race. published at 6 a.m. Friday; will publish at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Background

Winings is a lawyer. He is the chairman of the hiring committee at Lewis Rice, the firm where he works. Out of the 300 people interviewed for those spots, between five and 10 are hired. That reflects a trust the law firm has placed in him, Winings said.

He has a background in accounting and has served in leadership roles. He points to work he performed as the chair of his church's finance committee. Responsibilities there included monitoring compliance with financial regulations.

Likes About Clayton

Clayton offers a great balance of suburban and urban life, Winings said. It features both old houses with character and skyscrapers. He spent three years living in downtown Chicago as a student at Northwestern.

"I'm sort of a city guy," Winings said. But he appreciates the fact that Clayton lets people have a nice house and a yard amid such an environment.

He also thinks the city offers great schools, which his children attend.

"The location can't be beat," Winings said.

Challenges for Clayton

Clayton faces several challenges, Winings said. The city's budget deficit needs to be addressed. The city has reserves. But it would be a mistake to think that property values will go up, meaning action must be taken.

"I think we need to tighten our belts a little," he said.

Winings declined to identify any specific cuts he'd make if elected to the position of alderman, and he doesn't consider that a cop-out. He wants to work with city staff to scrutinize the budget. He thinks he would bring a new perspective.

"It's more of a mindset that I bring to it," said Winings, who drives a 13-year-old car. Having budget deficit isn't an option, but it must ideally be corrected without a noticeable reduction to city services.

A Difficult Decision

Asked to describe a situation in which he had to make difficult decisions, Winings spoke about his work on his church's finance committee.

At issue was whether to move forward with a capital campaign. The committee had late-night meetings with church staff. It grappled with the issue of whether, given the economic downturn, it was the right time to ask people to increase their giving. 

The group decided to request that giving be increased.

Not everyone thought it was the right thing to do or the right time to do it, Winings said. But the committee had to look to the future, to needs 10 years in the future.

From that experience, Winings said, he learned several things. It's important to solicit stakeholders and engage them in the conversation, but ultimately a decision had to be made. The committee had to demonstrate leadership.

Observations of the Aldermen

In attending meetings of the Board of Aldermen, Winings has observed how its members work.

"I'm impressed with their level of preparation," he said. They are respectful of one another and the legislative process.

Were he on the board, Winings said, he wouldn't be one to yell the loudest or talk the most.

"I'm a good listener," he said. Among his goals: Understand what is not being said during discussions.

Working With Finances

Winings said it's probably not accurate to say he enjoys managing finances. At the same time, he's always been interested in business and has a good understanding of it.

"It's the fuel that makes the engine run," he said. The amenities available to Clayton residents are possible because the city has enough money to afford them. What Winings said he enjoys is doing the hard work that benefits the community.

Business Growth

Winings said he is optimistic about future business growth in Clayton. At some point, the economy will take an upswing, and the city has assets in place that will position it well for recovery.

Smoking Ordinance Lawsuit

Winings declined to comment on over a section of an ordinance that bans smoking in Clayton parks. The city did the right thing in passing an ordinance that bans smoking, he said.

Comments from Residents

Ward III residents have mentioned two key concerns in conversations with Winings: Encroachment and spending.

The encroachment issue comes from concerns in the Davis Place neighborhood over in Clayton.

And while most are very happy with the city, he said, one theme people have expressed is that the city is "out of control with spending." They want the city to be more careful about how it commits its resources.

Wydown Middle School

The board handled the of the new appropriately, he said.

Opponents

Winings declined to comment on what sets him apart from his opponents in the race.

Skills Set

Winings said he is a listener. In his legal and accounting work, he has to serve in a client-service role, and he said that is similar to the work of an alderman.

Additionally, he has experience negotiating. As an alderman, there will be an element of deal-making.

Finally, as a lawyer he is required to be an advocate. An alderman, by extension, is someone who represents the citizens.

On the Campaign Trail

Winings said he has enjoyed campaigning and is staying busy. He likes understanding the different perspectives represented in the city.

"I've been impressed by the level of interest," he said.

He plans to continue meeting as many people as he can in person between now and April 5.


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