Health Equity Works and the Clark-Fox Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis are among numerous sponsors of a live online candidate forum Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. held in advance of the March primary to elect a president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.
There are three Democratic challengers vying to oust Democratic incumbent Lewis Reed, who is running for his fourth term. Reed and challengers state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and Alderwoman Megan Green, 15th Ward, have agreed to participate in the forum.
The primary race for the President of the Board of Aldermen presents a critical opportunity for citizens to shape political leadership and policy priorities for the City of St. Louis, particularly regarding racial equity. Candidates participating in the forum will engage in an open discussion that focuses on pressing regional issues such as child and youth well-being, health disparities, economic opportunity, neighborhood improvement, and criminal justice. The Forward Through Ferguson Report will be referenced throughout the conversation so each candidate can explain their vision for aligning with the Report’s signature priorities: Justice for All, Youth at the Center, and Opportunity to Thrive.
Watch parties will be hosted at locations around the City of St. Louis. Participants can post questions ahead of the forum by clicking here. For a map of venues hosting the watch parties, click here. Venues so far include:
- Old North St. Louis Restoration, 2700 N 14th St. 63106
- Generate Health, 1300 Hampton Ave. 63139
- Clark-Fox Policy Institute, Hillman Hall, Washington University Danforth Campus 63130
- Employment Connection, 2838 Market St. 63103
- Thomas Dunn Learning Center, 3113 Gasconade St. 63118
Participants can also opt to watch on line at home. The URL address for the live forum will be posted on the President of the Board of Aldermen Facebook page before the start of the event.
The event is hosted by The Social Policy & Electoral Accountability Collaborative (SPEAC). The group held a similar City of St. Louis mayoral primary candidate forum in 2017 to ensure elected officials effectively address racial equity and opportunity in their platforms, practices, and policies.
Members of SPEAC include: Clark-Fox Policy Institute, Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis, UMSL Community Innovation and Action Center, FOCUS St. Louis, Forward Through Ferguson, Generate Health, Health Equity Works (formerly For the Sake of All), Ready by 21 St. Louis, St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment Alliance, Trailnet, and Vision for Children at Risk.