Please join me in welcoming Petree Eastman as our new city administrator. As you know, finding a city administrator was one of my top priorities, and I am happy that the Board of Aldermen unanimously supported the appointment. Ms. Eastman brings a wealth of valuable experience to the job, not only as an attorney, but also as the former assistant city manager for University City. She is motivated and ready to execute one of my main campaign promises; namely, that the city be run like a business. We have already made significant progress in this area, saving the city around sixty thousand dollars by not immediately replacing several employees who have left the city since April 2011. Instead, we are cross-training employees to fill in where needed until Ms. Eastman has an opportunity to review all the City’s personnel needs.

     In other news, filing for the April 2012 elections will begin this December. This election will determine who will hold five aldermanic seats. If you are interested in running, please contact the city clerk’s office for filing information.

     Continuing with election information, our Charter requires that we review and adjust our ward boundaries after each census. Most people will not be impacted by this change, but please be sure to visit the city’s website to verify your ward assignments.

     We continue to have openings on our citizen advisory boards (such as the Park Board). Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering. The City’s advisory boards offer residents a great opportunity for civic involvement, and do not require a great deal of your time.

     I’m pleased to inform you that another business has relocated from Kirkwood to Crestwood. All-Star Performance is located at 1000 Camera Lane off Big Bend behind Mobil on the Run. Please visit their website http://www.all-starperformance.net/ or call 636-225-6868 for more information.

     Since being elected mayor, I’ve learned that while the business of leading the city presents many challenges, it also offers opportunities for lighthearted fun. One such example is the annual Mayor’s Golf Challenge between Sunset Hills and Crestwood. Crestwood’s team prevailed at this year’s challenge, so if you’re at City Hall, please stop by my office to see the trophy.

     As the temperatures drop, we’re reminded that winter is just around the corner. To help ensure effective snow removal in the city, please be sure that any cars parked in the street be moved to the odd-numbered side (where the last number in the address is an odd number) during snowy/icy weather. Parking on the odd side will apply during this year’s winter weather, which begins in winter 2011 and ends (hopefully) before spring 2012. With everyone’s help, Crestwood’s streets will be cleared quickly this winter season.

     I hope that everyone enjoys a Happy Thanksgiving. I am hoping all of you have something for which to be thankful. Have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season.  Remember, shop Crestwood first, keeping your tax dollars in your community!