Creve Coeur Mayoral Candidates Debate Before Election Day

Creve Coeur mayoral candidates answered questions about their plans for office Thursday morning in a public forum co-sponsored by Patch and the Creve-Coeur Olivette Chamber of Commerce.

Barry Glantz and Laura Bryant each talked about their ideas of what the next Creve Coeur mayor should bring to the city.

In her opening statement, Bryant defined herself as the “underdog” in five previous city elections—indicating that advocacy for a political “level playing field” isn’t always popular.

Glantz opened by saying his small business ownership has given him “unique qualifications” to lead the city.

“Listening to what is on the minds of residents has helped reinforced my positive vision of Creve Coeur,” he said.

Both candidates said they would not leave their day jobs if elected. Bryant works as a corporate communications executive for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Glantz owns architectural firm .

Moderator and Creve Coeur Patch editor Gregg Palermo asked the candidates 18 questions submitted by audience members and Patch readers. The questions ranged from the 2011 to the possibility of a city center.

During the debate, both candidates agreed the mayor should be an ambassador for the city to help attract new businesses.

Bryant advocated for more transparency, saying the city administrator or a city staff member should be present during meetings between businesses or developers and the next mayor.

Glantz said he was “pro good business,” but that he believed residential districts should remain residential and commercial districts remain commercial.

As for where Creve Coeur will be after each candidate’s first term, Glantz told the audience he hoped to maintain and improve the quality of life. He also said he hopes to update the city’s comprehensive plan.

Bryant promised a more inclusive city after her first term. She said she would make sure everyone’s opinion was taken into account, but could not assure a better quality of life.

“I wish I could promise you a better quality of life,” she said, “but I cant’ do that now.”

Creve Coeur Patch will have more coverage from Thursday's forum as part of our Voter Guide, coming Saturday morning. Find out what the candidates said about conflicts of interest, zoning, and more, including if they'd join the ranks of Creve Coeur Patch bloggers.

 Election day is April 3.