Hello, my name is Tequila Gray , and I am running for Alderman in Ballwin for Ward 2. I have decided to enter this race because I want to represent the entire ward. To be a voice for the people that feel unheard, as well as making sure that our board communicates and operates with transparency.
ABOUT ME:
My husband and I have been married for 16 years. Nine years ago, we moved our family to Ballwin when our daughter, Kennedi (Marquette grad 2021), was in the 8th grade at Crestview, and our son, Landon, was entering Kindergarten at Westridge. We decided that if we were going to send our children to school in the district, it was important for us to live here as well. Not only would this keep them close to their friends and activities, but it also provided the added benefit of lower crime rates and a stronger sense of community.
Diondra and I both believe in the importance of hard work, community involvement, and support for one another. That's why some of the first things I did after moving into our home was join our HOA and organizing a block party/ meet and greet for our neighbors. I believe that to build a successful and beneficial HOA and community, you must be willing to interact and engage with everyone. This is something I plan to do across Ballwin and in Ward 2 once I'm elected.
For the past 12 years, I have been a proud union member of the IBEW Local 1. I believe that working in this male dominated industry has helped me develop the skills needed to collaborate with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I am confident these skills will serve me well as a member of our Board of Alderman.
WHY I WANT TO BECOME AN ALDERMAN:
I decided to run for Alderman after asking one of our current Aldermen a simple question. His response, “That’s just the way we do it,” without further explanation, was deeply frustrating to me. I don’t believe that’s an acceptable answer. There are always multiple ways to address an issue, and what worked ten years ago might not be the best solution today.
The demographics of Ballwin are changing. Our families are younger, our communities are becoming more diverse, and the needs and concerns of our residents are evolving. Our Board of Aldermen needs to adapt to these changes in order to truly represent our community.
Before committing to this race, I attended nearly a years' worth of Ballwin Alderman meetings to understand the concerns of our residents and how those concerns were being addressed by the current Board. Unfortunately, I found there is significant room for improvement.
Once elected, I will focus on promoting transparency in the selection of citizens for committees, supporting the Police Department with diverse perspectives on crime issues, and bringing a fresh voice and new perspective to every aspect of our community.
Ballwin is a wonderful place to live. It's time to bring a new, fresh and inclusive perspective to our Board of Aldermen, one that reflects the needs and aspirations of Ballwin as a whole.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.