2012 Election Guide for Ladue, Frontenac, Olivette

As we close in on the August primary and look ahead to November’s elections, The Ladue-Frontenac Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. The Primary is August 7.

(Scroll down to read 2012 candidate profiles.)

In addition to our own coverage, candidates were invited to upload information in every race to about their campaigns directly to this site.

U.S. Senate

Claire McCaskill's bid for re-election will be closely watched by the entire nation in part because of her close ties to President Obama's 2008 campaign. 

The fiercely-fought GOP primary will likely see U.S. Rep. Todd Akin (R-Wildwood), former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman or Frontenac businessman John Brunner emerge as McCaskill's opponent.

The Tea Party movement will also be a factor in the campaign, with one activist's comments about drawing added scrutiny and security for McCaskill. 

In the meantime, dueling .

Congress

Redistricting brought on by the latest Census results has eliminated one of Missouri's congressional districts, to see who will represent the city of St. Louis and areas south, along with portions of St. Louis County stretching to Maryland Heights.

The primary winner will be an overwhelming favorite against either Robyn Hamlin or Martin Baker in November.

Missouri's new Second district is guaranteed to see someone new elected, with Rep. Akin's decision to run for the Senate. come into the fold to support her, enough so that it helped push Ed Martin to change races.

Wagner would face one of a field of largely-unknown Democrats, none of whom has attracted support from national party leaders. 

ISSUES

In August voters will be asked to decide on a measure proposing "a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen's right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen's right to choose any or no religion," according to the state law calling for the vote.  earlier this year.

The fate of statewide ballot issues will not be decided until later this summer.

Voters in the St. Louis County Public Library system will be asked to vote on a measure which to fund improvements at facilities system-wide. The of the library system is located in .

FIND YOUR RACES

In many cases, redistricting means residents of ladue, Frontenac and Olivette won't be voting for the same candidates as some sides of the cities. Use this grid to determine which races you should follow.

CANDIDATE PROFILES

The following is a list of candidate profiles for the Aug. 7 primary. More profiles will be published as they become available. Questions may be directed to nate.birt@patch.com. 

Democrat

 Republican

• Todd Akin
• Robert Poole
• Jerry Beck

 Liberterian

• Jonathan Dine

 U.S. CONGRESS 

District 1

Democrat

• William Lacy Clay
• Candice Britton

Republican

• Martin Baker

Libertarian

• Robb E. Cunningham

 District 2

Democrat

• Marshall Works
• George Weber
• Harold Whitfield
• Glenn Koenen

 Republican

• Ann Wagner
• John Morris
• James Baker

Libertarian

• Bill Slantz

Constitution

• Anatol Zorikova

Democrat

 Republican

 Libertarian

 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Democrat

• Dennis Weisenburger
• Fred Kratky
• Jackie Townes McGee
• Becky Lee Plattner

 Republican

• Brad Lager
• Mike Carter
• Charles Kullmann

Libertarian

• Matthew Copple

Constitution 

• Cynthia Davis

 SECRETARY OF STATE

Democrat

• Jason Kander

Republican

 Libertarian

• Cisse Spragins

 Constitution

• Justin Harter

 STATE TREASURER

Democrat

Republican

 Libertarian

• Sean O'Toole

 ATTORNEY GENERAL

Democrat 

• Chris Koster

 Republican

• Ed Martin
• Adam Warren

 Libertarian

• Dave Browning

Democrat

No GOP candidate in Primary or General Election

Democrat

•  Stacey Newman

Olivette Proposition "S" for public safety.

Four-seventh majority required.

The city wants voters to authorize the sale of $9.37 million of general obligation bonds in order to acquire and renovate an existing office building at 1101 Olivette Executive Parkway, to update police and public safety facilities and to provide needed space for the city administrative offices allowing for space for current outlying offices.

Included in the proposal is construction of a new fire station on the property of the present city hall.

The city says that a property rax rate of 26.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation will be needed in order to fund this debt over a 20-year period.

If passed, the homeowner of a $150,000 home would pan an additional $75.53 per yer in property taxes.

The city projects the bounds would be paid off by 2032. Proponents of the proposition say these improvements are much needed. Opponents feel city officials are overpayng for the office building.

Olivette Proposition "P" for Parks.

Four-sevenths majority required.

The city says it wants voters to authorize the sale of $3.02 million of general obligation bounds in order to renovate Warson Park.

Renovations would include the demolition of the aging existing community center, which is losing money because of lack of city business and high maintenance costs.

The proposed new facility will include athletic fields for various sports, tennis courts, a concession stand, restrooms, a playground, walking paths and vastly improved parking.

If passed, the 9-cent projected tax rate would mean the owner of a $150,00 home would pay an additional $25.32 center per year in property taxes.

The city projects the bonds would be paid off by 2032. Proponents say that improvements to Warson Park would benefit everyone. Neighborhood opponents are opposed to lighting any of the athletic facilities for night usage.

Election Polls:

Election polls will be open Tuesday, August 7, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Frontenac, Ladue and Olivette and throughout St. Louis County and the rest of the state.

Final results will be made available on the Ladue-Frontenac Patch.