Former Alderwoman Phyllis Young

Biography

Hello,

I am in my 24th year of serving as your 7th Ward Alderwoman. Wow, how time has flown! I realize that many of you have never known me as anyone other than your representative at City Hall, so let me tell you about myself. I promise it won't take long!

I graduated from Roosevelt High School and then University of Missouri at Columbia. I stayed for a master's program in teaching children with behavioral issues. Then I returned to St. Louis and taught for Special School District of St. Louis County for 13 years.

I married my husband, Jim, along the way, and we've just celebrated our 35th anniversary. He's now a vegetable gardener in our community garden and an environmental activist after retiring as a pharmacist in 2000.

We moved into our house in Soulard in 1978. I became active in the neighborhood group as well as the political organization at that time. I served as president of the Soulard Restoration Group and as a board member for a number of years, as a member of Neighborhood Housing Services, as a board member and president for St Agatha Daycare Association, and volunteered in many capacities throughout the neighborhood. I was also president of the 7th Ward Independent Democratic Organization and worked on many campaigns.

I was encouraged by friends to run for Alderman when the seat became open. It was a tough campaign. There were 3 women in the primary, and then a man ran against me as an independent in the general election.

I am proud of the accomplishments that I've achieved throughout my years of service. The neighborhoods are stronger and more beautiful than they've been in many years. Property values are higher, the neighborhoods are safer and more people are choosing to locate here. The number of vacant buildings and lots is declining. I'm working to increase the number of job opportunities for my residents by supporting new businesses in the ward, as well as expansion of existing ones.

I think you must like the improvements in the ward since you've chosen it for your home. I look forward to working with you to continue the progress. 

My E-mail address is: youngp@stlouis-mo.gov. Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,

Phyllis