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Wildwood council candidates outline priorities at League of Women Voters forum
Summary
Eight candidates at a League of Women Voters forum discussed the Wildwood master plan, broadband rollout, the pooled sales tax, economic development and public-safety traffic changes. Candidates emphasized communication with residents and fiscal stewardship; no formal votes were taken at the event.
A candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters for Wildwood City Council brought seven candidates and one incumbent together to describe priorities and answer audience questions. The forum, moderated by Jennifer Shylansky of the League of Women Voters, focused on the Wildwood master plan, efforts to extend high‑speed internet to underserved homes, the municipal revenue “pool” sales tax, economic development and traffic safety measures such as J‑turns. No council actions or votes were taken at the forum.
The candidates who spoke included Vicky Robleski (candidate), Matt Trotteryear (candidate), Edward "Ed" Marshall (incumbent council member, Ward 5), Jason Bockert (candidate, Ward 6), an incumbent identified only as Albers (incumbent council member, appointed), and several other candidates on the April ballot. Shylansky opened the forum and explained timing and format; each candidate gave a two‑minute opening statement, answered questions, then offered brief closing remarks.
Why it matters: The forum provided voters the opportunity to compare how candidates would handle a set of recurring municipal issues—chiefly growth and land‑use direction set by the master plan, the remaining broadband build‑out, city revenue stability tied to the pooled sales tax, and neighborhood safety improvements. Several candidates emphasized fiscal caution and improved resident communication as crosscutting priorities.
Candidates varied in experience. Marshall described long experience on Wildwood governing bodies, including prior terms as mayor and council member, while others described their first‑time runs and a recent graduation from law school. Bockert pointed to specific budget priorities, identifying Wildwood’s operating budget and staff count when outlining stewardship goals. Multiple candidates said they would seek available state and federal funding to support projects the city cannot finance alone.
Candidates also used the forum to describe how they would engage constituents. Robleski and others urged more targeted use of social media, newsletters and ward‑level outreach; Albers and Marshall emphasized canvassing and direct contact with homeowners associations. Several candidates identified erosion control, deer management, and continued town‑center development as local priorities.
The League reminded attendees about absentee and early voting and pointed attendees to the St. Louis County Board of Elections for polling information. The forum did not produce any council motions or formal outcomes; it was an opportunity for voters to hear positions ahead of the April election.
