Cacchione's Speech

Cacchione's prepared remarks from last night's kickoff.

Good evening and thank you for coming to help me kick-off my campaign for 6th ward Alderman. And just so there is no misunderstanding, and to clear up any possible confusion, I am the Democratic candidate for 6th ward Alderman! If anyone decides to leave now, I promise you no one will say anything.

Let me begin this by introducing my campaign team. My wife, Pam, my daughter, Victoria, and my con Anthony. Literally, my kitchen cabinet.

The first question I get when I tell people that I am running for Alderman is "why"? My answer is simple, "why not?". The 6th Ward is the most dynamic ward in the city. We are change leaders. For example, six years ago this place [Squires] did not exist. Now we have 12 new businesses and 300 new residents. This growth is happening throughout the 6th ward and the 6th ward is becoming not only a place to live and entertain, but a place to do business. I can think of nothing more exciting than being at the center of that chance and working with you to keep it growing.

My campaign is based on over 20 years of public policy experience and proven leadership. As 6th ward Democratic Committeeman, I have been working closely with Lewis Reed to put a police substation in [Tower Grove East], encourage residential and business development using TIF's and targeted tax abatements and developed a bike path connecting Forest Park with the Riverfront. As alderman I will use this experience to continue the development and redevelopment of the 6th ward and, knowing that people will not live, work and entertain in areas where they don't feel safe, security will be a major priority for me. This will all be done in partnership with the neighborhoods. I will make every effort to empower our neighborhoods and work closely with the leadership in the Loft District, Lafayette Square, the Gate District (Eads Park, St. Vincent, Buder Park and Lafayette Terrace), Compton Hill Reservoir, Compton Heights, Tower Grove East and Fox Park. What diversity and energy!

Finally, here in the 6th Ward, we are a microcosm of the city with rich and poor, blacks and whites, new immigrants and long-time residents and we have business and residential. We embrace and celebrate our diversity and if anyone thinks they can use our diversity to divide us they better think twice. This election is not about where you are from but where we are going together.

Thank you.