What is an Alderman?

Since letting people know I've decided to run for Ward 1 Alderman for Lake St Louis, I've had a few people ask what an alderman actually does, and whether it is a “political” role, so I wanted to share a simple, high-level explanation.

An alderman helps make decisions about how our city operates on a day-to-day basis. That includes things like budgets, planning and zoning, parks, public spaces, city services, and long-term growth. Aldermen represent their ward, listen to residents, and help ensure decisions are made thoughtfully and in the best interest of the community as a whole.

One important distinction I want to be clear about:

An alderman is an elected role, but at the municipal level, it's non-partisan, issue-focused, and community-driven, not “political” in the party-based, ideological sense most people mean when they say politics.

There are no party labels on the ballot. The work is about stewardship, judgment, and care for the place we all call home, not national politics or ideology.

If you are curious, the City of Lake St. Louis has a helpful page that outlines alderman duties and responsibilities here: https://www.lakesaintlouis.com/1267/Board-of-Aldermen

I am sharing this because I believe understanding local government helps all of us feel more connected and informed, whether or not you ever run for anything yourself.

This is the first post in my new series: Local Government, Simply Explained.

As always, I am happy to answer questions or just listen.

Conclusion

Angela is making a significant impact in Ward 1, but there is still much work to be done. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you can help her continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community.

Let’s rally behind Angela and support her mission to uplift Ward 1. Every contribution helps raise awareness about Angela’s campaign and the choices available to Ward 1 residents. Thank you for your support.

Donate now and be part of the change!