Joe Adams Emerges in 14th
July 27th, 2010
Post-Dispatch Endorses Joe Adams as a "Voice for Practical Concerns"
St. Louis County - For weeks informed organizations and individual citizens have chosen to endorse Democrat Joe Adams for State Senate in the 14th District. Today the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has done the same:
Four Democrats filed to succeed Sen. Rita Days in this district in the Normandy area. Three of them are state representatives looking to move up: Maria N. Chappelle-Nadal of University City, Theodore "Ted" Hoskins of Berkeley and Don Calloway of Bel-Nor. The fourth - and the candidate we recommend - is former University City Mayor Joe Adams. He is an effective, low-key leader who can be a voice for the practical concerns of county municipalities and their residents.
None of the House members distinguished himself or herself as an effective leader in Jefferson City...[Mr. Calloway] and Mr. Hoskins have received $30,000 contributions from one of über-conservative retired financier Rex Sinquefield's political action committees. Ms. Chappelle-Nadal got a $30,000 contribution from Sandy Tsai, a leader in the St. Louis Chinese-American community. Mr. Adams has no $30,000 donors. This is a point in his favor.
Joe Adams has also been endorsed by State Senator Joan Bray, State Senator Timothy P. Green, who is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), former State Senator Wayne Goode, IBEW Local 1, and the North County Community Group. Adams also made a clean sweep of the Democratic township Endorsements in the 14th District.
"We are on a mission to improve the region and the state," Adams said. "We are now only one week away from this Primary Election Day. It's going to take all my supporters - and all those who support good government - to ensure a victory."
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City, MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and as representative to the National League of Cities.
Support our Friends and Neighbors to Recover
July 22nd, 2010
Friends and Neighbors,
Damage reports from across North St. Louis County have caused the Red Cross to place the Emergency Shelter on standby as they prepare to assist the many families who have fallen victim to the recent storms.
Today, teams of Red Cross Disaster Services volunteers are responding to approximately 30 reports of flooding damage in North St. Louis County and North St. Louis City. These volunteers will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis, and offer assistance for shelter, food, clothing and clean-up as needed.
It seems the Normandy area was the hardest hit based on their call volume.
Let's please support our friends and neighbors and help them to recover from this tragedy.
Please consider a volunteering or making a financial contribution to the St. Louis Area Chapter of the Red Cross. You can do so or learn more online at www.redcrossstl.org.
Or you may mark you check "local disaster relief" and mail a contribution to:
Red Cross
10195 Corporate Square
St. Louis, Missouri 63132
It is in these times of need that our unity makes the greatest impact.
Thank you,
Joe Adams
North County Citizens Group Endorses Joe Adams for State Senate
July 18th, 2010
Former University City Mayor Continues to Unveil a Broad Base of Support as Primary Election Day Nears
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Joe Adams, Democrat for State Senate in the 14th District and former University City Mayor, is proud to announce today that the North County Citizens Group has endorsed his candidacy.
The North County Citizens Group (NCCG) is composed of elected officials, community leaders, and labor union leaders, who are joined together to address the significant political changes in our communities. The members concentrate on the rapid and profound changes in community demographics and they demand accountability for the public.
"The NCCG identifies community leaders that reflect the ethical standards of the community," said Adams. "It is uplifting to be among those they see fit."
"The NCCG endorsement is more than a piece of paper," Adams continued, "it's a commitment from their membership and my campaign to work in tandem on literature drops, door knocks, and phone banking."
Adams announced earlier this week a "Democratic Township Endorsement Sweep" in the 14th State Senate District. Adams has also previously announced the endorsement of State Senator Joan Bray, State Senator Timothy P. Green, and IBEW Local One.
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City, MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and as Missouri's representative to the National League of Cities.
ADAMS SWEEPS DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENT
July 15th, 2010
Former Mayor of University City Unifies Critical Support In 14th Senate District as Election Day Approaches
MISSOURI STATE SENATE DISTRICT 14 - Joe Adams, Democrat for State Senate in the 14th District and former Mayor of University City is proud to announce today that he has made a clean sweep of the Democratic township Endorsements in the 14th District.
Joe Adams' Township Endorsements include:
Airport Township Democratic Club
Committeepeople Marianne Solari and Michael Corcoran
Ferguson Township Democratic Club
Committeepeople Phyllis Foulks and Tom Sansevere
Florissant Township Open Democratic Club
Committeepeople Mar Elizabeth Dorsey and Bert Atkins
Hadley Township Democratic Club
Committeepeople
Susan Carlson and Nelson Mitten
Normandy Township Regular Democratic Club
Committeepeople Rita Heard Days and Charlie Dooley
University Township Democrats
Committeepeople Hazel Erby and James Cotter
"Democratic Township organizations are the backbone of the Democratic Party. Your unity as we move ever closer to this Primary Election Day proves your confidence in me and in our combined future", said Adams. "I want to thank the Townships for expressing their confidence in me and my campaign for the State Senate. We are on a mission to improve the region and the state."
In addition to the Township endorsements, Joe Adams has been endorsed by State Senator Joan Bray, State Senator Timothy P. Green, who is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), and IBEW Local One.
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City, MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and as representative to the National League of Cities.
View our first campaign video.
University Township Committeeman James E. Cotter Endorses Joe Adams for State Senate
July 9th, 2010
I, James E. Cotter, endorse Joe Adams, Democrat for State Senate in the 14th District of Missouri.
I am supporting Joe because he has shown a strong commitment to our community and its people by serving in leadership roles in just about every capacity.
As a City Councilman, Mayor, on University City School District Committees, and on various community organizations, he has proven his strong commitment to family values.
Joe has demonstrated his abilities on not only a local level, but also on a state and national level, again and again selected by his peers to be a leader.
I have witnessed his tenacity and sincerity in performing his duties and I believe he will carry those same attributes to the 14th Senatorial Seat in the State Senate.
I strongly support Joe Adams for the 14th District Senate Seat because he will be a strong advocate for all people.
Signed,
James E. Cotter
Democratic Committeeman
University Township
University Township Democrats Endorse
Joe Adams for State Senate
July 7th, 2010
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Joe Adams, Democrat for Missouri Senate, today announces that the University Township Democrats have endorsed him in the 14th District Primary Election.
University Township is viewed by many as the lynchpin to cinch a victory in the Democratic Primary in the 14th District. The Committee people are Hazel Erby and James Cotter. Adams, a public servant of University City since 1976, is grateful his longtime friends chose him by a wide margin over other democrats vying for the seat.
"University City is more than just my home, it is my community. I've worked closely for many years with the people here - and together we've made real progress. Our city today has a bustling business district and neighborhoods that families are proud to call home. I've served as City Councilman and then as Mayor. My neighbors and colleagues have had the opportunity to review my character and my performance. Their approval makes this endorsement that much more heartwarming. I am grateful to each and every one of the people who have joined this campaign so far - your support is meaningful and I appreciate it."
University Township Democrats joins Hadley Township Democrats and Normandy Township Democrats in their endorsement off Adams bid for State Senate. Adams has also been endorsed by State Senator Timothy P. Green, who is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), and Ferguson Mayor Brian Fletcher.
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City, MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri's representative to the National League of Cities.
University City lays the foundation for the 14th State Senate District - which stretches from the City of St. Louis west to I-270, and from Delmar Boulevard north to I-270.
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate this Fourth of July in the midst of family and friends, let us remember that this is the day we celebrate the reasons and rational for this country and our government. May we cherish our hard-won freedom and work to keep our government with leaders that represent the people and not special interests. Let us remember that because of those who walked before us believed in freedom's cause so much, we became a government "of the people and for the people".
May you all have a safe and joyous holiday, and show your pride in America by flying the flag.
Sincerely, Joe Adams
Hadley Township Democrats Endorse
Joe Adams for State Senate in 14th District
June 30th, 2010
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Today Joe Adams, Democrat for Missouri Senate, is proud to announce
that the Hadley Township Regular Democratic Club has endorsed him in the 14th District
Primary Election.
Hadley Township, which includes much of the Washington University Campus and parts of
University City, was also home to Missouri’s first female Lt. Governor, Harriett Woods. More
Township Democrats voted to support Joe Adams in the 14th District than the combined votes
for his challengers, Representatives Calloway, Chappelle-Nadal, and Hoskins. The organization
also voted to endorse Robin Carnahan for U. S. Senate, Susan Montee for State Auditor, and
Charlie Dooley for County Executive.
“Hadley Township brims with progressive democratic voters,” said Adams. “I’m honored
to be endorsed alongside such well-respected Democrats. I look forward to canvassing and
making phone calls with the Hadley Township Democrats in the coming weeks to see that a true
Democrat serves the people of the 14th State Senate district.”
In addition to the Hadley Township Democratic Endorsement, Joe Adams has been endorsed by
the Normandy Township Democrats, State Senator Timothy P. Green, who is the President of the
Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), and Ferguson Mayor Brian
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City,
MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal
League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri’s representative to the
National League of Cities.
The 14th Senate District stretches from the City of St. Louis west to I-270, and from Delmar
Boulevard north to I-270. The district includes areas in Ferguson, University City, Bridgeton,
Cool Valley, Normandy, Florissant and Hazelwood – parts of 51 municipalities in all.
Normandy Township Democrats Endorse Joe Adams for State Senate in 14th District Normandy, MO
June 17th, 2010
Normandy Township Democrats Endorse Joe Adams for State Senate in 14th District Normandy, MO - Today Joe Adams, Democrat for Missouri Senate, is proud to announce that the Normandy Township Regular Democratic Club has endorsed him in the 14th District Primary Election.
Committee people for the Township are State Senator Rita Days, and County Executive Charlie Dooley. Normandy Township includes Pasadena Hills, Cool Valley, Bel-Nor, and Normandy in St. Louis County. Normandy Township is one of eight Townships with parts in the 14th State Senate District.
"Serving as Mayor of University City and as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League has given me the opportunity to build strong relationships with citizens and public servants across the 14th State Senate District - and especially in the communities in Normandy Township," said Adams. "I look forward to working with everyone to bring smart economic development and good-paying jobs to our area."
In addition to the Normandy Township endorsement, Joe Adams has been endorsed by State Senator Timothy P. Green, who represents part of North St. Louis County (District 13) and is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), and Ferguson Mayor Brian Fletcher.
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City, MO. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri's representative to the National League of Cities.
The 14th Senate District stretches from the City of St. Louis west to I-270, and from Delmar Boulevard north to I-270. The district includes areas in Ferguson, University City, Bridgeton, Cool Valley, Normandy, Florissant and Hazelwood - parts of 51 municipalities in all.
Memorial Day Message
May 31st, 2010
Today, Memorial Day, is a time to remember and give thanks to the men and women who have served our country, and are currently serving our great country.
This day is set aside for us to remember and honor the brave men and women for their dedication and sacrifice, so that we are able to enjoy and appreciate our freedom!
We also give thanks and honor those who have served during our country's time of peace, and for their readiness to keep us safe.
Ferguson Mayor Brian Fletcher Endorses Joe Adams for State Senate
May 27th, 2010
Adams now has the support of leaders in the 14th district's two largest cities.
Ferguson, MO - Today Ferguson Mayor Brian Fletcher endorsed Joe Adams for State Senate in the 14th District Democratic Primary.
Ferguson is the second largest municipality in the 14th Senatorial District, second only to Joe Adams' home of University City. Mayor Fletcher was elected Mayor in 2005, but has served in multiple public service roles since 1983, including alderman, committeeman, and school board member in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
"Joe has the experience as a municipal leader for over 30 years. I believe he is the best candidate to serve the citizens of Ferguson and the entire 14th District as their Senator," said Mayor Fletcher.
"Mayor Fletcher has a distinct vision for the City of Ferguson; a vision for long-term success and continued growth and progress for a city and regional level," said Adams. "It's been a pleasure to work with him and many other quality leaders in our region an a daily basis. I look forward to taking the concerns of communities to Jefferson City and continuing our work for regional progress. His endorsement is appreciated and a real advantage in this campaign."
Mayor Fletcher and Joe Adams have worked together on key regional issues as members of the Metro Mayors of St. Louis. Together, they're committed to maintaining a vibrant, diverse community with abundant opportunities for businesses. As members of the St. Louis County Economic council, they've worked towards sustaining and increasing an educated workforce and an environment that helps attract good-paying jobs to St. Louis County.
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri's representative to the National League of Cities.
Earlier this month, Joe Adams was endorsed by Missouri State Senator Timothy P. Green, a Democrat, who represents part of North St. Louis County (District 13) and is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO).
The 14th Senate District stretches from the City of St. Louis west to I-270, and from Delmar North to I-270. The district includes areas in Ferguson, University City, Bridgeton, Cool Valley, Normandy, Hazelwood - parts of 51 municipalities in all.
Senator Green Endorses Joe Adams for State Senate
May 11th, 2010
Green Says Adams "Gets the Big Picture" in
Crowded Primary
St. Louis County, Missouri
Today Joe Adams, Democrat for Missouri Senate, is proud to announce that State Senator Timothy Green has endorsed him in the 14th District.
"I believe that Joe gets the big picture of our economy and will be a strong advocate for the working families of today and that his efforts will protect the working families of tomorrow," said State Senator Timothy P. Green, North St. Louis County.
Senator Green and Joe Adams first met at FOCUS St. Louis, an organization that brings people from various backgrounds and leadership positions to look at the issues that face our region and hopefully develop a shared idea of how to make St. Louis work.
"Senator Green has a strong track record," said Adams, "of knowing who would serve well as a senator for this state. I respect Senator Green and his faith in me as one who will work for the renewed growth of Missouri."
"I respect what the Senator has accomplished in the state legislature - both as a Representative and as a Senator," Adams continued. "He works hard for his constituents and is known to be a man who speaks his mind and helps others to understand his position. Senator Green has earned the respect of his peers in the state capitol and is a true leader. I look forward to joining Senator Green in the State Senate, and together working to bring smart growth and good-paying jobs to our area."
Senator Timothy P. Green, a Democrat, represents part of North St. Louis County (District 13) in the Missouri Senate. In addition to his legislative duties, Senator Green works as a construction electrician and is a member IBEW #1 Union, North County Labor Legislative Club, Missouri State Labor Council, St. Louis Labor Council, and is the President of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO).
Joe Adams is a retired History professor and the immediate past Mayor of University City. He has served our region and our state as the President of the St. Louis County Municipal League, President of the Missouri Municipal League, and Missouri's representative to the National League of Cities.
The 14th Senate District stretches from the City of St. Louis west to I-270, and from Delmar North to I-270. The district includes areas in Ferguson, University City, Bridgeton, Cool Valley, Normandy, Hazelwood - parts of 51 municipalities in all.
Protect and Preserve Historic Tax Credits
April 30th, 2010
Missouri is recognized nationally for its Historic Tax Credit program. But today this job creating and economically stimulating program is again under attack.
Since its inception in 1998, the Missouri Historic Tax Credit program has created over 40,000 jobs and spurred over $4 billion in private investment. With a return to the state of over one dollar for each credit dollar issued, the Historic Tax Credit has resulted in $673 million direct and $700 million indirect additional income for Missouri taxpayers. More than 900 historic renovation projects have been completed in 37 counties across the state of Missouri, in fact, Missouri leads the nation in historic preservation and other states have made efforts to imitate our Program’s success.
Living most of my life in University City and enjoying the entire St. Louis Region, I understand how we value the diversity and history of our communities. The historic preservation provided by the Missouri Historic Tax Credit Program benefits both residential and commercial interests in our communities. Because the credits are available to a project of any size, the biggest beneficiaries of historic preservation are local citizens, who work and live in distinctive, attractive places that have an alluring sense of community.
Without the Historic Tax Credit program, architecturally unique and significant buildings in many of our communities would lie in a deplorable state of distress and over time they would become so economically obsolete they would be destroyed. But the historic preservation incentive allows us to utilize existing structures and prevents the waste and expenditure that comes with demolition and new construction.
Eliminating the availability of Historic Tax Credits in today’s housing market could lead to a downturn which could send many of our aging communities into economic turmoil. Real estate values in our region have remained relatively stable compared to the rest of the nation. However, making preservation and rehabilitation more expensive would reduce construction and growth. Or even worse, eliminating the credit would stop the progress that is underway in so many areas of our communities that are “on the edge” of becoming the next historic destination for families, businesses, and visitors.
It’s also important that we consider the properties that are put back on the tax roles, or simply improved because of the Historic Tax Credit incentive. Rehabbing historic downtowns, small towns and small cities, and replenishing small businesses in spaces that were once vacant supplies a tax base for our schools.
Simply put, what spurs economic prosperity is jobs and dollars. To eliminate a tax credit which provides both of these things directly and in abundance - and when we need them most - is absurd.
I urge our Missouri House and Senate to keep their hands off these dollars that generate jobs and positive economic development for our state.
- Joe Adams
Democrat for Missouri State Senate – 14th District
Support MONA. Support Adams.
April 22nd, 2010
"Actions speak louder than words."
My life has been dedicated to public service. I have aggressively pursued what is best for the people of our community. I can assure you that selflessness is a desirable and challenging virtue for a public servant.
For many years I have done what is right. We've made real progress for the safety of our people and we've worked hard to move forward with positive economic development. We've also made progress socially, and I'm proud that as the Mayor of University City, we were the first city in Missouri to pass a non-discrimination ordinance and resolution.
Now Missouri has the opportunity to broaden its non-discrimination policy to a state-wide level with the Missouri Non-discrimination Act (MONA).
MONA would add sexual orientation and gender identity as categories protected under the law which currently protects Missourians from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and disability. MONA was introduced in the House this year with 53 sponsors and has already been heard in committee. I urge you to contact your elected officials in the State Capitol and ask them to support The Missouri Non-discrimination Act, MONA.
Recently, some of those seeking elected office, and some of their supporters in our community, have acted in less than an honorable manner. You can read the reports in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch here, the St. Louis Beacon Story here, or commentary from the Vital Voice here. This type of action is not progressive -it's destructive.
Today I need you to take action. I am in a crowded field of primary candidates for the Missouri State Senate District 14 Election, and I need your help to win. As one of only 34 senators in the Missouri State Senate, I will be a strong voice for you and for the values and beliefs we both share. We must not take this election for granted. Recent history has proved that just because a candidate is a "democrat" or a "progressive", it does not mean that they will stand up for what is right. I have the conviction to not only stand up for what is right - but to do what is right for our great state.
Thank you for your consideration.
Joe Adams
Mayor of University City
Democrat for State Senate in the 14th District
For fairness and equality.
April 14th, 2010
In only a few months, because of term limits, registered voters in the 14th State Senate District will choose a new Senator to replace the honorable Senator Rita Heard Days.
My name is Joe Adams, and I am prepared to do the job.
When I first became an elected public servant, the streets of my community were filled with too much hate and divisiveness. Our sidewalks were pathways to homes where people often felt unsafe and at times were unaware of what the next day held.
Today University City is a destination where people from other parts of the region come for entertainment. It's a place where the people find strength in our diversity. It's a place where I am proud to be a leader for progress.
I'm proud that as Mayor of University City we were the first City in Missouri to pass a non-discrimination ordinance and resolution. We opened up our city to welcome all people instead of trying to exclude them.
Recently, some of those seeking elected office, and some of their supporters in our community, have acted in less than an honorable manner. Already, much has been reported on the incident. You can read the report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch here, the St. Louis Beacon Story here, or commentary from the Vital Voice here.
My father was of Muscogee Indian and African American heritage. My mother was raised in an orphanage. I am grateful and proud for their will and endurance. The toils they overcame for my family have enabled us to enjoy the type of life in 2010 that their parents could only hope for. They raised me to look at my fellow man in the eye, shake his hand firmly, and accept him as my equal.
I became politically active in the 1960s. Many of you remember the deep sadness we all felt inside when we lost Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. I felt a similar sadness this week when someone I trusted to uphold a flag of progress and equality slapped our combined progress in the face.
I have done my best to promote positive change - not through back-room deals or shouting at the top of my lungs - but by listening to the people and then working towards what is best for our combined future. It's a pleasure to serve the public in that capacity. I take great pride in being a rational mind and calm hand in order to help the many sides find common ground and move forward together.
That's what I'll continue to do as your State Senator from the 14th District.
- Mayor Joe Adams
University City, MO
Fundraiser at Pasta House in University City
April 13th, 2010
Support Transit. Support Development.
April 1st, 2010
Many things contribute to the growth and vitality of metropolitan areas - one common thread is a strong public transit system. World-class cities offer world-class transit. The St. Louis area has the opportunity to develop this trend on Tuesday.
Public transportation links workers to jobs, patients to health care providers, shoppers to businesses, students to schools and universities, and all of us to cultural and sporting venues. It increases our metropolitan competitiveness. Metro growth means a greater attraction for business development, economic growth, and overall metropolitan appeal. The greatest cities that have maintained growth in the country and in the world offer great transit systems. St. Louis has the opportunity to become one of the leading cities in the country in public transit. On Tuesday, support transit and support smart economic growth in the St. Louis area.
Transit is a daily asset to workers, patients, students, and sports fans. Our public transit system includes the MetroBus, MetroLink, and Call-A-Ride operations. You may be a frequent or occasional rider, but we all have access to our public transit system, and we all rely on it. Metro is an integral part of the St. Louis region's transportation plan, and I am seeking your support for its continued operation and growth.
On Tuesday, voters in St. Louis County will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition A and support the operation and expansion of our Metro system. A YES VOTE is your investment and faith in St. Louis. The passage of Proposition A will secure needed revenue to restore service cuts, expand both bus and rail routes, and operate Call-A-Ride vans that are used by the disabled and elderly to access health care and other services. And it will trigger an already-approved tax in the City of St. Louis.
Public transportation is critical for the overall vitality of the St. Louis area. I hope you will join me in voting "YES" on Proposition A this coming Tuesday.
- Mayor Joe Adams
Our Census. Your Participation
March 16th, 2010
You may have already received your 2010 Census form. It's just 10 questions that only take about 10 minutes to answer. The questions are very basic, asking about topics such as name, age, race, and homeownership. I encourage all residents to fill out their census forms immediately and send them back.
Census data is used to allocate the 435 seats in Congress and directly affects how over $400 billion in federal funding is distributed annually to state and local governments and non-profit community organizations. Your participation helps us all.
Mailing back your census form is important because it saves taxpayer dollars. It costs the government just 42 cents for a postage paid envelope when a household mails back the form. But it costs the Census Bureau $57 to send a census taker door-to-door to follow up with each household that fails to respond. In 2000, the nation reversed a three-decade decline in mail rates, achieving a participation rate of 72 percent. It's in all our best interest to increase the participation rate even more.
The 2010 Census is the 23rd headcount of the population in our nation's history. The first one was in 1790 and asked six questions. At that time the U.S. population was tabulated at 3.9 million. Look forward to you being counted and thank you for your support.
To learn more about the U.S. Census and the Bureau, please visit www.census.gov
Thank you, Mayor Joe Adams
Message From Joe
Feb. 26th, 2010
This week I traveled to Jefferson City and officially filed with the Missouri Secretary of State as a Democratic Candidate for State Senate in the 14th District.
What a truly wonderful example of American Democracy: Hundreds of Missourians respectfully standing in a single file line to add their name to the list of citizens who are willing to serve their communities. I had to smile as I looked at the faces - young and old, all races and religions, men and women - all greeted and enrolled with the same respect. There was a time in our state and in our country when this did not happen. Even today in other nations many of the people standing in line would simply not be considered or allowed to serve in public office. The procedure and the work by the staff at the Sectary of State's Office to ensure a fair and open registration should be applauded. It reminded me that I am proud to be a Missourian.
I must admit I was charmed by the people I met while filing. I was impressed by their quality. What a great cross-section of our state. When you vote this fall for United States Senate, State Auditor, State Senator, State Representative or Judge in Missouri in August and November - you will have a choice among respectable Missourians who all have the intention of serving their communities with honesty and with zeal. I look forward to getting to know them better as we approach Election Day.
This week I saw the greatness of American Democracy first hand. I am honored to be a part of it. I hope that over the coming months you will take an active role in Democracy. Please try to read the news, engage your candidates for public office, and become involved with a political campaign. You really can make a difference in your community - and you don't have to be running for office yourself.
This week marks the official beginning of my campaign for State Senate. We are eager and willing to have you join our crusade to refocus our government for efficiency, progress, and ensuring open communication between citizens and their government.
Thank you Mr. President
1/28/2010
When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States only 14 months ago, he offered hope of a real change in the direction of America.
For the last year we've seen mostly political bickering, and I personally was afraid we had lost a great opportunity. But last night Our President gave a speech that was more than words: He had an interaction with America; a re-launch of Hope.
By acknowledging that we are all frustrated with partisan bickering he spoke of reclaiming the American Spirit in a way that leaves us not at the mercy of our government, but in control of it.
"What the American people hope-what they deserve-is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics." - Barack Obama, State of the Union Address, January 27, 2010
I believe that he is right. We must work together both Democrats and Republicans. We must produce good jobs and assist small business to create jobs. We must tackle the problem of health care. We must make smarter and greater investments in education, including community colleges and student loans. We must give our children a better life. Let's try common sense. Let's invest in our people.Let's build an infrastructure for the future.I believe it will take bold and visionary leadership to ensure that all Americans have this opportunity.
Today in Missouri, jobs are number one. Make no mistake. Families cannot seriously consider the future when they don't have the means to get through today. Small businesses are at the heart of job growth and I believe, as the President has stated, that exporting our goods to the rest of the world is the key to our economic safety.
Thank you Mr. President for your dedication to our country. I hope that your message was heard by all Americans - and especially Missourians - no matter their political stripe. Together we can move forward.
- Joe Adams
Today citizen-led movements across America are congregating to express the passion and dream of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1/19/2010
The legacy of Dr. King holds special meaning for me because of his direct impact on my life. I am the son of a father who worked two jobs and a mother who worked also to provide their family opportunities they did not have. My parents dedicated their lives to providing my sister and I the best education possible, and I graduated from an integrated high school. In my school, we weren't segregated as some of the early integrated schools were, we formed groups, but they were the groups of our choosing, not state-imposed. Friends from other schools thought it was "weird", white friends and black friends - all friends, but we thought they were "weird". That early emergence into equality has helped me to continue to work towards seeing that all people are treated fairly and given the opportunity to succeed.
Race relations in Missouri and especially in the St. Louis area have always been complex. I do my best to honor my mother and father and their hard work, and the education they provided me has given me the opportunity to serve my community. I was the first African American elected to the City Council in University City and then as Mayor. In these roles, I do my best to see that when citizens step up to the counter of their government they find it qualified, capable, cordial and reflective of its people.
Yesterday, I welcomed citizens to the annual MLK event in University City. I remember vividly seeing members of the community and church choirs at that first community wide celebration, singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" together - many of them hearing that song for the first time - some 24 years ago. Now, a generation later, the song, known then as the 'Negro National Anthem' is widely enjoyed by all citizens, especially during this time of the year.
Working alongside community organizations for the good of our neighborhoods and to give our children lives they can be proud of - to see so many young people expressing the passion and dream of Dr. King is especially heart-warming to me.
Dr. King believed we could discover a way to live together in peace.
He believed we would find a way to reject revenge, aggression and retaliation.
He refused to believe that we were so bound by racism and war, that peace,
brotherhood and sisterhood were not possible.
He believed that what self-
centered people had torn down, other-centered people could build up.
He believed by the goodness of God, brokenness could be healed.
This dream can be seen today with the huge outpouring of generosity
in the rescue and recovery for the people of Haiti.
May everyone today continue to honor Dr. King's dream not only for today's holiday events, but for all the days to come. Let us disagree with kindness, not bitterness. May we all work to live the Dream every day.
- Joe Adams
Sustainable Community Winner: University City
St. Louis Business Journal - by Lisa R. Brown
Dating back to its pioneering newspaper recycling program in the 1960s, University City has been and remains a community trailblazer when it comes to the environment.
This year, University City staff led the way on a new purchasing agreement with a supplier of office paper with recycled content. By signing up seven other municipalities — Maryland Heights, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Olivette, Creve Coeur, Webster Groves, and Ferguson — to buy in bulk, the savings was passed on to the entire group.
University City officials also have begun work on another program they believe could be copied throughout the region. This month, city leaders tapped architectural firm Arcturis, BOA Construction and Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts to design and build five LEED Platinum homes, all priced under $200,000. The city is donating the land for the five lots and has approved eight-year tax abatement for the project, to be located in the 6600 blocks of Bartmer and Crest avenues.
<CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY>
Mayor Joe Adams receives the first Gates of Opportunity Award for his 30 years of service.
By Margaret Gillerman, St. Louis Post Dispatch - 10.07.2009
 |
The 105-year old searchlight that lit up the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904 will be turned on at 9:30 p.m. and will shine across the city. The antique searchlight is lit only on special occasions. |
Photos from the event:
Mayor Adams accepting the Opportunity Award for 30 years of service.
Mayor Adams speaking to the crowd.
"University City mayor joins 14th District state Senate race"
By Phil Sutin, St. Louis Post-Dispatch - 07.03.2009
After serving more than 33 years as a council member and mayor of University City, Joe Adams is moving to a new political arena.
Adams, the city’s mayor since 1996, is running for state senator in the 14th District. He is one of what for now is a three-candidate race in the Democratic primary next August.
Joining Adams in organizing state Senate campaign committees are State Rep. Theodore “Ted” Hoskins, D-Berkeley, and former State Rep. Esther Haywood, D-Bellerive. Filing of the Aug. 3, 2010 election opens on Feb. 23 and closes March 30. <CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY>
