After many years as a librarian and researcher, Mary realizes the importance of good, reliable information. Information should be available through newsletters, word-of-mouth, websites, blogs, text messages or phone calls.

• Mary will use the Neighborhood Association newsletters and websites. Other ideas include online communities, list serves, and monthly meet-and-greets. 
• Mary wants to make available all sorts of information that is necessary to improving the 23rd ward. She will continue updating her website. She will contribute to the neighborhood association newsletters. Mary will be available via phone and email.
• This communication helps 23rd ward residents to know what's going on in the area. Residents can find out about a business development or upcoming festival. Other City residents can also see what great stuff is happening in the 23rd ward.
• Mutual communication allows the Alderwoman to be more aware what is on the minds of 23rd ward residents. Then we can identify solutions and find ideas for change.

The 23rd ward, while typically recognized as a residential area, also has the ability to provide unique development opportunities for any small business.

• Similar to the Macklind Business District, Ivanhoe Avenue, between Arsenal and Fyler has long-standing businesses with the potential for others.
• The History of St. Louis Neighborhoods-Southwest talks about the shopping on Ivanhoe before World War II. Shopping in this district was vibrant because it was so close to the residential areas.
• The Macklind Business District is successful because people can walk to restaurants and shops.
• Areas of the 23rd Ward, like Ivanhoe Ave., hold great economic potential whether it is a knitting store, dog groomer, bistro or art gallery.
• Walkability of neighborhoods improves the economy and civic pride. It also means more eyes keeping tabs on what's going on in the neighborhood.
• Mary has worked with City agencies such as Planning and Urban Development, the License Collector and the Collector of Revenue. She knows the importance of team work to make a good environment for businesses. She will work with those and other partners to bring new business into the 23rd ward.

Mary wants to encourage residents of the 23rd ward to consider mentoring a local grade school student. Mentoring helps kids know that more than just their parents and teachers care about their success.

• For the 2007-2008 school year, St. Louis Public Schools had almost 17,000 grade school kids. 6,000 children attended charter elementary and middle schools. The Archdiocese of Saint Louis reported 4,200 children attended City Catholic grade schools.
• Mentoring is a relationship between an older, more experienced adult and an unrelated, younger student. The adult provides ongoing guidance, instruction, and encouragement. This helps develop the competence and character of the student.
• For the past 2 years, Mary has worked with a middle school student at Fanning Middle School through UrbanFUTURE. Mary works with her student's teachers and parents to focus on literacy, goal setting and character development.  Mary and her student read together and discuss academic goals every week for an hour. Her student has already increased her reading level by 2 grades!
• Students that participate in mentoring and after-school programs have a better chance to complete high school and attend college. They also are less likely to be in a gang, fight, smoke marijuana or skip class. Students in mentoring also have a greater level of physical activity.These students also say they have higher self-esteem and a more positive attitude about school.