Bennies and Johnnies: vote Beniek for mayor

To the Editor,

Dear Students of CSB and SJU,

I am running for mayor because I believe Bennies and Johnnies are gifts to the City of St. Joseph. Your diverse talents and strengths make this city thrive. You are more than the money you spend here. You are unique and energizing.

When Paul and I moved here 32 years ago for his job in CSB+SJU IT Services, it was the Bennies and Johnnies who smiled and said hello on the sidewalks. We stayed here because of the colleges, and the colleges sustained my family and educated my kids.

We need the relationship between the city and the colleges to improve and grow so it can make the community better for all.

How do we do that? Through listening to student voices, including yours. As mayor, I will work together with the council to create a new city task force of student voices to address inclusion, public safety and community relations. I would like to see students serving on appointed terms on our economic development authority, planning, tourism and parks boards.

We need to move beyond a punitive view of students to one that embraces and involves you. Even though only Bennies and some Johnnies living off campus can vote in St. Joe, the result of this election affects all of you. I ran for council to get involved. Now I am running for mayor to get you involved. Your voice matters. Please vote on Nov. 8.