Greetings!

Let me begin by thanking you for your vote and placing your trust in me as your mayor.

I have lived in St. John for 48 years and have been married to my husband, Tom, for 53 years. We have two children,six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. We bought our “first” home here in St. John, with the intention of moving on in “about 5 years or so.” Well, that turned into 48 years and counting. We both got involved in our children’s school and then the city.

I retired from working as an administrative assistant for a human resource consulting firm, which conducted pre-hire assessments, CEO evaluations, executive coaching, performance management, leadership development, and team building.Before that, I worked for twenty-five-plus years as a real estate broker for a local real estate company.I have also served on committees with my former parish churches, and most recently served on the parish council for Saint Ann Parish in Normandy, Missouri.

I began by taking a steady approach, learning as much as possible about how our city government functions, both where it succeeds and where it falls short.

Some may think that being a Council person or Mayor is simply showing up for a meeting or two,and that is it.It is much more. I decided to learn and get involved first by joining the Personnel Board and the Park Board. From there, I moved on to the Board of Adjustment, Code Review Committee, Budget Committee, Home Improvement Board, Human Rights Commission, Financial Investment Board, and Comprehensive Plan Task Force, both in 1998 and 2012. I also served as Deputy Mayor and currently serve as a Director on our Community Improvement District (CID) and the steward of our Community Garden. If you have not seen it, it’s at the intersection of Betty Lee and Walton Roads.This past year, my husband Tom and I decided to reopen our Senior Program. We’re hoping to generate more interest so we can take this group off its brief pause.

After serving on the City Council for 15 years, actively participating in a wide range of city activities, and attending numerous meetings, including those of the Municipal League. I believe I’ve gained the experience and insight needed to serve effectively as your mayor. I hold this position with great seriousness and see it as both an honor and a responsibility to serve the city I’ve called home and cherished for the past 48 years.

I don’t plan on moving anytime soon, and my goal is to keep moving the city forward and be the best hidden gem in North County.

If you ever wish to speak with me,please call me by leaving a message at City Hall 314-427-8700 at extension 106 or email me at mhalaska@cityofstjohn.org. Also, you can follow me on my Facebook page, Mary Halaska,Mayor of the City of St. John, MO.