Today, Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett warmly received the news that Marriot Hotels would be assuming the management of the hotel in Union Station. A historic landmark and tourist attraction, Union Station lies in the heart of the Sixth Ward.

I’m thrilled to welcome Marriot Hotels to the Sixth Ward,” Triplett said. “Union Station is one of Saint Louis’ historic attractions. It has both a storied history and many contemporary charms. With the world-class service of Marriot Hotels, this great property is in excellent hands.

Located at 1820 Market Street in the heart of downtown, St. Louis Union Station is one of the region’s most visited tourist attractions. It originally opened in 1894 and served as the largest and busiest passenger rail terminal in the world. The Terminal Hotel opened one year later in 1895 and served much of the railroad personnel needs as they traveled from coast to coast. In 1985, St. Louis Union Station underwent an extensive restoration and complete renovation and re- opened as an acclaimed mixed-use project that serves as a model for historic redevelopment. It now features more than 80 unique specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, a 539-room historic hotel, a lake, and a plaza for special events.

Rodney Hubbard’s state Senate campaign delivered a blow to his opponent’s political base last night by winning the endorsement of Robin Wright-Jones‘ own ward.

6TH WARD ENDORSES HUBBARD FOR STATE SENATE
Rodney Wins Backing of Wright-Jones’Home Ward

(St. Louis) – Today, the 6th Ward Democratic Organization endorsed Rodney Hubbard’s campaign for State Senate. The endorsement, an open selection of the organization’s full membership, is remarkable as it comes from the ward in which Rep. Robin Wright-Jones, Hubbard’s opponent for the Senate seat, calls home.

In addition to the ward organization, Hubbard also has the support of the alderman, Kacie Starr Triplett, and her immediate predecessor, President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed.

UPDATE: Triplett issued the following statement today about her ward’s endorsement:

Today, Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett (6th-Ward) thanked Representatives Rodney Hubbard and Robin Wright-Jones for attending the 6th Ward Democratic Organization’s endorsement meeting and lauded both candidates’ impressive campaigns. Last night, both 5th District Candidates spoke to the Ward’s general membership.

“I’d like to express the ward’s gratitude to Representatives Wright-Jones and Hubbard for attending last night’s meeting. Both candidates really connected with the audience,” said Triplett. “It was a difficult decision in the end. Our membership was very impressed by Rodney’s strong history of getting things done in Jefferson City. His hard work has earned him support throughout the city.”

“However, many of us have also substantially benefited from Robin’s great service in Jefferson City during the past few years. Robin is one of the 6th Ward’s terrific elected officials,” Triplett said – noting that Wright-Jones, President of the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed and herself all live within its boundaries.

“Either candidate will represent Saint Louis effectively in Jefferson City, but the 6th Ward will help all of our endorsed candidates – like Representative Hubbard. I look forward to working with him to make sure he is the next senator of the 5th District.”

The Fashion of Kacie Starr Triplett from PubDef.net on Vimeo.

Sixth Ward Alderwoman Kacie Starr Triplett, 27, is six feet of civil servant style.

She’s only been in office for one year, but her style of dress is classic, hearkening back to the days of Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and her grandmother, a seamstress who still makes outfits for Triplett today.

Pictured here in a mint green coat dress from The Time Boutique at 922 Washington Avenue and peak-a-boo black heels by Nine West, Triplett dresses for success with her shoulders back and head held high.

Triplett comes from political lineage. Her grandfather, John Bass, deceased, was a state senator, city comptroller and alderman.

“It’s in the blood,” she said. “Doctors breed doctors. Lawyers breed lawyers … I guess politicians make politicians.”

The same goes for her sense of style. Her grandmother has made Triplett clothes since she was an infant.

“She made all my prom dresses and special event suits,” Triplett said. “It’s been a blessing because she was able to do all that for stuff for free.”

It was also helpful to Triplett’s height. Being so tall, she can’t buy pants off the rack. When she was younger she was nervous about her height and slouched a lot, but now she holds herself with confidence and pride.

“It took a while, but I’m not shrinking so I might as well embrace it,” she said.

Despite her love of clothes, Triplett’s not a big fan of shopping and her public servant paycheck isn’t generous enough to blow the bank of designer duds, but she makes it work by focusing on the best quality garment, investing in clothing that is stylish and will last.

Triplett shops the downtown boutiques as well as Macy’s and Nordstrom. And while she cares about her clothes, she cares about the city and her constituents more.

“I want to make a difference,” Triplett said. “I love this city with a passion. I tell people all the time I will fall on the sword for the city of St. Louis.”

Photos by Antonio D. French

See more pictures from our photo shoot with Kacie Starr Triplett at our Flickr photo set.