Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will appear in a commercial supporting the area’s public transit system beginning in early February.
The commercial, funded by Citizens for Modern Transit, features Wrighton with his counterpart at St. Louis Community College, Chancellor Zelema Harris. It will air on all network channels as well as select cable channels in the St. Louis area.
Also appearing in the commercial are Fredbird; Cardinals broadcasters and former players Mike Shannon and Al Hrabosky; Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and other businesses in the University City Delmar Loop; Tom Voss, chairman and CEO of Ameren; Denny DeNarvaez, president and CEO of St. John’s Mercy Health Care; Max Starkloff, a disability rights activist and St. Louis native; Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission; and the Rev. Tommie Pierson of Greater St. Mark Family Church.
Wrighton participated in the commercial because he agrees with its overall message that Metro is a crucial asset for the St. Louis region.
“Although not everyone in the St. Louis area uses public transportation, everyone in the community needs it,” Wrighton said. “So many St. Louis residents, businesses and institutions depend on public transportation, which is a key economic driver in the area. By showing our support in April, we can help build momentum for all of St. Louis.”
On April 6, St. Louis County residents will vote whether to pass a tax increase that will provide $75 million annually to expand and operate the Metro system, which includes Metro bus, MetroLink light rail and Call-A-Ride services. In 1997, St. Louis City voters passed a similar tax, but it will not take effect until the county voters approve the April 6 measure. The city sales tax increase would raise another $8 million for Metro.
Wrighton and Harris filmed their part of the commercial together Jan. 26 at Technisonic in St. Louis.
“I always enjoy working together with Zelema Harris,” Wrighton said. “She is an outstanding leader in our region, and I am grateful for her partnership on this important initiative.”
To view the commercial, visit http://bit.ly/9ygKxz.