Triplett learns lesson in city politics: Being political
Earlier today, we brought you word that Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett and other Sixth Ward Democrats had endorsed State Senate hopeful Rodney Hubbard over ward resident Robin Wright-Jones at their meeting last night. 
“Our membership was very impressed by Rodney’s strong history of getting things done in Jefferson City,”Triplett said in a statement from the Hubbard campaign. “I look forward to working with him to make sure he is the next senator of the 5th District.”
Since the statement was released this morning, however, the freshman alderman may have received some advice that if she is going to oppose one of her own constituents in a heated contest, she might want to be a tad more diplomatic.
This afternoon, Triplett sent a statement from her own campaign, offering praise to both candidates. Here is it, typos and all:
“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 [sic] 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.”
Triplett, who turned 28 this month, has been billed as a rising Democratic star at City Hall. Chalk this episode up as part of her learning curve.
Jake Wagman,
I am the master of mistakes and typos, and the worst proof reader ever.
But, I have proof read the letter a serveral times and did not find any typos or mistakes.
Where are the typos that you have reported being in that statement?
There is just one typo — a dropped word — that I saw:
“Robin [sic] one of the 6th Ward’s terrific elected officials…”
And I point that out not to nit-pick — I’m the last person who should be doing that, given my frequent typos in this space — but to point out that the statement may have been done in a hurry.
Typos aside, Triplett simply doesn’t strike me as particularly bright or impressive in general. Why is she a “rising star”? Because she’s young? That’s not enough. What has she accomplished of substance? On the several occasions I’ve heard her speak, I’ve been thoroughly underwhelmed.
So, let me get this straight - Alderman Triplett decides to release her full statement, instead of cherry-picked quotes from another campaign and she “learns a lesson”? Seems like she already knew what she was doing. If you had called me back Jake, I would have explained that to you.
I know you like the “gotcha” coverage, but I hardly think her kind words for another political leader warrant this type of criticism.
In fact, her quick, diplomatic action here should help illustrate why she’s a “rising star”. That and her leadership of the recent Peace Vigil in Tower Grove East or her securing of funds for the 6th Ward Emergency Tree Relief Program or her work to bring business to places like the new Praxair site and the relocated Villa Lighting Headquarters or her strong local leadership for Barack Obama show why she’s so often recognized as a terrific leader for our city - right now and for years to come.
Is that substance enough for you, Melvin?