Ortmann, 65, first won the seat with the backing of former Alderman Martie Aboussie, who represented the ward for 22 years. Ortmann’s wife, Pat, runs the Cat’s Meow tavern in Soulard in a building they jointly own. Ortmann said he has worked hard with developers and rehabbers to improve the neighborhoods and revive Cherokee, where many shopkeepers have his signs in their windows.

“I am a problem-solver, and I have expertise in making improvements to the ward,” he said. “We have many good changes in the ward, and we have attracted many millennials.”

Maybe too many. Last August, Pat Ortmann lost her ward committeewoman seat to Sara Johnson, who was backed by Guenther’s allies. Guenther, 40, said he is part of a “new wave of people with what I call the Cherokee Street mentality. We need to invest in the craftsmen, artists and musicians.”

Until he filed for office, Guenther worked for the city’s Operation Brightside promoting neighborhood gardens and habitat for monarch butterflies. Ortmann said he is taking the challenge “very seriously.”

The nominee will face Katie Gore of the Green Party April 4.

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