Back To Business!

Wabash Days is over for another year, what a great event. I was so happy to see the residents of Wentzville having such a wonderful time enjoying the festivities with their families and frends. I was also extremely pleased to see that Elvis is alive and well and was living in Wentzville for three hours on stage. (I wonder if he visited with Chuck Berry while he was here?) Bravo to the City of Wentzville, The Wentzville Community Club, The Chamber of Commerce, The Wentzville Downtown Business Association, and The Wentzville Community Historical Society for a successful weekend.

Now, it's time to get back to business! Next year, 2010 is an election year for 3 of our Aldermen and Mayor. With the way our City government has been functioning in recent years, I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of tax issue on the April ballot too, I'll keep you posted. Mayor Paul Lambi will be running again, his campaign committee has already announced a fund-raiser trivia night. He is seeking a fourth term as Mayor of the fastest growing city in St. Charles County. Word around town is that he's lost some of his sparkle that won him his first three terms. Complacency and lack of follow-through on promises are just a few of the things being talked about in local barber shops and gathering spots. It will be interesting to see his platform and what he plans to promise in order to turn back some of the negative talk.

Lambi's opponent(s) are still uncertain, although Nickolas Guccione, Schnucks butcher by day and Alderman of Ward 3 has announced a couple of fund-raisers at local lounges, namely; The Olde Towne Pub and Caddyshack. He told me that he is testing the waters to ascertain if he could raise enough interest in his campaign to dethrone Lambi. If presented properly and knowing many of Guccione's supporters, he could be a contender. Guccione seems to be connecting with the people of Wentzville, this could be an upset.

Another suspected candidate is Ward 2 Alderman Bill Schuette. Schuette, a two-term Alderman is a diesel mechanic on garbage trucks who has wrenched his way onto the Wentzville wall of shame on numerous occasions with his lack of tact, knowledge of governmental inner workings, and political skills. He told me several months ago that he is not going to run for the office of mayor but Schuette is not beyond telling the occasional fib. I hope he runs because in doing so when he loses, he will also lose his seat on the Board of Alderman, this would be a very good thing for Wentzville. If he doesn't seek the higher office, whoever runs against him for his Ward 2 seat has my vote.

Lurking in the shadows of indecision is Ward 2 Alderwoman Peggy Meyer and retired Ward 1 Alderman Leon Tow. Tow ran against Lambi in the 2008 election and made a good showing. Had he campaigned a little more, he could have been seeking his second term as Mayor. At any rate, he told me he's thinking about it but is really enjoying his retirement and being reunited with his golf clubs. Good for you Leon! Rumors have been circulating for the past few years that Peggy Meyer could be interested in the top spot but she's keeping it pretty close to the vest regarding her intentions. We'll know soon.

Regardless who runs, our country is facing huge problems and although we as citizens seem to have little impact at the National level, our votes count heavily in our City elections. I've seen Wentzville mayoral races won by as few as 7 votes. Get registered, let's not let Wentzville's government think we don't care how our city is run. Get acquainted with the candidates and vote in April, 2010.