Latest Filing News

The latest from city hall; another candidate has filed for an alderman seat. The name of Jeremy Pritchett has been added to the list of candidates filing in Ward 2, Mr. Pritchett joins Donna Sherwood and Ms. Sonya Shryock who is the preeminent candidate unlless a more qualified candidate should materialize. Today there are ten names on the official list of candidates filing for the April 3rd, 2012 election:

MAYOR:

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Nickolas "Nick" Guccione

LEON TOW

ALDERMAN, WARD ONE:

Jay Weber

ALDERMAN, WARD TWO:

Donna J. Sherwood
Sonya Shryock

Jeremy Pritchett

ALDERMAN, WARD THREE:

Michael Hays

RICK STOKES (incumbent)

Rodney E. "Rod" Stratman

I don't have any information about several of the candidates and have struck through those whom I cannot support. FORREST GOSSETT has said he is going to file in Ward 1 and when that happens, he will be my choice. Jay Weber and Rodney Stratman are both the liberal plants of Nick Guccione in an attempt to build a board of aldermen who will agree with him and his agenda. I do not agree with this kind of politics and will not support any candidate who was planted by any elected official. Michael Hays has run before but I firmly believe that the incumbent, RICK STOKES has performed superbly in representing Ward 3 and the city, therefore he is my choice. I believe Donna Sherwood to be incompetent, will find out more about Jeremy Prtchett, and I am ccurrently leaning toward Sonya Shryock to represent the citizens of Ward 2.

Due to the political inconsistency, questionable behavior, and poor choices made by candidate Nick Guccione, I can no longer accept him as a viable choice for mayor of Wentzville. This job is too important to have someone in the top spot who comes in with a philosophy that does not parallel that of the taxpaying citizens of Wentzville. I can not sit back and avoid reporting on enethical behavior in city hall, even by a friend.

Sonya Shryock, Alderman Candidate

Sonya Shryock
Candidate for Alderman, Ward 2

Considering the registered candidates for Ward 2, Sonya Shryock is The Wentzvillian's candidate of choice. Sonya has lived in Wentzville for two years, a mother of two, and worked in the real estate business for over 20 years. She comes from a family with a combined experience in real estate of over 75 years. Today, she is a full-time wife, mother, and advocate/fundraiser for displaced children and families, among other causes that hit her in the heart. Sonya was interviewed last week and offered the following information about herself and her candidacy:

"I am a  concerned citizen

and confident that I can help."

"I am a people person and stand up for what's right. Some members of my family call me 'Captain Justice.' I am not a politician nor want to be, but I am passionate about Wentzville issues and eager to do what is necessary to create a better future for our citizens and city."

With the economy as it is today, she takes issue with the 3000 unbuilt home lots and the problem of housing for retired and first time buyers. She is against building smaller homes in subdivisions that were approved for larger homes.

"I disagree with allowing builders to place homes with a smaller footprint next to larger homes and I think citizens currently residing in these larger homes would agree with me. There are other ways to build-out these 3000 lots and still provide medium or limited income housing without bringing down the property value of those residents already living in Wentzville. When the Real Estate industry is in trouble, the Economy is in trouble. When building is going it employs everyone from the lawyers, builders, realtors, painters, title companies, carpenters, etc.—so while I don' t agree with building smaller footprints, I think there are better ways to keep these people working and it is one of my most important goals."

When asked how she would accomplish this:

"I would work with Wentzville's Economic Development department to restart our economic-engine. Businesses are what brings residents to our city, and residents who are working, will buy homes here. I support small as well as large businesses and have experience and ideas about how to get them here. The plan is long-term and there's no quick-fix, I don't have all the answers but will listen to my fellow citizens who may have them."

"I am upset about the current trend of our city using outside contractors who take money out of Wentzville. We need to use the businesses that are located here and when the city spends money with them, it multiplies three times. If there are businesses here who can provide goods and services needed by the city, they should be our first choice in bids. We need to stop sending our jobs to someone in another city, county, or state unless absolutely necessary."

"I am pleased that some of our current aldermen are standing tall for cutting spending and trimming the excess out of Wentzville's budget. I believe in fiscal responsibility and will work toward creating a more economically efficient city government. From what I've seen, our aldermen have made great strides in the right direction and will need someone to support them in their efforts to get Wentzville back on track, I want to make a difference and I'm eager to get started."

Sonya Shryock is a candidate with vision and compassion, strong family values, and great civic pride. I believe she will make a difference in Wentzville when she is elected. The Wentzvillian urges readers to remember the name of Sonya Shryock when going into the voting booth on April 3rd, 2012.

An invitation was given to all candidates running for office in the 2012 election to place their bio/platform here. This offer is open for any legitimate, registered candidate to post their political platform. (If you are a candidate and want your platform presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

To Most a Good Night

'Twas the night before domsday and all through city hall,

the trench rats were squealing, anticipating the fall.

Wanted posters were hung in the minds of a few

and they'll make the New Year one hell of a do.

The calm of the season deceiving to most

would give way to havoc for the terrible host.

The knuckleheads and shifters were snug in their beds

while delusions of adequacy danced through their heads.

The moonlight glistened on Lurch's sconce bright

but the butcher he was troubled this dark and gloomy night.

The lawyers were lined up all ready to collect

while the lawmakers whistled on this night to reflect.

When out on the street arose such a fuss

the butcher prepared to be thrown under the buss.

When all the trouble started is difficult to tell

and the judge simply stated "get into that cell."

As corks popped and the grunts sang Auld Lang Syne

the butcher of Wentzville walked that green mile line.

You may wonder if there's an end to this morbid-incorrect verse

the finale will come as the butcher flees in his political hearse.

As the wagon drove into the dark well of the night

you could hear him yelling with fist clenched bars tight,

GO TO HELL!

But to most a good night.

Leon Tow Candidate for Mayor

An invitation was given to all candidates running for office in the 2012 election to place their bio/platform here. It must be understood that this is not an endorsement of any prospective mayor or alderman and is open for any legitimate, registered candidate to post their political platform.

For Immediate Release:

LEON TOW for MAYOR

Wentzville has a strong future, built on a strong foundation of our past. Whether you are new to the community or a long-standing resident, I hope you share my pride in calling Wentzville home. Wentzville has been home to my family and me for 40 years. In that time, I have served three years on the Planning and Zoning Commission and 14 years as Alderman. While in the service to the City, I have been elected by the board to serve as President of the Board of Aldermen seven times.

1. My administration will be proactive and diversified in matters of economic development, working toward creating jobs while maintaining those we currently have. 
2. I will work with the Board of Aldermen and direct staff to improve services and lower costs and taxes. 
3. As Mayor I will work with the Board of Aldermen and staff to improve traffic flow throughout our city.
4. I will fight to protect open spaces and develop parks that enhance the quality of life for all citizens. 
5. Proud of our city's rich heritage and a long-time member of the Wentzville Historical Society, I will actively continue revitalization of our historic downtown. 
6. As Mayor I will improve communication with citizens, businesses, staff, and the Board of Aldermen.
7. I will work toward optimizing our resources to create a more economically efficient city staff and government. 
8. Being an active member of the Green Lantern Support Committee, I have first hand knowledge of some of the needs of our senior citizens. I will work diligently to help meet those needs.

As a long-time resident I am aware of the rich history of Wentzville and have a strong desire to maintain the hometown atmosphere of our city as we work to build a better future. In addition to my work ethic, strong family values, and sense of community, as Mayor I can provide knowledgeable caring leadership.

If you need more information, do not hesitate to call or email me. Come out Election Day, April 3rd and vote for Leon Tow for Mayor.

Leon

Phone: 636-780-0789

Email: leon4mayor@yahoo.com

Website: Leon4Mayor.com

(If you are a candidate and want your platform presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

"The Illegal Practice of Using One's Influence..."

The Wentzvillian has been gathering information on our mayor's activities regarding the pressure put on Wentzville citizens to participate in the GAP1 project. Little did I realize the magnitude of this problem. The  latest report came from a contact at the state level who informed me of something that frankly surprised the hell out of me. Here is the news that should enrage every citizen of Wentzville:

It is a known fact that our Economic Development Manager, Larry Tucker, in conjunction with several aldermen have been working very hard with Ranken Technical College to locate a satellite school in Wentzville. This would be a great boost to the economic development of our city, bringing jobs and revenues to our local businesses. Reviewing the information received, it appears that Ranken coming to Wentzville is not a first priority with Mayor Lambi.

Tucker, Lambi and a few Aldermen hopped into Wentzville's VAN1 (a city owned vehicle) to meet with Ranken representatives in St. Louis. While on the way, Lambi instructed the driver to swing by his office to pick up his business associate, Mr. Ed Watkins. He told everyone in the van that he and Watkins wanted to have a meeting with Ranken before the City business meeting. This is wrong on so many levels it's difficult to comprehend.

Why the Aldermen didn't balk at Lambi's suggestion is beyond me. A city van being used to transport a non-city person to a meeting dedicated for city business to do private business with the mayor leading the charge could be construed litigious at best. I am led to understand that Lambi and Watkins met first with Ranken to drum up support for GAP1. The Wentzvillian is not a lawyer but I've seen and heard of elected officials being indited for less than the stunt Lambi pulled. It amazes me that he is so stupid as to put his personal gain ahead of (and instead of) city business and invite an outsider to join the city in his venture. If this isn't influence peddling or abuse of authority, I'd like to know what it's called. Something needs to be done.

Wikipedia defines: "Influence peddling; the illegal practice of using one's influence in government or connections with persons in authority to obtain favors or preferential treatment for another, usually in return for payment. Also called traffic of influence or trading in influence."

To add something else that I find extremely interesting, my state level source said that the matter has gone Federal. I'm not sure what that means yet but my mind is racing with negative possibilities for Mayor Paul Lambi.

Lights, Action, Camera!

At the December 14th regular Board of Alderman meeting things happened that I can't figure, some things that were just ridiculous, and others that are difficult to explain. It was a long agenda and the room was full of spectators. Some of the things said last night were downright aggravating but I'm going to try hard not to let my disgust show through and that's going to be difficult at best.

I guess the thing that irritated me the most was Ward Two aldermanic candidate Donna Sherwood's bi-weekly photo-op. If I were her handler (there's a disgusting visual, now I just pissed myself off, sorry) and she demanded to get up before the camera at every meeting I'd advise her to just smile and keep her mouth closed, because sometimes voters actually listen to what candidates say and not just look at a pretty face and a great body. She seems to think that the "Open Forum" portion of the City meeting is for campaining—her attempts to dazzle the public with her knowledge of the city is pathetic. It amazes me that every time she runs for office (six months prior to the election), she gets up at every meeting and asks some totally useless question. Last night in her cameo performance she asked; "Will the increase in sewer rates negate the $500,000 real estate tax reduction?" Since no one in the room knew how to add or subtract oranges from apples the question was never really answered. I would advise her to study up on how things work before embarrassing herself with absurd questions. But I guess she thinks face-time is more important than what she says. I urge my readers to watch the city website videos "Open Forum" to catch her regular comedy show and keep those images in mind when you vote. (Oooops! I guess I didn't do so well in my attempt at not showing my aggravation, oh well, I'll try harder.)

The city towing contract was brought before the board for approval. This contract should have been approved almost six months ago but due to process problems it was held up. The motion and second to approve was made and opened for discussion. Alderman Nick Guccione asked; "Shouldn't we postpone the vote until we let the new Chief of Police review the contract? President of the Board, Leon Tow noted that the next regular meeting isn't until mid-January and the new chief doesn't start until just prior to the meeting. Tow stated, "The Acting Chief, Kevin Pyatt and his staff reviewed the contract and made their recommendation. They know more about the towing needs in Wentzville than the new chief would." The vote to approve was unanimous.

Most of the meeting focused on the budget and contracts. Alderman Rick Stokes was agitated about not being apprised of the sewer rate increase and made it known, "This will not happen again, someone will be fired." Stokes also made a point to the many city employees that when the city receives increases on insurance premiums, it's not fair that taxpayers carry the full burden. He told the employees that it is no reflection on them and they were all doing a very good job in the city, but he has to represent the people of Wentzville who put him in office to be a watchdog of their tax dollars.

Footnote: Over the past six  months or so, a few individuals have complained to me about being pressured into participating in Mayor Lambi's GAP 1 program. I had advised them to complain to Alderman Leon Tow about their situation because I can't do anything about it. Yesterday, I received a phone call from one of them who contacted his attorney regarding the mayor and the possibility of influence peddling. Due to recent developments in city hall regarding this matter, he may very well lodge an official complaint. He went on to say that he had heard the mayor may resign—he's going to wait until sometime in January to see if that happens. The dominoes may start falling.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

This week is a busy one for our city government, three meetings in the first three days. It started Monday with a joint meeting of the parks board and the board of aldermen for a "Parks Projects Presentation." Last evening the board of aldermen addressed issues effecting the city regarding county, state and federal laws. Tonight, they will host the regular board of aldermen meeting and several very important pieces of legislation will be voted on I'll report on this meeting tomorrow.

Monday's meeting addressed the $20 million dollar parks project. The parks board presented the scope, schedules, and progress of the planned parks to the board of aldermen. Mayor Lambi obviously didn't believe it necessary for him to attend so Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting. With the size of the expenditures regarding the parks project I was surprised to see the mayor not present.

Yesterday's meeting was very interesting and informative. Representatives from the county, state and federal level were invited by the city to attend and field questions from the aldermen. Very important people were there; County Councilman Joe Cronin, State Representative Chuck Gatschenberger; and Senator Scott Rupp's Chief of Staff Bruce Holt helped the board by answering questions of law that effect our city. Claire McCaskill was invited but unable to attend. Once again, Mayor Lambi didn't make an appearance and Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting.

I found it disturbing that Lambi didn't come to this meeting so I asked Acting Mayor Tow where he was. Tow said he expected him but didn't know his whereabouts. I understand no one in the city knew where he was including the Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh or City Clerk Vi Skillman. He didn't notify anyone regarding his absence and I'm sure he's going to need a note from his mother when he does come back.

ELECTION NEWS

Breaking news yesterday in STLtoday illuminated the fact that Mayor Paul Lambi will not seek re-election (like we didn't know). He cited his job was taking him across the county and another term would be impossible. This was not a press release to any of the news services so I have to conclude that he gave them the exclusive. There is more to the story and it will be coming soon.

Regarding the candidates filing on the first day, I received the list last night from our City Clerk. I am posting the names here but scratched through the names of those candidates that The Wentzvillian believes would create a disturbance in the force. If you take our city seriously, you won't support their bid for office.

MAYOR:

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Nickolas "Nick" Guccione

Leon Tow

ALDERMAN, WARD ONE:

Jay Weber

ALDERMAN, WARD TWO:

SONYA SHRYOCK

Donna J. Sherwood

ALDERMAN, WARD THREE:

Michael Hays

RICK STOKES (incumbent)

Rodney E. "Rod" Stratman

In Ward 1, FORREST GOSSETT is expected to file. In Ward 2, SONYA SHRYOCK is my candidate of choice. In Ward 3,  RICK STOKES has been a bulldog when it comes to cutting the budget and pushing the half-million dollar real estate tax reduction, he is the kind of representative Wentzville needs to re-elect.

"Lurch" Schuette is serious about being Mayor but I'm sure he hasn't got the welfare of the city in mind, his record is filled with controversy. He is loud, confrontational, a bully, and has no idea of how government works. I have been hearing that he has been calling around trying to drum up some support, I wish he'd call me, (metaphorically speaking) I'd loan him a ladder, the use of a tree in my back yard, and a rope with a noose in it.

New Chief of Police Selected and a NEWS FLASH

Although the official press release has not been sent out, employees of the city got an email from Mayor Lambi notifying them that the selection process has been completed and naming the new chief. This notice comes out after three months of interviewing. The information I received is not complete but I do know a few specifics: The new chief joins an elite group of firsts, Wentzville's first woman police chief. Her name is Lisa Harrison, 40 years old, and comes to Wentzville from Boynton Beach, Florida. Ms. Harrison has roots in Missouri which answers some of the question why she would leave a beachfront city to come here. I think she will be a good addition to the Wentzville police department. There are always going to be some officers who will be unhappy about the selection, but given her scores, it is believed that most of them will learn to agree with it.

Moving on: There are some strong rumblings in city hall that our Mayor Lambi will not seek re-election. There is information finding its way to the streets that say; "Lambi is in some kind of serious trouble with the city." It is also said, "he could be involved in some sort of unethical activities which may be the reason for his lack of desire to run again." I hope it's not true because like I've said numerous times in the past, I truly believe he is a good man. But sometimes even good men can be led astray. At any rate, I'll be watching for signs that will give the answer.

Lambi has had a rough eight months or so in city hall, he has shown uncharacteristic signs of anger and intolerance of the aldermen, he would bark at the staff, and even employees. In the past two weeks that has all changed; he has even shown respect for Alderman Cheryl Kross, not only her position, but her gender. He showed indifference to bringing back the "Storm Water Utility Tax" for its third and final reading (which frankly, surprised the shit out of me) as it was one of his most sought after bits of legislation. It has gotten to where it seems like he has given up on the city and being mayor. Something is bothering him!

Something happened at the Special Meeting" of November 30th—the only thing on the agenda that evening was "Executive Session." As the mayor and alderman came out of closed session and began filing back into chambers, I noticed Lambi's face was red as a beet. They took their seats and moved to adjourn. Lambi got up immediately and went to the restroom, speaking to no one—none of the aldermen or attendees I spoke with saw him again that evening. I think something happened that evening and I think it had something to do with the subject I spoke of earlier. When the straight poop comes out, you will know what's going on as soon as I get it. Another curious fact about that meeting is that it was attended not only by our city attorney, Paul Rost, but another "special attorney" too. Something big is brewing in Wentzville!

Here's a NEWS FLASH for ya, something I just heard this afternoon from a highly reputable yet unsuspected source: Mayor Paul Lambi may resign from his office before the end of the year! Another first for Wentzville and if true, it's unfortunate that it will become his legacy in the history of our city.

The Sword of Damocles

Once again, the Board of Alderman's work session was dominated by the pit bull ordinance. There were 30 or 40 dog-lovers in attendance in support of changing the breed-specific law. It was over an hour before the mayor closed that portion of the meeting to move onto "Staff Updates" and the "Worksession Topic List." I was disappointed to wait until 10:00 pm (after the "Executive Session") to find that my prediction of a press-release was dashed. I now believe that a press-release will probably be issued by the city on Friday to announce the new police chief. I missed it by three days, oh well—some times the magic works—sometimes it doesn't.

I do have good news! The "Storm Water Run-off Fee" ordinance that has been hanging over taxpayers heads like the Sword of Damocles since Lurch (Bill Schuette) hung it there will be brought back for the third, and final reading. Alderman of Ward 1, Cheryl Kross has been working on getting this ordinance put to bed, brought it up again last night. The previous time she wanted to bring it back for a vote (October 2011), Mayor Lambi stalled it for more discussion.

This bill was driven by Lambi and the Lurchettes beginning in 2006 in an effort to make homeowners "pay for the rain." Introduced by then, city administrator Andy McCown, it was picked up by Lurch who decided to put a feather in his cap by saving the city and sticking it to homeowners. If MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District) in St. Louis hadn't been cited in a class action law suit for passing a similar ordinance, he would have thrust a tax sword into Wentzville residents that could not be withdrawn. Voters need to remember that Bill Schuette (Lurch) was the one who fought so hard to impose this unusual tax on our citizens. If he actually files, and his name appears on the April ballot for mayor (or any other office), scratch through his name—it will save you a lot of heartaches later should he be elected.

Without further protest from the Mayor and supported by Aldermen Rick Stokes and Nick Guccione, Kross managed to get it put on the agenda for the first meeting in December (14th). I have been waiting for the third reading for five years and now it looks like it may really happen. It is believed this terrible legislation will be voted down and I'll be watching very closely how the aldermen vote on this issue. This could be a campaign-buster if anyone sides for it. During the discussion, city attorney Paul Rost interjected; "If you are bringing this back to vote it down, ok—if you are entertaining the idea of voting yes, we need to talk." It sounds to me like there are still problems with this absurd tax.

Our elected city officials are very important to the future of resident's finances, electing the wrong people to our government can cost you dearly. Please check the records of candidates to assess for yourselves whether or not they have your best interests at heart. There are several candidates today who say they are going to file who have a record of costing taxpayers more and offering less. Be careful who you pick!

Thank A Veteran Today

There's a lot going on in Wentzville and before the end of the year I suspect there will be some very interesting twists. The rumor mill is once again drumming out messages that another member of staff may be saying farewell and the city will be announcing Wentzville's new police chief possibly as early as next week. The list of possible mayor candidates has tripled and doesn't even include the incumbent Paul Lambi.

Although the first day of filing isn't for another week, Monday was the day prospectives could pick up candidate packets. According to my source, six "could be" candidates picked up the needed forms and information for filing in the mayor's race. The following list (in alphabetic order) is of those who are known to have requested the paperwork:

Nick Guccione

Darrel Lackey

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Leon Tow

Unknown
The Wentzvillian

This list is by no means an accurate accounting of candidates, that number will be known by the last day of filing January 17, 2012. The one grave disappointment is to see Lurch crawl out from under his rock after a year long absence. It was commented to me that he hasn't served on committees or volunteered any time to organizations to better the city since he first appeared on the scene as an aldermanic plant by Vickie Boedeker six years ago. To see his name pop up as a possible mayor candidate again, is a testament to unthinking people who would support such a disgrace as having him on the ballot, it's a total waste of ink.

The Pit Bull ordinance will be discussed at this evening's "Work Session," and after a couple of house cleaning items, the board will go into "Executive Session." It's the third executive session meeting in a row,  there 's something big cooking in city hall and there could be a press release after this one. The Wentzvillian will keep you informed.

Today we remember those brave men and women who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on that December morning in 1941, 70 years ago. Our armed services have defended our way of life against tyranny of any sort—that we may carry on our right to live free. The graveyards in Wentzville contains soldiers and sailors from every war since, and including, the American Revolution, please take some time to thank a veteran today.

In Two Weeks It Officially Begins

Filing for municipal offices begins December 13, 2011 and ends on January 17, 2012. In just two weeks candidates for mayor and all three wards will start lining up on the city hall steps to make their candidacy official. More than likely there will be some surprises in store during the coming weeks. The following is a list of candidates that were announced to The Wentzvillian:

Mayor:
Nick Guccione, Alderman Ward 3 has made his candidacy public.
Leon Tow, Alderman Ward 1 has made his candidacy public.

Ward 1: (Vacated by Leon Tow)
Forrest Gossett, Gossett's name was brought in by Alderman Cheryl Kross.
Jay Weber, Weber's name was brought in by Alderman Nick Guccione.

Ward 2: Vann Sample, incumbent is running for a second term.
Donna Sherwood, this will be Sherwood's third try at an aldermanic seat.

Ward 3: Incumbent Rick Stokes is running for a second term.

This is the latest list of highly-suspected or known candidates who have stated their intention of filing. There could be others come forward before filing is closed January 17, 2012. Some names that appeared previously were removed either because they decided not to run or we are unsure if they will register.

For Mayor; Guccione and Tow are going full-bore with fund-raisers and meetings with residents on a regular basis. It needs to be reported that Guccione has the union support and Tow is being backed by the HBA (Home Builders Association). If Paul Lambi is going to run, there is no noise on the streets and he has lost the support of the HBA which carried him through his first four terms. In addition, as reported before, there is an excellent chance that another candidate may announce for the top spot which will shake things up quite a bit and make for an interesting run for Mayor.

As stated above, The Wentzvillian picks for alderman are; Forrest Gossett, Ward 1, and Rick Stokes for ward 3. Should Stokes be opposed, he has our support because he spearheaded the half-million dollar real estate tax cut. The first time Wentzville citizen's taxes have actually been reduced in recent years—maybe ever. On the record, Paul Lambi, Vann Sample, and Nick Guccione minimized the tax cut realization to individual homeowners and therefore opposed it.

Ward 2 is another subject all together. Incumbent Vann Sample, has made some disappointing decisions in recent months by wanting to raise the rent for the Green Lantern Senior Center and vocalizing his disapproval of having Wentzville employees share in their health care. His voting record has been erratic and hard to figure out. The other candidate is Donna Sherwood, this will be her third time trying to capture this seat. In the past, she has campaigned for Vickie Boedeker's unsucessful mayoral bids and Bill Schuette's aldermanic campaigns. Now she is campaign manager for Nick Guccione plus running her own campaign. In all good conscience, The Wentzvillian can't support her effort to become alderman of Ward 2. If push comes to shove and another more viable candidate doesn't materialize, The Wentzvillian would support Sample in this race.

For Ward 3, Matt Garvey has elected not to run and at this time Rick Stokes is unopposed.

This is a very pivotal election please make sure you are registered and get out to Vote on April 3, 2012.

Stupid is Not a Good Reason to be Mayor

The Wentzvillian has been receiving comments to posts by folks who are obviously supporting certain candidates for the 2012 election, and their opinions are welcome here. However, if these opinions are lies, or criticism of reports here, they had better include proof that what was stated here is not true. If they want to cry about how some elected officials (or candidates) are being falsely reported on, prove it! If they feel that some are getting unfair treatment and others are being supported they are wholly mistaken.

The Wentzvillian is going on record to say; a promise was made to all of the candidates declaring for mayor, except one. That promise was: "never to take sides" and to this date that declaration has been kept. Since that time when the promise was made, some things have come to light that seem to need clarification to any and all mayor candidates:

1. If a candidate lies about anything (on the record), that lie will be brought to citizen readers through this blog and proof will be given.
2. If a candidate panders to a special interest group and assembles them before the board to politicize the candidate's support for that group, it will be brought before the citizens readers to judge here.
3. If the candidate offers any legislation which will have a negative impact on taxpayers, it will be vigorously criticized here.

These rules of operation are not negotiable and any candidate participating in anything on the aforementioned list should expect to see their name here in connection with whatever subject may be on the table. The Wentzvillian will not cover up any shady or inappropriate behavior or turn away from any bad decisions or choices made by the candidate. Believe it or not, The Wentzvillian is not here to make friends and stupid is not a good reason to be mayor, the city already has that problem.

For too long, this city has been run by special interests and lies—that needs to end now. If this blog has any credibility or influence with voters it's because the truth is spoken here. If by some chance a candidate doesn't want to hear the truth it is suggested they change the channel. We have a great board of aldermen core (Stokes, Kross, Tow, and Guard), probably the best in recent history. We need a mayor who will work with this board to get the city back on track. I trust the voters to choose the correct person for the job and weed out candidates who are weak or deceptive.

The Wentzvillian hopes that no enemies are made with the truth but this blog can not stand by and assist insanity to rule Wentzville any longer. If you as a candidate feel you are unjustly treated I'm sorry but it won't change the things that are stated here. If by some chance you get elected you should already know, The Wentzvillian is not intimidated by the title; Mayor!

"It's Only a Hundred Thousand Dollars"

Wednesday evening's Board of Aldermen meeting was standing room only, several citizens were even listening to the proceedings from the vestibule. Knowing that the city was going to have the "first reading" of the 2012 budget, I was extremely encouraged to see so many concerned citizens in attendance. The poor shell-of-a-mayor leading the meeting has definitely lost it, our illustrious, high-of-high, all mighty potentate, Mayor Lambi opened by stating: "It is the 16th of December 20,012," But then he corrected himself after everyone was looking at him with furrowed brows, "I mean it's the 16th of November 20,012." The frowns continued even after he stumbled toward steering the meeting back into the 21st century, but everyone there probably agreed that he needs a (permanent) vacation.

To my dismay, the crowd wasn't there to hear about the budget, they were assembled to support revising the pit-bull ordinance. As much as I love dogs, and I do, I'm truly disappointed that these well meaning folks could give a rats-ass about the way the city is spending their tax dollars. It makes me think that maybe they are under taxed. You'd think that in this economy, a dog issue couldn't possibly be more important than their financial welfare. I guess it's true, if you want to make the liberal thinking masses happy, throw them a bone.

One citizen (Mr. Darrel Lackey) out of the 50 or 60 present got up to discuss items on the budget. His concern was the city's employee benefit package. He asked some hard-hitting questions and made excellent points. He was obviously disappointed to hear that the board didn't increase the employee copay portion of their health care benefits citing that very few citizens (if any) pay no health care premiums and only a ten dollar copay. As a matter of fact, most peoples premiums went up this year and they can expect to pay even more this coming year. He went on to say that the city had just increased his water and sewer bill yet the city won't have the employees share in their health care costs. He confirmed that the employees pay zero premiums and asked how much does it cost taxpayers per employee? I don't think the city was really prepared for that question as the mayor looked at the staff and the staff took turns looking at each other. An awkward moment passed when the Assistant Financial Director finally spoke up, "the city pays over $1,300 per employee." Lackey, two term mayor and 13 year veteran of the Board of Aldermen said: "That's not fair! The citizens keep getting increases in their taxes and utility costs yet the employees don't even share in their own health care costs."

It was stated that the city received a $130,000 increase in premiums for health care, Mayor Lambi, Aldermen; Van Sample and Nick Guccione supported the no increase in co pays for employees. Sample justified his decision by saying, "Its only a hundred thousand dollars." Lackey called him on the carpet by saying: "It may be only a hundred thousand dollars to you alderman Sample but that's a lot of money (in the real world)." When Lackey sat down, everyone in the room knew that the Mayor and Aldermen had put themselves in an indefensible position. Minimizing the increase in premiums to the city and supporting a stance not to pass some of these costs on to the employees will be a major talking point in the upcoming election. I'd like to remind our aldermen that $100 large is one-fifth of the cut you proposed  to be made in spending.

The mayor and aldermen are elected officials of the people and intrusted with safe guarding taxpayers money. It's clear to me that the mayor has little regard in this matter but it is disturbing that some aldermen are of the same mind.  If the board desired to do the right thing, they would revisit the employee benefits program to be "fair" to the taxpayers in Wentzville. If they don't, they should be prepared to explain to citizens just why they think; "It's only a hundred thousand dollars" and it's only three or four more bucks on your water and sewer bills.

I'd like to note that The Wentzvillian is averaging almost 3000 page views per month, in that is a sizable number of interested voters living in Wentzville. If you care about the way the city is spending your tax dollars, I hope you attend the next board meeting and call your aldermen with your concerns. Thank you to my loyal readers, and as always I invite your comments.

Last Bastion of Political Incorrectness

You have to  love barber shops, they offer patrons the latest rumors and discussions by everyday folk  from all walks of life. Subjects encompass everything about the city, state, and national news, or foreign affairs but mostly: sports, women, work, women, politics, women, religion, women, all the important stuff, did I mention great jokes. They may be the last bastion of political incorrectness in the United States and real men love going to them to take part in the wonderfully entertaining banter. There isn't a subject on earth that isn't analyzed in a good old fashioned barber shop. If you want to know anything about anything (or anyone) just drop in. Going to barber shops is an American tradition passed down from father to son through the ages. A teenage boy gets an education on life while there and besides it is a really cool place to go. Unfortunately in today's world, mothers have trained their sons to patronize the more politically correct salons suited more for the whole family, Ugh! They feel a need to protect their innocent babes from those dens of second class dregs who may have a negative impression on their young boys, with all their jokes and bad-taste girlie calendars.  Wentzville has only two remaining pure tonsilariums: J&R Barber Shop on West Allen and SK Barber Shop on Pearce Blvd, long may their banners wave.

Since it's getting toward election time, a great many discussions have taken place with barber shop patrons revolving around what is termed: the "Second Term Crazies." They all seem to agree upon one thing; something comes over a mayor who is in office after their second term (two year terms). Some say they go power crazy after winning their second election, it clouds their usually otherwise somewhat-rational thinking. There are those who say it's not only the power, it's some kind of strange unexplainable intrepidity that actually compels them to believe they have become totally bullet proof—they have the delusion that everyone in the city loves them and what they are doing is greatness.

Wentzville's last two mayors have fallen prey to this very malady; they started to overestimate their own omnipotence, I guess it's just one of the pitfalls of elected city officials, especially mayors. I have experienced a few aldermen over the years who had reached their level of incompetence while in office but they usually didn't last too long. My guess is that since aldermen have closer contact with voters, sooner or later their inept ability to govern shows through. Mayors however, get starstruck by the tuxedos, rubbing shoulders with important people at fancy dinners, and news conferences. With a constant media focus, mayors get state and national coverage on major happenings in their city. The news services love stories of that importance and have flocked to Wentzville many times over the years to interview the person in charge. After a dozen or so of these "15 minutes of fame" sessions, a mayor seems to get into it and loses touch with those who placed them there.

The reason for this post is to remind my readers that the term for mayor in Wentzville is now four years. Please think very carefully before pressing the button to choose our next one. Do yourself and Wentzville a favor by not electing, or re-electing, another starstruck feather head with an agenda whose sole purpose is to leave a legacy.

Meltdown in City Hall

The Board of Aldermen's special meeting of November 29th was a bust, hardly worth attending—that's probably why I didn't. The agenda items were only two: "City Administrator Recruitment," and "Police Chief Recruitment." Those lasted about 15 minutes and then they went into executive session for almost two hours. Sometimes watching legislation is like watching speed bumps, it's no wonder why more citizens don't attend city meetings, it takes a certain kind of screwball. But this doesn't mean there isn't entertainment in city hall because on any given day it is filled with mini dramas.

If you had been a fly on the mayor's office wall Wednesday afternoon you would have seen our mayor at his absolute worst. Code of conduct for elected officials doesn't seem to mean much for our omnipresent all mighty potentate; Mayor Lambi, as he went crazy. I think the pressures of trying to act like a mayor by someone who can't grasp the concept is catching up with our man Lambi.

Here's the way it went down: A citizen and old friend of Lambi's went to city hall to talk with Acting City Administrator, Dennis Walsh about a water bill problem. At the front desk he found that Walsh is no longer officed in city hall so he asked if he could have a few moments with the Mayor. Sitting in Lambi's office, he explained why he was there and the conversation evolved into a discussion of the recent employee benefits talks. He asked why Lambi supported the "no increase" in co pays for employees. Irritated, and in his best smart-ass condescending way, Lambi said: "You are always putting down city employees." His friend rocked by Lambi's statement retorted, "I take offense to your attitude! How can you justify passing these costs onto the taxpayers!"

Walsh and the purchasing manager, Jerry Hillin, arrived at city hall for a meeting with Lambi just as the gloves were being taken off in Lambi's office. Shouting and expletives (that even I wouldn't use) were being exchanged while the office employees and staff listened in the lobby. Finally, before it went to blows, Lambi shouted; "YOU'RE NO FRIEND OF MINE, GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!" On his way out, Lambi's ex friend said: "You'll rue the day you treated me this way!" In my opinion, that's one hell of a way to schmooze a taxpaying resident of Wentzville. I wonder if Lambi will get his vote?

You kinda have to feel sorry for Lambi he really is a nice person if you can get him out of his mayor hat. He was originally elected (2004) to dethrone Vickie Bodeker and re-elected (2006) to drive the nail in her coffin by beating her a second time to that old tune: "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead." Then after that he began thinking he was invincible.  Beginning to break promises and  lying to friends and followers became a pass time that lost him a great number of his constituency. In 2008, his third election, Leon Tow gave him a run for his money without even trying. In 2010 he won a split decision by obtaining only 38 percent of the vote but if there had been only one opponent, Lambi would not have been here today. I guess we are fortunate because if he had lost we would have had Lurch screwing things up today. Sometimes blessings come at a high price.

Turning friends into enemies has been a big part of his downfall. His reign of lunacy will lead to a legacy far beneath that which he had hoped to attain. This final meltdown in city hall could cost him any chance at a fifth term. Even some of his closest friends are now looking away and I'm beginning to believe that he finally doesn't want the job of mayor any longer, it's just too hard. With a little training I think he could become a top-notch Wal-Mart Greeter. Maybe he could use one of his $250 "volunteer" tutors to help land the job.

Just Say NO!

I have to talk about something that I've been hearing around town for the last several months, but what prompted this writing was getting a call from a dear friend of mine this morning. I know that our ever-present, all knowing, mighty potentate, Mayor Paul Lambi has been pushing some pretty corn-ball things for the past few years. Things like Incubator Plus, supposedly devised to help small and micro businesses get going and keep going. This venture, and many others, have failed miserably and gone belly-up around here simply because they reneged on keeping  promises made to business owners.

Since his initial election almost eight years ago, Lambi has had a history of backing programs (like Incubator Plus) that look noble on the surface, but there's always some nuance that leaves them somewhat odoriferous. The difference between those earlier dead fish and his latest is that this one smells right up front. After only one minute of my friend explaining this deal, I started scratching my head—and it wasn't dandruff. Let me explain:

Lambi is going around town rounding up individuals as well as business owners to "volunteer" to be tutors for people who want to finish their education; a very worthwhile and noble endeavor. He claims that his organization has hundreds of these so-called "volunteers" lined up to begin tutoring people. In order to be allowed to sign up, the "volunteer" needs to pay $250 for the privilege of getting into the program. I've known a lot of volunteers in my day but I've never known one who paid for it, except in time and talent, or the occasional donation. My confidant said that Lambi's organization will let someone volunteer for free, but their name will be added to the bottom of the list. I have always been under the impression that tutors got paid, not the other way around. I guess the immediate question is; where is all this money going? If I were to guess, it would be Lambi's pocket in the form of a salary.

I wouldn't have brought up this whole subject (frankly I don't give a crap what Lambi does, as long as he does it somewhere else), but I've heard that there are Wentzville people who were approached by the mayor and were afraid not to participate and reluctantly gave in, and some are now angry. One source tells me that some of this business has been carried out in the Mayor's office in city hall. I wonder if there's a name for this; it wouldn't be influence peddling, would it? Wouldn't it be a real hoot if a few of these people would come before the President of the Board of Aldermen (Leon Tow) and lodge a complaint? That could be a very interesting turn of events that could even require Lambi to retain the services of an attorney. I urge any of my readers who felt pressured into participating in this idea to come forward and testify.

I later discussed this subject with several business owners; one in particular summed it up pretty well: "Lambi sounds like he's been eating too many retard sandwiches."

What Happened?

I have intentionally avoided saying anything about the candidates who are running for mayor in Wentzville and I'm trying very hard to stay neutral. Only one of the candidates is seriously troubling; the incumbent Paul Lambi, whom I firmly believe needs to get an eight to five job and get out of politics altogether. At the November 2nd regular session of the board of aldermen something happened that confused me, but that's easy to believe about a guy who can hide his own Easter Holiday eggs.

Before starting, I originally thought the meeting was a work session so I arrived at city hall before 6:00 pm to find I was one of the first to show. Soon after I realized it was a regular meeting that didn't start until 6:30 pm, I could have slept for another half-hour which most definitely agitated my otherwise genteel disposition. As citizens and staff began to file in I noticed the large number of employees taking seats in the chambers, it was almost standing room only. Something was up, what the hell did I miss this time?

I will lay out the facts as I heard them and leave it up to you to decide. I will also try to explain the situation as concisely as I possibly can to keep you from falling asleep, which I almost did; just writing this has me nodding off again. Oh well here goes: If you are a regular reader you know that the aldermen have cut the 2012 budget by a half-million tax dollars and in doing so, employee benefits had to come under scrutiny. It soon became apparent why so many city employees were in attendance. It must be kept in mind that 65 percent of the general fund goes directly to salaries and benefits for Wentzville employees which adds up to nine million of our tax dollars.

With such a crowd I thought it strange during "Open Forum" that no one in the audience stood up to say anything. Then I knew they were there to hear something that I wasn't sure about. The discussion under "New Business" went into a presentation regarding employee insurance where several alternatives were offered, one of which was to implement an employee co pay increase. As health, dental, and vision benefits are free for employee spouses and their families it was thought that a co pay increase would help offset the $130,000 increase in employee health insurance premiums paid by the city using tax dollars. It was stated that Wentzville's employee benefit package is the most attractive in the county.  It was also said that citizens in the private sector have co pays so it shouldn't be an undue hardship for city employees to share in the premium increase and not place that burden on taxpayers.

Aldermen Nick Guccione and Vann Sample vehemently opposed any co pay increase to employees. Interestingly, during the discussion, Alderman Nick Guccione announced that he had invited the employees to come to the meeting and listen in on the proceedings. Even more interesting, Guccione compromised on this matter after a mini filibuster to institute a co pay increase during the October 19th work session. I don't know what changed his mind but I do disagree with the way he invited employees to spring the news on the other aldermen. Of course, Mayor Lambi agreed with Guccione and Sample, jumping in with both feet and smiling from ear to ear the whole time.

There are several ways to look at this situation so I'll leave it up to you to interpret the facts as they are. Guccione denies compromising to allow a co pay increase and I encourage readers to watch the video http://www.wentzvillemo.org/ of the October 19th work session to assess the truth of this statement for yourselves. But the question remains; why did he invite the city employees? I would also be interested to know how many of my readers have free health, dental, and vision care? And as always, I invite your comments.

Shut Up and Sit Down

The board of aldermen meeting of October 28th played for just over four hours. During that time there were glimmers of excitement surrounded by long stretches of tedium but nothing earth shaking. Mayor Lambi did make an ass of himself again (what's new) and I'll discuss that later on. One subject that caught my attention was the one about the lease agreement between the city and the MEAA (Mid East Area on Aging) regarding rental of the building known as the Green Lantern Senior Center.

For those of you who may not know, the MEAA coordinates the Meals on Wheels program and provide lunches and activities for senior citizens in Wentzville. Up until just a few years ago, MEAA used the full kitchen facilities to cook all of the meals. With rising costs, the MEAA had to consolidate and ceased preparation of meals in Wentzville and are now prepared in an O'Fallon facility. It was this crisis that spawned WASSI (Wentzville Area Senior Services, Inc.) board to shore up support and maintain senior services in Wentzville.

During the ongoing investigation of the city's contracts in an effort to trim out excess spending the MEAA agreement was brought forward. Originally signed in 1979 it has been on auto renewal ever since. The terms include a $250 per month rental of the building while the city picks up the utilities.  During the review, it was noted that it cost's the city $50,000 annually to operate the building and  the MEAA pays only $3,000 per year to rent the facility. Alderman Vann Sample of ward 2 pointed out that three thousand dollars is a paltry amount to pay and alluded to increasing the rent to offset city expenditures.

One of the faults of any junior alderman is the lack of history and in this instance, I think Sample should back off before the MEAA is forced to pack it in and take a walk. Opinions vary but I believe it to be good government to subsidize our senior citizens. Sample commented later on the parks project saying he wanted the "sports fields built faster and faster." $47,000 for seniors is a really paltry amount compared to spending $20 million dollars on sports fields and an aquatic center which may have limited appeal for many seniors. This leads me to believe that Alderman Sample cares more for his children's activities than the wefare of our senior citizens in Wentzville.

Lame-Ass-Blunder of the Week

Now for the Lambi "Lame-Ass Blunder of the Week:" In past years our mayor was so easy-going and congenial but that was when the Lurchettes were making law. They let Lambi do nothing and rubber stamp anything he wanted. In today's city hall this board is trying to make him accountable and earn his title. I must add that they are failing miserable simply because Lambi doesn't seem to understand what a mayor is supposed to do and more than likely never will.

While discussing the MEAA contract, purchasing manager, Jerry Hillin was asked questions and offered information. Hillin, a very experienced, thorough and dedicated employee of the city takes direction well but when Lambi (who can't find his own ass with a radar screen) is his boss, he's in deep do-do. When Hillin asked for direction Lambi's temper once again got the best of him, he essentially told Hillin to shut up and sit your ass down. Of course he didn't say it in exactly that way but I'm sure that I'm not the only one who heard it that way. I have never seen a mayor, or alderman for that matter, ever treat an employee with such disrespect in a public meeting. I seriously don't think Lambi is drooling out of both sides of his mouth.

Jump to Conclusions

There are a lot of us that bitch about things in general and in today's time it's easy to bitch about everything but somehow I get the feeling that I'm taking it to a new level—raising the bar as it is. Anyway, I have a complaint, not only about the city but some of their contractors as well.

Complaint

Last night at the regular board meeting in the city I was disturbed about something that I have a little inside information about. Dennis Walsh in his city administrator's report stated that the Vision  (city newsletter) was really messed up. He went on to say; "The printer decided to move photographs into the wrong places so we are no longer going to use him." No hearing, no trial, no consideration that it may not be his fault, merely—the printer is fired.

I have been working in and around the printing industry for more years than I really care to speak of and I've learned a few things about it in that time. Without getting technical, photographs do not change places in documents unless there are anomalies or entities in the source document, or as Walsh stated, the printer intentionally went into the document and moved them. I know this newsletter costs between $2,000 and $3,000 dollars and I cannot believe any reputable printer would eat that cost by intentionally sabotaging the job as Walsh suggested. That leaves me to believe that the source document generated by the contractor's designer is to blame. Of course, the contractor is going to blame it on thier printer simply because that's where the problem surfaced, how else could it be explained. Enough about that for now I have to think about my blood pressure.

SubComplaint (same newsletter, different subject)
Santa Claus Has Just Committed Suicide

I couldn't help noticing the politically corrected front page articles; "Holiday Tree Lighting," "Holiday Parade...," and Holiday Night Lights." What a crock of crap! These things used to be prefaced by the word; "Christmas." I see pictured a Christmas tree, not a Hanukkah bush, or  Kwanzaa pole but a CHRISTMAS TREE! I also thought I saw Santa Claus, not Hanuclaus, or Kwansaaclaus—SANTA CLAUS! Whoever is responsible for this needs to be boiled in oil and burried with a stake of holly through his/her heart. I just wonder how much our Vision newsletter contractor had to play in this, or did the printer do it? Oh, my blood pressure!

SubComplaint #2 (same newsletter, different page)

Let's move on to page 7: The article entitled "Filing Opens for Municipal Offices." The problem here is; there is a picture of an old "holiday tree" next to a "holiday" dumpster. My complaint is that when the printer "moved the photographs," he didn't put Mayor Lambi's photograph (on page 3) in the Dumpster on page 7. I guess we'll have to wait until a few weeks before Easter, I mean "Holiday Sunday" to do that. Hmmm, all of a sudden I feel better.

Bloomer Blow-Out

The Wentzvillian has been accused of unfairly representing our Mayor since I first started blogging about Wentzville government two years ago. I've been called a plethora of names (with and without expletives) by those on the other side of my opinions. The one that hurts the most is one attribited to our first lady of Wentzville, Rose Lambi, when she contemptiously referred to me as the "Devil" (I'm beginning to think she doesn't like me anymore).  I look forward to her continued slander and defamation of my character but I'm going to have to figure out a way to live with myself knowing the way she feels about me.

Talk on the streets of Wentzville is loud that Lambi should get a real job and leave the operation of our city to someone who can lead it forward. Today we have three candidates running for mayor and any of them could do a much better job than he. This morning I received an email from someone who supports the general concensus regarding Lambi's future in Wentzville politics. I'm posting it here unedited:

"Thank you for attending what sounds like awful meetings and keeping your readers informed. I am not a resident of Wentzville, but live in the unincorporated area. I have lived in the area since 1959, I work in Wentzville, I shop Wentzville and do 98% of my business in Wentzville, and therefore pay taxes and have an opinion about things in Wentzville.

I appreciate your honesty and cut to the chase approach in explaining the issues.

I personally think Mayor Lambi needs to increase his pant size. It seems he has outgrown them physically as well as mentally.

Keep it up."

I couldn't have said it better, thanks for reading. The Wentzvillian invites its readers input and looks forward to presenting testimony from our area's concerned citizens.

Hot News in Wentzville Today!

An Element of Truth

The election of April 2012 will bring a huge surprise that could rattle the campaigns of the candidates; Leon Tow, Nick Guccione, and Mayor Lambi (if he decides to apply.) The rumor of having a fourth mayoral candidate is no longer a rumor it has become a near reality. The Wentzvillian was contacted by a long-time resident of Wentzville who wishes to remain anonymous (for now) and relayed some interesting revelations:

"Wentzville is in a very unique position, not only geographically but politically. The election of 2012 offers a window of opportunity which will have a far reaching impact on the future of our city in St. Charles County. Today, Wentzville truly stands at the crossroads.

I've watched our government and stayed current on the positions of our elected officials. For the most part I like what I see. A majority of our aldermen are unified and show great interest in fiscal responsibility and fettered growth, something that I've never seen here before. Mayor Lambi has obviously lost touch, and the candidates running for mayor nether show the same passion as the other aldermen nor the ability to communicate with this board in attaining its goals. The records of these candidates contain no history of fiscal responsibility and fail miserably in communication with the board or citizens of Wentzville.

We need a mayor who is dedicated to fiscal responsibility and the maximization of our resources; personnel, property, and equipment. For far too long, our fully capable city employees have had little or no compass and in many instances had to guess what direction they should take. The mayor is the Chief Executive Officer and he is in charge of an almost dysfunctional operation—that is his fault. His  eight year record shows a fractured ability to lead and little desire to work with the board of alderman in reaching fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, I see no indication that the other candidates have any platform or better qualities than our current mayor. With a new City Administrator and Chief of Police being hired soon, it's a perfect time for someone to step in and take charge of the city.

It is for the reasons I mentioned, I will be running for mayor of Wentzville in 2012. I will bring to the table a vast resume of experience in both the political and private sector. With the term of  mayor being increased to four years there is a launch window to elect a mayor who knows how to lead and when to follow. I trust you will maintain my anonymity until I officially announce my platform within the next few months."

The Wentzvillian will respect this candidate's wishes and not publish the name until notified.

Lambi Stalls Defeat of Tax Ordinance

The dreaded "Storm Water Utility TAX" rears its ugly head and gets another day in court here in Wentzville. This rancid topic has been hanging around on a meat hook for four years and the subject of two Wentzvillian blogs this year: May 25, 2011 - Bend Over Wentzville Here Comes Another TAX!; and September 2, 2011 - Storm Water Utility "TAX" Revisited. 

Mandated by the Federal Government's Clean Water Act, cities across the country are having to ensure water runoff quality. In an effort to assist in funding these new requirements states have made provisions which allows them to create a "utility fee" to pay for adhering to these new requirements.  Historically, storm water has always been paid from the general fund and the general fund comes from taxes. This new fee would free up all of the tax money regularly scheduled for storm water to be used for whatever the city wants and citizens have no say. It must be kept in mind that this is a very unusual fee and when instituted by MSD in St. Louis it was challenged in court. The court ruled it a tax, not a fee, and MSD is appealing that decision—it's still ongoing.

Introduced by; then City Administrator Andy McCown, supported by Mayor Lambi and the Lurchettes, it made it through the first two readings when Lurch (Bill Schuette) got cold feet after hearing about the law suit. Rather than realize there was something inherently wrong with this fee (tax) it was tabled by this band of knuckleheads before the third reading to wait for the outcome of the law suit.

In the board meeting of October 12th, Alderman Cheryl Kross supported by Alderman Stokes petitioned the board to bring the storm water utility fee back on the table with the intention of voting it down. Seeing  board consensus on this subject, our illustrious Chief Executive Officer (Lambi) jumped in giving all the usual excuses why the city desperately needs this and how it's a Federal mandate. He never once mentioned that the implementation of this tax was not a matter of the mandate, but only a right given to cities to impose it. Taxes are governed by a vote of the people and calling this a fee does not override the simple fact that it is a tax. Lambi flat out lied in the meeting stating; "The city has spent $400,000 in preparation for this fee." The original study was for $97,000 and they added another $20 or $30 large when the consultant was asked to do more analysis. The city spent an undetermined amount on preparing the ordinance and too many PowerPoint presentations trying to convince aldermen that it is necessary. Any money spent on coming into compliance would have been spent from the general fund anyway and has nothing to do with the ordinance. Anything spent over the items listed trying to get this ordinance made into law was counting chickens and Lambi should have known better than write checks his ass couldn't cash.

After more discussion and comments on the MSD case by City Attorney Paul Rost, the aldermen agreed to have another work session to hash it out. The tax ordinance will have to wait two more weeks before it's voted on. This waste of time concession to the mayor will be the same old PowerPoint presentations given by the staff to new aldermen who already know the facts. Between you and me, I think the board of aldermen merely want to show how the mayor lied or is hiding the fact that he spent more money on the come than he had the horse power to spend. I look forward to a very entertaining work session.

Cry Havoc and Unleash the Dogs of War

The Board of Alderman's regular meeting of October 12th, 2011 held no mercy for our  omnipresent, Chief Executive Officer, and all mighty potentate; Mayor Paul Lambi. It all started during the "Alderman's Reports" when Alderman Kross wanted the city to entertain a resolution which would not allow elected officials to solicit money for private citizens or organizations from other elected officials during open session. The suggested resolution was not just a shot across the bow of Lambi's rowboat, it was a full frontal attack. Watching him squirm during the short ten minutes of this process was worth every minute of enduring the subsequent three hours of blight. In order to understand this seemingly insignificant resolution we'll have to go back in time:

I truly believe Mayor Lambi is a good and generous man but I also believe he is not an effective or even competent mayor. Never the less, he has always had a tendency to bring his benevolence into city hall with inappropriate liberal requests of the board and city. Just a few weeks ago during his "Mayor's Report" he told of a homeowner who ran over his water meter with a lawn mower and could not afford to pay the $180 it costs to replace it. Lambi offered the first $75 of his own money to help and publicly solicited the aldermen to contribute to help out. Another incident was several months ago in a public meeting. He proposed that the city enter into a "contract for services" with the 501c LINC Corporation in the amount of $18,000. Their county funding had all but dried up and Lambi thought sure that the aldermen would buy-in under public pressure. Prior to these, over the last five years he has wanted the city to pay for all sorts of give-aways to needy organizations or individuals. When The Lurchettes were in power, they were all too incompetent to know they were being used and granted many of his cornball ideas.

Lambi defended his right to say anything in board meetings because it's a constitutional right—freedom of speech—even to the extent of calling on City Attorney, Paul Rost for support of his argument. Rost explained that any citizen can come into the meeting during open forum and exercise their constitutional rights. As far as elected officials, there are policies of behavior at the Dias and the aldermen can amend or drive those policies in any direction they want. Alderman Vann Sample suddenly turned into a junk yard dog joining in on the meal: "The citizens who come to open forum are allowed to ask for support of anything they wish, but when an elected official uses their report to ask others to support some personal cause, I believe it to be inappropriate behavior." It is embarrassing to the elected officials as well as the community to be put on the spot in a public meeting with requests for support of financial or other needs. If Lambi is seeking support for something, he needs to talk with the aldermen before springing it on them unexpectedly in the middle of a video taped public meeting.  All of the aldermen except for Tow and Guccione chimed in on the sound drubbing of Lambi and his unethical tactics.

I'm certain that Lambi promises people things and then purposely puts the alderman in uncomfortable situations in an attempt to keep his promises. What it really serves to do is embarrass and further alienate them. Lambi invited the LINC Corporation chairman to lobby in an attempt to shame the alderman into donating money for their cause to the board of crickets. The latest incident (paying for the water meter) is what took the aldermen over the edge and unleash the dogs of war.

If you haven't taken the time to watch board meetings at; wentzvillemo.org, you've missed out on a great many nuances that fill in the blanks during a proposal such as that offered by Kross. From the casual audience, the introduction of this resolution would sound like any other political mumbo-jumbo, but when you're an informed citizen, not only do you know what's going on—you'll have a better government. The election of our representatives is extremely important. The men and women running for office in any community are only incompetent when their communities voters are incompetent. Lambi has illustrated the damage an uninvolved figurehead can do. Please get involved and check out the credentials and records of our candidates before you go to the polls to cast your vote! Wentzville can ill-afford another incompetent Chief Executive Officer but if we do elect one, Cry Havoc and Let Go the Dogs of War!

Committee Formed for Hiring New CA

The special meeting on the evening of Tuesday, October 11th dealt with the selection process for a new CA (city administrator) and appointment of the committee. Oh, I forgot to tell you; Andy McCown will not be coming back to Wentzville. At the meeting of September 28th Mayor Lambi lost another battle trying to hire his buddy McCown for acting CA at a rate equal to $165,000 a year. Of course he would only have been here two or three months but that could add up to over $40,000, that seemed like an awful lotta dough to me. The board put the poo-poo on the idea and Lambi pouted the rest of the evening. They also put the kibosh on hiring a consultant firm to search for a CA stating; "the city has an HR Manager" and that she can handle it. I'm not going into the whole WA-WA-WA thing again but that sums up Lambi's meeting that evening.

Back to the matter at hand: The selection committee will be comprised of the Board of Aldermen, HR Manager (Amy Holloway) and the mayor. Lambi tried to get the acting CA and directors of each department on the committee but the board once again denied his bid. They discussed and set benefits on top of a base salary of $108,000 per year plus a $6,000 car allowance which was vigorously debated by Alderman Cheryl Kross.

A discussion was had regarding a requirement that candidates need to be a member of the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Lambi once again made a fool of himself trying to demand its necessity. He stated; "it was an elite organization and as Chief Executive Officer I will not accept any recommendation from the board without it!" When queried, Dennis Walsh stated that it comes with very expensive price-tag. ICMA dues are 0.008 x base salary—in this case it comes to around $850 per year. Aldermen Vann Sample Jumped on Lambi's remark, "I don't want to hear that you will not accept board recommendations..." It's the first time I'd heard Sample chastise the mayor for his CEO (I'm important) talk—now it's unanimous—all of the aldermen have taken shots at him at one time or another in recent weeks for his idiotic blathering. Lambi likes calling himself "Chief Executive Officer," it gives him some sort of self-worth, I guess. It's apparent to everyone that if he had been doing his job as mayor, the Aldermen wouldn't have to be doing it for him. Another item Lambi slid in; was when he mentioned hiring an Assistant CA. There is no intention of doing that but he mentioned it for some reason and I found out later that he promised the job to another friend. It's tough finding friends when your going down, Lambi can't even buy one.

The procedure was finally set except for one more foot in Lambi's mouth. In his frustration over not getting his way, he compared the candidate to several successful men; "he needs the qualities of Ghandi, Bill Gates..."(among others.) Aware of Lambi's chauvinist characteristics, Alderman Cheryl Kross jumped in; "HELLO, Mayor, I'm here!" Red-faced and grinning like the Cheshire Cat he tried desperately to slight the fact that once again he had let his disregard of women shine through. He stumbled around to add some successful women to his list, Mother Theresa was his first choice, but the cat was definitely out of the bag regarding his low opinion of women in general. Alderman Kross should bring a pot to meetings and beat on it with a wooden spoon to get Lambi's attention and remind him that it's not nice to discriminate.

Rattle Those Pots and Pans

The October 5th board of alderman's work session addressed the budget, another completely enjoyable two hour lesson in drollery. Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh presented and the entire staff was on hand to field questions.

This board is intent on cutting the budget and completely focused on trimming the fat out of the city. Addressed in The Wentzvillian of September 29th; Payback Time for a Decade of Unbridled Growth, there are some hard choices to be made—reducing taxes and employee benefits are two of the proposed remedies. Alderman Vann Samples is on record that he does not want to lower the real estate taxes and on the other hand he is fighting a reduction in employee benefits. Samples was not in city hall during boom times when the city was increasing the size of Wentzville government so he seems unaware that we have a bureaucracy based on a population of 50,000 citizens, Wentzville falls considerably short of that number today sporting 13,000 platted and 3,700 undeveloped lots. With the election only 5 months away most of the aldermen are tip-toeing around the subject of layoffs but unless staff comes up with the directed half-million dollars, downsizing could be a possibility. Politicizing issues will come more frequent in the coming months.

Speaking of "cutting the fat out of the city," Mayor Lambi was in particularly rare form again last night. During the budget presentation, Alderman Cheryl Kross asked questions of Walsh regarding the reserve funds in every budget department trying to determine if they were non restricted funds. Along about the third time she questioned one of the unallocated funds Lambi had had enough of her inquisition and in his inimitably condescending manner cut in to challenge, "what (possible) value would that be?"

Lambi has a history of treating women aldermen disrespectfully. Since Kross was elected three years ago, he has continuously attempted to intimidate and belittled her in public meetings. In previous years when Peggy Meyer and Cheryl Kross were on the same board, Lambi was particularly aggressive in his quest to make them both look like idiots. There were times that I felt terrible about the abusive verbal beatings they took from Lambi. After one particularly hard badgering he gave Kross, he was called on his attitude toward her and gave an apology to her both publicly and in private. His pseudo remorse didn't last long. These are not isolated or infrequent incidents, any current or past alderman can verify them. Lambi, plain and simply is a chauvinist, his chauvinism is manifested in his public treatment of our women Aldermen. He has shown us that he thinks women don't belong in the political arena, it appears to him they should "get back in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans." I'm surprised that a husband or close friend of one of these women hasn't invited Mayor Lambi to a meeting on the parking lot.

One highlight of the meeting came when the aldermen asked Walsh about the ongoing investigation of the benefits comparison analysis and when it might be presented for board scrutiny. As Walsh began to answer their question and realizing he didn't have all of the information (which is understandable due to his performance of two major roles,) he called on the Human Resources Director Amy Holloway. She presented a list of items that she and her department are ready to report on which made the alderman's eyes sparkle. I thought she should have taken a bow. Great job Amy! (It's a good thing you're not an alderman and come under the scornful eye of the master.)

Influence Peddling in Wentzville?

Wikipedia defines: "Influence peddling; the illegal practice of using one's influence in government or connections with persons in authority to obtain favors or preferential treatment for another, usually in return for payment. Also called traffic of influence or trading in influence."

Surely, your thinking, this couldn't happen in the itsy-bitsy town of Wentzville. Could it be that one of our elected officials is doing just that thing? Tune in again later for more on the subject of Influence peddling and Wentzville.