I've been thinking about the appointment for an Alderman to take the vacated seat of Nick Guccione. Who could he possible appoint that would be approved by this conservative Board of Aldermen? They know Guccione and they know about his associations and their agenda, after this past mud-sling election it's going to be difficult for him to get one of them through.
Guccione put three candidates against "Bulldog" Stokes: Michael Hays, Rodney Stratmann, and Curtis Davis in his effort to achieve a power block. Hays dropped out of the race early for some unknown reason but I don't necessarily think that elininates him from Guccione's list, of Stratman and Davis, we'll see. Stratman got the most votes against the "Bulldog" with 258 and Davis took only 67, combined they didn't come close to the winner who had 419 votes. So Stratman is the most likely to receive Guccione's appointment. The problem is, I've polled the Aldermen and in my unofficial poll, they will not approve Stratman because the voters didn't want him representing them in Ward 3.
Mayor Guccione needs to come up with a name that this Board will approve if he wants one of his appointments accepted. I've heard a number of names thrown around by the Aldermen but it's Guccione's appointment and if he can't find one there's the distinct possibility that we may have a vacant seat on the Board until the election of 2013. In my opinion, that is unacceptable, we need a second Alderman representing us.
Being a voting resident of Ward 3, I'm uncomfortable with only having one representative in my Ward. I think "Bulldog" Stokes is a great Alderman and I believe he represents Ward 3 with integrity but, I also believe Ward 3 would be at a great disadvantage on the Board if Guccione can't find an acceptable compromise. I urge Guccione to do the right thing for the residents and listen to the Aldermen when making appointments. He's reached his goal, he will be Mayor, it's time to put away his politics and work for the city. Appoint an acceptable candidate to the vacated seat.
The Problem (as I see it) for "Mayor" Guccione is that he will need to pull a rabbit out of his hat if he wants this Board to approve any one of his own personal and politcal choices. It will be interesting to watch Guccione during this process, will he meet in the middle or will he leave his Ward 3 constituents twisting in the wind? The first question of order when he becomes Mayor is; will he do the right thing—will (Mayor) Guccione serve the people or will he serve his political agenda?
waiting for 2013 election not necessary - why not have a special election to fill the vacancy? since this could be stokes and gard's last year if elected to mo house - I bet there will be fireworks this year - what do they have to lose - and what about the possible new city administrator - who is he?
ReplyDeletemore important Ald Kross is now the senior aldermen will she be the next Pres. Board?
Something tells me that Stokes and Gard are responsible Wentzville citizens and as such, I don't believe they are going anyplace if the City really needs them.
DeleteThe Board President is not necessarily the Aldereman with the most experience. Shuette had that honor after only his first term while there were two with more time on the Board. It's a Board decision and if you have a Board full of idiots, you get Schuette as its President.
You are wrong! A newly elected Mayor does not necessarily get to appoint a replacement. Case in point: After the election of 1992, a newly elected Mayor appointed a replacement, the Board of Aldermen rejected the appointment and chose their own replacement. Look it up!
ReplyDeleteI will call my Ward 3 Alderman to see if he can verify what you say.
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