Guccione Has Wet Wentzville's Bed

 

Mayor Nickolas Guccione worked hard in making a fool of himself to get people elected to the Board of Aldermen who will give him total control of Wentzville city government. To him that means catering to special interests, favors for his buddies and prospective voters. Prior to last month, there were Aldermen who understood fiduciary responsibility, ethics, and representative government—that has all changed.

 

Today, we have one alderman; Chris Gard, who has the experience, know-how, and is far-sighted enough to recognize the many subtle pitfalls of legislating from the hip. The bad news is we have two aldermen, Michael Hays and Cheryl Kross, who have proven themselves to be close followers of the Nickolas Guccione butcher shop method of politics, and three new aldermen who will need guidance as they learn the ropes. At least two of our new aldermen, Linda Wright and Robert Hussey, owe a campaign debt to Nickolas Guccione and they are most likely to repay that debt back to him in the form of votes on the board. Then there's Alderman Michael Rhoades, he has the best chance of being an independent  thinker and true representative of the people in his ward, we can only pray that he seeks guidance from his ward mate; Ward 2 Alderman, Chris Gard, and not our small-thinking, short-sighted President of the Board, Cheryl Kross, and Mayor Nickolas 'Butcher of Wentzville' Guccione.

 

I've given a lot of thought to Cheryl Kross and her presidency of the board, and I'm having great difficulty resolving her ability to lead. A number of things in her recent past have illustrated her poor judgement and lack of  leadership. Most recently is the lawsuit in which it's alleged that she took an active role in the conspiracy to fire Chief Lisa Harrison (click here). She was instrumental in the movement against our City Attorney Paul Rost (click here) and the loss of our audit firm—not renewing the contracts of these two firms is costing taxpayers a fortune. Then there was her flip-vote (click here) to allow the seating of the most useles alderman and sock-puppet of King Nickolas; Michael Hays—that decision was not in the best interests of Wentzville or Ward 3, but rather her own political fear of not being re-elected in 2012. President of the Board Kross has proven herself incapable of leading a gaggle of geese across a road, how she is going to intelligently lead three cub-aldermen is beyond me. I'm afraid, as she leads with hate and revenge, the city will gather more lawsuits until an ernest movement can be mounted to vote her out of our city government. Kross is all over the city putting in face-time, she's also taking huge advantage of social media, posting everything she can find to keep her name in as an important person in the city. If there's a chance to get her out of office in 2015, concerned voters will need to start now.

 

So what does the near future hold for Wentzville? King Nickolas will immediately take apart the ethics policy and the sign ordinance allowing him to collect more baskets for the Mayor's Ball (click here), and give his buddy exJudge Michael Carter the ability to plaster Wentzville with political signs for his third run at Judge Stephen Martin in 2015. 'The Butcher' is not satisfied with having control of the executive and legislative branches of Wentzville government, he wants to control the judicial branch as well.

 

Things do not bode well for Wentzville with Mayor Nickolas Guccione and his flying monkeys leading our city down the tube. Guccione doesn't have any guidence running our city and must rely heavily on our directors and his "friends in high places." What this means is that once again, our city staff will be making Guccione's decisions for him. Problems loom large in the mystic of Wentzville's future, Guccione made his bed, has everything he wants, and now we'll see just how much better it gets around here. For my money it will be a nightmarish ride for our employees and the city coffers will be burned to the ground while the 'Butcher of Wentzville' plays his fiddle and seeks more avenues of power. These are dark days for Wentzville and we can thank voter apathy for it. Registered voters need to organize and put a stop to Guccione's party (Hays and Kross) in April of 2015.

 

The King Had Only One Basket at the Ball

 

I've had time to look, re look, and look again in disbelief at the Wentzville Board of Aldermen meeting of December 18, 2013 (click here). I've got to tell you something, Mayor Nickolas Guccione said some things that should disturb even his most avid fan. I've always known that he is not the most crisp pickle in the jar, but after the statements he made Wednesday December 16th, I'm concerned that there may be some criminal intent in his methodology when he threatened the Alderman and the City with a lawsuit if he doesn't get his was.

 

Mayor Nickolas Guccione has, and is displaying his arrogance of power and his total disregard for the laws of our city in the exact same manner written about in the book, The Imperial Presidency by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Everyone knows about his use of the City logo and the GM trademark during his election, everyone knew it was illegal except Guccione, and everyone was shocked when he was allowed to walk via Mayor Lambi's illegal pardon. Only a Governor has the power to pardon the crimes Guccione committed in the way and time he committed them. Now, because his lack of ethics is beginning to pile up, I'm beginning to wonder if Guccione did not know his deeds were illegal, or if he believes it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, or he knows his actions are illegal and thinks himself above the laws the rest of us must abide.

Wednesday evening during "(I.D. # 4946) Ethics Policy," in a discussion that has been going on for months, Guccione threatened the Board and the City with litigation if the ethics policy was not changed to allow him to solicit private donations for various groups. It must be noted that this policy was modified, and signed by Guccione after the Lambi scandal, but now he wants to change it back to be able to do everything that was afforded Lambi.

At about 2:02 into the meeting Guccione became frustrated, as he does most of the time when he doesn't get his way. "My personal attorneys told me that I was elected by the people, and the Alderman can not hold me to this ethics policy. The people who elected me didn't make this policy, the Aldermen did." WHAT? Does our Mayor really believe that the people write laws and policies? My high school government classes taught me that the legislators write laws and policies, and in this case, that's our Aldermen. The same people who elected Guccione to head up the executive branch of our government, elected our Aldermen to legislate our laws. Guccione does not need an attorney he needs a government class, the problem is, he just doesn't like the system and wants to change it to his more Socialist ideas. "Not one, but two attorneys told me that if I challenge this policy it would not hold up in court. I don't want to do that but." I could hardly believe what I heard. He also said he knew State Representatives who side with him. I wonder who he's talking about, maybe his strong political supporter, Brian Spencer? Our mayor just told the aldermen, and the city, that if you don't change this policy, I'm going to collect donations anyway, and if you try to punish me for violation of the policy, I'm taking the city to court. All of you good citizens who voted for Nickolas Guccione must now see that he does not respect the laws of this city and it's by design, not oversight, it's simple ignorance of government and how it works.

If I were an Alderman and I wanted to get rid of the arrogance and utter incompetence in the Mayor's office, I would uphold our laws as they are written. If anyone of the aldermen bow to his threats, perhaps they believe they are above the law also. At one point during the discussion he said to Alderman Shryock, "If you have to ask, it's probably wrong." Guccione has been asking a whole lot in an effort to get his own way, it's time he let it go and concentrate on being a better mayor, after all, he's not a fundraiser, he's the CEO of a failing administration. He tried this same tantrum when he had Michael Hays appointed to the board, in his mind it worked once, why not again? Guccione is really pushing the envelope and deserves to be slapped around by the legal system. I'd love to watch him defend his actions here in Wentzville's municipal Court. He thinks he's above the law and deserves the opportunity to prove it to his subjects, and Judge Martin.

Dear King Nickolas, Your subjects are leaving like rats from a sinking ship, the city is being buried in lawsuits, and all you want to do is attend the Mayor's Ball. You are correct, the other mayors are laughing at you, but not because you only brought one basket to the Ball.

Only One Alderman ... Again!



The Wentzvillian has been reporting on Wentzville politics for just under five years now, and has been watching Wentzville politics for the better part of fifteen. I've learned the methods employed by unpopular candidates to get elected by less than 50 percent of the vote. The sleaziest way is to file unfounded ethics violations and sling mud, the other is to split the vote. All of which are well within  the wheelhouse of our current mayor; Nickolas Guccione, using them in his run to win the Mayor race last year by a miserable 42 percent.

The three methods of unethical behavior mentioned can be proven, and have become his trademark campaign. If you will allow me to speculate about this past election and Guccione's involvement, I'll lay out the facts and you be the judge. Case in point: three people ran for Alderman of Ward 3 in this past April's election; Michael Hays, Linda Wright, and Darrel Lackey.

Michael Hays, the favorite of Guccione, won the election by a pathetic 39 percent of the vote. I cannot remember a less popularly elected Alderman in recent history. Guccione pulled out all of the stops, by using the office of the Mayor to actively campaign for his appointed Alderman, Michael Hays.

Linda Wright campaigned by telling people that she "...did not like the politics of Mayor Guccione..." and decided to get involved. Along the way, she filed an ethics violation against her opponent; Darrel Lackey. The Missouri Ethics Commission threw out the violation because the charges she cited were unfounded. Wright earned 21 percent of the vote.

Darrel Lackey ran on his long and successful record in Wentzville politics. The only qualified candidate in the Ward 3 race in April, Lackey lost his bid, gathering 38 percent of the vote.

Now, lets get to the campaign. Guccione orchestrated the victory of Hays by recruiting Wright to enter the race to split the vote. It worked! At last night's board of Aldermen meeting, Wright got up in open forum and praised Mayor Guccione and Hays, To paraphrase, she stated, "Guccione was a very good Alderman and Mayor." That is 180 degrees out of phase from her opinion prior to the election. People have the right to change their minds, but in this instance, I've heard this same tactic while interviewing candidates prior to the 2012 election.

Another interesting fact: Wright stated last night, "I was going to drop out of the race, but two people convinced me to stay in it; Darrel Lackey and The Wentzvillian." She went on to blast Lackey and say that The Wentzvillian is a little too negative (thank you for reading) for her tastes. She even quoted from a prior post; We The People She read: "My opinions of our Government and those of every citizen of Wentzville may differ, but that's what makes America great: one citizen may stand before them alone and speak about injustice." This quote from The Wentzvillian is what Wright credits for her appearance at the meeting last night. She felt an overwheloming compulsion to blow-off on Darrel Lackey, and The Wentzvillian.

So what happened, why the inconsistencies in Wright's statements? It's quite simple actually. Linda Wright was recruited by our Mayor, to run for the seat in Ward 3, and split the vote, because he knew that Hays could never beat Lackey in a one-on-one race. Secondly, after several citizens spoke in open forum (April 10, 2013) accusing Mayor Guccione of "unethical behavior, he wanted to counter and discredit them. So, he asked Wright to come to the meeting last night to read her prepared statement. In my opinion, Ms. Wright is probably a very nice lady, however she got sucked into drinking Guccione's Kool-Aid, and sooner or later she will learn that she was used by our manipulative mayor.

Guccione is really frightened by The Wentzvillian and the opinions posted here. He is so scared that he has his buddy, two time defeated for municipal judge, Mike Carter, investigating The Wentzvillian, and Guccione is also trying to dig up dirt on all of the other five Aldermen that he can use in upcoming elections. He ran Robert Hussey against Alderman Cheryl Kross, Mike Carter against Judge Steve Martin, and Michael Hays and Linda Wright, against Darrel Lackey. His fingerprints are at the root of the April election, but fortunately, two-thirds of his candidates lost, only Hays won with just 39 percent of the vote.

I watched my two Aldermen, and the others, closely last night; Hays and President of the Board, Rick Stokes. During the course of the meeting, the Aldermen had vigorous discussions about various subjects and I experienced deja vu, I was thrown back in time to see Alderman Nick Guccione in the Ward 3 seat. Michael Hays added nothing to the any of the many discussions being debated by the five other Aldermen. When I say "nothing" I mean absolutely nothing, four and a half hours of silence. He is following in the footsteps of the five year record of Alderman Guccione's total lack of participation in City business. Once again, I am represented by only one Alderman.

I wish I weren't hated by just a few of my loyal readers. If, as they say, they don't read The Wentzvillian, why do they spend so much time bad-mouthing, and trying to shut me down. Surely, it couldn't be because I'm telling the truth, after all, it's their bleak records I bring to the light. Maybe it's time for a group hug. I've got an idea! I won't write anything negative about their records, if they agree to quit being sneaky, under-handed, and unethical. I know that will be tough, especially for Mayor Nickolas Guccione, he has an agenda, and an unspoken, yet, clearly illustrated plan for the future of Wentzville. And that is to control the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of Wentzville Government. Myself, I see major flaws in his plan, but I'm just one frustrated old man crying in the darkness of cyberspace.

Mayor Nickolas Guccione—First Year Review

Mayor Nickolas Guccione just gave the Board of Aldermen his goals and objectives for 2013. They were posted here on Four Days To The Election, and... (Click Here) I thought it might be a good time to look at what he's accomplished for the City during 2012, his first full year in office:

1. Campaigned for Micvheal Hays, Robert Hussey, and Michael Carter. (I'm not sure this qualifies as an accomplishment for the City [even though he did use his office and the City to endorse Micvheal Hayes], but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt.)
2.

This completes my list of Mayor Nickolas Guccione's  2012 accomplishments. If I've missed anything please let me know, I'd hate to seem unfair by selling him short.

The election is over, it was disappointing to see Micvheal Hayes (AKA Plastic Guccione) win his election with only 39 percent of the vote but at least I believe there will be some interesting meetings when they reconvene on April 10th. The 61 percent of we Ward 3 citizens who do not want Plastic Guccione are going to have to be satisfied with only one real Alderman, Rick Stokes. It should be easy though, we've had a lot of practice, only having one Alderman for the past six years. Honestly, I would be ashamed going out in the public knowing that less than forty percent of the people in Ward 3 wanted me trying to represent them.

It was a jubilant day for Wentzville when Judge Steve Martin overcame Circus Clown Carter's mail blitz and sign barrage. That's twice Carter has been beaten by Martin, with a little luck, he'll move onto some other unsuspecting town to set up shop. Those in the know came out to vote insuring Wentzville that it's judicial branch of Government is in good hands. Congratulations Judge Martin.

Cheryl Kross had a mandate winning by 55 percent over her opponent Robert Hussey, another Blow-Up Guccione who unfortunately leaned to far to the dark side of politics. Kross, who screwed up royally only made one mistake in her previous terms deserved to be reinstated. I wish she would transfer to Ward 3, we need a good Alderman. Congratulations Cheryl Kross.

Election Day 2013

Today is the day responsible Wentzville citizens go to the polls to vote for the candidate of their choice. I worked the polls for several candidates this morning and afternoon, and feel good about the election. The turnout was lean but I feel assured that those who did take the time to vote are truly concerned with their City, and hope they are educated on the candidates. If they are, tomorrow morning we will see Cheryl Kross re-elected, Darrel Lackey elected, and Steve Martin still in orderly control of Wentzville's Judicial branch of our Government.

I find it is necessary to talk about Michael Carter who is running against Steve Martin for Municipal Judge. I have never seen more signs at polling places than he planted. To my way of thinking it was a vulgar display of fear, or maybe no one would have them in their yards. He lined the entire entrance of Progress Park; there must have been a hundred signs covering every inch of the roadside, and it was the same at every polling place. Carter with his signs made our polling places look like there was a carnival in town and Carter was the head clown. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he spent more money on signs than he would make if elected. Why would anyone running for office go so overboard with signs unless he knew beating the incumbent was nearly impossible? I sincerely hope that every voter, seeing his vulgar display, remembers his distasteful use of Easter cards to campaign, and asks him or herself, "What the hell is going on with this guy?" I further hope that each person with those thoughts votes for Steve Martin.

Everything has been done that needed to be done; soon there will be nothing left to do but watch and pray that the best candidates win.Tonight I will do my best to attend three different celebrations: those for Cheryl Kross, Darrel Lackey, and Steve Martin. I hope that no matter what happens, Wentzville is a better place for it.

1 Day to the Election

Tomorrow, we all go to the polls to choose how our government will operate for the coming year. Whether we want to have people of good character or people who don't, it's our civic duty to go to the polls and cast our vote. In last year's election 58 percent of those who voted agreed with me that we didn't want Nickolas Guccione to take charge of the highest office in the City of Wentzville. Out of a population of 29,070 only 2,888 people voted—and over four times that number are of voting age. In my opinion, citizens have been lied to so much their perception is that the government is crooked and they feel their vote doesn't matter.

Many cities assist non-registered citizens with the registration process by hosting a registration day in a city facility to educate and register voters. Does Wentzville host such an event, if so I am unaware of it? I believe our City should take a proactive stance on voter registration to enroll those citizens who could and should be voting. Then the next time I hear candidates crying about low voter turnout at least they can say, "We tried."

I have seen elections in Wentzville for a Mayoral race that were decided by seven votes and Aldermanic elections by less. At the State and Federal level perhaps people could say their vote doesn't count, but here it counts. Unfortunately, when we don't vote at this level and people with questionable ethics and morals are ensconced in Wentzville Government it can have a negative effect on higher levels of government in the future. e.g. The first time I met Nickolas Guccione I was reporting for a local magazine and he was running for his first term as an Alderman.  During the interview I asked about his political future and he told me that he wanted to go on to be mayor and after that into state politics. He's reached his second plateau with designs toward state government, unless of course he can get the board to call for a full-time mayor in which case he may retire in his current position. So right here in Wentzville we've allowed the dirtiest politician in recent history an opportunity to grease his way into a place where many say their vote doesn't count. Wentzville needs to be very careful about who it elects.

Cheryl Kross has four years of conservative leadership on the Board of Aldermen. In the opinion of The Wentzvillian, she has earned a third term. If I could vote for Alderman Cheryl Kross, I would.

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

I hope every registered voter goes to the polls tomorrow to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. I have respect for anyone who votes, even if it's for a candidate with whom I disagree. When I hear people bitching about our Aldermen, Mayor, or Municipal Judge and then find out they didn't vote, I dislike them as much or more than the greasy politician they allowed to be elected. I will vote and will be working the polls for Darrel Lackey. I believe he will be the best man to represent me in Ward 3 and I'm casting my vote for Darrel Lackey.

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

There isn't much I can say about the Municipal Judge that I haven't said, but I am extremely interested in seeing Judge Steve Martin re-elected. His opponent Michael Carter is working hard at getting elected by bombarding our mailboxes with literature and working the streets. He even used a Christian Holiday to pander for votes, pretty sick. If elected, Carter will do the same thing he did before, alienate our police force and destroy the Judicial budget. Carter, you may remember, hit all the newspapers a couple years ago being arrested for a DUI but not convicted. The Wentzvillian is supporting Judge Steve Martin a man of high moral and ethical standards for re-election. I will be casting my vote for Steve Martin.

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin

Once again, I hope all of you vote tomorrow, and maybe I'll see you at the polls.



2 Days to the Election, and...

Every year at election time, things get crazy. This insanity has been going on in Wentzville since I can remember and it's always the product of some strong-willed narcissist trying to influence, or manipulate elections. I won't go into previous administrations other than to say; after talking with the old-timers in town, none of them have ever seen a Mayor actively support and campaign for Aldermen candidates until Nixkolas Guccione. No one has ever seen flyers sporting a candidate with a picture of a Mayor supporting him. I cannot fathom that there is not some State statute or Federal law protecting citizens from this type of election manipulation. Personally, I can't imagine any candidate wanting Guccione's support especially after seeing his track record of election ethics.

Nick Guccione has been recruiting and actively supporting candidates in the last two elections. I've checked my list and found that in the last two years he has actively supported seven candidates, four last year and three this year, which includes one Municipal Judge. Of the four last year, none were elected and most of them have a bad taste in their mouths after Guccione lied and turned his back on them, in fact one of them was his own campaign manager. I can only hope that Robert Hussey and Michael Hays are prepared for Guccione blaming them for anything they did under his inept and unethical tutelage. I haven't seen Hussey's campaign flyer yet but I do know that Guccione is already back-peddling on the ethics infractions on the Hays literature.

Michael Hays could be in for a big surprise when the Election Commission and/or other City and State agencies come down on him for his flyer. His problem could easily be something every other disgruntled candidate fell for, being lied to by Nickolas Guccione. Guccione could easily say that he had no part in the content of the flyer (never saw it) and only gave him a personal endorsement letter and say that he didn't know Hays would stick the word "Mayor" on it. Tricky Nicky would have plausible deny ability leaving Hays to take the hit, I hope he has proof of Guccione's involvement or he'll take it alone leaving Guccione to move on to the next sucker.

Guccione is never going to change his campaign tactics or manipulation of our election process unless our Aldermen and City Attorney get more involved. The only thing we, the citizens can do to protect Wentzville is to identify those unsuspecting candidates of Guccione's choice and make sure they do not win the election. Those people are Robert Hussey and Michael Hays who are running for Aldermen, and Michael Carter for Municipal Judge. In this years election, the most damaging mistake could be the election of Carter. It has taken Judge Steve Martin two years to straighten out the Judicial budget mess left by Carter.

For the reasons stated above, it is imperative that Wentzville voters choose the right people to represent us in our Government:

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin



3 Days to the Election, and...

For those of you who may not know, there is an election in three days and it will have a great impact on the future of Wentzville. Nickolas Guccione makes his own rules in campaigns. Ethics violations are no problem, lies on campaign flyers are no problem and violating City ordinance is no problem for Tricky Nicky.

Yesterday I got a campaign flyer from Micheal Hays, he is learning the Guccione method the hard way. On his flyer I found a clear Missouri Ethics Commission violation by naming the Firefighters of Eastern Missouri listed as supporting him. The Firefighters are not happy, they are not supporting Hays and in fact, they don't even know who he is. Next he is clearly wearing his Wentzville logo pin which is a flagrant violation of Wentzville ordinance with a fine attached.

The third and most damning item is on the reverse, a picture of him and Guccione, both wearing the Wentzville logo pins with a written City endorsement signed by none other than Nickolas Guccione, Mayor. He just stated (in print) that the City of Wentzville endorses Michael Hays. Every citizen of Wentzville should complain to their Aldermen and have our Mayor brought to justice. Guccione was pardoned by Mayor Lambi when he left office for exactly the same thing. Rules do not apply to Nickolas Guccione (or so he believes) and our Aldeermen need to teach him and Hays that there are consequences for violating Wentzville law. Citizens of Wentzville and my readers should be outraged if Guccione is allowed to flaunt his arrogance and go unpunished for his crime—AGAIN!. The Ward 3 Alderman seat is an important job, if you want a proven liar and one who supports unethical behavior, vote Hays, if you want a man of sound ethics in or out of the campaign, it's Darrel Lackey.

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin

I forgot to mention, when Guccione presented his goals, he wants to see a full-time mayor instituted in the next three years. This tells me that Guccione wants to quit cutting up chickens and retire on great benefits and a fat paycheck of taxpayers dollars. God help us.

After I finished writing about Mayor Nickolas Guccione's goals and objectives yesterday I thought about something that happened Wednesday evening at the Board of Aldermen meeting March 27th that struck a chord. One of the goals Guccione is wanting to achieve is to lower sales taxes. This sales tax reduction he wants will reduce revenue to the City and lower sales taxes on everyone who shops in Wentzville. The Cuts to the sales tax will have to be made up somewhere and last Wednesday evening Guccione introduced into discussion his plan "New Business Item X.5. (ID # 4443) Preliminary Real and Personal Property Tax Levy 2013." Guccione wants a 2.3 percent increase in personal and property taxes to pay for the reduced sales tax.

Now let me see if I got this "strate," Guccione wants to lower sales tax on everyone shopping in Wentzville from Lake St. Louis, Troy, Winghaven, Foristell, Warrenton, O'Fallon, and Flint Hill, among others, and raise taxes on every resident and business in Wentzville. The consequence of Guccione's tax will burden Wentzville businesses and homeowner with higher personal property and real estate taxes to pay for everyone from other cities getting a sales tax cut. Why doesn't this seem right to me? I'll tell you why, because Guccione is living up to his name; Tricky Nicky.

It's scary to think that his sidekick the Appointed Ward 3 guy Michael Hays agrees with him. I hope when voters go to the polls that they remember this little tidbit and push the eject button on him and elect someone with some smarts, namely Darrel Lackey.

Speaking of the election, I have been flooded with campaign literature from Michael Carter who is running against my pick, Stephen Martin. I can only guess how many trees he's killed trying to get elected, hell I even got an Easter Card from him. I've never gotten one of those from anyone, but Carter wants to use Easter, the pinnacle of christian faith, to campaign, begging for your vote. I would think that kind of activity would be offensive to anyone calling themselves Christian, at least it should be.

4 Days To The Election, and...



I can't let go of just how important this election is, we have only four days left and every vote counts.

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin

Today I'll write about Mayor Nickolas Guccione's goals and objectives presented at the Strategic Planning Session March 23rd that I watched via a City provided DVD, thank you. In my opinion, his goals and objectives were the same as last year and by his own confession based solely upon a few citizen's suggestions. Nothing revolutionary, nothing new, just the same old feel good rhetoric.

1. Four New Police Officers: Exactly the same as last year and a safe one to say that will always garner support from everyone, paying for it is an entirely different question. I have to give you a direct quote credited to our illustrious mayor, "I want to have the best police department in the city." I have to ask; how many police departments do we have in Wentzville?

2. Lower Retail Sales tax: This is a noble statement made by every politician seated or campaigning since taxes were invented. A lengthy discussion followed this goal regarding just how it could be accomplished and from my interpretation of the debate, it can't be done. CIDs, NIDSs, TIFs, TDDs, and a plethora of other tax incentives to businesses just can't be renegotiated, but it was a good try, maybe next year.

Five of the six Aldermen weighed in on lowering personal and real estate taxes as an option. Guccione couldn't offer that one because it's been too well advertised that this has been the objective of the Board for the last four years. It would be difficult to steal that idea since everybody knows who is and has been doing that very thing. Guccione made a statement against the reduction of personal and real estate taxes to the effect: "The personal and real estate tax reductions have only averaged a savings of about $25 or $26 to residents so far." I can't believe that a Mayor would minimize a tax reduction to residents suggesting that the City shouldn't have cut these taxes.

I mentioned that one of the Aldermen said nothing during the half-hour discussion and that one was Guccione's appointed buddy, Alderman of Ward 3, Michael Hays. He has been truly a disappointment in his lack of desire to engage in any debates by the Aldermen.. Hays is running against Darrel Lackey for the Ward 3 seat and when Lackey wins it will be the first time Ward 3 has had a full compliment of Aldermen in six years. Some of you may puzzle over the length of time but it's simple, Guccione took up space in that seat for five of them.

3. Better Snow Removal: Guccione wants a new truck that can dispense a chemical agent that will be actively melting snow for 72 hours. Great idea, we can always use another very expensive vehicle in the stable that will be used four or five times a year. My question is, how are you going to pay for it?

4. More Entertainment: Guccione wants the Economic Development Director to more aggressively seek out "bowling alleys, teen-towns, or other events." Another feel-good request that will get the respect of citizens and has been asked of every mayor since 1872. Our mayor must have forgotten that the taxpayers have just paid for a new $20 million dollar park system that has yet to be completed, but that's another story.

5. Pearce Blvd. Beautification: He is requesting amenities i.e. park benches, lights, and new signs for Pearce Blvd. I think I know where this request came from but my question is; don't you think repairing sidewalks, or even putting sidewalks in areas along Pearce Blvd. that don't have them might be nice first?

6. Beautification of the Overpass at Hwy 61 and Pitman Ave.: The mayor wants to repaint the overpass that belongs to MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation). He may also want to paint the railroad overpass which belongs to the Norfolk Southern Railroad. I don't think I need to Comment on this request.

That's it, Mayor Nickolas Guccione's vision for 2013. Alderman Shyrock said it best; "I agree with all of these Mr. Mayor, but how do you propose to pay for them?" To this Guccione responded with a classic; "That's why we have a staff." I'm still shaking my head trying to figure out what the hell he was talking about. President of the Board Rick Stokes said; "I don't see how you can dump this off on staff to pay for this. Everything here costs money."

The Goals and objectives portion of the meeting was ended with a statement by Alderman Stokes; "Mr. Mayor, I thank you for presenting your goals and objectives. I look forward to seeing your proposal on how we reduce revenues by reducing sales taxes and manage increased spending to accomplish them." Me too!

5 Days To The Election, and...

I want to mention, there are five days until Wentzville citizens go to the polls to vote for the future of our city. I strongly recommend that my readers vote and vote wisely. The Wentzvillian is actively supporting:

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin

Now let's talk about the meeting last night March 27th. There were some interesting things happen and I'm going to interpret (spin) some of them just so you can get a real flavor of what was said. First, our St. Charles County Councilman, Joe Cronin was there to speak on the new communications tower mandated to be built in Wentzville by the Federal Government. I'm sure this topic is of great interest to many people but frankly the discussion had my eyes glazing over. I came to attention when he congratulated the Board of Aldermen for taking the lead on the Highway 61 interchange that MoDot announced last week. Mayor Nickolas Guccione tried to claim this project in the social media leading us to believe that it was his idea. Cronin said; "It was this Board that did it." not Guccione, so much for his propoganda.

Alderman of Ward 2, Sonya Shryock gained bulldog status last night when she put on the gloves with Guccione. The attack revolved around the Mayor's goals he gave during the Strategmic Planning Session this past weekend, which are still not posted on the City's website. Shyrock said, "The goals you gave us Saturday are very expensive, how do you propose to pay for them?" Board President Rick Stokes cut in to say that this is not a topic for discussion but Guccione said "I will rebut her comments," with "I repeated the requests of the citizens." I can't believe our Mayor takes requests, comments, or complaints from citizens and makes them his goals for the future of the city. Since he adheres to the wishes of the people so well, maybe one of the 58 percent of our citizens who didn't vote for him could suggest that he run "strate" to the next bridge and jump off.

Next in the ring was Alderman Stokes. The subject was Guccione's Newstime article of last week where he stated; "The Aldermen threw out the bids for the two remaining parks." Stokes wasn't a happy camper (wink) and confronted the mayor as to whether or not he supported the decision. "You were blaming the Board for throwing out the bids." Guccione squirmed and said, "I support you." Then he tried defending himself using his usual tactic, blaming someone else. In this case it was the City Publicist, Ms. Laura Pendino who was thrown under the bus. "I gave it to Laura and she copied it out of the minutes, I didn't do it." Ouch, I'm glad I don't work for Guccione! He reminds me of the little kid on the playground who is always pointing his finger at someone else; "I didn't do it, she did it teacher." Hey Mr. Mayor, don't you know that you are responsible for any content with your name on it? You just admitted that you don't write the articles but didn't you even read it before it was delivered to 17,000 residents in Western St. Charles County? Talk about irresponsibility.

I had the pleasure of meeting our new City Administrator, Mr T. Michael McDowell and I am impressed with his knowledge and strength of conviction. It's still early, but I believe he may be the strongest CA Wentzville has had in the last 20 years. I'm happy to report this information because we need a strong CA to carry the mayor and relieve our Aldermen from babysitting this ineffectual blowhard.

So much for today. There were other important issues debated last night but most of them are boring so I'll leave them to the Patch or Journal. The fluff patrol is more patient than I, no offense.

Re-Elect Judge Steve Martin to Municipal Court

I voted for Judge Larry Nesslage in 2009 and because he didn't campaign as hard as he had in past elections Michael Carter flooded the town with signs, made a nuisance of himself with auto-dial phone recordings, and won the election. Once on the bench, Carter did his best to dismantle the Justice Department budget by lowering fines that were set by ordinance, releasing offenders with reduced fines, and not fining others who violated our laws.

The single most destructive thing Judge Carter did was to alienate our police force who worked fearlessly to apprehend those who would harm us, the citizens. Our Police officers lost faith in our municipal court and that situation put the citizens in harms way. Mayor Paul Lambi, Chief Robert Noonan, the Wentzville City Attorney, and our Aldermen had closed door meetings to see what could be done about either limiting Carter's power or removing him from office all together. Carter claims that his actions were in the name of justice, I claim he is arrogant, suffers from delusions of grandeur, and is once again wanting to reek havoc on Wentzville's Police Department and burden taxpayers by not making law-breakers pay their fair share.

In the 2011 election for Municipal Judge there were 3,685 votes cast for six candidates. Judge Steve Martin garnered 52.73 percent while Michael Carter snared 25.78 percent of the vote. I am proud to say I voted for Martin and seeing Carter's reign of terror end in Wentzville. Today, he has the Guccione machine supporting him and all bets are off, we need to continue our support for Judge Martin and I ask my readers to vote and tell your friends and acquaintances about Carter and Guccione's agenda of chaos in the City. I have spoken with Judge Martin and his words follow:

Dear Voters:

Last election for Municipal Judge, I asked for your confidence in me to serve as Municipal Judge and I was honored by your overwhelming support.

I promised to be fair to all, respectful to everyone, and bring professionalism back to Wentzville. I kept that promise and at the same time increased efficiency and saved the taxpayers money.

I look forward to discussing the improvements we have made to the Municipal Court since the last election, including the promises I made and have kept!

I look forward to meeting with you and I ask for your trust, and your vote on April 2nd.

Respectfully,

Stephen Martin.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

As Municipal Judge, I promised to bring professionalism back to the Municipal Court. I am proud to report that as Municipal Judge:

• Not a single ethics complaint has been filed against the court.
• The Court meets all statutory deadlines.
• The court is in compliance with all state laws.
• Residents are informed of their rights before going to trial.
• Everyone before the court is treated with respect.

 I also pledged to bring fairness to the court. Since being elected:

• A fair trial is received by everyone.
• Fair and polite treatment of all victims and all are given a chance to be heard.
• Reduced number of continuances. Justice delayed is justice denied.
• Expanded payment options for residents.
• Regularly scheduled trial nights for residents wanting a trial.

Re-Elect

STEVE MARTIN

Municipal Judge

Find us on Facebook at:

Steven Martin For Judge

(Click Here)

I find it difficult to believe that Mayor Nickolas Guccione is actively campaigning for Carter. that alone speaks volumes about the character of both individuals.  If you don't believe me about this situation, stop any Wentzville police officer and ask them what they thought about the damage Judge Carter did to the City of Wentzville and then please re-elect Judge Steve Martin to the Wentzville Municipal Court.

A Muddy Elephant in the Snow

In only a month and a half we will be going to the polls to elect two Aldermen and our Municipal Judge here in Wentzville. It reminds me of another election when then-Mayor Vickie Bodecker stuffed the ballot with her hand-picked candidates. At the time she was frustrated that her conservative Board of Aldermen didn't subscribe to her ultra-liberal beliefs so she initiated one of the dirtiest campaigns (until Nick Guccione's of last year) ever to be held in Wentzville. Unfortunately, two of her bozos overthrew the conservative board that would have allowed her to cast tie-breaking votes had she been reelected. Fortunately, Paul Lambi was elected and for a year the balance of power remained just right of crazy, but that would all change the following year with the election of the ultra-left socialist Alderman Nickolas Guccione.

With Guccione on the Board creating a majority, things got real nuts in City hall. The Socialist board of that time took apart any resemblance of fiscal responsibility and they binged on useless and destructive legislation. The effect of their influence is still being felt today, employees being fired or quitting out of fear, audits and policy violations because of a lack of oversight, and Guccione is the only vestige of those chaotic times.

Mark Twain said; "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." Guccione is trying to do the same thing he did last year and Bodecker did over nine years ago—stuff the board. That tactic set the city back for years to come by endorsing candidates who agreed with them rather than what's best for the city. If he were to be honest he'd have to admit that he has no interest in what's best for the city, it's all about him and his nonsense politics. If he were interested in creating a better city, he'd do what he does best (besides lying); follow—follow this Board of Aldermen who could make him a great Mayor instead of one who will go down in history as our worst.

Today, our Mayor is parading around town with Michael Hays and Robert Hussey in tow, introducing them as the best things since sliced bread. A little advice to them; check with some of the candidates he supported in the past and see what they have to say about him and his loyalty. Even better, ask his campaign manager of last year, see what she has to say about his ethics. In case you don't know, the Board of Aldermen just passed new ethics policies because of Alderman Nickolas Guccione's total lack of ethics, so if you want to follow his advice you'd better prepare yourselves for some fines. Guccione won't leave a paper trail when he stabs you in the back, he'll just slither away leaving you out there twisting in the wind, that's the way he does things.

I'm waiting for him to use his latest "campaign propaganda tool;" his weekly Newstime articles (that we all pay for) to hawk his recruits. He doesn't do anything different, he merely changes a few names and starts the motor running. You can smell his influence and he covers his tracks like a muddy elephant in the snow. He really believes that no one can see him coming or where he's been. Soon we'll see the old worn-out trash that he and Bodeker used for years in their campaigns to help Hays and Hussey smear and defame anyone who runs against them. One more thing; Guccione is campaigning for Michael Carter for for Municipal Judge but everyone knows he's a loser just like Guccione.

To the voters; Don't let Guccione get another foothold on dirty politics in Wentzville's City Hall. Reelect Alderman Cheryl Kross in Ward 1 and elect Darrel Lackey for Ward 3, as for Municipal Judge; incumbent Steve Martin is the man. Remember, a vote for Kross, Lackey, and Martin is a vote to keep Guccione frustrated for another year. Who knows, if we can't get rid of him maybe we could have him committed, he is definately not drooling out of both sides of his mouth.

The Race Is On

In just a couple of months it'll be election time again  and now that the deadline for the registration of candidates is passed we need to look at those who have decided to seek office. Last year's slate was filled with characters steeped in controversy, fortunately most of them have decided not to defile this election. Unfortunately for us, the leader of the underhanded hoard of last year's preditors will remain seated in City Hall for three more agonizing years—maybe. This devious group jumped on honest candidates like a school of piranhas on a naked missionary. Ethics was a huge concern last year and because Alderman Nick Guccione ran one of the most vile and unethical campaigns in the history of Wentzville the Aldermen found it necessary to amend municipal code. Coincidentally, that ordinance providing for a new "code of ethics" and adopting a "political activity policy" was made law last Wednesday evening. That ordinance change will implement legal recourse should another band of knuckleheads want to abuse the system. To my way of thinking, since it was created to stop unethical behavior like that which our mayor used to get elected it should be called the Anti-Guccione Policy.

The Horse Race

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross (Incumbent): Alderman Kross is seeking her third term representing the residents of Ward 1. She is credited with being the first Alderman to crack the ultra-liberal nut(s) that had a grip on our city for too many years. She took the chauvinistic taunting of Mayor Lambi for three years and hung in trying to bring some sense of order to an extremely dysfunctional Board of Aldermen led by the Lurchettes. Her conservative values led to Wentzville's budget finally being free of excessive waste and feel-good spending. She has been one of Wentzville's most responsive to concerns of her constituents regardless of the magnitude of importance. In my opinion, Alderman Kross has earned a third term.

Robert Hussey: Mr Hussey is a friend of Mayor Guccione. He has experience with being a City Administrator and Guccione tried to get him in the back door by attempting to influence the Alderman. He was told that applicants are not supposed to have any contact with the Mayor or Aldermen through the process yet he still knocked on one alderman's door and the Gooch is still trying to push him into City Hall. Since he is supported by a mayor that I find totally incompetent, I urge voters to disregard this candidate.

Ward 2



Chris Gard (Unopposed)

Ward 3



Darrel Lackey: Lackey is a long time resident of Wentzville and a very active community-minded citizen. He is a financial advisor with an office here in the Trinity Building and very informed regarding city politics. His record of public service is long:.

• Wentzville Alderman, Ward 2 1987-1992 (3 terms)
• Wentzville Mayor 1992-1995 (2 terms)
• Wentzville Alderman, Ward 3 2002-2006 (2 terms)
• Wentzville Township Committeeman 2004-2010 (3 terms)

Darrel Lacky has been and will again be a strong asset to Wentzville City Hall. My vote goes for Darrel Lackey to be Alderman of Ward 3.

Michael (Mike) Hays (appointed by Mayor): Most people who are familiar with Wentzville politics know the story about Hays. He is the person that Mayor Guccione was talking about when trying to fill his vacated Ward 3 seat; "It's my appointment, it's my appointment, bla, bla, bla." The Aldermen rejected this appointment until Guccione finally appointed John Luby, who was accepted. A month later Luby hands in his resignation, walked off the job, and Guccione's crying started all over again; "It's my appointment, it's my appointment, bla, bla, bla." Rather than listen to Guccione's constant whining they approved his appointment and Hays was installed. I am represented in Ward 3 by someone who withdrew from the general election of 2012 in anticipation of Guccione getting elected and being appointed by the mayor to his vacated seat. I disapprove of Hays representing me and had he not withdrawn last year he would have been crushed by Alderman Rick Stokes reelection. Guccione will use all his resources getting his buddy elected whether it's good for the city or not.

Linda L. Wright: Ms. Wright in unknown in Wentzville politics.

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin: (Incumbent) Judge Martin was elected against a field of six candidates in the 2011 election. His service over the past two years has resulted in the restoration of the Police budget which was almost destroyed by his predecessor. He is revered by the Police Department and City Hall as a good and fair judge. The people should be proud to have Judge Martin on our Municipal Court bench.

Michael Carter: Michael Carter served as Wentzville's Municipal Judge from 2009 to 2011 when he lost his reelection bid to our current Judge Martin. Carter was disliked by our Police Department due to his habit of reducing fines set by ordinance and releasing prisoners. His actions reduced the police budget so much that our Mayor Lambi and Aldermen took action to limit his authority and even talked of having him removed from office. Carter created an unhealthy and even unsafe environment in our city for the residents of Wentzville because of the disturbance of our police patrolmen. Carter campaigned actively for Nick Guccione and there's no doubt his support will be reciprocated by the mayor. For my money, Carter is almost as big a smart-ass as I am—and that's saying something. If you have thoughts of voting for Carter, ask any Wentzville police officer who served during his term as judge for their opinion of his time on the bench.

The Splash Station Rocks!

The Board of Alderman meeting of Wednesday, December 12th revealed some interesting discussions regarding various topics and since it didn't last until after midnight there was even  talk of setting a record in adjourning early. I watched this meeting and observed first-hand who ran the meeting and I can tell you it was not our mayor. Once again, the President of the Board, Rick Stokes took charge for our maladroit flounderer, Nick Guccone. Delos McKown said; "There are three things that look alike; the invisible, the hidden, and the nonexistent," this description handily illustrates the leadership of the Mayor of Wentzville.

Since the passing of the half-cent sales tax for Wentzville parks it has been the drive of our past mayor, Paul Lambi and our current Nickcompoop to start digging dirt. The urgency of the mayor, staff, and the Friends of the Parks was high and the Aldermen were blamed for delays. A $20 million dollar project and all our mayor could keep spouting was Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. They didn't want to resolve any problems or offer good stewardship of the taxpayers money, the just wanted to see shovels digging and dirt flying. The Aldermen tried their best to ensure that things were in order and Wentzville would get the best Parks for their money without oversights through the constant barrage of criticism.

Well, all of the rush, rush pressure on the aldermen by our mayor who activated citizen groups and the press may very well have jeopardized the August 2013 planned opening of our splash station. Mr. Doug Lee, Acting Public Works Director announced that in excavating the pool for the splash station they unexpectedly hit bedrock...ut oh. It must be noted that our nit-wit Nickcompoop said nothing through the ensuing discussion. The aldermen asked how this could happen when the design company did surveys and took core samples to determine the exact position of the pool. Mr Lee didn't know but is in the process of meeting with the design company and builder. This situation could significantly increase the cost of the project and who is going to pay for it. The aldermen directed Mr. Lee to have the answer to their questions by the next meeting. I have since learned that there are other mistakes and oversights on the plans and blueprints that will create more problems for the project.

Next subject: A list of early registrated candidates for the April 2013 election was handed to me the other day by our City Clerk. More candidates will come forward during the registration window but for now it includes one unexpected candidate; Michael E. Carter who is running for Municipal Judge. You all remember Judge Carter, he's the guy who almost singe-handedly destroyed the Wentzville Police budget. Carter is also a good friend of Mayor Guccione and actively campaigned for him during last April's "big mistake." I'm sure Guccione will be reciprocating Carter's effort in getting him elected.

Carter lost his bid for re-election in 2011 to our current Judge Stephen Martin. Unlike Carter, Martin is well respected by the police and citizens of Wentzville, he is doing an exemplary job in our court. Mayor Lambi and Chief of Police, Bob Noonan tried their best to rein Carter in from his judicial antics to the extent of trying to limit his autonomy and even talks of having him removed from office. Our Wentzville patrol officers loathed his habit of releasing law-breakers and reduction of fines, it actualized a lack of trust that could have put the safety of Wentzville citizen's at risk. As the election nears, I will report more on Carter, it's gonna be a hoot!

We'll see a new group of Nickcompoop's knuckleheads on the April 2013 ballot and I'll identify them as they become known. Until then, be safe and keep looking over your shoulders, the bad guys don't wear black hats anymore, sometimes they look like old-time car salesmen with slicked-back hair and a thin mustache.