Barbershop Campaign Chiautaqua

The election is just over two weeks away and the following notice was received by the "Wentzvillian" to be posted here for my readers. Bring your family to the S&K Barber Shop to meet and speak with candidates: Leon Tow, Mayor; Forrest Gossett, Alderman Ward 1; Sonya Shryock, Alderman Ward 2; and Rick Stokes, Alderman Incumbent Ward 3. about their plan for the future of our city.

Old-Fashioned

Campaign Chautauqua

Where:

S&K Barber Shop

604 West Pearce Blvd.

(Next to Subway Sandwich Shop)

Time:

March 21, 2012

10:00am to 2:00pm

Come out to this "old-time" meet and greet hosted by Steve and Ken of S&K Barber Shop. Your candidates for Wentzville will be there for your questions and conversation regarding issues facing our city. If you come in for a haircut between 10:00am and 2:00pm, you'll receive $2.00 off any standard cut. Find out what's happining and hear the candidates plan for the future of Wentzville in this unique forum. Here is your opportunity to meet a Mayor candidate and Aldermen candidates from each ward:

Mayor Candidate:

Leon Tow, Alderman Ward 1

 Aldermen Candidates:

Forrest Gossett, Ward 1

Sonya Shryock, Ward 2

Rick Stokes, Incumbent Ward 3

Come on out and visit with your candidates!

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, independent-thinking, registered candidate to post their political platform/information. (If you are a candidate and want your information presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

Let There Be Music

I spent the last two days in a remote little town in Southern Missouri taking in some possibly undeserved rest and relaxation, this town is so far back in the woods that I had no cell phone reception. While I was gone, rumors of my demise were running rampant and a half-dozen messages appeared on my phone as soon as I hit the interstate. These friends were concerned about my health and welfare because no one had seen or heard from me since the city meeting of last Wednesday, March 13th. The problem as I see it is; there was so much press over the happenings of that meeting for the last few days that when I didn't immediately post about it, people thought that I might have been dropped in the river. In the words of my favorite author, Mark Twain: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated," but it's nice to know that people care, I thank all of you. I looked online when getting back and noticed the local news services had all kinds of stuff about Wednesday's meeting except the following:

The fun started when a gentleman citizen (and voter, I hope) came before the board to complain about the noise generated by the live music coming from Caddy Shack, a lounge on the Wentzville Parkway. This music can be heard throughout his subdivision keeping people awake until after one o'clock in the morning. He went on to say that they had gone before the Board of Aldermen before about the same matter but nothing was done so the residents took the owner of Caddy Shack to court and won. After the case was decided, the owner appealed in a St. Louis County court and he solicited a Wentzville Alderman to write a letter on his behalf, consequently, the ruling was overturned. The man alleged that the unnamed Alderman was using Caddy Shack as a campaign headquarters and claimed he had a conflict of interest—my ears perked up with this news.

I was curious who the Alderman was that wrote this letter in favor of the bar and against the residents of the subdivision behind it, I didn't have to wait long,  During the "Aldermen Reports," Nick Guccione, being the paranoid, double-dealing politico that he is; confessed it all, how he'd been wagging his tongue at both ends. I have to wonder about him, he constantly says he's the "people's candidate," but the first chance he gets, he throws those same "people" under the bus.

To the residents who live behind "Caddy Shack," remember this on election day, April 3rd, when you go to the polls to elect a new mayor— Nick Guccione is responsible for your late nights and the reason you're unable to sleep. Actually you are probably lucky, at least he didn't arrange for you to have to pay a cover charge. Tell your friends, family, and  other voting residents who it is that lies about being the "people's candidate." Mr. Guccione listens and reacts to the last person, or in this case business owner who talks to him, regardless of the consequences to the City or his campaign.

Another interesting fact behind this subject: Originally, there was an overlay district that banned live entertainment on the Wentzville Parkway. It was to keep residents from hearing all the late-night noise coming from those types of establishments. You need to know that Nick Guccione and his buddies; Bill Schuette and John Luby got all that changed to allow it to happen. I couldn't expect them to understand that this problem was thought out long before these geniuses were elected. So now, the people living behind establishments on the Wentzville Parkway with loud music late into the night will just need to get used to it, thanks to Guccione and Schuette, who by the way are both running for mayor. Their slogans should be: "A vote for me is a vote for a band in every back yard, with no cover charge" I have much more to say about this meeting last Wednesday but I'll save it for my next blog.

(On the campaign trail): I do have one thing to report on the candidates of Ward 2. As you know, I have scratched through Donna Sherwood and today I received several emails containing new information regarding her campaign but I'll save that for another time also. I have been on the fence about her opponents for quite awhile and it's time to announce my choice: Sonia Shryock for Alderman of Ward 2. I've made this decision after months of watching and listening to them and their motives, Ms. Shyrock has convinced me that she is a free-thinking independent candidate and deserves your vote. I believe she will represent the citizens of Ward 2 with honesty and integrity.

Rick Stokes, Ward 3 Incumbent

For the past 23 months Rick Stokes has been my Alderman in Ward 3. He has accomplished more than I ever would have expected for his constituents and the City. His initiative to lower real property taxes by $500,000 was unprecedented. He is an independant, free-thinking Alderman answering to Ward 3 citizens, whose mission is the betterment of Wentzville and Ward 3.

RICK STOKES

Incumbent Alderman, Ward 3

  

Promises Made

• I promised to bring more jobs to Wentzville, and help retain businesses.
• I promised to lower taxes and bring fiscal responsibility to our City Government.
• I promised to help grow our parkland and increase green space for our community.
• I promised to be an active Alderman, to listen to concerns and help residents work with City Hall.
• I promised to be open-minded and make the right decision based on the impact to Ward 3 residents and the City of Wentzville as a whole.

Promises Kept

• Jobs - GM Plant Expansion, SAM'S and New Home Construction.
• Taxes - Proposed, Introduced, and Passed $500,000 property tax reduction. A FIRST in Wentzville History.
• Responsible Government - I have been challenging the status quo in City Hall
• Parks - Ensuring maximum value for the half-cent park fund tax.
• Leadership - I have been working together with Citizens, Businesses, and City Staff for Wentzville prosperity.

Promise For Tomorrow

As your Alderman, my focus is to continue working for residents of Ward 3. I believe we still have much to do. This includes the continuation of creating jobs, focusing on smart growth, creating an environment for better housing values, creating a smart, efficient work flow in City Hall, and continuing to be fiscally responsible to the residents of Wentzville.

I ask for your support and your vote on April 3rd. With your help, I will continue to keep the promises that I make to the residents of Ward 3.

Rick Stokes
3703 Bedford Pointe Court
Wentzville, MO 63385
http://www.electstokes.com/
E-mail: rick@electstokes.com

There is only one truly deserving candidate for Ward 3, Incumbent Rick Stokes. His record in his first term (in only the first 23 months of office) is nothing short of incredible. He gathered support from other Alderman and demanded staff to cut Wentzville real estate taxes by $500,000. Stokes supported Alderman Cheryl Kross to bring back the "Storm Water Utility Tax," which would have cost homeowners and businesses over $300,000 a year, to throw it in the trash. He is responsible for having city staff investigate all city contracts to find and stop waste spending. In only 23 months, of his first term with his initiatives, he accomplished more than any alderman I've seen on the board over the last ten years. He is truly a representative of citizens and taxpayers, I am proud to call him my Alderman in Ward 3. Anyone in Wentzville who owns a home, business or pays taxes should realize his potential and vote him in for another two year term. He has served with honor, integrity, and always on the side of Wentzville, I am excited for the future of Wentzville with his energy and leadership in city hall.

Alderman and Mayor candidate Nick Guccione recruited two men to run against Stokes in the upcoming election. They are; Rodney Stratman and Curtis Davis, I urge my readers to cross them off your voting list when you go to the polls. Send Guccione the message that the "good old boy" days of collusion and conspiracy are over in in Ward 3 and Wentzville.

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, independent-thinking, 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.)

Up Your Politics!

There was a conversation the other day in my favorite place—the local barbershop, about what else, politics. The subject revolved around guess who, Nick Guccione, and his pitiful record as Alderman in Ward 3. Let me tell you, if he'd been a fly on the wall, and if flies had ears, his would have been burning. This time of year politics is the topic of conversation almost everywhere but since this is a mayor election it's really intensified.

There were some things said that opened my eyes about Guccione and his attitude and actions throughout his political career. I use the term "political career" literally because that's exactly what he's had; a political career. To him, his job as alderman isn't to work for the city, it's to act, think, and spew full-time politics—to be elected or re-elected. Everything he says and does is political, be it in chambers or in public. There is no moment in time when he isn't pandering, campaigning, or snivelling about how unfair everyone is with him, "It's all about me again," poor me, poor me! If you look at his record of the last five years (and I have), he has contributed absolutely nothing in the Board of Aldermen meetings, he always follows the lead of someone else. His record is as ugly as a mud fence, not once did he introduce anything original that was codified.

Guccione doesn't speak in meetings, it stands to reason, if you don't know anything you can't say anything, intelligently anyway. When he does jump in, it's either to agree with someone or repeat something someone else had already said. When he does come up with something, it's either useless or political and he ends up eating another foot sandwich. For all he's accomplished they should set a bobble head on the Dias next to the Mayor and every once in a while he could flick it at the appropriate time, at least then he wouldn't be sticking his foot in his mouth any farther than it already is.

If something negative happens with his campaign and everyone is looking at him, he will blame it on anyone who is handy. He never takes responsibility for anything. When his campaign manager, Donna Sherwood, filed the false ethics violation against his opponent Leon Tow on behalf of his campaign committee he said; "I told her not to do it." It's all her fault, he'll find anyone he can to throw under the bus. That happened again last week when his crews were caught removing his opponent's (Darrel Lacky) campaign literature, "I didn't know they were doing that, they did it," everybody else is to blame. When he blabbed to the St. Louis Post Dispatch reporter about the confidential details surrounding the now famous secret meetings he said, "I didn't do it, it was the blog, the blog did it. I'll take a lie detector test" 

As I predicted, now he's done something reprehensible, he has started his smear campaign against Darrel Lackey. He took a 20 year old newspaper article and passed it around in his Coffee Talk without any knowledge of the subject and smeared Lackey's good name in front of the citizens in attendance. This is pure Sherwood who got it from Boedeker, it's the same tired old shit she tried almost 20 years ago, it didn't work then, and it won't work now! I know where Mr. Lackey told Guccione to stick his article and The Wentzvillian would be more than happy to help him in this effort. In case Guccione is curious, this crap he pulled is what inspired this blog today!

Sooner or later your lies get you in a corner and his ass is in the corner so tight it would take a tractor to break the suction. I would almost lay odds that he and Sherwood will not show up at Candidates Night. There is no way he can intelligently debate issues, especially with the likes of Leon Tow and Darrel Lacky and their combined 30+ years of service to Wentzville. That night Wentzville will find out the real truth about his knowledge of the city. Those who attend will have a moment of clarity and everyone will know that he is a loser. It's gonna be a party, those guys will eat his lunch!

Nick Guccione is a coward, he won't take responsibility for any of his actions or neglect and his record is more worthless than a shovel-full of chicken tracks. I can only imagine what he'd do to our city if he were to be elected Mayor. He isn't the greatest at taking good advice and he doesn't realize that history has a special place for politicians like him, especially in a small town like Wentzville. When he loses this election, I don't know how he's going to be able to face the Board of Aldermen, his constituents, and our new Mayor; Leon Tow or Darrel Lackey with the things that he's said and done. What I do know is this; no matter what happens in this election, he will still be there, and The Wentzvillian will be here putting a microscope up his politics!

A few questions for Nick: Mr. Guccione, your opponents are talking about important issues pertaining to this city, all you can do is talk about is your opponents. Is it really true that you know nothing about the issues and challenges facing Wentzville's government so you do what you know—smear? Do you talk about your opponents because you have no concept of what being Mayor is all about? And last but not least: When you hear thunder and see lightning, do you know that it's actually the sight and sound you see and hear when you pull your head out of your ass?

Darrel Lackey, Mayor Candidate

Darrel Lackey, candidate for Mayor has submitted his bio/platform to be published in "The Wentzvillian." Mr. Lackey has been interview many times and "The Wentzvillian" Knows his credential and experience. He is an independent-thinking, registered candidate for Mayor. The following press release was just received, for immediate release:

DARREL LACKEY

FOR MAYOR



LIVE

Improve the Quality of Life for our Citizens through the future reduction in taxation.

• Become better stewards of taxpayers money
• Reduce wasteful spending
• Examine our departmental budgets to reduce inefficiencies
• Formulate a committee of Citizens to advise the Board of Aldermen and Mayoral Office on Ideas for the reduction of spending

Darrel Lackey and his bride of 38 years have made Wentzville home since 1975. They have three grown daughters and two grandchildren that make their homes in St. Charles County.

 

WORK

Attract more quality jobs to improve sustainable employment.

• Work with County, State, and Federal Resources to strategize the targeting of specific industries that will complement our Educational, Cultural, and Geographic Advantages
• Review and update our current requirements for the opening of new businesses
• Develop and enhance strategic partnerships between Educational, Civic, Business, and Governmental entities in order to create a United Effort in attracting quality employers

Darrel Lackey is currently a Financial Adviser with Waddell and Reed, Inc. located in Downtown Wentzville. He is a Chamber member and has been in the Financial Services Industry for 37 years.

 

PLAY

Improve and update our parks and roadways.

• Begin the implementation of the Parks Master Plan by working closely with the Parks and Recreation Board in the development of new recreational venues
• Identify "problematic" intersections with our City Staff in order to re-design those areas resulting in a smoother traffic flow
• Calibrate traffic signals in order to provide a smoother flow of traffic at all times

Darrel Lackey has enjoyed being there to coach his daughters' softball teams, and enjoys playing golf during his off time. He is also a die hard Cardinal's and Ram's fan.

 

EXPERIENCE

• 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)

 

MEMBERSHIPS

• Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Knight
• Wentzville Rotary Club (president 2000)
• Wentzville Downtown Business Association (Director)
• Wentzville Historical Society
• Wentzville Chamber of Commerce
• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
• Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF)
• Certified Mutual Funda Counselor

 

Past experience and strong desire to foster equal partnerships between the Citizens, Business Owners, and the Board of Aldermen, in order to continue Wentzville's great reputation as being a Place to Live - Work - Play.

Darrel Lackey
314-941-5513
email: leolackey@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.darrel4mayor.com/
David Reynolds, Treasurer

 

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, independent-thinking, 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.)

Questions, Questions

I was talking with a friend who had a great suggestion. He wanted to post a list of questions to the candidates here on The Wentzvillian that might be fodder for thought at "Candidates Night." After thinking about his suggestion for just a few minutes, I had to agree. Unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce "Candidates Night," has never put candidates on the spot with hard questions. You know, the ones that get too near the truth. Let's see how this works:

1. Name one piece of original legislation you brought forth to be codified?

2. What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment in your political career? Being elected doesn't count.

3. Can you read a balance sheet?

4. Do you believe the practice of an elected official recruiting candidates to be ethical?

5. Have you or your campaign ever filed an unfounded ethics violation against an opponent, if so, why?

6. What qualifications do you have to manage 180 employees and a city with a budget of over $80 million dollars?

7. Why do you want to be elected?

8. What would you fix in the City" Assuming something is busted.

9. What would you fix in the City? That isn't busted.

10. Is this a stepping-stone to higher political aspirations?

There's ten questions right off the top of my head, and now in this parody I'm taking the liberty to answer for the Mayor candidates; Bill Schuette and Nick Guccione.

1. (Schuette) I was close once when I tried to get the city to shovel the snow from certain peoples' driveways: (Guccione) Was I supposed to do that?

2. (Schuette) Learning that trying to get the city to shovel snow from certain peoples' driveways was against state statutes: (Guccione) Feeling important.

3. (Schuette) Is that the specification for carburetor float levels?; (Guccione) No, Yes, I mean No! Yes it's definitely No today.

4. (Schuette) It depends.; (Guccione) Of course, how else can I get the other Aldermen to talk to me?

5. (Schuette) part a-Yes. b.-I like screwing with people.; (Guccione) part a.-Yes. part b.-Donna Sherwood did it, If I'd known about it, I would have told her not to do it.
6. (Schuette) Because I want to.; (Guccione) Have you seen my home, it's beautiful!.

7. (Schuette) Because I like to dress up and party a lot.; (Guccione) This is the break I've been waiting for.

8. (Schuette) I've never had an office before but the Mayor's office in city hall isn't as cool as Chief Harrisons, so when I get elected we're switching.; (Guccione) Do I get a secretary?
9. (Schuette) If it ain't busted, I can fix that.; (Guccione) I will strive to get Mike Carter re-elected to our court, I don't think he got a fair shake last time. I have changed my mind and am for him now.

10. (Schuette) Well, if I get elected and I like it, then yeah why not.; (Guccione) This is small-time, I want to brush shoulders with Claire McCaskil, Al Franken, and Joe Biden. I did pick a winner when I voted for Barack Obama, I think that qualifies me to aspire to loftier positions!

I'd like to see some questions from my readers, post them here and make sure you go to the Candidates Night event to ask the candidates.

On the campaign trail: Here's a news flash: As we all know, Guccione is a great whiner and complainer, as noted in the February 8th board meeting when he whined; "People are moving my signs, I have them on tape." Horse pucky, tell us another one. I know the games Guccione and Sherwood play, they use the "poor me" crap in an effort to appeal to those who would feel sorry for them. They've even gone so far as doing minor damage to their own homes and blaming political opponents trying to get the "poor me" vote.

Well this week they got caught red-handed by one of Gucciones opponents. It seems that his crews are following other candidates into various subdivisions and removing their literature from citizens doors. I had forgotten about that bit of sneaky crap they pull. When confronted by Darrel Lackey about it Guccione said; "I didn't know anything about that." He didn't deny they were doing it he merely said he didn't know they were doing it. Meadow muffins! Nick, you ordered it and condoned it. C'mon, do you really think that anyone is really going to believe that you and Sherwood don't use that silly shit stunt regularly? Anytime you hear them complain about something it's because they're already doing it to others candidates. It's like I've always said, Guccione and Sherwood can't win on their merits, or rather their lack of.

A warning to anyone opposing Guccione or Sherwood: When you walk the streets of Ward 2, or anywhere in the city, keep an eye over your shoulder, Nick and Donna are more than likely watching to take your literature.

Clown Town Could Be Coming Back To Wentzville

I've been watching the campaign for Ward 2 very closely and the voters in that ward need to know what's going on. Ward 2 citizens had no idea about the black-eye coming when they elected Bill Schuette and they need to realize that for the last two elections the other black-eye, Donna Sherwood, has been trying her best to be elected to an office and embarrass them again. This is her third try, don't be fooled by all the signs she has all over Ward 2, she is no well-versed candidate for anything, but her trickery abounds.

Sonya Shryock and Jeremy Pritchett are running against Sherwood and on real issues offering real solutions to a growing Wentzville and its challenges, all Sherwood wants is to be Nick Guccione's stooge on the board. Unfortunately for Guccione, he doesn't know or want to believe that if she is elected, he'll be her stooge—the bottom line is; Ward 2 residents get another poke in the eye and Wentzville looses.

Shryock and Pritchett's campaign's are running on their own money and they don't have two years worth of dusty old signs from two unsuccessful campaigns lying around like Sherwood has to stick all over Ward 2. I see now where Sherwood has two shiny new four foot by eight foot signs out on the Wentzville Parkway sporting a glamour shot of her mug on them. Like Schuette before her, she's loud, arrogant, and self-serving. She knows nothing of city government as evidenced by her weekly photo-ops she used to appear in during city meetings at the expense of the taxpayers. It's funny how she stopped doing those right after The Wentzvillian called her on it, too bad, I rather enjoyed watching her make a fool of herself staggering around issues she knew nothing about. It will be very interesting watching her try to fool the public into thinking she knows what she's talking about at the Chamber of Commerce "Candidate's Night," March 27th at the Holt high school auditorium. God I hope the local radio station airs this event!

As I've stated many times before, Sherwood is Guccione's campaign manager but I'm not sure who's advising who as they are both equally inept regarding city issues. Even more interesting, I've heard that they have recruited one-term ex-judge Mike Carter to assist them with their campaign—there's a party! You remember Judge Carter, some legislators have stated that he almost single-handedly sunk the Wentzville judicial system budget in only two years. It's funny because Nick Guccione and Bill Schuette were the most vocal on the Board of Aldermen to remove Carter from his job as Judge, now it appears that Guccione and Carter are best buds. That group should get along well, very well indeed, all three of them are a little narrow between the eyes.

Sherwood has been around since the days of Vickie Boedeker, she was one of Vickie's goons, heading up the terrorist division of Boedeker's campaigns. It's evident that Sherwood learned her craft of underhanded politics very well in those days long before Guccione. She knows all sorts of tricks such as; filing ethics violations against opponents whether they are true or false, putting up campaign signs 30 days prior to the allowed time knowing that the city would give her 30 days notice to remove them, and disguising her campaigning before the voters on camera in city meetings as a concerned citizen. This is a short list, but there are many more devious tactics she brings to the table.

Perhaps Sherwood's most unethical campaign strategy learned from Vickie is one she's using in Guccione's campaign. As his campaign manager, she has recommended recruiting candidates to run against highly effective intelligent sitting Aldermen in an effort to split the vote and stack the board with their zombies who will vote what ever way Guccione and Sherwood want. The thought process here is: If your ideas are so bad that no other Alderman will go along with them, simply replace them. This is the Guccione/Sherwood strategy which puts in place people who have never even considered running for public public office in their lives. They go along with the promise that they will not have to know what to do or how to do it, just follow their lead. The chaotic Board of Schuette, Guccione and Luby are a testament to that strategy gone awry, with no intelligent leader, they really screwed up the city.

If Sherwood/Guccione should get elected, it will be a sad day for Ward 2 and Wentzville as a whole, but The Wentzvillian will be shittin' in tall cotton with great stories of clown-town. I'm relatively sure that the good citizens of Ward 2 know what to do when they go to the polls to cast their vote April 3rd, I'm equally sure what the citizens will do with Guccione. Vote: Sonya Shryock or Jeremy Pritchett for Ward 2 and Leon Tow or Darrel Lackey for Mayor. To insure an honest and ethical government you need to elect honest and ethical people to represent your city's best interests.