Leon Tow at DQ March 13th

The election is just under one month away and the following "Meet and Greet" was received by the "Wentzvillian" to be posted here for my readers. Bring your family to the Wentzville Dairy Queen to meet and learn about Leon Tow's plans for the future of our city. Click on the graphic below to go to http://www.leon4mayor.com/.





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.)

Forrest Gosset, Candidate—Ward 1 Alderman

Forrest Gossett, candidate for Alderman of Ward 1 has submitted his bio/platform to be published in "The Wentzvillian:, as has been offered all candidates" Mr. Gossett has been interviewed on several occasions and "The Wentzvillian" has concluded he is an independent-minded candidate who will be a solid addition to the board. It is clear to that he is not a “plant” for any mayoral candidate. I therefore believe Forrest Gossett is a legitimate, independent-thinking, registered candidate for Ward 1 Alderman. "The Wentzvillian" supports his efforts to be elected and encourages my readers of Ward 1 to vote for Forrest Gossett to represent you as your Alderman. The following email was received that Gossett sent to many in Ward I:

From

FORREST GOSSETT

for Alderman of Ward 1

Wentzville is a great place to live and work. We have real challenges that require hard work and leadership. As your Ward 1 Alderman, I support continued smart economic growth. 

Experience:

• Honorably Discharged Veteran -

          - Enlisted service in U.S. Army

          - Officer in Army National Guard.

• Active in the Community
• Communications mgr. in the aviation industry
• Served on nonprofit and Chamber boards
• HOA board President
• Active in Children's ministry Calvary Church
• MBA degree and BA in Communications
• Husband, Father, grandfather

 Leading the Charge for Open and Responsive Government

I will work to represent all our interests at City Hall. We need to promote real estate recovery, and protect the investments of current homeowners, who are the backbone of Wentzville. Together, we can position Wentzville for an even greater future. Wentzville can and should be more than the crossroads - our city should be a destination.

I ask for your vote on April 3 as Wentzville Ward 1 Alderman.

Forrest Gossett

636-887-0895

forrestsgossett@yahoo.com

Facebook friend - Forrest Gosset

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.)

Wentzville Hall of Shame

Looking at the candidates, I noticed that I hadn't said nearly enough about one of our candidates for Mayor; Bill Schuette. When he was Alderman of Ward 2, he was loud, arrogant, and absolutely uneducated in governmental procedures. In his first term he stumbled his way onto the Wentzville Hall of Shame and dragged Nick Guccione and John Luby down with him. He continuously embarrassed himself, other Aldermen, and the City both in public and on record.

With Schuette leading Guccione and Luby it was like watching the Three Stooges, none of them had any knowledge of the City or city government but here they were, large and in charge. This group was elected because they were recruited by Vickie Boedeker in a conspiracy to control the Board of Aldermen (doesn't that sound familiar?) and three Aldermen retired. It almost worked, they were elected to the Board but Boedeker lost her bid for Mayor. With no one to tell them how to vote or act, Schuette took charge, what a disaster. If any Board in Wentzville was ever called dysfunctional, they set the bar. They drove the sane Aldermen and Mayor Lambi insane with ridiculous studies, ordinances, and over-spending. I think it's funny how Guccione makes a point of taking exception to studies today; he, Schuette, and Luby passed more studies in their term than I've ever seen. Only after a barrage of news articles questioning the need for these studies did Guccione change his tune today. It's like a new toy, he brings it up every time the staff proposes one, thinking it will be a feather in his proverbial cap.

It's difficult to talk about Schuette without dragging Guccione into the conversation, they were so close it was like trying to separate coffee filters. Both of them decided to run for Mayor in 2010 and were obviously unsuccessful. Since Schuette gave up his Alderman seat to run, when he lost, he was off the scene. Luby lost his re-election bid and that left Guccione all alone on the Board floundering around like a hooked fish on the river bank flip-flopping around ever since.

After Schuette had lost the election and his seat, he may have had an epiphany himself  that he had made a mistake running for Mayor. That decision subsequently cost him his seat on the Board of Aldermen so he decided to try regaining his seat in 2011. Running against him was Chris Gard, Patrick Vining, and the ever present, bad penny Donna Sherwood. His Ward 2 constituents had been embarrassed long enough and denied his plea to be re-elected and instead elected newcomer; Chris Gard. They also knew about Sherwood and reminded her a second time that they didn't want her anywhere around city hall. I sincerely hope they remember next month to scratch Schuette and Sherwood (oh, and Guccione too) from their vote. I know that the good citizens of Ward two deserve better representation than they had from Schuette or would get from Sherwood.

It's been only one year that we've had a productive intelligent Board of Aldermen and there is only one Alderman remaining from the good-old-boy days; Nick Guccione. If the voters get this right next month we can preserve the integrity of our board by keeping incumbent Rick Stokes, Ward 3; electing Sonya Shyrock or Jeremy Pritchett in Ward 2; and elect Forrest Gossett in Ward 1; then for Mayor we need to elect either Leon Tow or Darrel Lackey. The balance of the candidates on the ballot were recruited by Nick Guccione in an effort to recreate his control of the board just like Boedecker tried. The Guccione recruits are: Jay Webber, Ward 1, Donna Sherwood, Ward 2, and Rodney Stratman and Curtis Davis in Ward 3.

Vickie Boedeker's effect on Wentzville has burdened our city for eight years and we can ill afford another conspiracy to get a foot-hold in our city. If any of Guccione's recruits are elected it will have a huge negative impact on Wentzville for years to come. The only thing left to do is find a new independent thinking candidate to replace Guccione in 2013, then Wentzville will be able to move forward without agendas or conspiracy in our government. I'd agree with Guccione that he's a good and ethical Alderman, but then we'd both be wrong.

The Epiphany

Last nights "Special Meeting" was as expected—fairly boring. There were a few moments of flimsy interest between naps and even though the aldermen discussed subjects of great significance to the city, it had been a long day. It was like listening to someone read columns of large numbers but instead all you hear is an angelic breathy-voice singing "Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur..." That dream goes on until the person next to you pokes you in the ribs with his elbow because the snoring was getting loud (thank you Sir Cumference). The struggle to stay awake lasted until the "Work Session" portion of the meeting.

Before I get into the meeting, I'd like to take a moment to talk a little about Mayor Lambi. He has always been an excellent orator and a  very good representative of Wentzville. I watched him conduct the meeting and admired his ability to communicate, keep decorum, and his knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order. Regardless of the outcome of his current troubles, he was good for Wentzville. I sat there thinking of our next Mayor and how they would carry out the business of the city.

Image is a very important aspect of being mayor, how we are perceived by the outside world is crucial to a progressive city such as Wentzville. The election to be held next month is unique to Wentzville, it will be the first time a Mayor is to be elected for a four-year term. Throughout the history of Wentzville, there have been numerous one-term (two-year) mayors, who were dumped for one reason or another. Today, we don't have the option of eliminating a dysfunctional mayor after his first two-year term. When you go to the polls to elect either Leon Tow or Darrel Lackey you can be sure you have chosen a mayor with the experience and knowledge to lead our city for the next four years.

There was one humorous thing happen during the "Staff Reports" when the board was addressed by Chief Harrison and purchasing manager; Jerry Hillin. The topic of discussion was city-wide uniformity of employee  uniforms. Hillin spoke of cost saving ideas such as; returning uniforms for replacement rather than allowing employees a set amount they can spend on uniforms each year. He went on to cite the example: "Some employees are required to wear steel-toed boots in the performance of their duties and are allowed $150 per year for the boots." He stated that many of those employees at higher levels don't wear out the boots at the same rate as those who are in the trenches and he suggests; "If the employees were required to turn in their old boots when requesting new ones, it could have a cost-savings for the city."

Hillin went on to talk about jeans and other apparel and a policy that was written in 2009 presented to City Administrator Dianna Wright. He said: "Some employee(s) went out and bought pink headbands and pink socks with their uniform allowance, after that, the policy was thrown out prior to getting Board approval." I never caught the connection between the policy and pink socks but there must be some for Wright to can it.

The board and staff discussed this matter for what seemed like hours when Alderman Nick Guccione had an epiphany, he asked of Hillin; "Why don't you make the employees turn in their old boots before getting new ones?" A great suggestion, so insightful, I wonder why Hillin didn't think of it. At one point in the "Work Session" Guccione wanted to make a motion, Mayor Lambi had to tell him that no decisions or votes are taken in "Work Sessions," we don't set policy or legislate, making a motion is out of order.  My question here is; why after five years on the Board of Aldermen he doesn't know governmental procedure? Remember; this alderman is the one who is running for mayor. It appears, not only is he  indecisive and a poor communicator, his focus and attention to matters at hand may be somewhat impaired.

Does a Bear.......in the Woods?

There is a "Work Session and Special Board of Alderman" meeting tomorrow evening at 6:00pm in city hall. They will vote on the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday and the first reading of the Amended Animal Regulations during the special meeting. I expect to see the chambers filled with dog owners especially if Nick Guccione gets on the phone to his special interests groups. I see no place for Aldermeen or Mayor reports but for some reason, after watching Mayor Lambi pressing last week, it's possible that he may continue his inquisition.

On the "Work Session," among other things, they will be talking about the Transportation Sales Tax Renewal. I am not sure if that includes ballot language but strategy will probably be discussed to have it reimplemented. If it weren't for the possibility of another free-for-all, it could be a fairly boring meeting.

I'm still waiting for the release of the "Executive Session" minutes pertaining to Lambi and beginning to wonder if this situation will ever be officially confirmed or resolved. It appears to me that if he's done something wrong or illegal, the citizens should know. If he hasn't, it is thought he'd want to get it out in the open as soon as possible to clear his name. At any rate, we are still waiting.

After the blog exposing Nick Guccione's campaign brochure disguised as a questionnaire, there is a need to comment on his Aldermanic antics, his name just keeps jumping out. I've been going through the minutes of the meetings searching for information on Lambi and couldn't help but notice seeing more of his trend in voting. It's evident that he is anti business and pro tax, and that  he can't make up his mind about his voting on issues. During the past five years as Alderman of Wentzville, he has flipped on more issues than any alderman seen in the past 15 years, and since he won't campaign on his record I thought I'd help him.

Some of the businesses he's voted against were; Mobil on the Run and Sam's Club. It's interesting that he opposed them coming into Wentzville because a small group of citizens didn't want them so he voted against them, but most of the time when his special interest groups weren't there watching for the final vote he would flip on the issue at hand. Rankin Technical College was the opposite, he voted for it initially and now says, "I made a mistake," he went against it when pressured by certain newspaper articles. Guccione can't make up his mind and relies on the opinions of special interest groups or pressure to determine how to vote on any issue.

One of his all time greatest flips was a few months ago on the Automotive Coalition, where several years back, he, Bill Schuette, and the gang pushed hard for giving money to a lobbyist in Washington D.C. They passed an ordinance to give $7,500 of taxpayers dollars every year to the lobbyist. When it came up for renewal this past year, and the rest of the board was wanting to get rid of it, on the third and final vote he said: "I was for this bill back then, and  I am still for this bill today!" Then when it came time to vote, just a few minutes later, he flipped and voted against it. Sometimes I wonder if he can remember what he says and does on a daily basis?  Then there was the Storm Water Utility Tax, he, Bill Schuette and the gang did everything they could do to get this unusual tax levied on Wentzville taxpayers until it was tabled because of a lawsuit filed for a similar tax in St. Louis. He voted for this bill twice originally, then when the final vote was taken, without the support of his posse, he voted against it.

The preceding is just a small portion of his record but it illustrates his career as an Alderman in Wentzville, and now, he wants to be Mayor. I'm going to keep digging into his record and since he won't tell the voters what he's done, it will be posted here for them. Alderman Nick Guccione cannot hide from what he's done or hasn't done for Wentzville any longer, it's over. He can't hide or deny public record, maybe he should go through it himself so he can make an attempt at defending his pitiful record on Candidates Night. The Wentzvillian knows where his bear crapped in the woods.

"Your Choice Matters"

I was just handed a campaign mailer disguised as a questionnaire sent out by Alderman Nick Guccione and I had to chuckle to myself several times while reading it. Basically, It's a survey asking the citizens of Wentzville their opinion: "YOUR OPINION MATTERS!" It is a list of the the departments in the city and instructions to "Circle your response: Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor." A nifty little diversion from the base truth.

After perusing this mailing, I find that it contains absolutely nothing about what he has accomplished in five years as the Alderman of Ward 3. Instead, he asks you the voter, to grade the city. Of course, if he had  listed only his accomplishments, his photographs would have been the only thing on the paper. It is a trick tool by a tricky guy to divert attention from the fact that he's done nothing in five years except cough, sneeze, and take up space on the board.

I did find what has to be considered a major deception on it though, one bullet point reads: Alderman of Ward 3 since 2007 (Reelected by more than than 77 %.) That was in 2009, in his most recent reelection in 2011 he was unopposed. Had he been opposed, he would have lost in a landslide and be home looking in today.

I guess this questionnaire is his attempt to act mayorally but says nothing about what he's done for the past five years, what he will do if elected Mayor for the next four years, or when he loses what he'll do during his final year as an Alderman. His form gives the impression that he's on top of city government, but in reality it's only a diversion from his total lack of knowledge of what's going on in the city, and nonexistent involvement in the community. I find it hard to believe that anyone who works two jobs has the time or energy it takes to read and study the information it takes to be an alderman, or a Mayor of a city the size of Wentzville, it could be that someone is reading it for him and giving him the highlights.

I urge voters to fill out and return the form, he promises every one who does will be contacted. When he calls you, ask him what he's accomplished during his five years as Alderman, what he'll change if he's elected Mayor, and what his plans are for Ward 3 during his final year when he loses, I'd like to know. You might also ask why he recruited candidates for all of the wards, you may find the answer to that quite revealing about his "want to control the city" attitude, I know the answer to that.

Nick Guccione wants to be a career politician, he told me that personally, and I think you'll agree that there are way too many of those in this country already. After you talk with Guccione and you find just how tedious he is and how little he has done for Wentzville during his career so far, tell him what so many other citizens already know about him—zero. Remember to vote on April 3rd and show Guccione what Wentzville thinks of him; "We don't want a useless career politician taking up space in our city hall!"

The Den of Bell-Tails

Once again, it's time to visit the City of Wentzville playhouse; the meeting of February 22nd. For the political addicts out there, there were lots and lots of delectable goodies that night. Alderman Nick Guccione served the hors d'oeuvres but Mayor Lambi brought in the main course and dessert. Lambi was steppin' high like a rooster in deep mud until none of the Aldermen (except Guccione) bit on his "distract and deceive" trap.

It was during the "Mayor's Report" after Lambi gave Alderman Chris Gard a sound drubbing when he attacked staff member; Jerry Hillin, Purchasing Manager. He third-degreed Hillin on the process of the "implied contracts" and the $15,000 check, in my opinion, he was totally out of line with his interrogation. At one time during the meeting Gard said (in no uncertain terms) to the Mayor" You are overstepping your authority." There was uneasiness in the audience as he grilled Hillin.

After several minutes of Lambi's inquisition Hillin stated (with all due respect); "On the advice of my personal attorney and that of our City Attorney, I have filed an official complaint against you and refuse to answer any of your questions," According to Hillin, this was all due to Lambi busting into a finance meeting that morning and verbally beating on him there too. In my opinion, Lambi has gone over the edge and it appears that here lately his oil does not reach his dipstick, he is acting desperate. Could it be that he is in deeper trouble than originally thought?

After thinking this through, there are some other very strange things going on in City hall. I know that the initial employee complaint was in regard to a conflict of interest investigation and involved Rankin Technical college. As I reported in my post of December 16, 2011, "Illegal practice of using ones Influence...," in the city van going to Rankin the day of the alleged conflict there were several aldermen, Mayor Lambi, Economic Development Director Larry Tucker, and Ed Watkins of Winning Endeavors. Many of the questions of which Lambi demanded that night could have been very easily answered by Larry Tucker. Why wasn't he present? Could it be that Tucker was the employee who filed the conflict of interests complaint (that started it all) and on the advise of his attorney did not attend? If it's true, this scenario could answer a whole bunch of my questions about connecting the dots.

There have been aldermen meetings in years gone by where I've seen aldermen pick up their things and walk out due to the irrational demand of a mayor. At one point in Lambi's rant when he couldn't get any of the aldermen (except Guccione) to answer his questions, he tried to  threaten the board by saying; "I am the CEO of Wentzville and Chief Law Enforcement Officer. I demand you answer my questions."  Old Scratch was not a happy camper and made a fool of himself with his specious direction. Wouldn't it have been fun if Gard and all the other rational thinking aldermen got up and walked out, leaving Lambi and Nick Guccione sitting there trying to figure out what to do. If Lambi continues his tirades in future meetings, and I have no doubt that he will, I can see this happening.

There's a lot more to discuss about the meeting of February 22nd but there's no room for anymore today. A whole mess of stuff to think about and sooner or later all the facts will be known. I know that Paul Lambi is a good man and I've had a difficult time bringing myself to believe that he has done all that has been brought forward.  I have not closed my mind to the fact that there may be more behind the story than I've heard. I'm pretty much a hillbilly but I was raised on a floored pen and if there is anything else going on in this matter I will do my best to get to the bottom of it.

Regardless of the reasons, the things going on today in our city hall are not a good thing for our community, as much as I enjoy a good fight, I'd like to see it stop. Sometimes when I go to city meetings it's like walking into a den of bell-tails.