Kross and Guccione Need a Wake Up Call

 

Eight months ago, the Downtown Economic Development and Historical Preservation Committee (DEDHP) of Wentzville was created by Ward 2 Alderman Chris Gard and installed by Mayor Nickolas Guccione through ordinance. Guccione appointed Chairman Gard and two other aldermen; Ward 3, Rick Stokes, and Ward 1 Alderman Cheryl Kross. Five citizens were appointed to the newly formed committee; Brad Beine, Jay Webber, Rebecca Krause, Deborah Bowman, and Leon Tow.

It is the object of the committee to promote economic development and preserve history within the core of Wentzville—a matter which has been ignored by city government for a half-century. Village center businesses and residents have been subject to stringent codes and infrastructure that is almost 100 years old. New businesses want to come into town, but seeing all of the hoops they need to jump through and decaying water and sewer lines they would need to replace at their cost, say "No thanks," and build somewhere else. A few believers have braved the financial disaster offered by Wentzville and rehabilitated old buildings in downtown only to be met with surprise after surprise and no help from the city. Owners of places like the Olde Towne Pub, the original bank building, The Marley Hotel, and the 1878 Sheirbaum home spent fortunes to open their businesses because they believed in Wentzville and are proud of its heritage. Progress is slow in bringing back an old town when the city government offers little or no interest, and incentive to help. This new committee can help with that problem.

Last night at the meeting of the DEDHP, the committee went through a list of projects that need to be funded in order to kick-start economic development in the downtown area. One major problem to bringing new businesses into downtown is parking, and they are going to recommend purchasing the Century-Link parking lot. They discussed bringing forward a plan for trees and shrubbery along the railroad tracks, a mural program, work on infrastructure, sidewalks, and mapping a historical trail with markers. I'm not sure which of these items will be brought to the board of aldermen but they are bringing some of their recommendations for funding to the March 12th meeting of the board.

Here's where a little back-story is necessary. Alderman Cheryl Kross resigned from the committee last month stating that she thinks there are too many aldermen on the committee. She wants to offer a change to the ordinance to have an all-citizen committee by replacing every alderman with citizens. Should this happen, the committee would be left with members who know little or nothing about where budget funding may come from,  which projects are feasible, contacts, and processes necessary to achieve their project goals. In other words, it would slow down or stall the accomplishment of anything they want to bring forward. Their lack of city-knowledge would have them bouncing back and forth between the board of aldermen and their committee. Why would Kross want this to happen?

Last night Kross gave a flowery speech, paying lip service to citizens of Wentzville by saying how much value the committee has to the community, economic development of downtown, and how much she wants it to be successful. What a crock!  Over the years, I've had numerous conversations with Alderman Kross where she's told me point blank, "I won't spend a dime of taxpayer money on the parking lot or any historic preservation in Wentzville." I always thought it funny that she forced her way onto the committee when I knew she didn't give a rats-ass about downtown. I figured she was just spying to find out what they were up to and at the appropriate time she'd quit the committee to vote, "nay" on anything presented to the board for budgeting. I was right again, she did quit, and now wants to gut the committee leaving it to die and rot right in the middle of historic Wentzville. Wow, imagine that, what a surprise!

Now she has Mayor Nickolas Guccione spouting things at his monthly coffee talk saying; "If there are any projects approved by the board of aldermen and funds budgeted, I will veto it!" He also said in a public meeting, "If there were a tie vote on the board allocating funds to the committee, I will vote against it!" Kross and Guccione are absolutely wanting to stop economic development in downtown and destroy the committee formed to accomplish that goal. Once again, Cheryl Kross is the bad apple, and Guccione should know better. He campaigned on seeing economic development in the village center—I guess that was just another campaign promise lie.

If my readers believe in revitalizing our historic center of Wentzville, now is the time for action. Businesses, organizations, and residents need to make calls especially to Mayor Nickolas Guccione and Ward 1 Alderman Cheryl Kross, or call or email City Hall, tell them you agree with the DEDHP Committee recommendations and want a vibrant downtown, tell them to vote "Yea," to the committee recommendations.

Calls need to be made to all of our elected officials, for your convenience here is a list of them and their phone numbers. The names in red are members of the "Unholy Alliance" and expected to vote against the DEDHP Committee recommendations, unless enough voters tell them otherwise.

Mayor:  Nickolas Guccione - (636) 639-0353 (re-election April 2016)

Ward 1: Cheryl Kross - (636) 332-1907 (re-election April 2015)
               Forrest Gossett - (636) 887-0895 (re-election April 2014)

Ward 2: Chris Gard - (636) 233-7399 (re-election April 2015)
               Sonya Shryock - (636) 887-5549 (not seeking re-election)

Ward 3: Rick Stokes - (636) 887-3228 (re-election April 2014)
               Michael Hays - (314) 630-4742 (re-election 2015)

More importantly, we all need to be at the Board of Alderman meeting of March 12, 2014 to voice our opinions during the "Open Forum," and address approval of the DEDHP Committee recommendations. Stop Mayor Guccione and Alderman Cheryl Kross from condemning our historic village center to another 50 years of our city government paying lip-service to the downtown residents and businesses. If they are successful at blocking progress, we need to remember Kross during the election of 2015, and Guccione in 2016.

The only way our elected officials know what citizens need or want, is to tell them. Call the alderman of your ward, inundate our mayor with emails and phone calls; it's the only thing he really understands. Wentzville needs this committee and it needs its government to support it—and us!
 

Watkins, Gap-1, & The Missouri Ethics Commission

In 2011 and 2012 The Wentzvillian posted several articles which exposed alleged pay-to-play ethics violations by then-Mayor Paul Lambi and Mr. Ed Watkins. Lambi was outraged in Board of Aldermen meetings trying to defend himself against allegations regarding a mysterious $15,000 check and his connection with "Graduate America Priority 1," or "GAP-1." Executive sessions came frequently as the City Attorney, Paul Rost, Mayor Lambi, and Aldermen discussed the allegations. The Wentzvillian's speculations in the articles regarding the goings-on in those sessions are what spurred the City to have the St. Louis Police Department come and sweep the Wentzville City Hall for bugs.

 

This subject remained dormant as the Missouri Ethics Commission investigated the facts around the alleged play-for-pay scheme dreamed up by Watkins and Lambi—until a few weeks ago. The Board of Aldermen directed the City Attorney to draft a letter to the Missouri Ethics Commission to find out the status of their complaint, low and behold, last Monday case number 12E005 was filed; "Missouri Ethics Commission, Petitioner, v. Ed Watkins, Respondent; JOINT STIPULATION OF FACTS, WAIVER OF HEARING BEFORE THE MISSOURI COMMISSION, AND CONSENT ORDER WITH JOINT PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSION OF LAW."

 

After digesting these documents signed by Ed Watkins on June 8, 2013, I have more questions than Answers. Other than Lambi not being a Co-Respondent, under the "JOINT PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT" header, items 2: "Respondent Watkins is a founder, shareholder, and registered agent of WE News, LLC, which was formerly known as Westplex ENEWS, LLC."; Item 3: Respondent Watkins is the owner of the fictitious name 'Winning Endeveavors.'"; Item 4: "Respondent Watkins is the founder of 'Graduate America Priority 1,' or 'GAP-1.'" In or about September of 2011, Respondent Watkins, together with Paul Lambi, filed paperwork with the Missouri Secretary of State to incorporate GAP-1 as a public benefit non-profit corporation, but on February 23, 2012, Respondent Watkins filed articles of dissolution. In July 2012, Paul Lambi filed with the Missouri Secretary of State a registration of fictitious name for Graduate America Priority 1 identifying "WE News, LLC as the owner of the business name." Why would Lambi register the same fictitious name that Watkins dissolved just four months earlier?

 

Now to jump around a bit: Item 5: "Mr. Lambi was paid by WE News, LLC, as C.E.O. of Winning Endeavors, Paul Lambi was also the mayor of Wentzville, Missouri, from 2004 through 2012." Item 11: As the founder and owner of WE News, LLC, and doing business as GAP-1, Respondent Watkins sought to establish an educational facility in the City of Wentzville." Item 12: "Respondent Watkins approached Rankin Technical College with a proposal to locate an educational facility in Wentzville, and requested a fund-raising agreement with Rankin that would have paid Mr. Lambi through GAP-1 a salary of approximately $60,000 per year for fundraising."

 

I advise anyone interested to read this nine page public document for yourself, there is just too much to put here, but the bottom line is that Ed Watkins admitted to the facts in this document. So, where does this leave Lambi? Watkins got a $100 slap on the hand with the promise that if he violates any of the items listed within the next two years he would pay an additional $900. Some allege that Lambi may be in even more serious trouble, it depends on what the Missouri Ethics Commission does with the information they've gathered during their investigation. We could have to wait another two years, who knows?

 

I've linked just a couple of several posts revolving around this situation below. During that period of time there was a lot of excitement surrounding this case and the involvement of Mayor Paul Lambi. Time will tell, and I assure you I will stay on top of it.

 

"The Illegal Practice Of Using One's Influence..." (December 16, 2011)

"Den Of Bell-Tails" February 14, 2012

 

 

Divide and Conquer

There is an inordinate number of strange things going on in City Hall today. The finance department has been decimated and Mayor Nickolas Guccione has been handed a fissure in the unity of this once strong knit Board of Aldermen, which he will surely exploit to his advantage.

* * *

Last August, in an effort to find the City's investment accounts, the Board of Aldermen decided to abandon it's association with a long time auditor and go with another firm. At that time, the City had no idea how much or even where it's  money was invested—it's worthy to note that Nickolas Guccione was an aldermen when all of this was going on. Numbers have been thrown around over the past nine months in the range of $38 to $55 million dollars, that's a fair amount of dough to lose track of. As of today, the City believes they have located all of the accounts, banks, and investment firms holding Wentzville's money. The audit is still ongoing and will identify exactly how much money was invested and how much was retrieved. The Aldermen hope these numbers match and at this time they have no suspicion of wrong-doing or misappropriation.

Closely after the announcement to audit the City's investments using the new auditor, the City Finance Director, Dennis Walsh announces his retirement. Shortly after Walsh retired, the Accounts Payable Manager resigns, and then unexpectedly, this week the long-time Assistant Finance Director, Dana Belaska handed in her resignation. The question I had which was answered by President of the Board, Rick Stokes, was; "Can the City finance department function after losing these key employees?" I was assured that temporary employees have been brought on board and with the new Finance Director starting next week, everything is under control. The audit results will be public very soon and we will know if they located all of the City's investment accounts.

* * *

Mayor Nuckolas Guccione is an opportunist, he always lays with the side that looks like it's a winner, that's why he will never commit or take responsibility for anything. His appointed Alderman, Michael Hays, who was allowed to serve on the Board thanks to Alderman Cheryl Kross (when she flipped on her vote), never adds anything to the meetings. I've learned over my short time on this planet that people become engaged in things they know about, and Hays has definitely lived up to that. He served 15 years on planning and zoning and if there is ever a discussion about that, or other committees, he's all over it. Unfortunately, that kind of representation does not get the business of the City done, so he's become a follower. It is amazing how much he resembles Guccione when he was an alderman, they both live under the same mantra; Get along to go along.

With the recent split in the Board, Guccione will choose to stay with the side he feels will do him the most good, as of now, it looks like he's snugging up to Aldermen Stokes and Chris Gard. Since Hays is of the same cloth, he will do whatever Guccione does. Next year, Stokes will be up for re-election and I'm confident that Guccione feels Stokes will be a huge political threat to run against him for mayor in 2016 so he will pull every trick he can to have him replaced in the 2014 election.

I know that Guccione all ready has enormous targets on both Aldermen Sonya Shyrock and Forrest Gossett and if he gets them replaced, he'll have the split board he wants where he will break the ties. There are some folks who say that Shyrock and Gossett are easy outs and if that's the case, Stokes, Gard, and Kross had better mend the fences soon or they will be having the same miserable time that Kross had in her first year.

A better Wentzville is not Guccione's goal—power—that's what he wants. After next April, he could have the power to screw up the City more than he and the Lurchettes had five years ago. It's known that he is not a leader, it was proven in his first year as an alderman and it hasn't improved at all since. His rein of terror will last at least two years after next year when he brings in feel-good legislation that will cost taxpayers dearly.

For the sake of Wentzville, this current Board of Aldermen need to reattach and keep their eyes on the brass ring. I've seen divides like this in the past and they have always worked out terribly for the City. The reasons this board is splitting are trivial and have nothing to do with the business of Wentzville and how it's governed, but if it's not resolved it will have a paramount effect. They need to stop taking the business of Wentzville personally—do the job and move on to the next one at hand—or everything you've accomplished will go down the crapper. You will be to blame for the chaos to come!

TTC

Many elected officials don't agree with  my method of reporting on what they do, or don't do, in city hall. They don't like the idea that The Wentzvillian doesn't interview them to get their side of the story. They seem to think that I can't possibly post the truth and that my opinions don't really matter anyway, yet some of them have gone to great lengths to shut me up. The opinions posted here come from persistent observation over the long haul, and most times The Wentzvillian has been spot on, in fact, so close to the truth, they thought I was bugging City Hall.

What many of them don't understand is that my observations, although more intense, are from the same vantage of the voting taxpayers who pay any attention to what our government is doing. Our view of government is pretty much the same except, from close observation, I recognize the efforts of our mayor and aldermen to spin what they are really doing via newspaper, newsletter, or other forms of propaganda. That being said, The Wentzvillian has recognized a real problem in City Hall.

Over the years of watching city meetings and seeing mayors and aldermen, both good and bad, come and go, The Wentzvillian has formulated a hypothesis, which I like to call the Third Term Crazies (TTC). Some of them come in with good motives, and others, not so much, however, I'd say, 90 percent of them come down with this malady. It has manifested itself in many forms but it always comes with the marked uncharacteristic actions of an elected official contracting the disease, and is always politically fatal. Since the data used to formulate the hypothesis is based on two year terms and the parameters of the term were modified last year to four year terms for the mayor, a new sampling needs to be had. It could perhaps be a faulty syllogism to say that mayors will now contract Two Term Crazies, but only time will tell.

TTC, although slightly different, resembles The Peter Principle, and since Mayor Nickolas Guccione reached his level of incompetence when he was initially elected to his first term as an alderman six years ago, his TTC has been extremely difficult to diagnose. Any time The Peter Principle and the Third Term Crazies intersect, it really doesn't matter anymore, the result is a full-blown narcissist in office.

I've received calls from two residents asking if there is a rift in the force on the Board of Aldermen, and is the reason The Wentzvillian went into such detail about TTC. It is my belief that the Alderman of Ward 1, Cheryl Kross, may be showing early signs of TTC.

During the last two meetings of the Board, I've noticed a glaring difference in Alderman Kross' deportment. Although there are no blatant outbursts of anger from her, she is masking something. At the Board of Aldermen Meeting of May 22nd, unless she was talking, her head was uncharacteristically resting in her hand or hands, the entire meeting. She made no eye contact with the President of the Board, Alderman Rick Stokes, or conversed with him, unless it was absolutely necessary. Another thing I noticed, Kross spent an unusual amount of time whispering with the City Administrator, T. Michael McDowell. For some reason, Kross is not a happy camper, and I believe I've deduced, by observation, what it is.

Kross is the senior Alderman with two terms (four years) behind her on the Board, and in my assessment, Kross believes that she should have been elected President of the board. To her dismay she didn't have the votes, and consequently, Stokes was re-elected to that post.

Kross started making mistakes recently, the largest of which came when she flipped on her vote to accept Guccione's appointment of Micheal Hays, resulting in the election of one of the most unpopular aldermen in recent history, who won by only 38 percent of the vote. Unfortunately, the residents of Ward 3 are saddled with an alderman they don't want all because Kross flipped on her vote at the advice of her good friend and ward-mate, Alderman Forrest Gossett. Gossett advised her: "Not accepting the mayor's appointment would be political suicide." Kross made a decision, not based on the best interest of the citizens of Wentzville, but her own political future in Wentzville.

I will offer more evidence to my theory that Kross may be in the grip of TTC next time, but for now, I'll end with this thought: Alderman Cheryl Kross used to follow her own conscience, but now may be taking too much advice from what could very well be a one-term alderman, Forrest Gossett.

What Are You Afraid Of?

Much thought has been given to the Board of Aldermen meeting of May 8th, and what I feel to be a real breakdown in our City Government. The question keeps rolling around and around; why did our Aldermen flinch in the face of final victory over sleazy politics in Wentzville? What are they afraid of?

I'm not surprised by a couple of the aldermen, but am shocked by the reaction of others. I've seen this group stand together on numerous occasions regarding one subject or another, but this is the first time they've displayed their cowardly side, in lockstep. After many hours of thought, I believe our aldermen colluded to whitewash Mayor Nickolas Guccione's violation of the Political Activity Policy, but I can't figure out why!

The aldermen pulled this discussion from the regular meeting of  April 24th, two weeks after Alderman Shryock broached the subject of the Mayor using his office to get Micheal Hays elected to Ward 3 by a measly eight votes. It then reappeared on the agenda of May 8th with the promise of "We have new information." They had one month to debate and bicker amongst themselves (in private) to come up with ... nothing! I'm going to lay out what I believe happened, or should I say, didn't happen:

Amongst themselves, someone, or all of them, decided that Alderman Shyrock needed to excuse herself, "for personal reasons," from the discussion. Whether she knew what the other aldermen had planned or not, she started the discussion a month ago and the topic was important enough that she should have been there to present the opening of the discussion. Instead she bailed.

Alderman Kross opened the discussion with a cryptic, long-winded question to City Attorney, Paul Rost, and she didn't even bother to say what it was about. Alderman Kross, what are you afraid of? I've known Rost for the better part of ten years and he is many things to as many people but one thing I never knew about him; he's a mind reader. "I assume you are talking about the campaign brochure using the office of the mayor endorsement." Kross didn't say as much, but Rost knew. There were conversations between the aldermen and Rost; every alderman knew what was going on; too bad the taxpayers, who elected these people, didn't.

After Rost admitted in a public meeting that there was a violation of the Political Activity Policy and that this Board could take action, Alderman Chris Gard went into his pale, "We are not a Judicial branch" speech. Alderman Gard, with all your knowledge about policies and procedures, I cannot believe you actually said that. It might have justified the Board's inaction to the ignorant masses, but those who watch, know. The Board of Aldermen can lay in judgement and take action against any other elected official when they violate the law, or policy; just ask the Mayor of Ellisville. So, what are you afraid of?

The noble Alderman Forrest Gosset piped in to say: "I am a firm believer in the First Amendment, and I will fight to the death any one's right to freedom of speech." C'mon Alderman Gosset, who are you kidding? Everyone knows; Mayor Nickolas Guccione can say anything he likes, just like the rest of us, but when you violate policies or break laws, you pay the consequences of your First Amendment Rights. Your blovial smoke-screen of a speech may have sounded good on the record, but we all know it was just an act. A cover-up to give a false illusion to the audience that the Aldermen's hands are tied. Pious platitudes don't solve the problems you just created. What are you afraid of?

Now we come to my biggest disappointment, President of the Board, Alderman Rick Stokes. I watched Stokes closely that night, knowing full well that he would step in to get to the heart of the discussion. Not only did he not set the record straight and secure the future of well-behaved politics in Wentzville, instead, he said nothing. Rick Stokes has set himself up over the past three years to be a leader in Wentzville. An outspoken man who was elected to tell the truth and who was not afraid of public opinion that might not agree with him. Well, it appears that Alderman Stokes may have sold out to politics. I would have expected that from many of the others, but not him. Being honest may not get you many friends, but it always gets you the right ones! What are you afraid of?

The only two people at the meeting who didn't participate in this charade were those who unfortunately, just earned the right to further corrupt the politics in our city.

Mark Twain once said: "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your Government when it deserves it." Today, the Government of Wentzville does not deserve it! We either have laws and policies, or we don't. What are our Aldermen afraid of?

Give 'em The Old Razzle Dazzle

I loved the musical Chicago, and I can easily understand why it won six Academy Awards, including best picture. One song in particular; Razzle-Dazzle, was brought to mind after watching the award-winning performance of our Board of Aldermen during "(ID 4498) Ethics Discussion."

The subject was to deal with Mayor Guccione's use of his office to campaign for an Alderman during the past election. The topic was placed on the Agenda of April 24th and pulled off prior to the meeting; it was then placed on last night's agenda. Tension ran high when three citizens spoke in open forum during the meeting of April 10th, when Ward 2 Alderman, Sonya Sryock, brought it back up during her Alderman Report. It was stated that the subject being discussed by the Board was not on the agenda and should not be taking place. Ward 1 Alderman, Cheryl Kross, asked that it be placed on the agenda as a discussion item.

OPENING CHORUS:

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

Razzle Dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate

Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?

Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll never catch wise!

Now for the cast and performance: (We hope you enjoy the show)

ACT ONE:

Opening the curtain the scene begins. After all of the important Bills and Resolutions are voted on, Shryock will be excused for personal reasons, subsequently not present for the discussion she inspired. Exit stage left.  This leaves on stage, but silent through the discussion, the following:  Mayor Nickolas Guccione, plus the Aldermen of Ward 3, Michael Hays and President of the Board, Rick Stokes rocking in their rocking chairs. Curtain closes.

ACT TWO:

Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Give 'em a show that's so splendiferous
Row after row will crow vociferous

Give 'em the old flim flam flummox
Fool and fracture 'em
How can they hear the truth above the roar?
Roar, roar, roar!
Throw 'em a fake and a finagle
They'll never know you're just a bagel,

Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll beg you for more!

Curtain up, enter Kross, stage right:  She speaks for the now-absent Shryock and begins a cryptic and lengthy question to the City Attorney, never once addressing the actions of the Mayor or his violations. The audience is disappointed in her poor acting performance.

Enter City Attorney, Paul Rost, stage right: Rost talks about the "Ethics Policy" and explains why there are no violations. He is the only member of the cast to read the mind of Kross by saying, "I assume you are talking about the campaign brochure using the office of the mayor endorsement." No one responded so then Rost says, "However there is a 'Political Activity Policy.'" He gave a lawyerly speech carefully outlining the intent of the policy and finally says, "The board could take action." The audience rises to their feet to cheer the news. Both Kross and Rost exit stage right.

ACT THREE:

Give 'em the old double whammy
Daze and dizzy 'em
Back since the days of old Methuselah
Everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler

Give 'em the old three ring circus
Stun and stagger 'em
When you're in trouble, go into your dance
Though you are stiffer than a girder
They'll let you get away with murder

Razzle dazzle 'em
And you've got a romance

Enter Alderman Chris Gard, stage right: Gard starts his "We are not the Judicial Branch," speech saying how they cannot pass judgement on anyone. The crowd is stunned; they cannot believe that Gard actually said it. Gard exits stage right.

Enter Alderman Forrest Gossett, stage left. "I am a firm believer in the First Amendment, and I will fight to the death any one's right to freedom of speech." The audience cheers and waves flags, but they don't know why. It's reminiscent of a George M. Cohen play. Curtain close.

CLOSING CHORUS:

Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em

Show 'em the first rate sorceror you are
Long as you keep 'em way off balance
How can they spot you've got no talent

Razzle Dazzle 'em
Razzle Dazzle 'em
Razzle Dazzle 'em

And they'll make you a star!

CRITIC'S REVIEW

City Attorney, Paul Rost, gets rave reviews, but the actions of our Aldermen last night were a well-rehearsed choreography of smoke and mirrors the likes of which has never been seen in Wentzville City Hall. Voters should be up in arms about the precedent they set last night. Mayor Nickolas Guccione was just pardoned a second time, and I hope the citizens of Wentzville won't forget it. I'm sure that Guccione will come on strong with his dirty politics next year as usual, when he works hard to replace Gossett, Shryock, and Stokes. I think our regular board went camping, and the board that was present last night were all actors—every one of them. This was a display of pure politics, not justice.

This morning I have to say; I'm truly ashamed to say, I live in Wentzville!

Article Interruptus

It is with guarded excitement that I await the Board of Alderman meeting this Wednesday, May 8th. The reason I'm looking forward to it is because the "Ethics Discussion," which was originally posted, and removed from the agenda of April 24th has been placed on the upcoming agenda. I'm apprehensive because here lately when I hear things, they haven't necessarily come to be. So, I'll be there to listen and see what happens.

This discussion item was placed on the agenda to address the  questionable ethics of Mayor Nickolas Guccione and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Hays during the election this past April. Remembering back to the election of 2012, during Mayor Lambi's final meeting as Mayor of Wentzville, the Board was going to have a similar discussion about Guccione's unethical behavior. Lambi's last official duty was to issue a pardon for him. I always thought it unfortunate for citizens of Wentzville to bear the shame of having a Mayor sworn in who was just pardoned by the outgoing mayor. And now, citizens of Ward 3 are represented by an alderman who won by only 39 percent of the vote, who would not have been elected if Guccione hadn't gotten involved.

Guccione must not have learned anything from Lambi's pardon because he continued along with his old campaign strategies this past election by using the mayor's office to promote the seating of Hays. I can only hope our Aldermen impose some drastic spankings.

NEWS FLASH: The body count rills up under Mayor Nickolas Guccione's administration. Ms. Petree Powell, Interim Wentzville Finance Director was fired Friday night about 8:30  PM by City Administrator, T. Michael McDowell. It was reported to The Wentzvillian that Ms. Powell and Mr. McDowell may have had some bad blood between them. Powell was hired January 10th of this year to replace Dennis Walsh who had served as Wentzville Finance Director for many years. Ms. Powell sent a blistering email to the City, which I will do my best to acquire. The Wentzvillian has been told that a new interim Finance Director will be present at the meeting this Wednesday.

Guccione was directly involved with the firing of four directors in Wentzville, so much for being in favor of the employees, huh? I have never seen such a turnover in the City as that created by Mayor Nickolas Guccione. My suggestion to City employees is: if you have a position of any responsibility with the City, duck! Do what your leader does; hide, pass the buck, lie, accomplish little or nothing, and always have someone you can blame.

I'm off to do some research, see ya later!

"Just Because You Say It's So..."

Board of Aldermen meeting of April 10th continued: I touched on Mayor Nickolas Guccione's Mayor's Report this morning but there was more. After his now famous "High Road" comment Guccione went on to say about those who spoke out against him, "I have to bite my tongue but I just ignore it." He just ignores citizens who are unhappy about his unethical behavior and I'm glad to hear that because the sore he created will fester to the point where he will wish he hadn't ignored it.

About the Alderman reports, I'm a little unhappy that four of our six Aldermen had nothing to say about the situation with Guccione. Hays of course wouldn't bite the hand who fed him but he did address the ethics problem on his flyer. He apologized to the Board for the misspelling on it and the ballot, taking blame for it. I give him credit for doing that but that's where it ends. From the way things came down, it looks like Hays had nothing to do with his own campaign literature and Guccione handled everything. That explains a lot, especially the misspellings and lack of proofreading.

Alderman Shryock opened her report with, "Mayor, you opened the topic of the flyer during your report, so we need to have the discussion about you signing the endorsement as "Mayor." Guccione went to Def Con 4 saying, "I didn't do it." I wish I had a dime for everytime I heard him say that over the last six years. Then he kept saying that he gave the printing company his photograph and the letter but; "I never told him to put 'Mayor' on it." I've learned over the years that when Guccione opens his mouth it's probably a lie, but when he's making excuses, he's definitely lying, it never fails. Shyrock went on to say again that they needed to have this discussion and that's when her missiles got through Guccione's comfort level and he shut down, saying, "I'm not going to have this discussion with you."

Alderman Forrest Gosset cut in to say that this is not the proper place to have this discussion. If we are to have it, it needs to be during a work session or a regular meeting discussion item. Guccione looked for help from City Attorney Paul Rost who said, "It isn't on the agenda, it needs to be on it to have a discussion." Guccione was relieved thinking it was over but the Aldermen set it for a discussion item for April 24th. Mark your calendars, this will be a goody.

President of the Board of Alderman, Rick Stoles, during his report said, "If I were to campaign for someone I'd do it as Rick Stokes, not Alderman Rick Stokes. It shouldn't have been 'Mayor'" Then I heard Stokes say something I've only heard about but never actually heard it said in a meeting, the dreaded 'C' word; "I was going to call for a vote of censure but since we are going to have a discussion on the 24th, I will hold it until then."  For those of you who "ignore it," I've provided the definition:

CENSURE (cen'sher) n. 1. An expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism. 2. An official rebuke, as by a legislature of one of its members.—tr.v. cen·sured, cen·sur·ing, cen·sures

Guccione was finally very uncomfortable, not only with the few criticisms during open forum but those of Shryock and Stokes. In frustration he said, "Just because you say it's so, doesn't make it so." I think I used that a few times in third grade, how about you?

Perhaps we did something good for our City, standing there in front of the Board complaining about our government, at least I hope so. The three of us put our asses on the line, let's see what comes of it, I'll see you on the 24th when Mayor Nickolas Guccione will have to answer for his unethical behavior. Are there any bets as to whether Hays chimes in? I guess we'll find out where he stands on unethical behavior in politics. I believe this will be the most interesting meeting since that last few of Mayor Lambi's term.

We The People

During the election last week, Mayor Nickolas Guccione violated Wentzville ordinances and used his office and the City of Wentzville in his overwhelming drive to see that Michael Hays sits next to him on the Board of Aldermen. His tactic worked, and Hays was elected by only eight votes, winning only 39 percent of Ward 3 voters. In my uneducated opinion, Guccione's unethical and illegal use of his endorsement of Hays constitutes grounds for his removal from office and a re-vote for the Ward 3 seat. I'm certain that when Hays and Guccione were at the polls in Flint Hill the afternoon of the election, Guccione swayed at least five votes while he passed out his City card, introduced himself as Mayor, and asked for Hays to be elected.

Guccione did not act for the good of Wentzville but rather the furthering of his own personal political agenda. I believe that his manipulation of this election is unprecedented in Wentzville, and the citizens should be outraged. Having said that, I want to get to the root of the problem; the Government and how it's supposed to operate.

According to what I know about how our government was founded in the United States, there are three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. A separation of powers was set up to ensure the citizens a fair and just system where none has power over the others and have complete autonomy. In this way, citizens can feel confident that if they don't agree with one branch they could perhaps gain support from another. If, however, the Executive branch puts in place representatives in another branch, "We The People" suffer from collusion and the loss of fair and equal Government.

There is only one reason someone in one branch would endorse someone in another branch, and that is to take control of that branch. Mayor Guccione is doing that very thing; he is trying to take away our freedom by using his office and our City Logo in an effort to take control of the Board of Aldermen. His endorsement of Michael Hays will not change the attitudes and focus of the current board, but if he continues his quest (which he will), he could very well take control in next year's election.

Guccione got a slap on the hand from the Board of Aldermen last year but was saved the full force of the law by being pardoned by Mayor Paul Lambi. Having no consequences, Guccione didn't learn from that instance and this year he pushed it even farther. Our Government of Wentzville needs to take charge of someone who chronically violates the law because if they don't, our laws are useless. Guccione and Hays need to feel the full force of breaking laws in Wentzville, or else the citizens have no protection from those who violate our laws. If our Government is working correctly, every citizen would be treated with consistancy and fairness. If you or I break the law, we pay the price. Guccione didn't pay any price last year, so here we are. The Board of Aldermen are his last hope this year and the question must be asked; do they represent us, who rightly deserve fair and equal treatment under the law, or do they want to perpetuate the  idea that law-breakers can go unpunished in Wentzville?

I will be at the Wednesday's Board of Aldermen meeting asking our Aldermen to protect us from anyone who violates our laws and infringes on our rights as citizens. I may be alone, and if I am, be sure that I stand for my rights as someone who believes in a fair and consistent Government. If I am heard, our Aldermen will take back the Legislative branch of Wentzville Government from one who would violate our laws to change it. 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.

No Confidence, Unethical Behavior, Time To Go!

The Wentzvillian has been called "sour grapes" more than once during elections; maybe it's time for those grapes to go rancid. There is grass-roots talk around town regarding the removal of Wentzville Mayor Nickolas Guccione from office, and The Wentzvillian agrees with this movement. The Wentzville Board of Aldermen can initiate the removal process according to state statute but has been reluctant to proceed without public support. I know there exists the necessary majority of our Aldermen who believe that Guccione is incompetent to carry out the business of the Mayor's office. They have carried him for a year, trying to keep the meetings orderly and on point, but there comes a time when that has to end. I've copied Missouri State Statute below:

Removal of officers.
79.240. The mayor may, with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the board of aldermen, remove from office, for cause shown, any elective officer of the city, such officer being first given opportunity, together with his witnesses, to be heard before the board of aldermen sitting as a board of impeachment. Any elective officer, including the mayor, may in like manner, for cause shown, be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of all members elected to the board of aldermen, independently of the mayor's approval or recommendation. The mayor may, with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the board of aldermen, remove from office any appointive officer of the city at will, and any such appointive officer may be so removed by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the board of aldermen, independently of the mayor's approval or recommendation. The board of aldermen may pass ordinances regulating the manner of impeachments and removals.
(RSMo 1939 § 7107)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 6957; 1919 § 8408; 1909 § 9310

The preceding proves the fact that Mayor Nickolas Guccione can be removed from office by the Alderman. They are aware of this Statute, yet in the public view they have remained reticent. Today, the Aldermen have enough support on the board to call for the removal of Guccione from office; after next year's election they may not. If we are to have Guccione impeached, it must be done this year.

 

After his election last year, Mayor-Elect Nickolas Guccione was pardoned by Mayor Lambi for his unethical behavior. As a consequence of his unethical behavior during last year's election, the Aldermen passed a new "Ethics Policy Ordinance," affectionately referred to as the "Guccione Policy." And this year he flaunted it by illegally using his office and the City of Wentzville to endorse Micheal Hays (Plastic Guccione) to the seat in Ward 3, which was clearly illegal manipulation of an election. Because Guccione used his office and the City of Wentzville to endorse Mr. Hays, he subesequently won the election by eight votes. In my opinion due to Mayor Guccione's unethical influence of the election, Hayes does not deserve to represent me or any citizen of Ward 3.

Through his first year in office, he has consistently shown that he cannot competently preside over the City meetings and is incapable of directing employees in a professional manner. He has proven that he cannot communicate, either in writing or orally with members of the staff, Aldermen, or citizens, and his lack of communication skills is costing tax-dollars and has become a detriment to taxpayers. The Aldermen know about his incompetence and his unethical and illegal activities, and they need to take action, Wentzville can no longer be anchored by Nickolas Guccione.

 

I believe enough evidence exists to move forward with impeachment proceedings, and since there is no initiative on the part of our Aldermen, it's time for my readers, their friends, and all citizens of Wentzville  to call their Aldermen, asking them to initiate the process of removing Mayor Nickolas Guccione for cause. Only through the actions of the people will the Aldermen take on the removal of Mayor Nickolas Guccione from office. Call your Aldermen, write letters to them, email them (with your name and address), but tell them we are fed up with our Mayor's unscrupulous behavior.

I encourage my fellow citizens to join me in standing before the Board of Aldermen on April 10th to voice our concerns regarding Mayor Nickolas Guccione's violation of Wentzville ordinance and election law. I look forward to seeing you there The future of good Government is at stake in this matter and we can not afford a leader who chronically violates Wentzville ordinances or thinks he is above the law.

 

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.

Kross Unleashes Second-Generation Lurchettes



In typical Wentzville style, eight votes separated us from having a strong, experienced Ward 3 Alderman and a clone of our do-nothing mayor. Micvhael (as he spells it) Hays, (Nickolas Guccione's appointment) can finally say he outnumbered an opponent in an election. I am reluctant to use the word "won" simply because of extenuating circumstances, besides, he was elected by only 39 percent of the vote, and that's less than the pitiful 42 percent Guccione had last year.

First, the preponderant portion of the blame must be placed on Alderman of Ward 3 Cheryl Kross who flipped on her vote to allow Guccione's appointment of Hays to be approved. If she had stuck with Alderman Rick Stokes, President of the Board who represents Ward 3, we would probably not be saddled with Hays today. Stokes knows the problems in our Ward and when he says an appointment for Aldermen of his ward cannot properly represent the ward, she should have listened. Had she not flipped on her original vote, Guccione would not have been taking Hays to City functions praising him and giving him name recognition

I am sorely disappointed with Kross, she opened the door for Guccione and Hays to be out there next year trying to overthrow Aldermen Stokes, Shryock and Gossett. Mark my words, Guccione and Hays will rustle up two or more drones to run against each of them next year. There is a real possibility that Guccione could be sitting in a tie-brealing situation and Kross could be in the same situation she was in four years ago. This could easily be the second coming of the Lurchettes.

I'm not going to talk about Guccione planting Linda Wright in the election to split the vote simply because that's what he does. He is a sneaky, manipulating, politician. Instead, I will talk about Guccione campaigning for Hays.

Guccione spent half of the day in Flint Hill passing out his City business card, introducing himself while hawking his plan for the future and how "Alderman" Hays can help him if he were "re-elected." Guccione doesn't know the meaning of the word "ethics" and he highlighted that fact AGAIN in this year's election.

There are other problems with Guccione manipulating the election and I posted about them during the last five days. The new problem I see is the Hays violation of using the City logo on his flyer and the distinct possibility of Guccione pardoning him, exactly what happened last year when we had a mayor pardoned for the very same thing. Guccione took office in a fog of shame and I would bet it happens soon for Hays.

Now, when Guccione pardons Hays, what sort of problem will our mayor find with his own violations, there is no more Mayor Lambi to protect him. I hope to see Alderman Kross leading that charge.to have Guccione impeached for manipulation of an election and using the City to endorse Michveal Hays. Something had better happen this time!

If Alderman Michveal Hays begins his term being pardoned for breaking the law, he will not be representing me or 61 percent of the voters in Ward 3. I will watch closely to see just what the new Alderman does for (or to) Ward 3 and will report on it. If he does not take his medicine by denying a pardon, I guarantee, as a resident of Ward 3,  he will not enjoy his term.

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.



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.

Blogosfear

The City of Wentzville has not posted the video from the Retreat...er...uh, I mean the "Strategic Planning Session," held Friday and Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd. During discussions at past board meetings we (the public), were promised that it would be videoed, I'm starting to wonder if the City didn't pull the same stunt they pulled last year, "Technical Problems." I can excuse it last year simply because the City handled all of that themselves, but now since they terminated staff, dissolved the City-operated IT department, and hired an outside contractor to handle the IT matters, we have to assume "Technical Problems" would be a thing of the past.

At the last board meeting the topic was discussed and it appeared to be a priority of the President of the Board, Rick Stokes, Alderman of Ward 3 to insure the Strategic Planning Session would be videoed. The only Alderman who was not pressing the issue was from Ward 2, Chris Gard who stated "The process is more important than the video." I strongly disagree with Gard, the citizens who voted for him and all of the aldermen sitting up there, have come to rely on the videos of public meetings posted on the City's website. You can't just say; "oh what the hell, we can do without it for this public meeting or that public meeting," when you tell the citizens it will be available, it should be available at all cost.

I regret not going to the Retreat last year because I was told by the City it would be recorded, and then, "Technical Problems." This year, hopefully I didn't fall for the same sad story for the "Strategic Planning Session." Maybe I'm wrong, maybe it will be posted but it's been five days since the session started, and besides, I spoke with the IT Director, Carolyn Sutton of Winning Technologies and she told me that it would be recorded, I can only hope she wasn't premature in her statement.

On to politics: A few things are bothering me. First, my mailbox is being bombarded with pretty campaign cards for a Mr. Bob Mainiri who is running for Wentzville Fire Board of Directors. I know he is supported by none other than our own Mayor Nickolas Guccione and that as of today, the Firefighters Union has donated $38,600 to his campaign. My question is; If he wins, what will he owe to the union? Secondly a question of ethics regarding the campaign of Bob Hussey for Alderman of Ward 1. It appears that on Mr. Hussey's campaign donations he has listed $400 from the Fire District. Perhaps I'm misdirected but, the Ethics Commission says that taxing entities cannot donate money to campaigns and the Fire District is a taxing entity. Could there be a little mischief afoot?

Now for some fun: Most of you would be correct in assuming that The Wentzvillian is not one of Mayor Nickolas Guccione's favorite publishers so I have come up with the word which best describes his phobia:

blogosfear (Blog´ôs-fear) n. Fear of being talked about or becoming a character in some one's blog. e.g. Anytime the Mayor talked to his friends, he was overwhelmed with blogosfear thinking their conversation would be published the next day in The Wentzvillian.

The Wink

Since there wasn't a City meeting last night The Wentzvillian thought maybe a little ad lib would be in order. Most of my readers know that The Wentzvillian has a low opinion of Mayor Nickolas Guccione's job performance (last measured at 19 percent) but be assured, it's only because he can't do the job he was elected to do. The only thing he excels at is campaigning, it's dirty, nasty, and unethical, but he's good at it and can lie with the worst of them. Guccione is such an easy target, you could put a list of city topics on the wall, throw a dart at it and assuming you hit the paper it would score a subject that he knows nothing about. On the other hand, if you miss the target you may have hit the one thing he knows everything about—nothing!.

I'm going to dedicate a few lines to boards and commissions and our mayor's seeming lack of ability to understand the appointment process. On March 1st The Wentzvillian posted "Turnip Truck 101," where I reported on Guccione's failure to bring forward applicants for the Board of Adjustments and even tried to shove that task off on Alderman Cheryl Kross. Alderman of Ward 3 Rick Stokes brought forward a candidate from Ward 3 and Guccione finally made the appointment. The problem is, after three weeks Guccione hadn't bothered to notify the applicant to inform him that he had been appointed. The applicant seeing his name on the website had to call the City for confirmation. I can't fathom the embarrassment Guccione brings to Wentzville, he ducked another opportunity to do the right thing or should I say, anything.

On another subject, Guccione is so fed up with The Wentzvillian he has some attorney reading all of the articles written here over the past five years trying to find something he can sue me for.  To Mr. Guccione I say; Good luck with that, but I'm kinda wondering why someone in this City hasn't taken legal action against you. Since you had no reason other than ego to be the Mayor of Wentzville, I can't think of any reason to make it pleasant for you.

Alderman/Mayor Nickolas Guccione has done some pretty foul things during his time as a politician. In addition, he's done little for the City and accomplished nothing. For all he doesn't know and cannot do in our City it's entirely possible he could be more useful sitting around all day in the Mayor's office surfing porn sites.

Statesmen vs. Politician Part II

Ward 3 is a totally different story than the Ward 1 race, there are three candidates running and only one with experience in Wentzville city government. One sits in an appointed position on the Board of Aldermen and as much as I like Alderman Cheryl Kross I think flipping on her vote to allow that to happen was her biggest mistake in her time on the Board, we'll see what happens.

Ward 3

Michael Hays (appointed)

Linda L. Wright

Darrel Lackey

Micheal Hays spent several years on the Planning and Zoning board where he and Mayor Nickolas Guccione became friends. Hays was one of the three candidates recruited by Guccione to beat Rick Stokes in the 2012 election  Cutting a deal with Guccione, Hays withdrew his name in favor of becoming the appointed Ward 3 Alderman should Guccione become mayor and vacate his seat, beating Stokes was a long shot anyway.

Everyone knows the story about the long arguments over his appointment to Guccione's vacated seat. "It's my appointment, it's my appointment," he cried over and over and the seat remained vacant for nine months until Kross changed her vote putting a smile on Guccione's face. Guccione will be active in this election bringing the full force of his dirty campaign tactics against Hays' opponents, I know one of his opponents and if things get nasty Hays and Guccione had better brace themselves.

Hays has never campaigned, he's never been in the trenches and is enjoying his appointment to the board at the dismay of many Ward 3 residents who had no choice in his representation. He will be relying heavily on Guccione's campaign machine to beat his more qualified and highly experienced opponent. Guccione and Hays have become thicker than fleas on a hound dog's ears, arriving early to have their clandestine meetings in the mayor's office to plan their strategies. Guccione is parading him all over town including him in all of his mayoral functions. As a resident of Ward 3, I resent the mayor's total lack of care and concerns regarding his Ward 3 constituents.

Linda L. Wright is still an unknown to me. I have heard that she decided to oppose Hays strictly because of the way Guccione handled the appointment and she sounds like a very concerned citizen of Ward 3. I'm not sure how much she will campaign since she now knows that Hays will have a formidable opponent.

Darrel Lackey is no stranger to Wentzville, serving two terms as Mayor, three terms as Alderman of Ward 2, and two terms as Alderman of Ward 3. I had the pleasure of having Lackey represent me and was impressed with his no nonsense attitude toward our City government. He was responsive to citizen requests and concerns throughout his career in Wentzville Government.

Lackey was the butt of Guccione's dirtiest campaign tactics when he ran against him last year for Mayor. It is my belief that if Lackey hadn't entered the race on the last day of registration he would be sitting in the Mayor's office today. Lackey re-entered Wentzville politics winning his first term as Ward 3 Alderman in 2002 when the City was in the grip of the tyrant Mayor Vickie Boedeker where he helped bring a sense of peace back into the City. Deja vu, now we have an unqualified, ineffective mayor, Nickolas Guccione doing his best to throw Wentzville back into the dark ages. Darrel Lackey is not the kind of elected official to pander to special interests or grant favors, he is a common sense legislator who represents his constituents. Lackey left Wentzville Government to run for a seat on the St. Charles County Council.

Municipal Judge

Michael E. Carter vs. Steve Martin (incumbent)

Michael Carter: Michael Carter served as Wentzville's Municipal Judge from 2009 to 2011 when he lost his reelection bid to our current Judge Steve 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 he created in our police department. Carter campaigned actively for Nick Guccione and there's no doubt his support will be reciprocated by the mayor. Many people see judges on the ballot and don't have a clue which one to vote for, be assured, Carter is not the man for Wentzville  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.

Stephen 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.

According to public record, when Martin was elected, Carter had left him $220,000 in uncollected fines. During his time in office Martin had assessed $1.1 million fines and collected $1.3 million. Martin has streamlined the court system reducing court sessions and paperwork. When you go into the voting booth, The Wentzvillian recommends pulling the trigger for Judge Steve Martin.

Statesman vs. Politician Part I

Yesterday evening the Board of Aldermen had a work session where they discussed some very important issues regarding the future of city sponsored special events and the state of our new parks. I want to address some points brought out at the meeting but right now my focus is on the upcoming election which in my opinion is even more important to Wentzville's future.

In 25 days Wentzville will be going to the polls once again, this time to elect or re-elect Aldermen from Ward 1, Ward 3 and our Municipal Judge. Each of these positions are crucial in the ongoing process of rebuilding our city from the chaos created by the irresponsibility and misdirection of the administrations of the last 17 years. Unfortunately for Wentzville, as a result of last year's election we have to contend with a man whose reasons for wanting to be mayor were not in the best interests of our City. Mayor Nickolas Guccione is the least qualified and most indecisive, non committal mayor in recent history, and needs to be kept in check by men and women who know how to run a city of our size. Guccione runs a very strong campaign and knows how to get elected but his leadership attributes leave a lot to be desired. After his first year in office he's failed miserably and The Wentzvillian Job Performance Poll has him at a whopping 23 percent approval rating. With that preface, lets look at the candidates:

A Statesman is defined:

A leader regarded as a disinterested promoter

of public good.

A Politician is defined:

One who seeks personal or partisan gain,

often by cunning or dishonest means.

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross (incumbent) vs. Robert Hussey

Cheryl Kross spent her first year on the Board of Aldermen enduring a Board that was giving away the farm and the chauvinistic jabs of a Mayor who abused his authority while taking misogynistic shots at her every chance he got. Once the tide of more conservative Aldermen were elected her ultra-conservative fiscal bend was more appreciated and she gained traction. Kross was heard saying many times: "I'm tired of government piling layer after layer of taxes and fees on taxpayers." She worked hard to get real estate and property taxes lowered, reducing and eliminating fees, and not allowing water and sewer rates to be increased. All of these things were realized during her terms and she's promised to continue those efforts. Cheryl Kross has never once accepted money or special interest support for her campaigns.

Robert Hussey is being supported by Mayor Nickolas Guccione, which in my opinion speaks volumes regarding Mr. Hussey's political stance. A realitor who was unable to garner support from the Board of Realitors (who instead offered their support to his opponent) he turned to scooping up support from Guccione's union connections. His literature reads that he is looking to raise $6000 from a fundraiser in Chesterfield to mount an all out blitz of signs and mailings. Mr. Hussey's resume is impressive, if you can keep from stumbling over the misspelled words and if he's looking for a job as a City Administrator, I don't know about his references simply because I'm not wanting to hire him.

Mr. Hussey was interested in the City Administrator position here and Mayor Nickolas Guccione devised a plan to slide him in the back door around the application process. Guccione told him to contact the two newest Aldermen; Forrest Gossett and Sonya Shyrock, he even went to the extent of setting up a meeting in city hall between himself, Hussey and Shyrock, Guccione didn't show up. Anyone attempting to influence Aldermen during an ongoing job evaluation is the height of unethical behavior, Guccione knew better, that's why he didn't show up. Hussey should have known better since his resume states that he worked in city management.

So, which is the statesman and which is the politician, you decide. I'll continue tomorrow with the Ward 3 and Municipal Judge races.