The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

I receive emails once in a while wanting me to post one thing or another and depending on the subject I'll either choose to post it or not. Normally, I will post only things effecting our city and it's government but this is important to our city's business community. This anonymous letter was received this afternoon and I happen to agree with it so here it is:

As you know the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce is voting on merging with the Lake St Louis & Dardenne Prairie Chamber of Commerce on Monday July 23, 2012.

Please consider voting against the merger for the following reasons:

1) Wentzville will lose the identity as The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce

2) We were promised an open meeting to discuss the advantages & disadvantages at our monthly general membership meeting on July 18, 2012. (THIS DID NOT HAPPEN)

3) The chamber board did provide a meeting to the members with a very short notice after many members complained that we did not have the opportunity to discuss this merger. This meeting was held Friday, July 20, 2012 at 12:00pm at Century Link. Also another meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 23, 2012 from 7:30am to 8:30am at Century Link

4)Membership meetings may alternate between the three communities

5) Please go to the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 210 S Linn Wentzville, Mo; between 9:00 & 3:00 to VOTE.

6)ONE NO vote will CANCEL TWO YES votes

Please consider the above reasons for VOTING NO.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ALL OF YOUR

WENTZVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FRIENDS!

A Sale on Chicken Parts

As I predicted, last evening's Board of Aldermen work session meeting could be considered uninteresting to most, but I had a ball. Watching our New Mayor and seeing his lack of participation and willingness to let the Aldermen run the meeting is right in line with his five years of inactivity on the Board where he did absolutely nothing. I'll will say one thing for Mayor Guccione, he's consistent.

The retreat meeting agenda was fun. After Guccione opened the meeting and the discussion about the retreat agenda, the President of the Board, Alderman Rick "Bulldog" Stokes spoke up and in my eyes, just like the City Attorney Paul Rost last week, ran the meeting while Guccione went into his thousand yard stare. This will be Guccione's operating procedure for meetings during the next four years, I like to think of it as a deer in the headlights form of leadership.

I have to say that if the "Bulldog" hadn't led the meeting, it would be still going on at this writing. The next 30 or 40 minutes was a drag as the Aldermen went through the tedium of listing agenda items and organizing time slots for each discussion.

As the discussion wound down, the "Bulldog" realized that the agenda didn't include a slot for the Mayor. He said to the Mayor that in his report last week, he remarked that he wanted to hit the ground running; "Where would You like to give your direction?" Guccione responded; "You forgot about me, I didn't get a chance to talk." I was right there when he said that, where was he while the Aldermen led the meeting? Where was he when he was supposed to be keeping decorum and leading the meeting. As a matter of fact, at one point he tried to close the discussion before the agenda was even created. "Bulldog" asked Guccione if he agreed with or had comments about the agenda and he replied: "No, this all fits in with my goals." WHAT! What the hell does that mean" He let the Aldermen run the meeting and set the agenda, while adding and saying nothing, and now it all conforms with HIS GOALS? C'mon Mayor, throw us a bone, what exactly are your goals. I have to go to that retreat if for nothing else but to hear him elaborate on his goals.

Now, on to more fun: The Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon cutting for new businesses in Wentzville and has done this since their founding every Tuesday at 11:00am. Mayor Guccione was invited and agreed to officiate the proceeding. 11:00 came and went with no Mayor when a phone call illuminated that he couldn't make it but would be there by noon. Noon came and went and after receiving another phone call from the Mayor we learned that he couldn't be there until 4:00pm. The Chamber officials decided to wait and went on with the BBQ and other festivities. 4:00 became 4:30, no mayor, 4:30 became 5:00 and still no Mayor. The Chamber could wait no longer so they asked the President of the Board to stand in for the AWOL Mayor.

I've heard that the Chamber President, Mr. Tony Mathews asked the Mayor if there was a better time for him to attend the ribbon cuttings and Guccione said that he's always off work on Wednesdays. I know that the Chamber has board and regular meetings on Wednesdays so this is going to be interesting to see how much they can adapt before keeping it on Tuesdays and invite the Economic Development Director or an Alderman to preside over ribbon cuttings.

I've been sitting here trying to figure out what would keep Mayor Guccione from this event when he said he'd be there at least three times last Tuesday. I need to look in the ad section of the newspaper to see if Schnucks has a sale on chicken parts. If so, that would explain Guccione's absence.

Candidates Night 2012

There were probably between 150 ant 200 people attended the Chamber of Commerce Candidates Night, last night at the Holt High School auditorium. I was disappointed to see that the radio station wasn't there but life is full of little trade offs. Only two of the candidates didn't make an appearance; Ward 1 candidate Forrest Gossett, who had a confirmed medical emergency and; Rodney Stratman candidate for Ward 3, who insiders said; got cold feet, everyone else was there. I was also disappointed in the quality of the questions asked, many were just lame, as a matter of fact I didn't hear one question that was hard-hitting—you know, it was all generic, "oh, by the way" kind of stuff. Questions could not be addressed to individual candidates and I think that was a big mistake. The Chamber of Commerce could have done a much greater service to the City without this touchy-feely event, but that's another story all in itself.

Each Candidate had an opportunity to give an opening statement and some were revealing while others were just downright laughable. I'm going to start with Ward 1 and run through all the Wards before I get to the Mayor Candidates. I have to warn you, Nick Guccione was running true to form, blaming everybody else for his problems, claiming everything that was good was because of him, and flipping on subjects, he needs a new script writer. Here was some of the questions asked and responses of Aldermen candidates.

Ward 1:

Forrest Gossett, absent. I wish Mr. Gossett had been able to attend because I've heard him speak on the subjects regarding Wentzville and believe he could have given his opponent a lesson in government and the problems facing Wentzville's future.

Jay Webber: Mr. Webber was asked two questions, the first was: "What specifically would you do for the downtown area?" Answer: "There are things that can be done." Second question: "How would you cut taxes?" Answer: "Repeal the sales taxes on the Parkway." Since the Wentzville Parkway and infrastructure was built using TIFFs, CID's, TIDDs, and other tax incentive vehicles on the various developments in securing the coming of  businesses like; Wall Mart, Home Depot, Target, and Lowes, anyone with a third grade education in government financing should know that it can't be done. Mr Webber was a well spoken gentleman who was recruited by Nick Guccione so it's easy to see why he didn't know this, he simply had no intention or self initiative to become an Alderman.

Ward 2:

This ward has three candidates running ; Donna Sherwood, two time loser of this seat; Sonya Shryock, and Jeremy Pritchett, Guccione recruit. They asked these candidates questions and I'm just going to give the highlights. It was interesting to note that in their opening statements, Jeremy Pritchett declared his political affiliation; "I'm Republican." Obviously Mr. Pritchett either didn't know, or didn't care that candidates at the City level do not declare political affiliations.

The first question was: "How would you cut spending?" Sherwood said: "Get rid of unnecessary equipment and stop buying it." Ms. Shyrock said: "locate and reduce waste spending throughout the City." The moderator asked: "What's the most important problem facing Wentzville today?" I was disappointed in all of the candidates answers but one stuck out in my notes: Jeremy Pritchett said: "Parks." I'm no real fan of newspapers and don't read them but I do know that it's been all over the news that a half-cent sales tax was approved by the voters to the tune of 20 million dollars and they are breaking ground on three new parks in the City this year. I guess that "important problem" was solved.

Ward 3:

Three candidates are vying for this seat: Rick Stokes (incumbent), Rodney Stratman (absent), and Curtis Davis. It was noted that Nick Guccione was on the phone with Mr. Stratman asking him to come to the event. He was heard to say: "There's still time, they won't get to Ward 3 for awhile." Sounds like his recruit broke ranks and ran, good for you Rodney. The other Guccione recruit was Curtis Davis a seemingly very nice old black gentleman who introduced himself as the local president of the NAACP and husband of his lovely wife of 57 years. He stated: "I see none of my peoples' here and I want to see more blacks involved." Unfortunately for Mr. Davis, he knew little about City issues and gave the impression he's a throw-back to another generation in time. I truly felt empathy for him as he addressed the assembly trying to answer the questions.

The first question set the tone of the rest of the night for Ward 3 candidates: "Name the one goal you'd like to attain if you are elected." Rick Stokes answered: "Enhance transportation and maintain our current roads." Mr Davis: "The school system. And to make the neighbors in my subdivision cut their grass" He does not know that the school system is a separate entity and Wentzville has absolutely no control over its activities. The other questions were answered with the accuracy of a learned Alderman by Mr. Stokes but Mr Davis when asked about tax incentives such as TIFFs, CIDs, and others he admitted that he didn't know what they were.

Mayor:

Bill Schuette didn't show but that was expected, Leon Tow, Darrel Lackey, and Nick Guccione were there and all but Guccione answered all of the questions. Guccione instead, campaigned on the strangest thing: "I made a mistake voting for Ranken Technical School," he  voted for it three times, attended all of the talks over several months and participated in the writing of the resolution to have Ranken come to Wentzville. Obviously he was either asleep or just following the group (his specialty) rather than listen to these non-existent protesters. "I voted for it but I made a mistake, people don't want to give them an incentive to come to Wentzville." Guccione made this speech twice in answer to two unrelated questions. He went on to say that he'd only made two mistakes but didn't elaborate on the second. He said he voted against Sam's Club because citizens didn't want it. If the truth be known, the unions that are financing his campaign told him that if he voted for Sam's Club, they'd pull their support. Talk about a special interest group having an Alderman in their pocket, Nick, your it!

If I had to pick a winner of the evening, it would have to be Darrel Lackey. He seemed to have a better command of the audience than Leon Tow and (the campaigning instead of answering questions); Nick Guccione. Both Lackey and Tow answered all of the questions and did a very good job of it but Guccione got a "D" on the questions. In my opinion, the only thing Guccione did right last night was find his way to the school. All of the candidates running for office missed a biggie: the unified new city hall and the economic engine it would start if it were in the downtown area.

One other point of interest, Nick Guccione reiterated in public that he was solely responsible for bringing the GM expansion to Wentzville, He said: "They called me, not the city, they called me." He truly believes that GM would not have expanded if it weren't for him. He claims to be responsible for bringing about a whole shift of employees to GM. I think that talking with the UAW and asking for a campaign donation is a stretch and a far cry from convincing decision makers in Detroit to expand their Wentzville facility—and using the GM logo on his literature is still illegal.

The Alderman candidate winners of the night were: Forrest Gosset (Who was in the hospital), Sonya Shryock (who answered all of the questions with sound conservative answers) and Rick Stokes by a landslide.

This has been a dirty campaign season and Nick Guccione and Donna Sherwood led the pack slinging mud rather than campaigning on their merits or qualifications. Should they be elected, it will be a gray day in Wentzville but I'll still be here reporting on their lack of leadership and crazy antics. It should be fun, at least for me.

Questions, Questions

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

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

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

3. Can you read a balance sheet?

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

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

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

7. Why do you want to be elected?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wentzville Candidates—An Open Invitation

Attention Wentzville Candidates:

The Wentzvillian is being read by voters all over the city, receiving over 400 hits per month and our numbers are increasing every day. This expanding community of citizens have a need to know where the candidates who are going to be representing them stand on important issues concerning the future of Wentzville. Issues such as public safety, growth, taxes, budget, parks, roads, and other infrastructure, These subjects are paramount to voters when going to the polls to elect you as their mayor or aldermen. We know that elected officials, staff, employees, and prospective candidates, along with hundreds of voters follow The Wentzvillian, so we are offering candidates the opportunity to state their platform here for Wentzvillians to see.

The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce has historically held a "Candidate's Night" each year, and are planning another this year. The problem with this forum; it's only one time—one evening. Historically the event has been sparsely attended and it could never reach the audience we have here every single day. The citizens who attend "Candidate Night" are concerned voters, and even though the audience may be small, attendees do  talk to other concerned voters and so do The Wentzvillian readers. To be heard by Wentzville voters candidates need to be accessible to the most voters possible, as often as possible. The Wentzvillian offers candidates the opportunity to campaign to  hundreds of interested and motivated voters.

The process is simple, just email (or comment here) your platform topics or comments you want voters to hear. We will post your statement and it will become a part of this blog to be seen 24 hours a day until the election April 3rd, 2012. The Wentzvillian is like having a "Candidates Night" every day and every night. To reach the Wentzvillian, you may either leave a comment here (below) or click the following link: thewentzvillian@aol.com to send an email. Every candidate's post or email will be posted as they come in. We also invite citizens to post comments or email us with questions for the candidates. Comments and emails should be signed. If you wish to have your name omitted from the posting we can oblige but it must be available (comments may be edited for objectionable material.)

The citizens of Wentzville look forward to read what our candidates have to say and how they can make Wentzville a better place to live, work, and play.