Yawningly We Go Along, Go Along, Go Along...

The budget meeting of October 26, 2013 brought together all of the departments to present their respective budgets. Besides the Directors, four Aldermen, and Mayor Nickolas Guccione were there to hear each department present. Those absent were; Aldermen Chris Gard, and Sonya Shyrock, both representing Ward 2, perhaps their constituents should ask them; what is more important than Wentzville's budget?

 

The meeting started at 8:00 AM and was scheduled to end at 6:00 PM with four breaks, one of those being a half-hour catered lunch. During, and after each Director presented their budget the mayor and aldermen had an opportunity to ask questions. Three of the Aldermen initiated discussions and asked questions: President of the Board, Rick Stokes, Aldermen Cheryl Kross, and Forrest Gossett. As you may have guessed, Alderman Michael Hays and Mayor Nickolas Guccione asked no questions and offered no original discussions, their lack of preparedness was astounding.

 

It's necessary to tell of Guccione's deportment: As an observer, Guccione looked to me like he had had a bad night, a very bad night. I noted more than a dozen times he had his head down with his eyes closed for at least a minute at a time. One of the Directors approached me after the meeting and asked if I'd heard him snoring? Here we have the CFO of the City, a man who is responsible for everything that goes on in the City, sleeping through the budget meeting. Most of the meeting I watched him because I knew that he would not engage and I wanted to let the voters know exactly who they elected. One time, Gossett was in discussion with a Director, a few seconds after he had finished, Guccione jerked his head up and opened his sleepy eyes, I assume the silence woke him. Twice he woke up to see me smiling at him and the third time he got up from the table and went up to the dais trying to hide behind Kross, I guess he thought no one could see him sleeping up there away from the action.

 

Mayor Nickolas tried everything he could think of to stay awake including trash basketball, and puffing on his E-cig, of course every time there was a break he would run right on out to the parking lot with Hays in tow, to light up, being cool like the Marlboro Man. After one of the breaks, Chief Harrison had to go out on the parking lot to retrieve the tardy mayor and his pet monkey. When he returned he had a toothpick dangling from his lips that he flicked and chewed on for the rest of the meeting. Guccione's obvious, and astonishing  limitations while trying to conduct this budget meeting were embarrassing, it makes me wonder what would happen to the city if he didn't have aldermen like Stokes, Gard, and Gossett there to keep him somewhat focused. According to talk on the streets, he has already picked his stable of candidates to oppose Stokes, Gossett and Shryock in the election next April.

The meeting ended around 4:00 PM and it had to be a record for a budget presentation of this scope and magnitude. Why did the meeting adjourn so soon? Its easy, there were only three of the four Aldermen present who were prepared to ask questions. Michael Hays was seen nodding his head a lot in agreement with everyone, and Guccione was asleep most of it. Maybe if Guccione would sleep through the regular meetings, they might get out before 10:00 PM. Just a thought!

 

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Discussions of a new city hall will take place in executive session and a decision will be made by January 15, 2013. The $285,000 spent for a study and all of the town hall meetings deciding where it would be located may be thrown out the window. These Aldermen will decide where it will go and the location will not necessarily be where the people of Wentzville wanted it to be. I did learn that it will not be on the site of the current Public Works Department. So of the three sites chosen by the people; Corner of Linn Ave. and Pearce Blvd, Public Works location, and the Whisk property, which are all in the downtown area, they may not be the actual site chosen. I am convinced that their selection will not be in the historic center of Wentzville, I hope I'm wrong. In my opinion, Aldermen Kross and Shyrock are spearheading the movement to keep it out of historic downtown.

 

Not one seated Alderman lives in historic downtown or have interest there and frankly, I don't know if I trust any of them on this issue, but I do believe that Aldermen Gard and Stokes offer our best opportunity of listening to we the people of Wentzville. What I do know is that Wentzville does not own the property in question and that's why the executive session decision. If I had to guess, it would be one of two places: Although I don't agree that it's historic Wentzville, It could easily be the Whisk property because of an easy connection to Highway 70; second, it may be located on the property behind Holt High School and be on the planned Schroeder Creek Road extension which will eventually be tied into Pearce Blvd.  I still believe the best place (along with many, many other citizens) is on the property in the center of town owned by the Freese family and leased to Commerce Bank, on the corner of Linn Ave. and Pearce Blvd.

 

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There have been rumors floating around for some time now within the City that some aldermen want to have Chief of Police, Ms. Lisa Harrison removed from her position. I do know that Guccione was the only Alderman to vote "Nay" when she was selected by the Board of Aldermen because he wanted to hire from within and was, for that reason, opposed to hiring Chief Harrison. Alderman Shryock has a different, and perhaps more petty reason for wanting her gone, and that's because Harrison instituted a no socializing with elected officials policy in the department. The reason Kross wants her gone is simply; the enemy of my enemy is my friend, which I will explain next time. Now it comes to Hays' pathetic reason; if Guccione wants her gone, Hays wants her gone. In accordance with Municipal Code it takes a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Aldermen to remove a Director level employee, one more vote and she's gone. I have copied the section of Municipal Code below:

 

SECTION 120.080: REMOVAL

B.   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. (R.O. 2006 §120.100; CC 1988 §2-75; Ord. No. 642 §§2--3, 10-26-77)

President Bush used to talk about "Points of Light," and I believe that a number of these "points" may have been connected here within Wentzville's city government. In recent months some interesting, but seemingly disassociated events have transpired that may have connected the random dots. With the assistance of a report on an investigation by the St. Charles Prosecuting Attorney, very soon I will reveal what I believe to be a subversive plot to overthrow our Chief of Police, Lisa Harrison. The extended Coup d'état of Alderman Cheryl Kross, Sonya Shryock, and King Nickolas will be exposed. Oh, and I forgot to mention Guccione's pet monkey.

 

The Time Is Short, They Need Direction—Again!

The fate of a new city hall building placement is at hand and in the very near future,  in an executive session, the Board of Aldermen will be deciding its location. A serious dialog has been going on for more than fifteen years and I really wonder how long our current board members have even lived in Wentzville. Therein lies a major problem of having a Board of Aldermen who have a maximum of four rears of service on the Board. In May of 2012 The Wentzvillian posted; "City Hall Opinions" which listed each of their opinions regarding location.

Public opinion regarding the location of a new City Hall building was huge then (and still is), it mandated the passing of a resolution by the City. In 2003, "Resolution 03-098" in part reads; "That the Mayor and Board of Aldermen state the location of a future site of City Hall in the downtown district is preferred." Mayor Paul Lambi took great interest in historic Wentzville and spearheaded the Board of Aldermen to work toward building a new City Hall building in the downtown area.

On March 22, 2006, the Board of Aldermen voted to accept a proposal by Holleran, Duitsman Architects (HDA), in the amount of $272,000 to provide professional services for the planning of a City Hall and Public Works Facility and authorize a contract not to exceed an amount of $275,000 for the study (by the way, it ended up costing more than the limit). There were hundreds of citizens interested in this project and attended numerous public meetings and surveys held by HDA to support a new location in our historic district. Four locations were identified by HDA with the favorite of the citizens to be at the intersection of Pearce Blvd and N. Linn Avenue.

Last Wednesday evening at the Board of Aldermen work session, they had a discussion; "(ID # 4567) Discussion of Wentzville City Hall Project." Questions asked by some of the Aldermen were quite frankly disturbing. It is disheartening that Aldermen, who are relative newcomers to our city, eagerly disregarding the wishes and hard work of those who came before them. Equally disheartening was the lack of leadership displayed by our mayor, Nickolas Guccione. He should have been all over this with his recommendation, but in his usual "follow the pack attitude," said nothing. This is your chance to shine and you need to take a stand.

City Administrator, T. Michael McDowell, started the discussion and boiled it down to two sites. One on the Wentzville Parkway by the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and an undescribed downtown location. He further said; by going through the studies made "five or six years ago" he figured out the downtown location was where the old Commerce building sets today, the corner of Pearce Blvd. and N. Linn Avenue.

Ward 2 Alderman, Sonya Shyrock, asked if they could look at other places to locate the new building. She wants to take a ride around town with McDowell to show him her new choices. From what she said, it sounds like she wants to redo the study and public opinions given over the last fifteen years, but I could be wrong because she never named her choice(s). I think she's in favor of the downtown location, but I can't say for sure.

Perhaps the most frustrating question was brought forward by Ward 1 Alderman, Cheryl Kross, to paraphrase, she asked; "Was there a resolution made by the City recommending a downtown location?" I know for a fact that she does not want City Hall in the downtown location at Pearce and N. Linn, and suspect she doesn't want it at the LEC location. In a discussion with her a month or so ago, I found her reason to be somewhat cryptic: "If we build a city hall building on that site, people would be tearing down historic buildings on Pearce Blvd." That's a noble thought but I think perhaps there may be an underlying agenda for not placing it there. To Aldereman Kross, who is a staunch conservative, I say; The city has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on this project already, do we really need to spend more to make the right decision?

The discussion was left with, they would further discuss the location choice at the June 26th Board of Aldermen Meeting and make the decision in closed session. Citizens need to be at that meeting to express their opinions—again!

Wentzville is at the crossroads, the new City Hall building could be an enhancement to Wentzville's history, not just another modern building out on the Sprawlway having little or no impact on our city's image. A classic three- or four-story building downtown would become a landmark in historic Wentzville rather than just another throwaway bit of dated architecture out by the subdivisions. Our historic image could be ensured and we wouldn't have to rename our city "The Fountains, Missouri," or "Bear Creek, Missouri," or "(insert a subdivision name here), Missouri." It's frustrating to have to ask every time we elect a new rash of Aldermen but: To my Wentzville neighbors, if you have any pride in our city, you need to be heard. Call your Aldermen or write city hall, don't let them disenfranchise you and our city's founders. The time is short and they need direction—again!

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.



Re-Elect Judge Steve Martin to Municipal Court

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

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

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

Dear Voters:

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

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

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

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

Respectfully,

Stephen Martin.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

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

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

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

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

Re-Elect

STEVE MARTIN

Municipal Judge

Find us on Facebook at:

Steven Martin For Judge

(Click Here)

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

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.

Grumble, Bumble, Stumble, and Mumble

I always find it fascinating to watch Mayor Nickolas Guccione grab onto a subject that he had nothing to do with claiming it for his own. He's desperately trying to be the champion of the taxpayers but with few, or no ideas of his own, he latches onto anything proposed by someone else. Off he scurries with his new idea avoiding research and giving no thought to the consequences—this is the part where it usually ends up badly for our hero—a safe falls out of the sky onto the head of Mayor Wile E. Coyote.

Now that I have your interest, the Board of Alderman meeting of February 27th (video) was over before 11:00 PM but in my elevated years I found it difficult staying awake. The Peruque Valley and Heartland Park projects, "(ID # 4369) was an exciting discussion and I will dedicate my next writing to cover the story. Other than the parks discussion it was the subtleties of the meeting that piqued my real interest.

Let's start with the smoking issue brought up in; "Heal Thy Self," which I posted on February 26th. Mayor Guccione got his brilliant idea from Alderman Forrest Gossett during a phone call when Gossett told him that he had seen employees smoking in City owned vehicles. This led to the "To All Employees" letter which was the subject of my scrutiny yesterday, the rest is history. Guccione claims to anyone who he thinks might believe him that he does not read The Wentzvillian. Coinsidently he brings up smoking in front of the buildings even to the extend of giving a no smoking distance from the front door of city hall, a number that was posted as a comment to this blog.

I've stated on numerous occasions that our mayor is incapable of making decisions and this is the subject for his new idea to disallow smoking within 25 feet from the entrance of any municipal building. The fun part of this is that he brought it up after reading it here and he introduced it into discussion yet he will not issue a directive. It's funny that he issued a directive on the 25th that there will be no more smoking in city vehicles but he won't issue a directive for a smoke-free zone at the entrances of city owned buildings. Why is that? Well, Mayor Coyote rode one of his ACME rockets into the side of a cliff (it begins to smart after a while) and The Wentzvillian challenged the hypocrisy of his directive.

"I'm not going to tell people they can't smoke in public." He wants the Aldermen to take the next ride on his rocket. He stated that he won't make the decision unless the Aldermen make it for him. He's slicker than a firehouse pole. Rather than conform to OSHA and Federal rules, which seems to be a no-brainer (something that is well within Gucciones ability), Mayor Coyote won't issue the directive and defaults to the Board to make it for him. If a Mayor can't make a decision based on Federal guidelines, I question whether or not he is a Mayor.

Now let's move on to another funny story. Last week the Board of Aldermen set the agenda for the "Strategic Planning Session" (retreat), without the assistance of the Mayor, who was supposed to do it. Every year since I've been watching City Government the Mayor has always set aside a half-hour or so to give his goals for the City to the Aldermen at the retreat, oops, I mean Strategic Planning Session. I thought it curious last week that his goals for 2013 weren't discussed as a topic for the meeting. Guccione was suspiciously silent and didn't mention that it was his place to tell the Aldermen his plans for the coming year. After thinking about it a while, Guccione doesn't have any goals!

"Looking at our agenda for the Strategic Planning Session we didn't include the Mayor's Goals," said Alderman Cheryl Kross. Her offering was met with Guccione's patented deer in the headlights look, I love her, she's cuter than a junebug in a jumpsuit. Again he didn't know what to say but agreed to take a time slot. When opening on Friday evening was suggested Guccione said "I won't be there Friday." They then offered Saturday and Guccione knew he was trapped he was going to have to fabricate some goals to give to the Aldermen. Saturday ... or Friday ... whenever ...  Guccione grumbled, bumbled, stumbled, and mumbled.

I was disappointed last year because the retreat video experienced "technical problems," I didn't have the opportunity to hear his goals for last year. This year I have been guaranteed that citizens will be able to watch Guccione give his famous "Goals for 2013." I can't wait to see what he's going to say simply because he has no goals, never has, and never will. He is going to have to find out what the Aldermen have done to effect the coming year and lay claim to it. I'll bet he won't take credit for the Splash Station or the other new parks. Honestly, I cannot think of a single thing that he can ask the Aldermen to achieve for him, but a wink's as good as a nod to a blind mule.

More Wile E. Coyote funny stuff came up in a discussion regarding appointments to committees and boards. I need to tell you about it so I'm putting this reminder to myself for my next writing  to explain just what happened, funny stuff, you'll love it.

Heal Thy Self

A funny thing happened when I opened my email this morning I received a copy of an email sent by my favorite mayor, Nickolas Guccione, "To All City Employees." I'm not going to reprint the entirety of the transmission here, just the parts I have questions about. It is regarding the ever popular smoking issue, and regardless of your preference I believe you'll find some portion of it interesting.

Sentence Number 1: "In order to promote a positive image of the City of Wentzville smoking in city owned vehicles will no longer be allowed." My question with this statement is this: If you are sincere in wanting to give a more positive image, why can you be seen standing in front of city hall puffing your brains out on cigarettes? Or don't you believe that your edict should pertain to your own nasty habit?

Sentence Number 2: "Vehicles and buildings owned by the City are essentially paid for by taxpayers." You forgot to mention that the ground the buildings stands on is paid for by the taxpayers too. It stands to reason that you shouldn't be smoking on the grounds either.

Since Guccione has been elected, he has even instituted smoke breaks at every Board of Alderman meeting. Shutting down the business of the City while he goes out in front of City Hall to be seen by citizens driving by where he stands outside the front door enhancing the image of the City by blowing smoke on each and every passer-by. Nickolas Guccone says he is concerned about the City's image but has no intention of taking himself and his nasty habit off of the grounds away from public view.

I've heard several times over the past year about Guccione smoking in front of city hall, it's not just me complaining about it. What does the good-book say: "Let he amongst you who is without sin cast the first stone." Mr Mayor, I suggest that before you say others are hurting the City's image, you need to clean up your own act.

Guccione Politicizes Street Renaming

Everyone has heard the talk of renaming one of our historic streets, what everyone doesn't know is how it all started and who was pushing. Once residents got wind of what the City was about to do, they began calling their Aldermen and several organizations in town  were motivated to oppose the change. The petitioner withdrew their request, the resolution was tabled, and citizens began breathing easier knowing that their historic street names would not change, unfortunately, this is when things escalated ... in the beginning:

Mayor Nickolas Guccione, owing the local NAACP for supporting him in his election last year, advised Mr. Curtis Davis of that organization, to write a formal letter to the City requesting the change of Kohrs Avenue to Dr, Martin Luther King Drive. When he received their letter Guccione drafted a resolution: "Resolution No. 12-472 Providing to Approve to Change the Name of Kohrs Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, and Matters Relating Thereto," and presented it to the Aldermen for adoption or rejection. Interestingly, the resolution did not go through Planning and Zoning for their recommendation instead, Guccione circumvented the system and brought it straight to the Board of Aldermen. He did what he is best at; manipulation of the system in an effort to pull a fast one and put our good Aldermen on the spot. No one in the City could draft a resolution and present it to the board without going through channels other than the Mayor. If anyone is looking for who was responsible for this entire thing this is proof that Guccione was behind it all. At any rate, the Aldermen tabled the resolution until it could be investigated properly.

Since Kohrs Avenue is in Ward 1, Alderman Cheryl Kross called for the petitioner to meet in City Hall to determine what they were asking and things got hairy; George Kolb, City Administrator got involved suggesting a more high profile street to rename, and Nick Guccione took a powder leaving Alderman Kross holding the bag. He is a master of deception; it is leaked that Kross is in support of the street naming because she's running the meeting, Guccione leaves no trace of his involvement, and his plan to replace her in the upcoming election is in full swing by recruiting Robery Hussey to run against her. His only tie; the illegal resolution that did not go through the process, he must have figured no one would notice.

Today, Alderman Kross is facing another election where Mayor Guccione has recruited her opponent and he's determined to get her out. Armed with the lie that Kross is behind the street renaming fiasco, Guccione is out there hand in hand with Hussey spreading it to the HOA's and other public venues. Speaking of that, I find it interesting that Mayor Guccione is including his candidates; Hays and Hussey, and politicizing his duties as Mayor. Something stinks unethical there, but that's our beloved mayor, he is drawn like a moth to a flame whenever questionable ethics is about.

This Wednesday night at the regular Board of Aldermen meeting the resolution is back on the agenda. Alderman Kross is bringing it back off of the table to be voted down once and for all. Other than Guccione, George Kolb has been it's largest proponent and Wednesday is his final meeting as the interim City Administrator. Now we need to figure out a way of keeping Guccione from sneaking in a resolution memorializing our streets, after all he did make a promise to Curtis Davis of the NAACP and you can bet he's not finished. Mayor Guccione is responsible for a lot of our problems in the city today and this context is the only time the words "Guccione" and "responsible" should be used in the same sentence.

Darrel Lackey for Alderman Ward 3

I've just received notice of a campaign kickoff for Darrel Lackey: Lackey running for Alderman of Ward 3 is a long time resident of Wentzville and a very active community-minded citizen. He is a financial advisor with an office here in Wentzville located in the Trinity Building and he is very informed regarding city politics. His record of public service is long having served more time on the Board of Aldermen than any incumbent, and coincidentally, he has spent more time as Mayor than our current mayor. All in all, he is the most qualified candidate in the upcoming April election.

Wentzville Alderman, Ward 2 1987-1992 (3 terms)

Wentzville Mayor 1992-1995 (2 terms)

Wentzville Alderman, Ward 3 2002-2006 (2 terms)

Wentzville Township Committeeman 2004-2010 (3 terms)

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

DARREL LACKEY

For

Alderman, Ward 3

Please RSVP to:

314-941-5513 or leolackey@yahoo.com

Darrel Lackey

P.O.Box 387

Wentzville, MO 63385



WHAT:

Campaign Kickoff for Darrel Lackey, Candidate for Ward 3

Come out for Friendship, fun, and pizza with drinks available.

WHEN:

Tuesday, February 12. 2013

5:30 PM until 8:00

WHERE:

Maggie Malone's

990 Wentzville Parkway

Wentzville, MO 63385

636-332-1176

www.maggiemalones.com



I hope all of you within reach of The Wentzvillian come out to meet and talk with Darrel but more importantly, vote for him. We in Ward 3 will have been unrepresented for a year until the upcoming election in April when Darrel takes his seat on the Board of Aldermen, right next to you know who.

Why Am I Naked and Who Are All These People?

Every time I think a meeting will be boring I'm awakened by something of great tumult, the Board of Aldermen meeting of January 23rd was one of those. It all started about the time I was wondering why I came to the meeting at all, about three-quarters of the way through under "Unfinished Business, Item 5. (ID#4331) Church Street."

By the city's schedule, Church Street was supposed to be completed by January 15th but the Aldermen en mass were asking about street lights, stop signs, and amenities, and why they weren't installed—at least I thought that's what they were asking about. It seems that someone on the city staff prematurely terminated the contract of the oversight company; Cochran Engineering, I assume to save money and come in under budget. Normally this would be a feather in the cap of the Public Works Department however, in this instance it's a boo-boo.  All eyes turned to Mayor Guccione; "I'm kinda like the CEO of the City but someone made a decision without informing me." "Kinda like the CEO?" I'm asking myself, who's in charge of the City if the staff can make contractual decisions in the field without telling anyone, and we have a "kinda like the CEO?" Ohhhh! We have "kinda like" somebody in charge—problem identified.

Alderman of Ward 2, Chris Gard went on the offense saying; "Contract parameters were changed and no one was told. Not following policy can cost you your job! Mr. Mayor, this falls to you!" Mayor Nicompoop looked like the girl who woke up after a night of drinking and said; "Why am I naked and who are all of these people?" For a few minutes things got tense between the Aldermen and the Mayor and staff. Guccione defended himself by saying;"The company was told to stand down and I wasn't told,"

Every Alderman chimed in on this item with varying degrees of anger except my Aldermanequin of Ward 3, Michael Hays. I have to assume he didn't want to pig-pile on his buddy and benefactor Mayor Guccione. Giving Hays the benefit of the doubt, he may not have realized the severity of the discussion but it's his job to know it's a break-down in the system when someone on staff is violating policy. Throwing the staff under the bus Guccione reiterated, "I didn't know this was happening, I found out about it at this meeting," Alderman of Ward 1, Forrest Gossett said, "The process is busted!"

The Aldermen told Mayor Guccione in no uncertain terms, "Mr. Mayor, you need to take action!" They were a lot nicer than I would have been, I might have said something like, get off your dumb-ass and get a grip on the position that you so fiercely cheated to get elected to! Some think I'm a little bombastic but when we have a mayor who cannot or will not control his staff then it's time he be relieved of—and I use this word lightly—command. Mayor Guccione has achieved nothing in his first ten months of—and I use this word lightly—leadership. Guccione is derelict and it's time for these Aldermen to take action—anoint this turkey in the impeachment oil, give him the air, can his ass, fire him, do anything but keep the cancer he brings from killing our City.

What I gather from last night's meeting, someone will, or should be fired. I am not going to speculate about who it may be but I do know that two people have already lost their jobs with the city for similar offenses and it was directly due to a lack of leadership. Mayor Puccione, how many more good people will be in the unemployment line before you admit that you don't have a clue what being Mayor means?

I'm sick of this mess in our City, Guccione should never have been elected. Anyone with any degree of intelligence who didn't agree when they voted for him should know by now. Our mayor is like a fungus growing on the center seat in the city hall chamber, if something isn't done soon his disease will spread like fire on a Christmas Tree, or should I say, Holiday Tree—I certainly don't want to be politically incorrect.

The Nickcompoop

It's two-hundred and fifty-five days into Mayor Guccione's term of office and it's time to evaluate his accomplishments. I'll admit it's going to be tough simply because so much has happened that he's taking credit for. Of course, most of the advancements in Wentzville were well under way long before he came to the throne, but never the less he expects to take the credit.

Guccione is proud to have Rankin Technical College in town but he conveniently seems to forget that  Alderman Guccione said "NAY" every time the issue came up for a vote. Even more interesting he tried unsuccessfully to postpone the final vote until after the election when he became mayor. But today, he tells everyone that he loves Rankin and takes credit for bringing them to town.

It's a frightening place you enter when you delve into the mind of our mayor, don't go in there alone. Sam's Club is open and Guccione takes credit for bringing it to town. Being the good union butcher he is, he opposed Sam's through all the City talks, he had too, or risk losing all the money donated to his campaign by the various unions. He even pushed off Sam's Club's dedication and grand opening asking the President of the Board of Aldermen, Rick Stokes to represent the city at these events. But today, he's taking credit for them being here even though every vote made by Alderman Guccione was "NAY." There are many very intelligent union men in Wentzville, they must be embarrassed by the Nickcompoop who is now representing them. It's unfortunate that he is more dedicated to politics than the well being of our city.

Michael Hays is now an Alderman representing Ward 3, the same Michael Hays that this board denied several months ago. Being a resident of his ward, I opposed him being my Alderman but it doesn't matter when Guccione says: "It's my way or the highway!." When his appointment of John Luby walked out of the job a few weeks ago, back came the Hays appointment. I was disappointed when Alderman Cheryl Kross flipped on her vote and allowed Hays to serve. I think she was counseled a little too much by Alderman Forrest Gossett because her decision was purely political and not one that was necessarily good for  the citizens of ward 3. She should have listened to our other Alderman of Ward 3, Rick Stokes, when he voted "NAY" to the appointment of Hays. Stokes is a good alderman and has served his constituents well. Maybe the Aldermen of other wards should keep their noses out of Ward 3 and concentrate more on their own wards. Ward 3 is not a political football and I doubt if the residents appreciate what the other aldermen have done.

So here we are, nine months into Nickcompoop's term and what has he accomplished? Other than throwing a hand full of papers in Alderman Stokes' face in a public meeting and continually crying "It's my appointment, it's my appointment," he's done very little. He moved his office and inconvenienced our City Administrator, took credit for every business that has opened in Wentzville during his term, and riled up the NAACP. On his watch, employees are allowed to take scrap metal owned by the City and sell it with the gains going somewhere other than back into the City coffers. Isn't this criminal, or have they changed some rules? I know Guccione likes to make his own rules but come on!

If you watch the meetings during the budget talks, Mayor Guccione can be caught dozing off through most of them. On his watch, $38 million in City investments were unaccounted for, if you ask him where they are, he hasn't a clue. This is our Chief Executive Officer we're taking about here, and he knows nothing about our budget or investments? All in all, he's accomplished nothing! I take that back, in the footsteps of his idol Obama, he is extremely involved in the homeless and give-away programs, it's all he knows about. The things he's supposed to know, he doesn't know, the things he's not supposed to be involved in he's all-knowledgeable. Oh, did I mention that he wants to ban the sale of guns and regulate the sales of ammunition in Wentzville?

"We have a problem Houston," our Mayor is incompetent and in my opinion he's derelict in his duties as Mayor. He needs to be removed from office but these Aldermen keep doing his job in order to keep the city from failing. It's time they let him fall on his ass, let him screw up and impeach or have him recalled. Public trust is fading on our Mayor, I'm hearing more and more people questioning whether or not he is able to lead our city. In my opinion it's a no-brainer, he should have stuck to cutting up chickens, instead of carving up our city, he is a complete Nickompoop!

You Can Tell An Idiot...

I'm going to do my best to explain a situation that took place in city hall a couple of weeks ago without getting overheated. Normally, I wouldn't care one way or another about seating arrangements or assigned work stations in city hall but in this case I need to make an exception.

As everyone knows, Wentzville has been without a City Administrator for the better part of a year and Finance Director, Dennis Walsh has filled in during that time. Last Wednesday, an interim City Administrator was selected and he will be unveiled at this Wednesday's meeting of September 12th. In preparation of his coming, Mayor Nick Guccione made an executive decision about how best to prepare his new accommodations.

Five Wentzville Mayors, spanning thirty-five years have had an office in the current facility. Since the mayor position is a part-time job and the office is mainly used for signing documents, making a phone call or two, and the occassional spanking of a rowdy employee, it accommodated the needs of the mayor quite handily. It is situated just directly behind chambers, next door to the mayor's assistant and other essential clericals who may be neccessary for the support of the mayor's office. The office contains a desk, credenza, small conference table, and the many assorted plaques, photographs, and a few personal items—more than enough room and amenities for any part-time mayor to accomplish his or her duties.

Just to the east of the Mayor's office is the office of the City Administrator. It is larger with corner windows, bookcases, file cabinets, a larger conference table and numerous chairs for staff, All in all, an impressive and perhaps somewhat intimidating setting to vendors or complainants. This is a working office with enough amenities to tell anyone entering; it's occupant is important and in charge. In Mayor Gucciones infinite wisdom, he believes that he needs this office and let the day-to-day city administrator cope with a more humble setting, so he switched offices—the new king has a new thrown room befitting his stature and regal ego-driven authority.

I can think of no other reason for this illogical action other than ego! Our fat-head of a mayor isn't concerned with the assessments of his predecessors, by allowing the city administrator space to conduct everyday business of the city. The city administrator runs the city and puts in more hours a day in city hall than the mayor spends there in a month.

As you may, or may not know, I have issues with this mayor and not usually surprised by his frequent screw-ups but I didn't see this one coming. He believes that his job is so important to the city that he's willing to sacrifice the ability of his city administrator to conduct the business of the city. I used to call the previous mayor "The All Mighty Potentate," but Guccione is putting him to shame in his drive for power to fit his ego. I say to Mayor Guccione: You are a joke! You have no idea what a mayor does or the image one needs to put forth.

You can tell an idiot, but you can't tell him much.

City Hall Opinions

Every year our City government changes with the annual election when  three Aldermen seats come up for bid. Until two years ago City decisions and discussions have been very erratic and unpredictable, simply because there has been dissension in the ranks of our Aldermen. Before that, the Board was so radical left they gave away most of the farm and angered the voters, but after the election of 2009 brought in Ward 1 Alderman Cheryl Kross, things started to change. One year later, Ward 2 Alderman Chris Gard and Ward 3 Alderman Rick "Bulldog Stokes" were elected. With them and Ward 1 Alderman Leon Tow, sanity was beginning to come to Wentzville for the first time in the minds of the old-timers. Now, with the addition of Sonya Shyrock in Ward 2 and Forrest Gossett in Ward 1, the last of the left-wing radicals were replaced and fiscal responsibility is now the term for the day. Wentzville transitioned from chaos to conservatism in only three years.

The old guard listened to special interests and small groups of citizens, in doing so they made some terrible and expensive decisions in the process. This new Board with some Aldermen who are ultra-conservative are not immune to making the same mistakes of their predecessors if they don't listen to the people who have lived in Wentzville through it's growth period. I believe the majority of Wentzville citizens want/demand accountability and  due diligence guarding their tax-dollars but not to the extent of doing harm to our community.

One of the most damaging mistakes made in the last 20 years was to build a new police station and place it out of town on the Wentzville Parkway. The facility they built was ill conceived and poorly designed. In the long-run, this building will cost more to maintain than it was to build. Mayor Vickie Boedeker had a dream to build a civic center (City Hall / Law Enforcement Center [LEC}) that would be the envy of the county and her legacy but in reality it has become the beginning of a nightmare. Had she polled the citizens of Wentzville at that time, that project would never have gotten off of the ground. Her dream, now our nightmare, may be fulfilled if the Aldermen have a mind to put a new City Hall on the Wentzville Parkway in front of the LEC.

Once again the sounds of a new City Hall are being heard coming from the Aldermen, Ward 2 Alderman Chris Gard has been pressing to get the talks going again and has indicated to me that he thinks it should be in the Village Center. This topic has been discussed for the better part of ten years, and after some confrontation and feedback with the residents, the general consensus that it would be built downtown. A resolution was passed by the City almost seven years ago and recently reaffirmed to build a new City Hall in the Village Center if, and when it became necessary. I have railed for the Village Center location longer than any of the current Aldermen or Mayor has served in office, and I will continue to do so until ground is broken.

I have never been afraid to speak out about what I believe is right and I believe the downtown location for a new City Hall is the right decision. There have been only a few topics over the years that have drawn enough passion to compel me to get up on all fours and fight, but the location of a new City Hall is one of them! The question was asked of every Alderman in the City of Wentzville: "In one sentence, tell me where you stand on the location of a possible new City Hall?" The following are the answers given by our representatives of each ward.

Alderman Ward 1, Cheryl Kross: "I don't have sufficient information to make that determination."
Alderman Ward 1, Forrest Gossett: "I'm not convinced we need a new city hall but If we do, I'm leaning toward the Downtown location until a more thorough investigation proves differently."

Alderman Ward 2: Chris Gard: "I prefer it downtown it would be the spark for the Village Center development imitative,"

Alderman Ward 2, Sonya Shryock: "It's the right thing to do."

Alderman Ward 3, Rick Stokes: "It's critical to the revitalization of the downtown area to build it in the Village Center."

Alderman Ward 3, Vacant: "I have no voice on this matter until a certain knot-head (who will remain anonymous) gives me one."

Regarding Mayor Guccione's opinion; I'm not going to ask him again because he's flipped in it twice already, besides, it's not his decision to make and I really don't give a rats-ass about his opinion on the matter.

"I Know What The Citizens Of Ward 3 Want!"

I enjoyed last night's meeting of the Board of Aldermen once I got inside chambers, almost five hours of political bliss. Upon arriving at City Hall I had to cut my way through a cloud of cigarette smoke created by our mayor, Nickolas Guccione. I found it revolting to see him standing right out in front giving lip service to his cigarette—what a way for a Mayor to embrace those coming to the meeting, poisoning them with his second-hand smoke.

Another discouraging situation came right in the beginning of the meeting during the "Ceremonial Matters" while listening to our Mayor floundering over words and sentences trying to read the proclamations. He doesn't read much and it shows every time he flops around in an attempt to sound mayoral. Remarkably, overlooking his unmistakable reading impediment, smokers hack, and lack of knowledge about procedures, the meeting went on, it was out of control, but the Aldermen saved his biscuits and kept it running—four hours and forty-five minutes worth. I found it funny that during discussions, Guccione raised his hand to speak on two occasions, he even tried to make a motion.

Mayor Guccione doesn't seem to remember where he stands on issues as apparent last evening when the Board passed a revised cooperative agreement resolution for Ranken. When the original resolution was presented, Guccione as an Alderman voted for it at all three readings. During his campaign for Mayor, he opposed it and vocalized his opposition at every opportunity saying "I made a mistake." Now he's all for the deal and gave a dissertation about how good it would be for the City. Flip and re-flip, anyone wanna bet on the possibility of a tri-flip?

I also found it interesting that our Mayor doesn't use the gavel to close discussions or votes very much, in fact he only hit it four times last night. I have a theory about this phenomena: He is a staunch union man and perhaps using a gavel that looks like a hammer may cross some imaginary carpenter's union lines. Since he is a member of the meat cutter's union, the City may need to buy a gavel that resembles a meat cleaver, then they could put a rubber chicken on the Dias and he could hack away.

The most important discussion of the night by far, was regarding the appointment for the vacated Ward 3 seat. Guccione reiterated that "it's my appointment" at least half dozen times during the discussion. Alderman Forrest Gossett suggested an "open process" to include all of the citizens of Ward 3 and read state statutes to support setting procedures for appointment. Gossett has a vast knowledge of governmental procedures and led the charge to have an "open government," suggesting the creation of a procedure for future boards to follow when, and if a similar situation should arise. Guccione believed he was being attacked by Gossett and opposed  him by asking the City Attorney, Paul Rost: "How can you write an ordinance that would undermine my authority?"  Rost tried to explain that he would still have the appointment authority but now he would have a pool of diligent citizen to choose from using the application process. Guccione wasn't having any of it, "I don't care how many names you present to me, I have made my selection. I know what the citizens of Ward 3 want and if you don't approve my candidate, the seat will remain open until the election next year!" He hasn't figured out what was said, I don't think he ever will. Gosset had to re-read the statute and Guccione still didn't get it, he's in way over his head and still on the defense.

All of the Aldermen supported open government and agreed upon the application process. They directed staff to create the appropriate ordinance. Opposing "open government" is a crucial underestimation in Guccione's young administration. After speaking with a very good friend, she stated; "Gucionne is being too defensive." He knows the rifts he's created in the board with his dirty campaign and is delusional that the Aldermen are out to get him, he's taking this process way too personal. Being as stubborn as a jackass in a tin barn on issues in an attempt to flex his mayoral muscles in opposition of the Aldermen is not good for the city, it's pure politics and not representative government. He claims to know what the citizens of Ward 3 want just because he was elected, he's sorely mistaken. He needs to listen to the recommendations of our newly reelected Alderman in Ward 3, Rick "Bulldog" Stokes, he knows what we want, he's still there! To reject the "open government" policy will bite him in the ass sooner than he may think when the disenfranchised citizens of Ward 3 start coming before him in open forum to tell him that he does not know what Ward 3 citizens want. Ward 3 residents want representation, not a contrary Mayor hand-picking one of his "buds" to fill a hole.

If our Mayor throws out the citizen's applications for the vacated seat through a newly created "open government" process in favor of "my candidate," it will be the real beginning of his political downfall. But, he knows nothing about diplomacy and doesn't care to learn. I would think that since he's on record as saying he will not consider any of the applicants, he may be setting the City and himself up for being sued. But, I don't think he cares about that either, Guccione is a dangerous Mayor, dangerous to Wentzville.

City Hall Sprawl

The work session for the Board of Aldermen scheduled for tonight contains only three agenda items and a "special" executive session meeting. Neither of the regular work session items are overly exciting and I can only guess what's in the executive session but I expect there could be a press release put out immediately following. On the work session, a discussion about the retreat agenda and another regarding the work session topic list. It's difficult to get moist about any of this but if you dissect them, there are some questions that need to be asked, which I will probably comment on after the meeting.

One of the items on the work session topic list is the new City Hall. It pisses me off that every time the Board of Aldermen have a discussion about the new City Hall, they always seem to schedule it at a retreat and even though it's a public meeting, most of those who attend regular meetings will not go because it's usually out of town. This topic needs to be discussed where the most citizens will attend. I asked Mayor Lambi why they have these retreats and he answered by saying that it's a meeting where we can get away from the press and a crowd of citizens listening. As far as I'm concerned, that's a crock of shit, in my thinking it's one way of not worrying about the things they say and do and having their opinions reported.

For the past sixteen years there's been a pattern formed to expand City Hall. Not in a conventional way but to acquire more property and buildings to spread out the departments all over the city. Mayor Vickie Boedeker's dream was to put City Hall out on the Wentzville Parkway. Her first mistake was building that horrendous police department building. It has cost the City more money in roof repairs than than most people spend on their homes. Her plan was to put a new City Hall right in front of it but alas, her dreams were dashed when she lost her re-election bid to Mayor Lambi. Lambi continued the tradition by leasing the old Commerce Bank building on Pearce Blvd. and Linn Avenue in which he placed the Finance, Purchasing, and IT departments. Not counting the Water and Waste Water departments, Wentzville's City Hall consists of four buildings ranging in age from 10 to 60 years old. Compared to having a central City Hall I'd like to see the cost differential of, utilities, maintenance, grounds, communications, duplication of office equipment, personnel, and others every year.

The building and placement of a central city hall has been my focus for the past decade. It is my feeling and that of many others that they should flatten the old Commerce Bank building, acquire the four blocks around it (which is mainly parking lots), and build the new City Hall that has been on the drawing board for the better part of 10 years.

I know that Mayor Guccione wants to revisit Boedeker's dream of putting City Hall on the Parkway, and Aldermen Chris Gard and "Bulldog" Stokes are on board with the downtown location. Alderman Cheryl Kross has me wondering because I've heard other thoughts from her and I haven't had the opportunity to speak with the new Aldermen, Forrest Gossett and Sonya Shyrock about a location, but I will.

I've written numerous times in another life about the building and location of Wentzville's City Hall and will continue to press for the location downtown. I will be watching these discussions very closely to see who opposes or offers anything that will defer the economic engine of a new City Hall from a downtown location.