The Brain Trust Speaks!

 

The Wentzville Board of Aldermen meeting last Wednesday, May 14, 2014 was about what I had expected—uneventful. With three new aldermen sitting in on their first full meeting, and the absence of the incessantly-questioning Alderman Cheryl Kross, it went pretty quick, (even though it was a fairly large agenda) ending just after 8:00pm. Had Kross been there, given her elevated status; Board President and her usual nit-picking nonsensical-minutia of questions, the meeting could have easily gone on for another hour or two.

 

I can forgive the mistakes of the new aldermen when trying to adapt to meeting procedure for their first couple of months, but when they interject self-serving questions and statements during their inaugural meeting, they've crossed their representative line. The brain trust who was elected to replace one of Wentzville's finest aldermen Rick Stokes, Ms. Linda Wright has shown herself to be interested in herself and the subdivision in which she lives. Judge for yourself:

 

Under section; "Community Development, (ID # 5171) Public Hearing - Pete Murtaugh of Ranken Technical College, applicant on behalf of the property owner, Terry Nelson Carpenter's District Council of Greater St Louis, is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Technical or Trade School for Ranken Technical College. The site is located on the west side of Par Road, approximately 1,400 feet north of Highway A. 14-35-PZ"

 

When the reality that Ranken might actually come into Wentzville several years ago, Mayor Nickolas Guccione had designs on becoming mayor, Union hack that he is, he opposed every vote that was ever taken on this matter. After he was elected, it was rah-rah-rah for Ranken. The only time he spoke during the public hearing was to give a shout-out for his Union bros.

 

Wright was another story. When the Ranken representative displayed the site plan of the proposed new school, he also noted "future expansion," which is of an indefinite time frame — could be one year, could be ten years, maybe never, depending upon growth of the program. Mr. Murtaugh made this clear to everyone, except our brain-trust Alderman Wright. He explained the site plan; "if this future development" takes place, they would require a curb-cut on Mexico Road. That's when Ms. Wright thought it necessary to take exception. "Where is this on Mexico Road," she asked? So, with the help of staff, Mr. Murtaugh answered her question. Wright looked away towards the mayor and said, "We are very happy with Mexico Road right now?" 

 

As many of you may know, Ms. Wright lives just off of Mexico road. Could it be that she doesn't want growth that may impede her trips to WalMart, bringing more traffic onto her beloved Mexico road? It reminds me of the Lurchettes some years back when they ran for alderman seats to stop the building of subdivisions adjacent to theirs because it ruined their views of the beautiful woods they could see from their decks. It didn't work for them, and it won't work for you. For some reason this city has become growth-crazy and that snowball was pushed down the hill some twenty years ago—get used to it! At any rate, I see a lot of self-serving in her future on the Board of Aldermen. Her lack of knowledge about this city and it's government is astounding, but after all, some of you have decided that she is the best-of-the-best, and elected her to represent us in Ward 3—Thanks!

Ms. Wright, knowing that you work at the Obamacare facility here in Wentzville, you aren't one of those employees who sat around collecting a Federal paycheck and did nothing, and currently being investigated by Claire McCaskell, are you? Please divulge this information to your constituents at a public meeting. In the name of open government it should be on the record who we elected, don't you think?

 

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Alderman Chris Gard took the lead on making 90 percent of the motions last Wednesday, and we should be so proud of Michael Hays who set a great example of how to raise one's hand to second 95 percent of Gard's motions. Way to go Mr. Hays, you have become the pride of Ward 3. With two of Guccione's brain-trusts sitting on the board it's going to be like watching a sideshow. God, Ward 3 is in deep #?*@!

 

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About the big lawsuit; there have been lengthy executive session meetings held after the last two regular alderman meetings. I figured it was regarding the lawsuit brought by Chief Lisa Harrison, and it was confirmed last night when it was probably requested by King Nickolas that Alderman Michael Hays should lock the door to the chamber, Hey, there's something else he can do. I guess it was so Chief Lisa Harrison wouldn't be sneaking around back there to see if she could hear anything—incredible!

 

According to CaseNet; an attorney, Mr. Mathew Justin Gist of Kansas City, was contracted by the City to defend the City of Wentzville, Mayor Nickolas Guccione, Alderman Cheryl Kross, ex-Alderman Sonya Shryock, and Lieutenant Dale Dothage of the Wentzville police department.

 

Taken from the web: "Mr. Gist specializes in the representation of employers in employment and labor disputes. He has obtained successful jury verdicts and summary judgments in employment discrimination cases including claims for wrongful termination in both state and federal court. Mr. Gist has argued several cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District. He routinely represents private companies as well as cities and counties in employment and personnel matters. In July of 2010, Mr. Gist successfully obtained one of the few defense verdicts in an employment discrimination case filed in the Jackson County Circuit Court."

 

This is going to be an extremely high-dollar trial for Wentzville taxpayers to shuck out, if any part of these allegations are found to be true, heads need to roll. I have a suggestion where to start but I'm wondering which of these people named in the lawsuit are going to roll over on the King? Is it possible that maybe one of them could cut a deal? Stay tuned, the fun has just begun.

 

The Race Is On

In just a couple of months it'll be election time again  and now that the deadline for the registration of candidates is passed we need to look at those who have decided to seek office. Last year's slate was filled with characters steeped in controversy, fortunately most of them have decided not to defile this election. Unfortunately for us, the leader of the underhanded hoard of last year's preditors will remain seated in City Hall for three more agonizing years—maybe. This devious group jumped on honest candidates like a school of piranhas on a naked missionary. Ethics was a huge concern last year and because Alderman Nick Guccione ran one of the most vile and unethical campaigns in the history of Wentzville the Aldermen found it necessary to amend municipal code. Coincidentally, that ordinance providing for a new "code of ethics" and adopting a "political activity policy" was made law last Wednesday evening. That ordinance change will implement legal recourse should another band of knuckleheads want to abuse the system. To my way of thinking, since it was created to stop unethical behavior like that which our mayor used to get elected it should be called the Anti-Guccione Policy.

The Horse Race

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross (Incumbent): Alderman Kross is seeking her third term representing the residents of Ward 1. She is credited with being the first Alderman to crack the ultra-liberal nut(s) that had a grip on our city for too many years. She took the chauvinistic taunting of Mayor Lambi for three years and hung in trying to bring some sense of order to an extremely dysfunctional Board of Aldermen led by the Lurchettes. Her conservative values led to Wentzville's budget finally being free of excessive waste and feel-good spending. She has been one of Wentzville's most responsive to concerns of her constituents regardless of the magnitude of importance. In my opinion, Alderman Kross has earned a third term.

Robert Hussey: Mr Hussey is a friend of Mayor Guccione. He has experience with being a City Administrator and Guccione tried to get him in the back door by attempting to influence the Alderman. He was told that applicants are not supposed to have any contact with the Mayor or Aldermen through the process yet he still knocked on one alderman's door and the Gooch is still trying to push him into City Hall. Since he is supported by a mayor that I find totally incompetent, I urge voters to disregard this candidate.

Ward 2



Chris Gard (Unopposed)

Ward 3



Darrel Lackey: Lackey is a long time resident of Wentzville and a very active community-minded citizen. He is a financial advisor with an office here in the Trinity Building and very informed regarding city politics. His record of public service is long:.

• 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 Lacky 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.

Michael (Mike) Hays (appointed by Mayor): Most people who are familiar with Wentzville politics know the story about Hays. He is the person that Mayor Guccione was talking about when trying to fill his vacated Ward 3 seat; "It's my appointment, it's my appointment, bla, bla, bla." The Aldermen rejected this appointment until Guccione finally appointed John Luby, who was accepted. A month later Luby hands in his resignation, walked off the job, and Guccione's crying started all over again; "It's my appointment, it's my appointment, bla, bla, bla." Rather than listen to Guccione's constant whining they approved his appointment and Hays was installed. I am represented in Ward 3 by someone who withdrew from the general election of 2012 in anticipation of Guccione getting elected and being appointed by the mayor to his vacated seat. I disapprove of Hays representing me and had he not withdrawn last year he would have been crushed by Alderman Rick Stokes reelection. Guccione will use all his resources getting his buddy elected whether it's good for the city or not.

Linda L. Wright: Ms. Wright in unknown in Wentzville politics.

Municipal Judge

Steve 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.

Michael Carter: Michael Carter served as Wentzville's Municipal Judge from 2009 to 2011 when he lost his reelection bid to our current Judge 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 of our police patrolmen. Carter campaigned actively for Nick Guccione and there's no doubt his support will be reciprocated by the mayor. For my money, Carter is almost as big a smart-ass as I am—and that's saying something. 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.

Two Stooges Minus One

Another very good friend of mine, Ms. PSS was complaining to me last night that I need to start writing two times a day. She said that yesterday's A Poke In The Eye was great but she wanted more, so this half is dedicated to her. After watching the meeting of April 25th, I can say to her; have no qualms or trepidations, the vicissitudes you'll encounter will elevate you to a lofty understanding that the frivolities have just begun to actualize.

To continue: Nervous as expected, Mayor Guccione took the throne. It's a hard job speaking to a large group of people and he made his share of mistakes. In time he'll get the routine of chairing a governmental body, at least for the sake of the City, I can hope. His first order of business was to hold an election for the Board President, Alderman of Ward 3, Rick "Bulldog" Stokes won the honor, this is going to be an interesting challenge for Guccione to work closely with the Bulldog. Guccione's campaign committee filed an ethics violation against Stokes that cost him some heavy cabbage, I'm not suggesting that Stokes is not going to forgive Guccione but reaching into someones wallet is hard to forget, I wish them well on their liaison.

Mayor Guccione read his "Vision for the City speech," and the audience listened intently. He talked about wanting growth and keeping up with it. He wants a larger police department and more employees in his bureaucracy. As he stumbled through his oration, I tried desperately to figure out what his vision was. The things he said have been said by every mayor of Wentzville for the last 157 years—"where's the beef?" Our Mayor has no ideas for the future of Wentzville, everything he said was merely status quo and maintaining.

After really fumbling through the process of approving the "Consent Agenda," it came to appointments. I'm going to cut to the chase here and skipping the committee appointments to slip right into the Ward 3 vacant seat appointment. I'm puzzled here, Guccione said he's not going to announce the name of his choice until May the 9th, after he gets approval of each Board member. It is my understanding that he wants the Alderman to approve his appointment without knowing who his candidate is, what the cornbread-hell is that all about. How can they possibly give a blind nod to someone without knowing who it is? That doesn't seem like good government stewardship to me.

The discussion went on for quite a while and Guccione called on City Attorney Paul Rost on numerous occassions about "my appointment," he used that term at least a dozen times. I've never heard Rost talk that much in a meeting, it was as if Guccione was using him as his Assistant Mayor. Rost was busy that night, but when you have a Mayor who knows nothing about procedures, I guess he has no other recourse than to use the City's mouthpiece to carry him through the meeting. This isn't the end of Guccione's ignorance of governmental procedures, Assistant Mayor Rost will be in power until his contract expires and if last night is a preview of things to come, Guccione should sit on his lap and let Rost work his mouth. God knows somebody needs to.

I've heard Guccione talk about his candidate to fill his vacated seat and have picked up on a few things. He mentioned that there are at least three Aldermen who know him and that they like him. At the meeting he said something that gave it away for me; he said it is someone with experience. I can think of three names right of the top of my head; Darrel Lackey, Bob Smith and John Luby. After looking at this short list, Lackey is a big NO, Smith was on Leon Tow's campaign committee and that's more than likely another NO, and that leaves Luby. He was one of the original Lurchettes, served with Guccione, and is one of his close friends. This may be a no-brainer! I know Luby, he's one of the kindest people I know but he's not a representative of anyone. He was a follower on the Board of Aldermen and voted with the Lurchettes on some of the lousiest legislation ever to become law in Wentzville. Have I missed anything? I do not want him representing me in Ward 3 again and urge the Board to tell Gooch to appoint a legislator, not an indecisive sock-puppet.

Guccione stated that he will look at a list of names suggested by the Board but will not under any circumstances appoint one of them. It's his appointment and if the Board doesn't approve his choice, "We are dead-locked and the seat will remain empty until next years election." He is not going to compromise and will punish the citizens of Ward 3 in his personal vendetta. So much for being "the candidate of the people." This is pure Guccione the narcissist, hateful, unthinking, not caring, and totally unreasonable!

The meeting started promptly at 6:00pm and lasted until after 11:00pm, I left when they went into executive session, I'd had enough fun for one night. Lambi presided over 26 agenda items and seven or eight people speaking in open forum. The total time was less than two hours. Guccione, on the other hand, presided over 14 agenda items and the elapsed time was over three hours. I can see some late night meetings in the future when the agenda is full. Guccione will become flustered, use the staff attorney more than necessary, and need to be constantly reminded how to chair the meeting. Guccione lost control of the meeting and it resembled a round-table discussion at the United Nations, total anarchy. This will not change, Guccione has a control problem and he really believes he has the power to do anything he wants in City Hall, his power trip is going to get him in some deep problems. He'd better start working with the Aldermen, representing all the citizens (even those in Ward 3) and not just the little over 1000 voters who put him in office!

I see something coming to the Board of Aldermen meetings, I think they will become very Jerry Springeresque. This is bad for our City and reporters around the county and City of St. Louis will have a field day at every meeting. Mayor, don't make us ashamed to admit that our hometown is Wentzville! The things you say and do now are heard and seen by multitudes of people in the state, so please close your hole and try to act like you got some smarts!

No Christmas Card Again This Year

I've been thinking about the report I wrote last week regarding the mysterious $15,000 check and a few things that I recalled from years gone by. The number $15 large kept rolling around like a pinball racking up points as it made it's way down the course—It reminded of other times when $15,000 or a similar number would be spent by the city and Mayor Lambi's part in those expenditures.

The most recent was when he was ready to spend taxpayer's dollars to the tune of $18,000 for a donation to the 501c3 organization; LINC. Fortunately, the board saw the problems with a "contract for services" for this venture—had the Lurchettes been in power they'd have passed it as fast as the bean soup they had for lunch. I seem to remember several other similar expenditures in the range of $10,000 to $19,000 to other organizations or companies, and, I've formulated a hypothesis: Lambi possibly regards money in that range as pin-money and nothing to concern himself with. Perhaps it was a mind-set because he had been a fairly successful salesman in the financial services field when he was elected for his first term. I guess when you wield millions of dollars around everyday, 10 or 15 large is nothing, it isn't worth the hassle, there are bigger fish out there with fatter wallets.

One case in point came in about March of 2005, just prior to his second-term election: City staff recommended that the City buy a "folder/inserter" in the amount of $15,383 for mailing of water bills the City Administrator (CA), Andy McCown further justified it by saying that it could also be used for mailing the Vision newsletter. This whole thing was problematic from the beginning as it came with an extremely costly service contract. The staff said that this purchase would save on mailing costs because they could cut out a local business that was contracted to handle that service. After doing the math, it would have taken 600,000 mailings to break even, at that time they were mailing 7,500 water bills per month. Even figuring today's population of 29,000, that's a long time. Lambi said, "We're going to save money with the mailing of the "Vision" also, and more importantly, it would save one day in mailing out our water bills which means the city would get paid sooner." I've heard some strange logic but there's a good chance the buses don't go where he lives.

One other important fact: The Vision newsletter was printed on gloss paper and as anyone in the printing industry can tell you, small commercial folder/inserters do not like stuffing gloss paper into envelopes. The vote was split 3-3 by the Board of Aldermen and Lambi broke the tie by saying; "I'm going to go with staff on this one, I have all the confidence in the world in them and if it will help, and save the city some money at the same time, I vote to make the purchase, the staff deserves it."

I was really pissed that Lambi would not listen to someone who had over 25 years in the industry Subsequently, I wrote an article which was printed in a local publication protesting the purchase of the over-sold machine. I provided technical details and stated that it would not work for what the city wanted. That article started the downward-spiraling relationship between the Mayor and me, when it hit the streets he was madder than rabid dog slobbering all over himself. I was supporting him for the upcoming election but that didn't mean I was going to cover up his illadvised decision.

At the next Alderman meeting, Lambi was still fuming and he walked out to me in the audience and threw a four-inch three-ring binder in my lap (it was heavy, and a good thing I was wearing a cod-piece). "If you want to talk about something, talk about a $54 Million dollar budget, not some measly $17,000 machine." He made me feel lower than a snake in a wagon track in front of everyone there, the romance was over.

This is not the end of the story: The next month's meeting was interesting; The CA during his report announced: The Machine we bought to stuff envelopes does not work on the "Vision." We will be able to mail water bills, but, the "Vision" will have to continue being mailed by a private company. So much for the savings to the city. I grinned colder than a pawn-broker at the mayor, and the aldermen who knew about my concern looked at me smiling too. After the meeting, Lambi came up to me and said; "I guess you can tell me 'I told you so.'" It wasn't necessary, he knew he'd pooched the moose and the whole city knew it too, but what the hell, it was only 15 grand—a drop in the bucket.

This whole deal today is strange, I'd like to know who endorsed the check and strongly believe it was Lambi. Is it possible that he thought no one would ever question this expenditure? Lambi's displayed attitude toward amounts of money like this has made me curious, maybe he really doesn't think it's money. I wonder if he spends his own money like that? Maybe it's an "easy come, easy go" thing with him.

Since the light has been turned on by the St. Louis Post Dispatch regarding some of Lambi's other questionable dealings thanks to Alderman Guccione, maybe Guccione will drop a dime on him about this situation too. Needless to say, my friendship with Mayor Lambi has been somewhat diminished—I haven't received a Christmas card since.

Why?

I had a conversation with a resident yesterday who had a great point about Alderman Nick Guccione and his lack of interaction with the other board members. He relayed that Guccione was complaining about how the other alderman will not listen to him. I had heard this before but the question remains: If he is elected Mayor, how will he ever get support for any of his initiatives? I don't know any of his initiatives and it seems that no one else I know does either, but I am concerned what they might be. He thinks he'll be in charge of the city and every aspect of it. He should probably set up a meeting with Mayor Lambi to ascertain how that's working out for him.

I don't think Guccione understands that his total authority would be over the staff and presiding at board meetings to keep decorum which could prove interesting at best. The rest of his representation of Wentzville would be with other cities and governmental agencies outside of Wentzville. Quite frankly, the thought of that given his observed lack of communication skills is frightening. Guccione will find out just like Lambi did, the ultimate authority is with the Board of Aldermen. He should know about ultimate authority having been a member of arguably one of the most contrary and counter-productive boards in the history of Wentzville; Bill Schuette, Nick Guccione, John Luby, and Peggy Meyer; the Lurchettes, they were as stubborn as a set-down jackass. They reigned terror on the sanity of our city and only gained power because three effective long-term aldermen retired; Dave Hoekel, Dave Billings, and Darrel Lackey.

I've heard that he believes himself to be the best man for the job, my question is; based on what? Following Bill Schuette's lead for four years and sitting on the board for another two is not being a qualified candidate for Mayor. I've begged him to illustrate in any manner what he's accomplished for his Ward 3 and got nothing. His campaign slogan is: "It's time someone stood up for the people." Wow, that's fresh, I don't think I've ever heard that from a candidate before. The people don't believe rhetoric like that after the way politicians and government has lied to them. The people believe in actions, not slogans and Guccione has not accomplished a single thing for the people of Wentzville during his entire time in office. My readers don't have to believe me, ask him, or any other Alderman exactly how he has positively impacted our city, he'll not have an answer. He did vote on several issues that relieved taxpayers from having the burden of excess money in their pockets and several others that were shot down by his peers but he has really accomplished nothing of substance. Guccione has introduced nothing to favor the citizens and less of the city.

I know Nick Guccione and have known him since he was first elected, he represents my ward 3 and I'm very in tune with what my representatives do. I am truly disappointed in his representation of my ward. I have numerous complaints but the thing that turned me against him the most was his unethical recruitment of candidates to run in every other ward (including his own)  in an effort to gain support that none of the five other aldermen give him. I have to ask: Why? Why don't they support him? Why is Nick Guccione correct and all of the other aldermen wrong? Why does he need to make an attempt to influence our board of aldermen with his hand-picked candidates if his ideas are so great? Why does he need to change the direction of our city to his way of thinking when it has been proven ineffective and unacceptable? You have to question any candidate for Mayor who made such a fool of himself in a board meeting, in point February 8, 2012.

The Chamber of Commerce "Candidates Night," is scheduled for 6:00pm, March 27th at the Holt High School Auditorium. I urge every voter to attend and judge for yourself not only his qualifications but communication skills. He has no track record and I will be curious to hear what he has to say. Lambi has made a mess of our city and I'm afraid Guccione will make it worse, we need a strong Mayor, one who can lead and know when to follow, but more importantly, he needs to be able to work with the Board of Aldermen.

Show Me The Money

With no meeting this week I feel an overwhelming need to keep recalling the Board of Alderman meeting of February 8th. That meeting has to go down in history as the most entertaining, controversial, and insightful Wentzville meeting of the 21st century. If you were a regular follower of City meetings over the years and watched closely, you'd see things that would frighten a hard-tail mule into relieving himself on the kitchen floor.

City government is clever—taxpayers are exploited by a complete lack of public interest while government merely continues with business as usual. Since the Wentzville Union and Wentzville Journal moved out of town there has been little or no unedited critical reporting of our government. The Suburban Journal, Newstime, Community News and Patch.com are for the most part fluffy and refuse to do any investigative reporting. The St. Louis Post Dispatch, however, has no problem digging into difficult topics of a controvrersial nature and scaring the horse pucky out of those involved.

This "blog;" (The Wentzvillian), as well as a private citizen, was kicked in the cod-piece in a public meeting by Alderman Nick Guccione for telling the truth about what's going on in city hall. Perhaps, the things here are too close to the truth and finally the mayor and aldermen know that their ethics, actions and ability to handle taxpayers money responsibly are being closely monitored by The Wentzvillian.

The Wentzvillian has reported on several occasions the subject of: "Implied Contracts," defined: "...checks being cashed without supporting documentation." When Alderman Chris Gard turned one of these cashed checks over to the city attorney; Paul Rost, my interest was piqued. Gard asked: Why didn't the contract follow the check? This is troubling for a number of reasons; the check was cashed, there is no paperwork, and no legitimate address for the company." I know that the company in question is; Westplex Sports and Entertainment L.O.C. (Local Organizing Committee). In researching this company, I found that it was created by Ed Watkins of Winning Endeavors and from the 2006 election flyer of Mayor Paul Lambi I found the following bullet point:

• "Board Member and founder to LOC (Local Organizing Committee); first in this area; this committee focuses on bringing large sports and entertainment events to this area. This Committee is located in Wentzville and represents St. Charles County, Franklin, Warren, and Washington."

I remember these meetings when Lambi led the Lurchettes (Bill Schuette, John Luby, Peggy Meyer, and Nick Guccione) down la-la lane, gleefully skipping hand-in-hand singing Kumbaya,  to pass a resolution to give his organization $15,000. Lambi promised a new world-class velodrome and balloon races to equal those in St. Louis. None of these things materialized and now the organization may not even exist. This may have been a neat and noble pipe-dream but why didn't the Lurchettes investigate its probability or its corporation? The answer is simple, this group of so-called aldermen were in Disneyland and passed anything they didn't have to read or think about. What was the money used for and where is it?

The only possible reason this check was turned over to Rost is; to find the money and who and how Wentzville was relieved of $15,000 without a trace. In my humble opinion: there is only one of two men who has the money, either Mayor Lambi or Ed Watkins. Other questions are: Who endorsed the check? What did Wentzville receive for fifteen large? And, have more chickens come home to roost? It's very troubling that the same two individuals have connection with yet another complication which has been given to our city attorney for investigation. I am pleased to see Alderman Gard has the snarglees to make more noise than a jackass in a tin barn and bring this matter to light seeking to make the perpetrator skin his own skunk.

I Am Not ELVIS!

I'd like to address a question that was asked by a reader who commented on my last blog. I believe it is an important issue that could negativly effect Wentzville should Nick Guccione be elected Mayor: Guccione seems to be a slider, he very seldom says anything in the city meetings. I watch them on the Internet and started noticing it several months ago. He hardly contributes anything, why do you suppose that is?. After observing Alderman Nick Guccione at almost every meeting during his four years on the Board of Aldermen, I have noted his actions and will offer my opinion in an effort to answer the reader's question but it will take a short history lesson first.

The sequence of events may be a little out of order but that's not important, the results are what count in this history. Aldermen; Nick Guccione, Bill Schuette, and John Luby were recruited by Vickie Boedeker during her last bid for a fifth term as Mayor of Wentzville. They were told then that all the matchbook covers are true; "You too can become an Alderman, no experience, knowledge of government, or concern for Wentzville is necessary" unfortunately they bought it. Peggy Meyer (good friends with Boedeker) was currently on the Board and in the group conspiracy. All of them were advised to take Boedeker's lead and vote with her choices. En masse, they had many secret meetings before and after the election forging their agenda driven direction for the City, allegedly in violation of "Sunshine Laws." Then the unthinkable happened; Boedeker lost her election vs. Lambi but her group of Flying Monkeys all won and took their seat on the Board. Having no leader telling them how to vote, loudmouth Lurch Schuette took the lead and his fledgling aldermen became the Lurchettes (translation: sock puppets). Guccione and the others took orders and all created a voting block which frustrated Mayor Paul Lambi as well as strangling the economic welfare of Wentzville. Their grip on Wentzville cost our city millions of dollars in unnecessary spending and pointless ordinances which set the stage for our current bloated bureaucracy and budget problems.

Over the next three years, John Luby lost to Rick Stokes; Lurch Schuette lost to Chris Gard: Leon Tow retired and Cheryl Kross came in; Peggy Meyer retired and in walked Vann Sample. Guccione unopposed, was re-elected and has been whining like a puppy in the rain for the past year because "no one on the Board of Aldermen will listen to me." He has had no one to tell him how to vote and it's made him miserable trying to keep up with this new energetic, fast-paced  hard-working board. In his Mayor campaign he is desperately trying to recreate a board using the Boedeker Model but he has a campaign manager (Bananas Sherwood) who doesn't have near the charm, expertise, or insights of her idol; Vickie Boedecker. The only thing she has in common with Boedeker is an over active penchant toward treachery and she will do nothing but bring shame to Guccione along the way.

In my opinion, Nick Guccione like most people, is hard-working (two jobs) with a nice home and swimming pool and two or three vehicles. He has a nice family; wife, children, and grandchildren. Between working two jobs, taking care of his family and home, going to meetings for the city, reading ordinances and city business (sometimes 1,500 pages) every week, answering phone calls from constituency, and drumming up support for his election hopes, it doesn't leave much time for living. Frankly, I don't think he ever read any city business for the last few years except those things that pertained to his special interests. He followed the lead of others who supported each other and relied on their knowledge of subjects, but those days are gone now and he doesn't do homework. I think it's reflected in his Board behavior and lack of participation unless it's something he wants.

It is also my opinion that Alderman Nick Guccione has no business being in office and it disturbs me that he represents my ward 3. Nick should drop out of the Mayor race that he cannot win, serve out his last year with integrity, start surrounding himself with people who care about him, and distance himself from people like Bill Lurch Schuette and Donna Bananas Sherwood who will drag his legacy through the mud just like they did with theirs, and then flip on him. I believe he would be a lot happier with his life if he were to get out of a political arena for which he has no time or passion. I'm sorry that I've lost a friend over politics but I love Wentzville too much to let it go down hill. There comes a time in every man's life when he finally admits to himself that no matter how much he tries, he'll never be Elvis.

"A Splendid Time is Guaranteed For All"

I am eagerly awaiting the January 11th, 2012, Regular Board of Aldermen meeting, I believe it will be a very revealing assembly. A fairly short agenda with an Executive Session scheduled just after roll call, this is unusual as they are generally held at the end just prior to adjourning. What this tells me is there could be some interesting twists to the evening's entertainment. I'm so excited I could just pee my pants in anticipation.

The major topic on my list is first on the agenda; the dreaded "Storm Water Utility" Tax is up for its final reading. I have railed for six years to have this ordinance failed but thanks to Bill Schuette, John Luby, Nick Guccione, and Peggy Meyer, they took it through the first two readings. It would have passed if not for a class-action lawsuit filed against MSD and the City of St. Louis for a very similar "utility." As I've written many times in the past, this is a terrible tax that would be placed on homeowners and businesses alike. Schuette's passion to get this inflicted on Wentzville residents was enormous. His "Lurchettes" did all they could do until the city attorney recommended postponing it until the lawsuit was settled. The taxpayers won, their lawsuit was successful and St. Louis has been appealing it ever since.

Almost three years has passed and those who led the charge for it to become law in Wentzville are gone from the scene except one; Alderman Nickolas Guccione. Guccione supported this ordinance through every stage of legislation and now it's back on the table for the final vote. He now faces an interesting dilemma, if he votes "YEA," as he did twice previously, he is staying true to his record and slapping Wentzville taxpayers across the face with more and higher taxes. If he votes "NAY," he's flipping on yet another issue and this one is going to be difficult to hide. It's interesting to me that both Guccione and Schuette who were most instrumental in bringing this tax forward are currently running for mayor. It is my opinion that Alderman Guccione, without the backbone of his past compadres will perform a two and a half, full twisting back flip off the high-dive and belly-flop. This vote ought to be fun.

This will also be the first public appearance of our new police Chief Ms. Lisa Harrison who came on duty January 3rd. I'm looking forward to meeting her to discuss her plans for our police department. Hearing very good things about her, I see nothing but positive signs for Wentzville's future law enforcement community.

The rest of the agenda is the usual political blatherings but I do so look forward to what I believe will be a surprise-filled evening of fun and frolic. Come on out Wednesday the 11th of January, in the words of the immortal John Lennon: "A splendid time is guaranteed for all."

Please Don't Apply

Having never been (and no ambition to be) an alderman, this perspective is from an observer and student of Wentzville politics. Watching candidates run for elected offices over the years has given me a great respect for those who are successful and effective in the seat. Unfortunately, the actual ratio of those elected who are duly constituted to those who are not, is sometimes frightening. Today, on Wentzville's Board of Aldermen, the number of capable office-holders is greater than those who are ineffective. That has not always been the case and may have never been since the 1960s when our national government became polarized. The middle of the road candidate gave way to the radical right and the radical left that has dominated politics ever since.

Local government is not party sensitive and no candidate declares a party to run for office however it does not stop the right/left divide at this level of government. It's always been said: "You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy" hence the political divide finds its way into Wentzville.

The salary for alderman in Wentzville (if based on a 40 hour week) is about $2.16 per hour—clearly money is not an incentive. I question every legitimate candidate for alderman to assess their reason for wanting to be elected, unfortunately there is usually either a personal or political agenda, and I've heard some doozys. "Lurch" Schuette" for example lived in a subdivision and when developers destroyed his view of  woodland to build an adjacent subdivision he got upset and joined Vickie Boedecker's flying monkeys to put an end to it. Somehow he concluded that he had paid for the view. Lurch in turn recruited several others including Nick Guccione to become a member of the "Lurchettes."

I interviewed Guccione when he ran for aldermen for the first time and he revealed some interesting things. First and foremost, he had no good reason other than great political aspirations; he wanted to be mayor and then move on into state government. He had no knowledge of the concerns of the citizens or businesses of Wentzville and has kept his special interests blinders on since being elected. An admitted Obama supporter, Guccione has brought his liberal issues before the board and made them stick until he lost his pack of Lurchettes—had he been opposed in the election of 2011 he would more than likely be out of the picture today.

The job of alderman carrys a great responsibility, if you don't like spending long hours reading, don't apply. If you don't like sitting through several long and late drab meetings filled with drollery every week, don't apply, If you don't have time to answer phone calls or messages at all times of the day and night (a great flaw of "Lurch" Schuette's), don't apply. If you want to feel powerful, important, and grandiose, don't apply. If you have no love of Wentzville, it's heritage, or citizens, please don't apply. If you really don't know whats going on and no good reason to apply...DON"T.

This message has been brought to you courtesy of: The Wentzvillian for good government, a concerned, no-profit, no-pay, no tolerance, and no nonsense, entity that believes Wentzville can be greater than it is.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

The new year holds great promise for Wentzville, not only economically but politically. With General Motors adding a new assembly line and the possibility of Ranken Technical College bringing a satellite school to town, things are looking up. With the growth of Wentzville, our citizens have brought a new sense and logic to our city hall and slowly uprooting the "good ole boy" political party. I have held vigil, watching and reporting on city hall for the better part of 15 years and can say that the ball is over the crest of the hill and beginning to roll.

It all began about eight years ago with the election of Mayor Paul Lambi. I had hopes for a better life for Wentzville after Vickie Boedecker was dethroned, but the political rubble of our city was firmly implanted. Lambi worked with the support of several good aldermen to clean up city hall but the cancer was deep and it would take two more years for Boedecker to get over the fact that her second defeat was not just "voter apathy," her style of "good ole boy" politics was no longer wanted by our growing population. A huge blow to Wentzville was the retirement of three outstanding aldermen: David Hoekel, Dave Billing, and Darrel Lackey who all left the same year leaving an opening for Boedeker's flying monkeys to take over.

During attempts over the next two years to regain the throne she brought in three successful candidates to run for aldermen, John Luby, Ward 1; Nick Guccione, Ward 3; the ultimate Vickie-clone, Bill "Lurch" Schuette in Ward 2. Even though Boedeker lost the election, her flying monkeys continued the reign of terror in Wentzville. Lambi became frustrated in his second term toward restoring sanity as it entered its blackest days. "Lurch" became the "man behind the screen" who led the fledgling "Lurchettes." They met frequently in private (the Boedeker system) to determine their strategy of taking over Wentville's political system, a clear violation of election law.

In 2009, a glimmer of sunshine appeared on the political scene; Mrs. Cheryl Kross, new alderman in Ward 1 was elected, but even she, Lambi, and Alderman Tow couldn't break Boedeker's grip on the city. Then "Lurch" made the ultimate mistake and opened the door for sanity to come to the city, he decided to run for Mayor. Unfortunately for him and the Lurchettes, Guccione decided it was also his time to make a move. What happened was Lambi beat them both by a small margin sending "Lurch" back into the spectator's seat and left Guccione all alone on the board as Luby lost to Cheryl Kross. In 2011, things started to change and when Guccione's attempt to plant a candidate in Ward 1 to replace Kross failed, and Lurch's unsuccessful bid to regain his Ward 2 alderman seat, he watched as a new order came to Wentzville; Kross, Stokes, Sample, and Gard. These four aldermen have the opportunity to close the book on the 155 year "good ole boy" brand of politics in Wentzville.

It is my belief that in the election of 2012 voters can take back the city with two clear choices LEON TOW for mayor, and the re-election of RICK "Bulldog" STOKES in ward 3. There is more to the equation and I will give that on a later blog but I think I can predict a date of the overthrow of the old order (Boedeker system), April 2nd, 2013 when Nick Guccione is not re-elected alderman in Ward 3. Guccione should have paid more attention to what was going on in Ward 3 and a little less on his upward political aspirations.

Things look very good for Wentzville but we must always keep guard, people like; Lurch, Nick Guccione, Donna Sherwood, and a host of flying monkeys will always be looking for the chink in our Wentzville good-government armor.

The Sword of Damocles

Once again, the Board of Alderman's work session was dominated by the pit bull ordinance. There were 30 or 40 dog-lovers in attendance in support of changing the breed-specific law. It was over an hour before the mayor closed that portion of the meeting to move onto "Staff Updates" and the "Worksession Topic List." I was disappointed to wait until 10:00 pm (after the "Executive Session") to find that my prediction of a press-release was dashed. I now believe that a press-release will probably be issued by the city on Friday to announce the new police chief. I missed it by three days, oh well—some times the magic works—sometimes it doesn't.

I do have good news! The "Storm Water Run-off Fee" ordinance that has been hanging over taxpayers heads like the Sword of Damocles since Lurch (Bill Schuette) hung it there will be brought back for the third, and final reading. Alderman of Ward 1, Cheryl Kross has been working on getting this ordinance put to bed, brought it up again last night. The previous time she wanted to bring it back for a vote (October 2011), Mayor Lambi stalled it for more discussion.

This bill was driven by Lambi and the Lurchettes beginning in 2006 in an effort to make homeowners "pay for the rain." Introduced by then, city administrator Andy McCown, it was picked up by Lurch who decided to put a feather in his cap by saving the city and sticking it to homeowners. If MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District) in St. Louis hadn't been cited in a class action law suit for passing a similar ordinance, he would have thrust a tax sword into Wentzville residents that could not be withdrawn. Voters need to remember that Bill Schuette (Lurch) was the one who fought so hard to impose this unusual tax on our citizens. If he actually files, and his name appears on the April ballot for mayor (or any other office), scratch through his name—it will save you a lot of heartaches later should he be elected.

Without further protest from the Mayor and supported by Aldermen Rick Stokes and Nick Guccione, Kross managed to get it put on the agenda for the first meeting in December (14th). I have been waiting for the third reading for five years and now it looks like it may really happen. It is believed this terrible legislation will be voted down and I'll be watching very closely how the aldermen vote on this issue. This could be a campaign-buster if anyone sides for it. During the discussion, city attorney Paul Rost interjected; "If you are bringing this back to vote it down, ok—if you are entertaining the idea of voting yes, we need to talk." It sounds to me like there are still problems with this absurd tax.

Our elected city officials are very important to the future of resident's finances, electing the wrong people to our government can cost you dearly. Please check the records of candidates to assess for yourselves whether or not they have your best interests at heart. There are several candidates today who say they are going to file who have a record of costing taxpayers more and offering less. Be careful who you pick!

Shut Up and Sit Down

The board of aldermen meeting of October 28th played for just over four hours. During that time there were glimmers of excitement surrounded by long stretches of tedium but nothing earth shaking. Mayor Lambi did make an ass of himself again (what's new) and I'll discuss that later on. One subject that caught my attention was the one about the lease agreement between the city and the MEAA (Mid East Area on Aging) regarding rental of the building known as the Green Lantern Senior Center.

For those of you who may not know, the MEAA coordinates the Meals on Wheels program and provide lunches and activities for senior citizens in Wentzville. Up until just a few years ago, MEAA used the full kitchen facilities to cook all of the meals. With rising costs, the MEAA had to consolidate and ceased preparation of meals in Wentzville and are now prepared in an O'Fallon facility. It was this crisis that spawned WASSI (Wentzville Area Senior Services, Inc.) board to shore up support and maintain senior services in Wentzville.

During the ongoing investigation of the city's contracts in an effort to trim out excess spending the MEAA agreement was brought forward. Originally signed in 1979 it has been on auto renewal ever since. The terms include a $250 per month rental of the building while the city picks up the utilities.  During the review, it was noted that it cost's the city $50,000 annually to operate the building and  the MEAA pays only $3,000 per year to rent the facility. Alderman Vann Sample of ward 2 pointed out that three thousand dollars is a paltry amount to pay and alluded to increasing the rent to offset city expenditures.

One of the faults of any junior alderman is the lack of history and in this instance, I think Sample should back off before the MEAA is forced to pack it in and take a walk. Opinions vary but I believe it to be good government to subsidize our senior citizens. Sample commented later on the parks project saying he wanted the "sports fields built faster and faster." $47,000 for seniors is a really paltry amount compared to spending $20 million dollars on sports fields and an aquatic center which may have limited appeal for many seniors. This leads me to believe that Alderman Sample cares more for his children's activities than the wefare of our senior citizens in Wentzville.

Lame-Ass-Blunder of the Week

Now for the Lambi "Lame-Ass Blunder of the Week:" In past years our mayor was so easy-going and congenial but that was when the Lurchettes were making law. They let Lambi do nothing and rubber stamp anything he wanted. In today's city hall this board is trying to make him accountable and earn his title. I must add that they are failing miserable simply because Lambi doesn't seem to understand what a mayor is supposed to do and more than likely never will.

While discussing the MEAA contract, purchasing manager, Jerry Hillin was asked questions and offered information. Hillin, a very experienced, thorough and dedicated employee of the city takes direction well but when Lambi (who can't find his own ass with a radar screen) is his boss, he's in deep do-do. When Hillin asked for direction Lambi's temper once again got the best of him, he essentially told Hillin to shut up and sit your ass down. Of course he didn't say it in exactly that way but I'm sure that I'm not the only one who heard it that way. I have never seen a mayor, or alderman for that matter, ever treat an employee with such disrespect in a public meeting. I seriously don't think Lambi is drooling out of both sides of his mouth.

Lambi Stalls Defeat of Tax Ordinance

The dreaded "Storm Water Utility TAX" rears its ugly head and gets another day in court here in Wentzville. This rancid topic has been hanging around on a meat hook for four years and the subject of two Wentzvillian blogs this year: May 25, 2011 - Bend Over Wentzville Here Comes Another TAX!; and September 2, 2011 - Storm Water Utility "TAX" Revisited. 

Mandated by the Federal Government's Clean Water Act, cities across the country are having to ensure water runoff quality. In an effort to assist in funding these new requirements states have made provisions which allows them to create a "utility fee" to pay for adhering to these new requirements.  Historically, storm water has always been paid from the general fund and the general fund comes from taxes. This new fee would free up all of the tax money regularly scheduled for storm water to be used for whatever the city wants and citizens have no say. It must be kept in mind that this is a very unusual fee and when instituted by MSD in St. Louis it was challenged in court. The court ruled it a tax, not a fee, and MSD is appealing that decision—it's still ongoing.

Introduced by; then City Administrator Andy McCown, supported by Mayor Lambi and the Lurchettes, it made it through the first two readings when Lurch (Bill Schuette) got cold feet after hearing about the law suit. Rather than realize there was something inherently wrong with this fee (tax) it was tabled by this band of knuckleheads before the third reading to wait for the outcome of the law suit.

In the board meeting of October 12th, Alderman Cheryl Kross supported by Alderman Stokes petitioned the board to bring the storm water utility fee back on the table with the intention of voting it down. Seeing  board consensus on this subject, our illustrious Chief Executive Officer (Lambi) jumped in giving all the usual excuses why the city desperately needs this and how it's a Federal mandate. He never once mentioned that the implementation of this tax was not a matter of the mandate, but only a right given to cities to impose it. Taxes are governed by a vote of the people and calling this a fee does not override the simple fact that it is a tax. Lambi flat out lied in the meeting stating; "The city has spent $400,000 in preparation for this fee." The original study was for $97,000 and they added another $20 or $30 large when the consultant was asked to do more analysis. The city spent an undetermined amount on preparing the ordinance and too many PowerPoint presentations trying to convince aldermen that it is necessary. Any money spent on coming into compliance would have been spent from the general fund anyway and has nothing to do with the ordinance. Anything spent over the items listed trying to get this ordinance made into law was counting chickens and Lambi should have known better than write checks his ass couldn't cash.

After more discussion and comments on the MSD case by City Attorney Paul Rost, the aldermen agreed to have another work session to hash it out. The tax ordinance will have to wait two more weeks before it's voted on. This waste of time concession to the mayor will be the same old PowerPoint presentations given by the staff to new aldermen who already know the facts. Between you and me, I think the board of aldermen merely want to show how the mayor lied or is hiding the fact that he spent more money on the come than he had the horse power to spend. I look forward to a very entertaining work session.

2012 Campaign Kick-off at Wabash Days

It's six months until Wentzville citizens go to the polls to cast their vote for a new mayor and three aldermen. You may think this a little early to have candidates positioning themselves but I assure you the drums in at least two of the mayoral camps are beginning to be heard around town. As I stated in earlier blogs, this is going to be a complicated election but as of this writing a couple of the horses have left the gate. So here we go!

Leon Tow, President of the board of aldermen representing ward 1, and Nick Guccione, Alderman of ward 3, both running for the top spot have selected their respective committees and are starting to gear up for next April. Although I'm not usually caught unaware of what's going on in elections, I was surprised to see both candidates availing themselves of the Wentzville Community Club's Wabash Days parade to enter floats. I don't remember their order in the parade but I suppose it's of little consequence, they were however the only candidates entered. Lambi either didn't get the memo, thought he could pass them in the straight-away, or chose not to run. Option three would be best for him, unless he wants to feel, first hand, the agony of defeat.

Tow's procession included three other aldermen, one from each ward; Cheryl Kross from ward 1, and Chris Gard from ward 2 both walked along side greeting spectators and passing out candy for the children (today's equivalent of kissing babies); Rick Stokes of ward 3 drove the tractor pulling Tow, his family, and supporters. All-in-all, a very impressive array of high-profile pundants. In past elections when Lambi and the Lurchettes would be coursing for office, many of them would campaign for each other at the polls but I never saw them clustered up walking in a parade—maybe I'm wrong, I could have mistook them for circus clowns—I didn't pay much attention to them until they got elected, after all, they were only interesting when they were making fools of themselves in the board meetings.

Guccione's float was somewhat less endowed with elected officials, he did however have his family and several benefactors walking alongside. None-the-less, Guccione was announcing that he is a serious contender and is not going to run third this time. His campaigns are always aggressive, he and his committee will be heard around the city

The news about aldermen slots up for bid is about the same, it's wide open in ward 1, since Tow is putting all of his resources into running for mayor, a new candidate has yet to appear. Ward 2 is still a question as rumors that Vann Samples will not seek reelection. In ward 3, Rick Stokes' campaign hasn't disclosed itself but it's almost certain he'll be there in the home-stretch, who his opponent(s) will be is still unknown. It's going to be an interesting election and I look forward to seeing the strategies unfold.

One more indication that the campaign of 2012 has been engaged comes from Tow's camp. A mailed announcement was received by several hundred voters to attend an "Open House" tonight at the Golf Club of Wentzville Pavilion. I didn't receive an invitation because I only heard about it moments ago, I would suppose walk-ins are welcome. I would really like to hear his platform and the questions posed by the attendees but alas, I have prior obligations. The Wentzvillian readers will hear about this event at 6:00 PM this evening at the exact moment it will start, if you can get there before 7:30, you might be able to catch some of it.

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