2 Days to the Election, and...

Every year at election time, things get crazy. This insanity has been going on in Wentzville since I can remember and it's always the product of some strong-willed narcissist trying to influence, or manipulate elections. I won't go into previous administrations other than to say; after talking with the old-timers in town, none of them have ever seen a Mayor actively support and campaign for Aldermen candidates until Nixkolas Guccione. No one has ever seen flyers sporting a candidate with a picture of a Mayor supporting him. I cannot fathom that there is not some State statute or Federal law protecting citizens from this type of election manipulation. Personally, I can't imagine any candidate wanting Guccione's support especially after seeing his track record of election ethics.

Nick Guccione has been recruiting and actively supporting candidates in the last two elections. I've checked my list and found that in the last two years he has actively supported seven candidates, four last year and three this year, which includes one Municipal Judge. Of the four last year, none were elected and most of them have a bad taste in their mouths after Guccione lied and turned his back on them, in fact one of them was his own campaign manager. I can only hope that Robert Hussey and Michael Hays are prepared for Guccione blaming them for anything they did under his inept and unethical tutelage. I haven't seen Hussey's campaign flyer yet but I do know that Guccione is already back-peddling on the ethics infractions on the Hays literature.

Michael Hays could be in for a big surprise when the Election Commission and/or other City and State agencies come down on him for his flyer. His problem could easily be something every other disgruntled candidate fell for, being lied to by Nickolas Guccione. Guccione could easily say that he had no part in the content of the flyer (never saw it) and only gave him a personal endorsement letter and say that he didn't know Hays would stick the word "Mayor" on it. Tricky Nicky would have plausible deny ability leaving Hays to take the hit, I hope he has proof of Guccione's involvement or he'll take it alone leaving Guccione to move on to the next sucker.

Guccione is never going to change his campaign tactics or manipulation of our election process unless our Aldermen and City Attorney get more involved. The only thing we, the citizens can do to protect Wentzville is to identify those unsuspecting candidates of Guccione's choice and make sure they do not win the election. Those people are Robert Hussey and Michael Hays who are running for Aldermen, and Michael Carter for Municipal Judge. In this years election, the most damaging mistake could be the election of Carter. It has taken Judge Steve Martin two years to straighten out the Judicial budget mess left by Carter.

For the reasons stated above, it is imperative that Wentzville voters choose the right people to represent us in our Government:

Ward 1

Cheryl Kross

Ward 3

Darrel Lackey

Municipal Judge

Steve Martin



Another One Bites the Dust or What's That Smell?

George Kolb, Interim City Administrator takes the fall for Mayor Nick Guccione's lack of leadership, his contract cut short with his last day February 15th. That makes three Wentzville city employees he's personally sent to the unemployment line to cover for the simple fact that he does not know how to function in his own capacity. Although I suspect the infraction that cost Kolb his job goes much deeper I can see where Guccione would have an easier time terminating a short-time contract employee over a long-time city person but this is merely a Band-Aid and ignores the real problem. So the score for Guccione is: Gooch 3, Wentzville employees -3, he's winning. For a touchy-feely mayor who claims to believe in jobs he sure has a funny way of showing it, but of course it would be too much to ask him to fall on his own sword.

So, what's the solution? As anyone who reads the Wentzvillian knows, I firmly believe Mayor Guccione negligent, derelict, and incompitent—you cannot fix stupid. In my opinion, policy and employees of any business, including cities do not mesh well, after all, "rules are made to be broken." Is rule-breaking the problem? No, it's a symptom of the real problem—poor management. Unfortunately, when our top management is occupied spewing political platitudes, blaming others for his shortcomings, and busy trying to get aldermen elected who agree with him, it doesn't leave much time to manage a city of 29,000. Of course this thought alludes to having a manager who knows how to manage, in our case we do not. So what's the solution? In order to find the answer, we need to have a manager who has experience in managing people, our mayor is a first-rate butcher but cutting up chickens and being friends with the employees is not good management.

There's an old saying in the military and is also used in industry to bring order to employee disorder; "Fire one for effect." By firing a person other employees of the business become more conscience about their jobs. Mayor Guccione has fired three employees in his first ten months in office and is still having problems, so what's the problem? Nick Guccione is the problem.

It's difficult to remove a mayor from office but that's what needs to be done in Wentzville. Our mayor has no inclination to learn how to manage and incapable of learning how to run a city. The aldermen who are enabling Guccione's poor management skills need to stop now. The Board of Aldermen meeting of January 23rd was the first time I've seen Guccione under pressure since his campaign ethics discussions shortly after he was elected. The Aldermen were relentless and Guccione almost soiled himself. If Wentzville wants a solution, our aldermen are going to have to quit doing his job for him and make him responsible for poor management by keeping up the pressure even to the extent of public embarrassment. If they do, sooner or later they will smell something coming from his direction and know they are on the right track.

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!

It's Time To Come Out Of Hiding

I've been out of sight for way too long. I had planned to remain in seclusion until after the first of the year but a rash of recent calls and emails has me back banging on this keyboard. I've watched the meetings and stayed up to date on what's going on in City Hall but have declined comment until I had finished an important project. Well, the project isn't complete but I can no longer remain silent.

There's been a number of changes in Wentzville with employees quitting their jobs and some others having choke chains tugged on. The Aldermen are still cutting the budget and departments are being made to become more accountable, there's even talk of the unionization of the police department. Of course, our union chicken-cutting mayor, Guccione is behind that one. What a mistake this city made electing this  panderering vapid black hole, ugh, 1221 more days until a chance for sanity.

The reason for this writing is the plethora of rumors regarding the changing one of our old-town streets to Martin Luther King Blvd. Originally, the local chapter of the NAACP applied to have the street known as Kohrs Avenue changed but they pulled their application. Now rumors abound about them wanting Pearce Blvd. changed and our illustrious mayor said: "This is all blown out of proportion." If anything is blown out of proportion, it's his ability to lead our city.

Historically, our mayor has been associated with Mr. Curtis Davis who heads up the local chapter of the NAACP. On the advise of Guccione, Davis ran unsuccessfully for an Alderman's seat last April but Guccione has kept close ties still pandering to him and his organization to support his hand-picked slate of candidates to be named for the April 1013 election. Guccione is trying to bring this name changing along as quickly as possible to give him and his election-hopeful goons leverage in April. Guccione's goal is to bring pressure on our Aldermen to bend to his wishes and gain support for his candidates opposing them next April. This whole situation is to play the race card. Everything Guccione gets involved in is politically motivated and he'll use any underhanded dirty trick he can find..

Dr. Martin Luther King was a great man and accomplished great things in the attitudes and advancement of the people of United States, surely there's room in Wentzville to honor his name, I'm just not sure the answer is renaming one of our historic streets. The streets in our old-town have been named for great men in Wentzville to honor their accomplishments in making our city what it is today. Most people here do not know these names and may even think that changing our street names is of no consequence, I strongly disagree.

I heard last week that the Mayor set up a meeting Monday, December 10th held in city hall  with stakeholders, curiously, the Wentzville Historical Society was not invited. Why would Mayor Guccione set up this meeting and not invite our Historical Society, the very organization that knows what our street names mean? The answer is simple, he doesn't want anyone giving good reason not to destroy our heritage, he doesn't care, all he's looking for is votes! 

I know that the Wentzville Historical Society has over one hundred voting members and another 600 voting followers who are motivated to actively protect our history, including fighting city hall, if necessary. I think they would be quite interested in his plan to change our historic street names. Perhaps Guccione would like to meet with members of the Historical Society to explain exactly how his proposal is necessary to our city.

The City of Wentzville is always dedicating new streets and assigning them names, why is it necessary to change a part of our heritage? It's just another grab for support. Nick, if you are so interested in honoring Dr. King, put a monument in one of our many new parks, stay the hell away from our historic streets!

"I Pledge Allegence To St. Charles" — Guccione

Alderman of Ward 2, Chris Gard is running for the Missouri State House of Representatives. I have done my best to ignore his campaign simply because I want him to stay in Wentzville where he has been instrumental in redirecting our city's government. He is running in District 63 against a Mr. Bryan Spencer and after looking into this race, I noticed something that pissed me off, imagine that!

Alderman Gard has been a hard fighter for Wentzville and has had sack enough to stand up against the dysfunctional status qua. I have been impressed with his knowledge of government and attitude regarding difficult questions in our local government. He has been unafraid to address situations that previous Boards brushed under the rug or glazed over. Citizens of Ward 2 should be proud of his record here in Wentzville.

Gard's opponent; Mr. Spencer of St. Charles is the source of my problem. After looking into the list of reprobates supporting him, I can no longer ignore Chris Gard for State Representative. Gard is a resident of Wentzville and a strong advocate of its welfare in the County.

Every Wentzville voter should get behind Gard in his bid for the House of Representatives if for no other reason than that our own Mayor Guccione supports his St. Charles opponent. Guccione talks about his dedication to the growth and welfare of Wentzville but openly supports a St. Charles citizen to represent us in the Missouri State House of Representatives. Guccione even let him come into a public meeting to get a photo-op and campaign on city time. I have to wonder about a Mayor of any city who would support an out-of-towner over a hometown citizen and dedicated Wentzvillian but once again, this is Guccione we're talking about.

As much as I want Alderman Gard to keep his seat in Wentzville, our city needs support at the state level and who is better to give us that needed support; Chris Gard or a St. Charles citizen? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out but since it's such a no-brainer, I shouldn't expect our Mimesis Guccione to grasp the situation—it makes too much sense.

Guccione told me (when we were still on speaking terms) that he'd like to be a state representative, the problem is that he has no support at that level. The same thing happened when former Wentzville Mayor; Vickie Boedeker ran for the job—she ran into a steam roller. He is supporting Spencer hoping he gets elected and then he could coat-tale right into the state job, of course if Gard wins, he doesn't have a chance. Spencer is supported by a dedicated, cut-throat bunch of ultra-liberals who will tell any lie and smear any opponent, to get one of their own in office. Their agenda is not good government, it's influence.

Our Mayor should be ashamed of himself turning his back on Wentzville and a Wentzville candidate to support a left-wing liberal from another city. This does not surprise me, I have a good handle on the back-room snake that is Nick Guccione. The questions should be: Why is any Mayor of any city openly supporting a candidate for State Representative? What's his motive? Who the hell is this guy who calls himself Mayor of Wentzville?

Final Countdown

As I write this last chance appeal, only 24 hours remain before we go to the polls to elect competent Aldermen and a Mayor who will lead Wentzville through the coming years. We can either build upon the good work of the last two years or take a huge step backward into chaos and partisan squabbling in City Hall.

Today, with the exception of one Alderman, we have an outstanding Board who are dedicated to make Wentzville a better place. That one Alderman is Nick Guccione, he has fought this Board to side with small interest groups at every turn. As we all know, he is running for Mayor and in that effort is doing his best to replace three of our Aldermen with like-thinking drones who know nothing of the challenges facing Wentzville nor care, they are running to be Guccione's pawns in his drive to control our city.

One of my readers gave an assessment of Nick Guccione and I think he or she hit the nail square on the head: "He will identify with whatever groups he believes will help his political ambitions. He has no reason, beyond ambition (and maybe power) to be a candidate." Mark my words, if Guccione is elected, Wentzville and the future of our citizens (and their families) will feel the negative effects long after he is gone. Look at the problems of the last decade and the efforts of our current Aldermen to bring sanity and order back to the city after being saddled with a Board dominated by unthinking people who knew nothing but special interests. It wasn't until just two years ago that Wentzxville elected a majority Board that dug into the problems and began rooting them out of our City. That process and progress will stop if Nick Guccione is elected to be our Mayor. Nick Guccione has dedicated himself to rebuild that Board of unthinking zombies who's sole purpose was, and will be, to follow the lead of their master.

Nick Guccione's recruits are:

Ward 1: Jay Webber

Ward 2: Donna Sherwood and Jeremy Pritchett

Ward 3: Rodney Stratman and Curtis Davis

His plan is to:

Ward 1: To beat Forrestt Gossett and fill the vacated seat of Leon Tow who is running for Mayor with Jay Webber.

Ward 2: Beat Sonyia Shryock with Donna Sherwood (two time loser in Ward 2) and he put Jeremy Pritchett in the mix to split the vote to hedge Sherwoods chances of victory.

Ward 3: Run two opponents against incumbent Rick Stokes who is one of our most productive Aldermen. His plan here is to have Stratman beat Stokes and appoint Davis to Guccione's vacated seat.

If his plan works, he will have recruited a majority of the Board of Aldermen with people who have had no inclination to ever run for office, have no knowledge of government, and whose sole purpose is to be his sock-puppets. This plan is disaster for Wentzville and the voting citizens need to get up on all fours to fight off Guccione's conspiracy.

To avoid this convoluted deception, the voters need not do anything more than vote for:

LEON TOW or DARREL LACKEY

FOR MAYOR

FORREST GOSSETT

ALDERMAN WARD 1

SONYA SHRYOCK

ALDERMAN WARD 2

RICK STOKES, Incumbent

ALDERMAN WARD 3

This slate of candidates will insure that Wentzville will avoid the devious plot of Nick Guccione and continue to cut spending and taxes while bringing back representation to the citizens of our City. We are truly at the crossroads and this election is more important to Wentzville than any in recent history. Put Guccione, Sherwood, and their band of recruits back in their caves where they belong. The future of Wentzville is in the hands of our voters, I hope to see you at the polls tomorrow!

Candidates Night 2012

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

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

Ward 1:

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

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

Ward 2:

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

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

Ward 3:

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

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

Mayor:

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

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

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

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

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

Barbershop Campaign Chiautaqua

The election is just over two weeks away and the following notice was received by the "Wentzvillian" to be posted here for my readers. Bring your family to the S&K Barber Shop to meet and speak with candidates: Leon Tow, Mayor; Forrest Gossett, Alderman Ward 1; Sonya Shryock, Alderman Ward 2; and Rick Stokes, Alderman Incumbent Ward 3. about their plan for the future of our city.

Old-Fashioned

Campaign Chautauqua

Where:

S&K Barber Shop

604 West Pearce Blvd.

(Next to Subway Sandwich Shop)

Time:

March 21, 2012

10:00am to 2:00pm

Come out to this "old-time" meet and greet hosted by Steve and Ken of S&K Barber Shop. Your candidates for Wentzville will be there for your questions and conversation regarding issues facing our city. If you come in for a haircut between 10:00am and 2:00pm, you'll receive $2.00 off any standard cut. Find out what's happining and hear the candidates plan for the future of Wentzville in this unique forum. Here is your opportunity to meet a Mayor candidate and Aldermen candidates from each ward:

Mayor Candidate:

Leon Tow, Alderman Ward 1

 Aldermen Candidates:

Forrest Gossett, Ward 1

Sonya Shryock, Ward 2

Rick Stokes, Incumbent Ward 3

Come on out and visit with your candidates!

An invitation was given to all candidates running for office in the 2012 election to place their bio/platform here. This offer is open for any legitimate, independent-thinking, registered candidate to post their political platform/information. (If you are a candidate and want your information presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

Rick Stokes, Ward 3 Incumbent

For the past 23 months Rick Stokes has been my Alderman in Ward 3. He has accomplished more than I ever would have expected for his constituents and the City. His initiative to lower real property taxes by $500,000 was unprecedented. He is an independant, free-thinking Alderman answering to Ward 3 citizens, whose mission is the betterment of Wentzville and Ward 3.

RICK STOKES

Incumbent Alderman, Ward 3

  

Promises Made

• I promised to bring more jobs to Wentzville, and help retain businesses.
• I promised to lower taxes and bring fiscal responsibility to our City Government.
• I promised to help grow our parkland and increase green space for our community.
• I promised to be an active Alderman, to listen to concerns and help residents work with City Hall.
• I promised to be open-minded and make the right decision based on the impact to Ward 3 residents and the City of Wentzville as a whole.

Promises Kept

• Jobs - GM Plant Expansion, SAM'S and New Home Construction.
• Taxes - Proposed, Introduced, and Passed $500,000 property tax reduction. A FIRST in Wentzville History.
• Responsible Government - I have been challenging the status quo in City Hall
• Parks - Ensuring maximum value for the half-cent park fund tax.
• Leadership - I have been working together with Citizens, Businesses, and City Staff for Wentzville prosperity.

Promise For Tomorrow

As your Alderman, my focus is to continue working for residents of Ward 3. I believe we still have much to do. This includes the continuation of creating jobs, focusing on smart growth, creating an environment for better housing values, creating a smart, efficient work flow in City Hall, and continuing to be fiscally responsible to the residents of Wentzville.

I ask for your support and your vote on April 3rd. With your help, I will continue to keep the promises that I make to the residents of Ward 3.

Rick Stokes
3703 Bedford Pointe Court
Wentzville, MO 63385
http://www.electstokes.com/
E-mail: rick@electstokes.com

There is only one truly deserving candidate for Ward 3, Incumbent Rick Stokes. His record in his first term (in only the first 23 months of office) is nothing short of incredible. He gathered support from other Alderman and demanded staff to cut Wentzville real estate taxes by $500,000. Stokes supported Alderman Cheryl Kross to bring back the "Storm Water Utility Tax," which would have cost homeowners and businesses over $300,000 a year, to throw it in the trash. He is responsible for having city staff investigate all city contracts to find and stop waste spending. In only 23 months, of his first term with his initiatives, he accomplished more than any alderman I've seen on the board over the last ten years. He is truly a representative of citizens and taxpayers, I am proud to call him my Alderman in Ward 3. Anyone in Wentzville who owns a home, business or pays taxes should realize his potential and vote him in for another two year term. He has served with honor, integrity, and always on the side of Wentzville, I am excited for the future of Wentzville with his energy and leadership in city hall.

Alderman and Mayor candidate Nick Guccione recruited two men to run against Stokes in the upcoming election. They are; Rodney Stratman and Curtis Davis, I urge my readers to cross them off your voting list when you go to the polls. Send Guccione the message that the "good old boy" days of collusion and conspiracy are over in in Ward 3 and Wentzville.

An invitation was given to all candidates running for office in the 2012 election to place their bio/platform here. This offer is open for any legitimate, independent-thinking, registered candidate to post their political platform. (If you are a candidate and want your platform presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

Wentzville Hall of Shame

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab Your Popcon, Gather the Family, and Enjoy!

If you missed the meeting last night, you really missed it, Gillette couldn't have put on a better card! This was the most entertaining city get-together I've had the pleasure to see in a long time, and it was totally unexpected, what a treat. So much happened that I really don't know where to start. I guess the best way is to say: If you don't have your head screwed on, everybody will mistake it for a football.

Alderman Nick Guccione, who is campaigning for Mayor must be reading The Wentzvillian because, as I've claimed many times, "Guccione doesn't contribute," well last night he decided to start orating. Everything went fine for him through the "Public Hearings," "Open Forum," and the "Consent Agenda," but when it came to the "Aldermen Reports" and; "XVII DISCUSSIONS;" topic: "Political Canvasing, Solicitatrion, and Temporary Signs," the projected excrement met the oscillating agitator and resulted in Guccione's melon between the goal posts.

Alderman Chris Gard had copies of the St. Louis Post Dispatch article of yesterday which he handed to Paul Rost, City Attorney, and expressed his concern that elected officials are talking to reporters about the secret meetings. With that, Guccione's hand shot up to be recognized by the Mayor almost as fast as his blood pressure. Guilt ridden he went on a tirade about "the blog, the blog" he blamed "the blog" half-a-dozen times in an attempt to cover for his talking to the reporter, Mark Schlinkmann. Guccione complained in months past and reaffirmed last night that "everything is out in the open" because some Alderman has been blabbing to "the blog." I need to thank Mr. Guccione for confirming (blabbing to "the blog" and City) that all my speculations are true, but I sure didn't think he'd do it in a public meeting. He clearly needs to quit reading "the blog." I hate to say that because he and Donna Sherwood are two of my most devoted readers. Rost told the Mayor and Alderman that they should not comment to reporters regarding the "Executive Session" matter that is currently under investigation.

Gard moved onto political signs and the complaints of his constituents. He stated that "prospective elected officials should be held to the same temporary signage code that are expected of citizens and the businesses in Wentzville." Once again Guccione reached for the sky, "Other candidates have the support of the HBA and have signs up everywhere, it's not fair!" Wa wa wa, he's starting to sound like Mayor Lambi and before this heated, fist pounding debate was finished his face was blazing red.

Next came the report of Alderman Rick Stokes: His concern was that the city should not be paying to advertise in the Vision Newsletter a Coffee Talk that is in reality a political rally. A little background is needed here: Guccione has held a monthly meeting for the public to discuss subjects of city business and historically it has been hosted in city hall. Last week his Coffee Talk took place in his home and from witness accounts, it quickly turned into a political bashfest of his and Sherwood's opponents. He tried defending himself again by mentioning a private citizen by name as the covert spy who told everyone. This Coffee Talk was an advertised public meeting, talking about what went on to someone after such a meeting is allowed, duh. In discussing this matter with the individual after the meeting, she is very unhappy that "Guccione slurred my good name in a public meeting." Something tells me that he hasn't heard the last of that incident.

Penultimately, Guccione confronted Attorney Rost after the meeting to explain what he said to the press. Rost told him that he shouldn't talk to the media about this situation. Guccione reiterated his explaination and Rost told him again, not to talk to the media. A third time he tried to explain to an obviously disgusted Rost who was stuffing his papers in his brief case as quickly as he could, "Just don't comment to the media," and politely left. It's possible that Guccione with what he said to Schlinkmann and in tonight's meeting, may have removed himself from the protection of the city's counsel.

There were enough things happen in last nights alderman meeting to fill several blogs and I think I'll save some for another day. I'm sure someone will think I'm making this crap up and just bashing Nick Guccione, but frankly, I think he's doing enough of that all by himself. It was stated by a person in the audience: "Nick is the best campaign manager Leon Tow or Darrel Lackey could ever ask for." I have to agree, he really stepped in it last night. For three hours of entertainment; grab your popcorn, gather your family, and tune in to the February 8, 2012 Wentzville Board of Alderman meeting at: http://www.wentzvillemo.org/.

 

Let the Truth Be Known

There was no meeting last week so it gives me an opportunity to address a subject that was brought to light  months ago—what's going on in all of the city's secret meetings?  A request for information was made in December for the minutes of the November "Executive Sessions" and I was told by our City Clerk; "they are closed until approved by the Board of Alderman." At the end of January the closed session minutes for November, December, and January were requested and only a portion of the November 16, 2011 minutes was received. There was only one item on it and was in reference to land acquisition for the Spring Meadow subdivision "overbanking project." I went back into the minutes to check how long the executive session was and found that the City does not give the time, but according to the video, it lasted one hour and thirty minutes. A long time to decide to offer the residents of Spring Meadows half what they were asking for their property; where's the rest of the November 16th secret meeting minutes and all of the other secret sessions over the last three months?

It was reported on several occasions that something stinks in City Hall and I suspect it's over something Mayor Lambi has done. There have been more "Executive Session" meetings than "regular sessions" over the past three months. The preponderant portion of the "Executive Session" record minutes are closed. Whatever is going on is probably the reason Lambi decided not to run for a fifth term as Mayor.

I've seen special personnel attorneys go into these secret meetings and that's a good indication that there's the possibility of someone being in deep doo-doo. In addition, the major St. Louis newspaper and several smaller St. Charles County publications are snooping around asking questions about what's going on in these secret sessions. It has to come to a head soon; they can't keep this a secret forever. If Lambi has done something to merit all of the recent special meetings and legal attention, the citizens have a right to be told; if he has done something illegal, he must be made accountable.

I will continue requesting these records until our Aldermen decide to release them. This is crazy! The citizens of Wentzville need to hold our elected officials' feet to the fire on this matter. The Wentzvillian has a hunch; I believe they are stalling on the release of these documents until after the election when Mayor Lambi is out of office. The issue would be defused and any wrongdoing hazed over while the perpetrator sails off unscathed into the sunset. The Wentzvillian first reported on this issue early in October 2011; it's time to get'er done and let the truth be known.

On the campaign trail: While going through the minutes and video for the November 16, 2011 meeting I was reminded of Wentzville's Medicine Drop Box located in our police station. This Box was proposed by Alderman Leon Tow and due to his initiative, Wentzville won two major awards from the State and County for its implementation. This program keeps expired or no-longer-needed medicines from being flushed down toilets to contaminate our waste water. These drugs would then be destroyed properly by Wentzville's Police Department; thank you Alderman Tow! It was during the "Open Forum," where Donna Sherwood (candidate for Ward 2 Alderman and Campaign Manager for Nick Guccione, candidate for Mayor) was doing one of her regular campaign photo-ops at the City's expense that she made the following on-the-record statement: "Donna Sherwood, 1614 Polar Drive...Ms.Sherwood expressed her concern about medicines being expelled into the water system through urine. The Medicine Drop Box won't help with that."

I'm not sure of her concern. Is she trying to minimize the accomplishment of mayor candidate Alderman Leon Tow, or is she suggesting that anyone taking prescription medicine or other medication in Wentzville need to go to the police station and pee in their Medicine Drop Box? This woman wants to be an Alderman?

Have a Banana!

Alderman Nick Guccione, candidate for mayor, is really pissed at me for reporting on his wrong-doings, I'm going to make an attempt at enlightening him: Nick, If you want to get out of a hole, It would help if you'd stop digging. It was expected to see his campaign filled with controversy because he likes engaging in sneaky stunts but his campaign manager Donna "Stooge" Sherwood has started doing what she does best; making attempts at discrediting opponents and bringing shame to Guccione. I find it difficult to fathom how a (so-called) campaign manager would intentionally want to bring negative attention to her boss, but thinking is not one of her strong suits. When the only tool you have in your toolbox is a hammer, every job starts looking like a nail. Act and react, that has always been the Boedeker, Schuette, Sherwood, Guccione campaign battle cry. At Wednesday's meeting Sherwood was there but elected not to take her biweekly photo-op, I guess she tried to listen instead of mouthing off, that had to be difficult for her, maybe she's coming around—NOT!.

Sherwood is a total narcissist, has no shame, and is drilling yet another hole in the bottom of Guccione's boat to let the water out. Because they are a camp of followers, or maybe camp followers, they never have original thoughts. What happened was this: On behalf of Guccione's campaign committee, Sherwood filed an ethics complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission whining that Leon Tow was campaigning as early as August 2011 without registering a campaign committee. Well the Ethics Commission has to investigate every application and in doing so they discovered that Tow had been registered since July 2011, duh! They dismissed the crank complaint but it's nice to know that Sherwood can write—even if it is with Crayolas.

Had she taken five minutes to check her information before filing the complaint, Guccione wouldn't be taking abuse here today. I'm sure they are proud of themselves simply because they accomplished something; they made absolute fools of themselves—again. Oh BTW: "Stooge" is running for ward 2 alderman, I hope she puts more thought in her own campaign than she's doing in Gucciones, but that's not likely. Sometime you have to start talking about your achievements if you want to be elected mayor of a growing community of intelligent voters—lodging bullshit complaints isn't an achievement by any stretch of the imagination. Mr, Guccione, you still have two months before the election, it's not too late to replace Sherwood with a banana.

Latest Filing News

The latest from city hall; another candidate has filed for an alderman seat. The name of Jeremy Pritchett has been added to the list of candidates filing in Ward 2, Mr. Pritchett joins Donna Sherwood and Ms. Sonya Shryock who is the preeminent candidate unlless a more qualified candidate should materialize. Today there are ten names on the official list of candidates filing for the April 3rd, 2012 election:

MAYOR:

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Nickolas "Nick" Guccione

LEON TOW

ALDERMAN, WARD ONE:

Jay Weber

ALDERMAN, WARD TWO:

Donna J. Sherwood
Sonya Shryock

Jeremy Pritchett

ALDERMAN, WARD THREE:

Michael Hays

RICK STOKES (incumbent)

Rodney E. "Rod" Stratman

I don't have any information about several of the candidates and have struck through those whom I cannot support. FORREST GOSSETT has said he is going to file in Ward 1 and when that happens, he will be my choice. Jay Weber and Rodney Stratman are both the liberal plants of Nick Guccione in an attempt to build a board of aldermen who will agree with him and his agenda. I do not agree with this kind of politics and will not support any candidate who was planted by any elected official. Michael Hays has run before but I firmly believe that the incumbent, RICK STOKES has performed superbly in representing Ward 3 and the city, therefore he is my choice. I believe Donna Sherwood to be incompetent, will find out more about Jeremy Prtchett, and I am ccurrently leaning toward Sonya Shryock to represent the citizens of Ward 2.

Due to the political inconsistency, questionable behavior, and poor choices made by candidate Nick Guccione, I can no longer accept him as a viable choice for mayor of Wentzville. This job is too important to have someone in the top spot who comes in with a philosophy that does not parallel that of the taxpaying citizens of Wentzville. I can not sit back and avoid reporting on enethical behavior in city hall, even by a friend.

Sonya Shryock, Alderman Candidate

Sonya Shryock
Candidate for Alderman, Ward 2

Considering the registered candidates for Ward 2, Sonya Shryock is The Wentzvillian's candidate of choice. Sonya has lived in Wentzville for two years, a mother of two, and worked in the real estate business for over 20 years. She comes from a family with a combined experience in real estate of over 75 years. Today, she is a full-time wife, mother, and advocate/fundraiser for displaced children and families, among other causes that hit her in the heart. Sonya was interviewed last week and offered the following information about herself and her candidacy:

"I am a  concerned citizen

and confident that I can help."

"I am a people person and stand up for what's right. Some members of my family call me 'Captain Justice.' I am not a politician nor want to be, but I am passionate about Wentzville issues and eager to do what is necessary to create a better future for our citizens and city."

With the economy as it is today, she takes issue with the 3000 unbuilt home lots and the problem of housing for retired and first time buyers. She is against building smaller homes in subdivisions that were approved for larger homes.

"I disagree with allowing builders to place homes with a smaller footprint next to larger homes and I think citizens currently residing in these larger homes would agree with me. There are other ways to build-out these 3000 lots and still provide medium or limited income housing without bringing down the property value of those residents already living in Wentzville. When the Real Estate industry is in trouble, the Economy is in trouble. When building is going it employs everyone from the lawyers, builders, realtors, painters, title companies, carpenters, etc.—so while I don' t agree with building smaller footprints, I think there are better ways to keep these people working and it is one of my most important goals."

When asked how she would accomplish this:

"I would work with Wentzville's Economic Development department to restart our economic-engine. Businesses are what brings residents to our city, and residents who are working, will buy homes here. I support small as well as large businesses and have experience and ideas about how to get them here. The plan is long-term and there's no quick-fix, I don't have all the answers but will listen to my fellow citizens who may have them."

"I am upset about the current trend of our city using outside contractors who take money out of Wentzville. We need to use the businesses that are located here and when the city spends money with them, it multiplies three times. If there are businesses here who can provide goods and services needed by the city, they should be our first choice in bids. We need to stop sending our jobs to someone in another city, county, or state unless absolutely necessary."

"I am pleased that some of our current aldermen are standing tall for cutting spending and trimming the excess out of Wentzville's budget. I believe in fiscal responsibility and will work toward creating a more economically efficient city government. From what I've seen, our aldermen have made great strides in the right direction and will need someone to support them in their efforts to get Wentzville back on track, I want to make a difference and I'm eager to get started."

Sonya Shryock is a candidate with vision and compassion, strong family values, and great civic pride. I believe she will make a difference in Wentzville when she is elected. The Wentzvillian urges readers to remember the name of Sonya Shryock when going into the voting booth on April 3rd, 2012.

An invitation was given to all candidates running for office in the 2012 election to place their bio/platform here. This offer is open for any legitimate, registered candidate to post their political platform. (If you are a candidate and want your platform presented here, email it to: thewentzvillian@aol.com. Submissions will be posted in the order of receipt and unedited.)

"The Illegal Practice of Using One's Influence..."

The Wentzvillian has been gathering information on our mayor's activities regarding the pressure put on Wentzville citizens to participate in the GAP1 project. Little did I realize the magnitude of this problem. The  latest report came from a contact at the state level who informed me of something that frankly surprised the hell out of me. Here is the news that should enrage every citizen of Wentzville:

It is a known fact that our Economic Development Manager, Larry Tucker, in conjunction with several aldermen have been working very hard with Ranken Technical College to locate a satellite school in Wentzville. This would be a great boost to the economic development of our city, bringing jobs and revenues to our local businesses. Reviewing the information received, it appears that Ranken coming to Wentzville is not a first priority with Mayor Lambi.

Tucker, Lambi and a few Aldermen hopped into Wentzville's VAN1 (a city owned vehicle) to meet with Ranken representatives in St. Louis. While on the way, Lambi instructed the driver to swing by his office to pick up his business associate, Mr. Ed Watkins. He told everyone in the van that he and Watkins wanted to have a meeting with Ranken before the City business meeting. This is wrong on so many levels it's difficult to comprehend.

Why the Aldermen didn't balk at Lambi's suggestion is beyond me. A city van being used to transport a non-city person to a meeting dedicated for city business to do private business with the mayor leading the charge could be construed litigious at best. I am led to understand that Lambi and Watkins met first with Ranken to drum up support for GAP1. The Wentzvillian is not a lawyer but I've seen and heard of elected officials being indited for less than the stunt Lambi pulled. It amazes me that he is so stupid as to put his personal gain ahead of (and instead of) city business and invite an outsider to join the city in his venture. If this isn't influence peddling or abuse of authority, I'd like to know what it's called. Something needs to be done.

Wikipedia defines: "Influence peddling; the illegal practice of using one's influence in government or connections with persons in authority to obtain favors or preferential treatment for another, usually in return for payment. Also called traffic of influence or trading in influence."

To add something else that I find extremely interesting, my state level source said that the matter has gone Federal. I'm not sure what that means yet but my mind is racing with negative possibilities for Mayor Paul Lambi.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

This week is a busy one for our city government, three meetings in the first three days. It started Monday with a joint meeting of the parks board and the board of aldermen for a "Parks Projects Presentation." Last evening the board of aldermen addressed issues effecting the city regarding county, state and federal laws. Tonight, they will host the regular board of aldermen meeting and several very important pieces of legislation will be voted on I'll report on this meeting tomorrow.

Monday's meeting addressed the $20 million dollar parks project. The parks board presented the scope, schedules, and progress of the planned parks to the board of aldermen. Mayor Lambi obviously didn't believe it necessary for him to attend so Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting. With the size of the expenditures regarding the parks project I was surprised to see the mayor not present.

Yesterday's meeting was very interesting and informative. Representatives from the county, state and federal level were invited by the city to attend and field questions from the aldermen. Very important people were there; County Councilman Joe Cronin, State Representative Chuck Gatschenberger; and Senator Scott Rupp's Chief of Staff Bruce Holt helped the board by answering questions of law that effect our city. Claire McCaskill was invited but unable to attend. Once again, Mayor Lambi didn't make an appearance and Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting.

I found it disturbing that Lambi didn't come to this meeting so I asked Acting Mayor Tow where he was. Tow said he expected him but didn't know his whereabouts. I understand no one in the city knew where he was including the Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh or City Clerk Vi Skillman. He didn't notify anyone regarding his absence and I'm sure he's going to need a note from his mother when he does come back.

ELECTION NEWS

Breaking news yesterday in STLtoday illuminated the fact that Mayor Paul Lambi will not seek re-election (like we didn't know). He cited his job was taking him across the county and another term would be impossible. This was not a press release to any of the news services so I have to conclude that he gave them the exclusive. There is more to the story and it will be coming soon.

Regarding the candidates filing on the first day, I received the list last night from our City Clerk. I am posting the names here but scratched through the names of those candidates that The Wentzvillian believes would create a disturbance in the force. If you take our city seriously, you won't support their bid for office.

MAYOR:

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Nickolas "Nick" Guccione

Leon Tow

ALDERMAN, WARD ONE:

Jay Weber

ALDERMAN, WARD TWO:

SONYA SHRYOCK

Donna J. Sherwood

ALDERMAN, WARD THREE:

Michael Hays

RICK STOKES (incumbent)

Rodney E. "Rod" Stratman

In Ward 1, FORREST GOSSETT is expected to file. In Ward 2, SONYA SHRYOCK is my candidate of choice. In Ward 3,  RICK STOKES has been a bulldog when it comes to cutting the budget and pushing the half-million dollar real estate tax reduction, he is the kind of representative Wentzville needs to re-elect.

"Lurch" Schuette is serious about being Mayor but I'm sure he hasn't got the welfare of the city in mind, his record is filled with controversy. He is loud, confrontational, a bully, and has no idea of how government works. I have been hearing that he has been calling around trying to drum up some support, I wish he'd call me, (metaphorically speaking) I'd loan him a ladder, the use of a tree in my back yard, and a rope with a noose in it.

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!

In Two Weeks It Officially Begins

Filing for municipal offices begins December 13, 2011 and ends on January 17, 2012. In just two weeks candidates for mayor and all three wards will start lining up on the city hall steps to make their candidacy official. More than likely there will be some surprises in store during the coming weeks. The following is a list of candidates that were announced to The Wentzvillian:

Mayor:
Nick Guccione, Alderman Ward 3 has made his candidacy public.
Leon Tow, Alderman Ward 1 has made his candidacy public.

Ward 1: (Vacated by Leon Tow)
Forrest Gossett, Gossett's name was brought in by Alderman Cheryl Kross.
Jay Weber, Weber's name was brought in by Alderman Nick Guccione.

Ward 2: Vann Sample, incumbent is running for a second term.
Donna Sherwood, this will be Sherwood's third try at an aldermanic seat.

Ward 3: Incumbent Rick Stokes is running for a second term.

This is the latest list of highly-suspected or known candidates who have stated their intention of filing. There could be others come forward before filing is closed January 17, 2012. Some names that appeared previously were removed either because they decided not to run or we are unsure if they will register.

For Mayor; Guccione and Tow are going full-bore with fund-raisers and meetings with residents on a regular basis. It needs to be reported that Guccione has the union support and Tow is being backed by the HBA (Home Builders Association). If Paul Lambi is going to run, there is no noise on the streets and he has lost the support of the HBA which carried him through his first four terms. In addition, as reported before, there is an excellent chance that another candidate may announce for the top spot which will shake things up quite a bit and make for an interesting run for Mayor.

As stated above, The Wentzvillian picks for alderman are; Forrest Gossett, Ward 1, and Rick Stokes for ward 3. Should Stokes be opposed, he has our support because he spearheaded the half-million dollar real estate tax cut. The first time Wentzville citizen's taxes have actually been reduced in recent years—maybe ever. On the record, Paul Lambi, Vann Sample, and Nick Guccione minimized the tax cut realization to individual homeowners and therefore opposed it.

Ward 2 is another subject all together. Incumbent Vann Sample, has made some disappointing decisions in recent months by wanting to raise the rent for the Green Lantern Senior Center and vocalizing his disapproval of having Wentzville employees share in their health care. His voting record has been erratic and hard to figure out. The other candidate is Donna Sherwood, this will be her third time trying to capture this seat. In the past, she has campaigned for Vickie Boedeker's unsucessful mayoral bids and Bill Schuette's aldermanic campaigns. Now she is campaign manager for Nick Guccione plus running her own campaign. In all good conscience, The Wentzvillian can't support her effort to become alderman of Ward 2. If push comes to shove and another more viable candidate doesn't materialize, The Wentzvillian would support Sample in this race.

For Ward 3, Matt Garvey has elected not to run and at this time Rick Stokes is unopposed.

This is a very pivotal election please make sure you are registered and get out to Vote on April 3, 2012.

What Happened?

I have intentionally avoided saying anything about the candidates who are running for mayor in Wentzville and I'm trying very hard to stay neutral. Only one of the candidates is seriously troubling; the incumbent Paul Lambi, whom I firmly believe needs to get an eight to five job and get out of politics altogether. At the November 2nd regular session of the board of aldermen something happened that confused me, but that's easy to believe about a guy who can hide his own Easter Holiday eggs.

Before starting, I originally thought the meeting was a work session so I arrived at city hall before 6:00 pm to find I was one of the first to show. Soon after I realized it was a regular meeting that didn't start until 6:30 pm, I could have slept for another half-hour which most definitely agitated my otherwise genteel disposition. As citizens and staff began to file in I noticed the large number of employees taking seats in the chambers, it was almost standing room only. Something was up, what the hell did I miss this time?

I will lay out the facts as I heard them and leave it up to you to decide. I will also try to explain the situation as concisely as I possibly can to keep you from falling asleep, which I almost did; just writing this has me nodding off again. Oh well here goes: If you are a regular reader you know that the aldermen have cut the 2012 budget by a half-million tax dollars and in doing so, employee benefits had to come under scrutiny. It soon became apparent why so many city employees were in attendance. It must be kept in mind that 65 percent of the general fund goes directly to salaries and benefits for Wentzville employees which adds up to nine million of our tax dollars.

With such a crowd I thought it strange during "Open Forum" that no one in the audience stood up to say anything. Then I knew they were there to hear something that I wasn't sure about. The discussion under "New Business" went into a presentation regarding employee insurance where several alternatives were offered, one of which was to implement an employee co pay increase. As health, dental, and vision benefits are free for employee spouses and their families it was thought that a co pay increase would help offset the $130,000 increase in employee health insurance premiums paid by the city using tax dollars. It was stated that Wentzville's employee benefit package is the most attractive in the county.  It was also said that citizens in the private sector have co pays so it shouldn't be an undue hardship for city employees to share in the premium increase and not place that burden on taxpayers.

Aldermen Nick Guccione and Vann Sample vehemently opposed any co pay increase to employees. Interestingly, during the discussion, Alderman Nick Guccione announced that he had invited the employees to come to the meeting and listen in on the proceedings. Even more interesting, Guccione compromised on this matter after a mini filibuster to institute a co pay increase during the October 19th work session. I don't know what changed his mind but I do disagree with the way he invited employees to spring the news on the other aldermen. Of course, Mayor Lambi agreed with Guccione and Sample, jumping in with both feet and smiling from ear to ear the whole time.

There are several ways to look at this situation so I'll leave it up to you to interpret the facts as they are. Guccione denies compromising to allow a co pay increase and I encourage readers to watch the video http://www.wentzvillemo.org/ of the October 19th work session to assess the truth of this statement for yourselves. But the question remains; why did he invite the city employees? I would also be interested to know how many of my readers have free health, dental, and vision care? And as always, I invite your comments.