New Chief of Police Selected and a NEWS FLASH

Although the official press release has not been sent out, employees of the city got an email from Mayor Lambi notifying them that the selection process has been completed and naming the new chief. This notice comes out after three months of interviewing. The information I received is not complete but I do know a few specifics: The new chief joins an elite group of firsts, Wentzville's first woman police chief. Her name is Lisa Harrison, 40 years old, and comes to Wentzville from Boynton Beach, Florida. Ms. Harrison has roots in Missouri which answers some of the question why she would leave a beachfront city to come here. I think she will be a good addition to the Wentzville police department. There are always going to be some officers who will be unhappy about the selection, but given her scores, it is believed that most of them will learn to agree with it.

Moving on: There are some strong rumblings in city hall that our Mayor Lambi will not seek re-election. There is information finding its way to the streets that say; "Lambi is in some kind of serious trouble with the city." It is also said, "he could be involved in some sort of unethical activities which may be the reason for his lack of desire to run again." I hope it's not true because like I've said numerous times in the past, I truly believe he is a good man. But sometimes even good men can be led astray. At any rate, I'll be watching for signs that will give the answer.

Lambi has had a rough eight months or so in city hall, he has shown uncharacteristic signs of anger and intolerance of the aldermen, he would bark at the staff, and even employees. In the past two weeks that has all changed; he has even shown respect for Alderman Cheryl Kross, not only her position, but her gender. He showed indifference to bringing back the "Storm Water Utility Tax" for its third and final reading (which frankly, surprised the shit out of me) as it was one of his most sought after bits of legislation. It has gotten to where it seems like he has given up on the city and being mayor. Something is bothering him!

Something happened at the Special Meeting" of November 30th—the only thing on the agenda that evening was "Executive Session." As the mayor and alderman came out of closed session and began filing back into chambers, I noticed Lambi's face was red as a beet. They took their seats and moved to adjourn. Lambi got up immediately and went to the restroom, speaking to no one—none of the aldermen or attendees I spoke with saw him again that evening. I think something happened that evening and I think it had something to do with the subject I spoke of earlier. When the straight poop comes out, you will know what's going on as soon as I get it. Another curious fact about that meeting is that it was attended not only by our city attorney, Paul Rost, but another "special attorney" too. Something big is brewing in Wentzville!

Here's a NEWS FLASH for ya, something I just heard this afternoon from a highly reputable yet unsuspected source: Mayor Paul Lambi may resign from his office before the end of the year! Another first for Wentzville and if true, it's unfortunate that it will become his legacy in the history of our city.

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!

Thank A Veteran Today

There's a lot going on in Wentzville and before the end of the year I suspect there will be some very interesting twists. The rumor mill is once again drumming out messages that another member of staff may be saying farewell and the city will be announcing Wentzville's new police chief possibly as early as next week. The list of possible mayor candidates has tripled and doesn't even include the incumbent Paul Lambi.

Although the first day of filing isn't for another week, Monday was the day prospectives could pick up candidate packets. According to my source, six "could be" candidates picked up the needed forms and information for filing in the mayor's race. The following list (in alphabetic order) is of those who are known to have requested the paperwork:

Nick Guccione

Darrel Lackey

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Leon Tow

Unknown
The Wentzvillian

This list is by no means an accurate accounting of candidates, that number will be known by the last day of filing January 17, 2012. The one grave disappointment is to see Lurch crawl out from under his rock after a year long absence. It was commented to me that he hasn't served on committees or volunteered any time to organizations to better the city since he first appeared on the scene as an aldermanic plant by Vickie Boedeker six years ago. To see his name pop up as a possible mayor candidate again, is a testament to unthinking people who would support such a disgrace as having him on the ballot, it's a total waste of ink.

The Pit Bull ordinance will be discussed at this evening's "Work Session," and after a couple of house cleaning items, the board will go into "Executive Session." It's the third executive session meeting in a row,  there 's something big cooking in city hall and there could be a press release after this one. The Wentzvillian will keep you informed.

Today we remember those brave men and women who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on that December morning in 1941, 70 years ago. Our armed services have defended our way of life against tyranny of any sort—that we may carry on our right to live free. The graveyards in Wentzville contains soldiers and sailors from every war since, and including, the American Revolution, please take some time to thank a veteran today.

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.

Stupid is Not a Good Reason to be Mayor

The Wentzvillian has been receiving comments to posts by folks who are obviously supporting certain candidates for the 2012 election, and their opinions are welcome here. However, if these opinions are lies, or criticism of reports here, they had better include proof that what was stated here is not true. If they want to cry about how some elected officials (or candidates) are being falsely reported on, prove it! If they feel that some are getting unfair treatment and others are being supported they are wholly mistaken.

The Wentzvillian is going on record to say; a promise was made to all of the candidates declaring for mayor, except one. That promise was: "never to take sides" and to this date that declaration has been kept. Since that time when the promise was made, some things have come to light that seem to need clarification to any and all mayor candidates:

1. If a candidate lies about anything (on the record), that lie will be brought to citizen readers through this blog and proof will be given.
2. If a candidate panders to a special interest group and assembles them before the board to politicize the candidate's support for that group, it will be brought before the citizens readers to judge here.
3. If the candidate offers any legislation which will have a negative impact on taxpayers, it will be vigorously criticized here.

These rules of operation are not negotiable and any candidate participating in anything on the aforementioned list should expect to see their name here in connection with whatever subject may be on the table. The Wentzvillian will not cover up any shady or inappropriate behavior or turn away from any bad decisions or choices made by the candidate. Believe it or not, The Wentzvillian is not here to make friends and stupid is not a good reason to be mayor, the city already has that problem.

For too long, this city has been run by special interests and lies—that needs to end now. If this blog has any credibility or influence with voters it's because the truth is spoken here. If by some chance a candidate doesn't want to hear the truth it is suggested they change the channel. We have a great board of aldermen core (Stokes, Kross, Tow, and Guard), probably the best in recent history. We need a mayor who will work with this board to get the city back on track. I trust the voters to choose the correct person for the job and weed out candidates who are weak or deceptive.

The Wentzvillian hopes that no enemies are made with the truth but this blog can not stand by and assist insanity to rule Wentzville any longer. If you as a candidate feel you are unjustly treated I'm sorry but it won't change the things that are stated here. If by some chance you get elected you should already know, The Wentzvillian is not intimidated by the title; Mayor!

"It's Only a Hundred Thousand Dollars"

Wednesday evening's Board of Aldermen meeting was standing room only, several citizens were even listening to the proceedings from the vestibule. Knowing that the city was going to have the "first reading" of the 2012 budget, I was extremely encouraged to see so many concerned citizens in attendance. The poor shell-of-a-mayor leading the meeting has definitely lost it, our illustrious, high-of-high, all mighty potentate, Mayor Lambi opened by stating: "It is the 16th of December 20,012," But then he corrected himself after everyone was looking at him with furrowed brows, "I mean it's the 16th of November 20,012." The frowns continued even after he stumbled toward steering the meeting back into the 21st century, but everyone there probably agreed that he needs a (permanent) vacation.

To my dismay, the crowd wasn't there to hear about the budget, they were assembled to support revising the pit-bull ordinance. As much as I love dogs, and I do, I'm truly disappointed that these well meaning folks could give a rats-ass about the way the city is spending their tax dollars. It makes me think that maybe they are under taxed. You'd think that in this economy, a dog issue couldn't possibly be more important than their financial welfare. I guess it's true, if you want to make the liberal thinking masses happy, throw them a bone.

One citizen (Mr. Darrel Lackey) out of the 50 or 60 present got up to discuss items on the budget. His concern was the city's employee benefit package. He asked some hard-hitting questions and made excellent points. He was obviously disappointed to hear that the board didn't increase the employee copay portion of their health care benefits citing that very few citizens (if any) pay no health care premiums and only a ten dollar copay. As a matter of fact, most peoples premiums went up this year and they can expect to pay even more this coming year. He went on to say that the city had just increased his water and sewer bill yet the city won't have the employees share in their health care costs. He confirmed that the employees pay zero premiums and asked how much does it cost taxpayers per employee? I don't think the city was really prepared for that question as the mayor looked at the staff and the staff took turns looking at each other. An awkward moment passed when the Assistant Financial Director finally spoke up, "the city pays over $1,300 per employee." Lackey, two term mayor and 13 year veteran of the Board of Aldermen said: "That's not fair! The citizens keep getting increases in their taxes and utility costs yet the employees don't even share in their own health care costs."

It was stated that the city received a $130,000 increase in premiums for health care, Mayor Lambi, Aldermen; Van Sample and Nick Guccione supported the no increase in co pays for employees. Sample justified his decision by saying, "Its only a hundred thousand dollars." Lackey called him on the carpet by saying: "It may be only a hundred thousand dollars to you alderman Sample but that's a lot of money (in the real world)." When Lackey sat down, everyone in the room knew that the Mayor and Aldermen had put themselves in an indefensible position. Minimizing the increase in premiums to the city and supporting a stance not to pass some of these costs on to the employees will be a major talking point in the upcoming election. I'd like to remind our aldermen that $100 large is one-fifth of the cut you proposed  to be made in spending.

The mayor and aldermen are elected officials of the people and intrusted with safe guarding taxpayers money. It's clear to me that the mayor has little regard in this matter but it is disturbing that some aldermen are of the same mind.  If the board desired to do the right thing, they would revisit the employee benefits program to be "fair" to the taxpayers in Wentzville. If they don't, they should be prepared to explain to citizens just why they think; "It's only a hundred thousand dollars" and it's only three or four more bucks on your water and sewer bills.

I'd like to note that The Wentzvillian is averaging almost 3000 page views per month, in that is a sizable number of interested voters living in Wentzville. If you care about the way the city is spending your tax dollars, I hope you attend the next board meeting and call your aldermen with your concerns. Thank you to my loyal readers, and as always I invite your comments.

Last Bastion of Political Incorrectness

You have to  love barber shops, they offer patrons the latest rumors and discussions by everyday folk  from all walks of life. Subjects encompass everything about the city, state, and national news, or foreign affairs but mostly: sports, women, work, women, politics, women, religion, women, all the important stuff, did I mention great jokes. They may be the last bastion of political incorrectness in the United States and real men love going to them to take part in the wonderfully entertaining banter. There isn't a subject on earth that isn't analyzed in a good old fashioned barber shop. If you want to know anything about anything (or anyone) just drop in. Going to barber shops is an American tradition passed down from father to son through the ages. A teenage boy gets an education on life while there and besides it is a really cool place to go. Unfortunately in today's world, mothers have trained their sons to patronize the more politically correct salons suited more for the whole family, Ugh! They feel a need to protect their innocent babes from those dens of second class dregs who may have a negative impression on their young boys, with all their jokes and bad-taste girlie calendars.  Wentzville has only two remaining pure tonsilariums: J&R Barber Shop on West Allen and SK Barber Shop on Pearce Blvd, long may their banners wave.

Since it's getting toward election time, a great many discussions have taken place with barber shop patrons revolving around what is termed: the "Second Term Crazies." They all seem to agree upon one thing; something comes over a mayor who is in office after their second term (two year terms). Some say they go power crazy after winning their second election, it clouds their usually otherwise somewhat-rational thinking. There are those who say it's not only the power, it's some kind of strange unexplainable intrepidity that actually compels them to believe they have become totally bullet proof—they have the delusion that everyone in the city loves them and what they are doing is greatness.

Wentzville's last two mayors have fallen prey to this very malady; they started to overestimate their own omnipotence, I guess it's just one of the pitfalls of elected city officials, especially mayors. I have experienced a few aldermen over the years who had reached their level of incompetence while in office but they usually didn't last too long. My guess is that since aldermen have closer contact with voters, sooner or later their inept ability to govern shows through. Mayors however, get starstruck by the tuxedos, rubbing shoulders with important people at fancy dinners, and news conferences. With a constant media focus, mayors get state and national coverage on major happenings in their city. The news services love stories of that importance and have flocked to Wentzville many times over the years to interview the person in charge. After a dozen or so of these "15 minutes of fame" sessions, a mayor seems to get into it and loses touch with those who placed them there.

The reason for this post is to remind my readers that the term for mayor in Wentzville is now four years. Please think very carefully before pressing the button to choose our next one. Do yourself and Wentzville a favor by not electing, or re-electing, another starstruck feather head with an agenda whose sole purpose is to leave a legacy.