Your $7.00 monthly contribution will go a long way to helping us expand the coverage and services you enjoy.
GET THE LATEST PUBDEF NEWS 24/7:
CHECK OUT THE NEW PUBDEF.TV!
ABOUT PUB DEF
PUB
DEF is a non-partisan, independent political blog based in the
City of St. Louis, Missouri. Our goal is to cast a critical eye
on lawmakers, their policies, and those that have influence upon
them, and to educate our readers about legislation and the political
processes that affect our daily lives.
Help us with the cost of this site:
Got
a press release, news tip or rumor to share? Maybe a suggestion on how we can improve this site?
Email us at editor@pubdef.net or call or fax us at (314) 367-3429.
"Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Francis Slay must go!" That was the chant outside city hall today as the 5:00 deadline the mayor imposed on Fire Chief Sherman George came and went without George making any promotions.
Slay and his public safety director, Charles Bryson, said they will announce George's punishment on Monday.
Having trouble watching our videos? It's been a busy week on the site. Lots of videos, which means lots of Flash elements which can slow down some computers.
Catch up with our last 20 videos at PubDef.TV. Things should load a lot faster over there.
By the way, PubDef.net reached a new milestone today when we posted our 500th video. Watch them, search them, share them, rate them, and comment on them all on our YouTube site.
We have something special planned for Number 501 (Make that #502! We couldn't resist posting a video of today's City Hall protest).
Speaking at a meeting hosted by Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe Wednesday in north St. Louis, freshman alderman Marlene Davis fired off at legislators that voted in favor of the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit (three of the four northside state reps and both state senators supported it).
She also weighed in on Fire Chief Sherman George's situation. She said voters should hold Mayor Francis Slay accountable in 2009.
Davis joined Troupe in spreading some incorrect information about the Land Assemblage Tax Credit that caused fear in the minds of many poor homeowners in the audience.
She said the legislation was filled with "jargon" that "doesn't mean a whole lot other than [developer Paul McKee] can have what he wants and you don't have no say so."
That is false.
The words which Davis disregarded as "jargon" say that the tax credit can only be awarded after the Board of Aldermen has passed an ordinance approving the redevelopment plan. That process, like with any other bill, means public meetings and hearings.
Any "giving private land or property to a developer" has to be initiated and approved by the Board of Aldermen. This piece of legislation has nothing to do with that process.
Any properties taken by eminent domain, condemnation, or acquired from the LRA are not eligible for this tax credit. Such properties may be part of the total redevelopment, but only if the ordinance passed by the Board of Aldermen says so.
I am not aware of any instance in the history of the Board of Aldermen (and please, if someone knows otherwise, do let me know) when a property was taken by eminent domain without the support of the alderman in whose ward that property was located.
Most of the Blairmont property is located in the 5th Ward where Alderman April Ford-Griffin has said repeatedly that she will not support — and in fact, fight — anyone's property being taken by eminent domain for this project. One can only assume that Davis, in whose ward McKee also owns property, has a similar position.
There is too much on record that developer Paul McKee and the City of St. Louis have done wrong since the inception of this project that there is no need for people to start making things up. It damages the credibility of the valid arguments of people who are serious about making sure this project benefits the people who live there today and it's irresponsible because it uses lies to scare the shit out of people.
While these people keep spinning the events of two weeks ago they are missing the fight which is going on right now.
Details, details. We've said it before and we will keep saying it. The difference between if this thing turns out to be good for St. Louis or very bad for the people who live in the Blairmont area will be in the details.
All the little details not expressly stated in the legislation — you know, all that "jargon" — is being worked out right now by bureaucrats at the Missouri Department of Economic Development in the form of rules. These rules will further lay the groundwork for what can and cannot be done with this money.
Please, no more public meetings and press conferences on old stuff. Three in one week is quite enough.
Will the legislators who are unafraid of big words and legal phrases please get back to the table. This thing is not over. Look for more videos from Wednesday's meeting later.
UPDATE: And if you haven't read the final version of the legislation, here's a link (see pages 13-18).
And if you'd rather watch someone explain it to you (I know you spoiled PubDef readers like the video stuff), here is a very informative 10-minute video of Sally Hemingway from the Department of Economic Development discussing the tax credit in detail.
The St. Louis Police Officers Association is sending out "No Confidence" ballots to its 1,200 members this week to express their displeasure with the leadership of Police Chief Joe Mokwa.
Union leaders say the ballots should be returned and counted in about two weeks.
An off-duty Arnold police officer allegedly put a gun to a 21-year-old black man's head in the parking lot of a White Castle's in Florissant yesterday. The man said Officer Chris Hoelscher called him a nigger and threatened to kill him. Following his report, the Arnold police chief suspended Helsher. He resigned a few hours later.
Five Deputy Sheriffs from Jefferson County were suspended this week after being involved in an off-duty bar fight Wednesday night at the R-Place Bar & Grill in House Springs. According to the bar owner, the fight began between two women — one of whom came with the officers.
From the Post-Dispatch:
He said all of the officers were escorted out of the bar and a bartender observed them removing their rear license plates in the parking lot.
Moments later they came back into the bar, Gaulden said.
Anna Rankin, a bartender, said, "I told them 'I'm going to call the cops,' and they said, 'We are the cops.'"
And of course, a St. George police office was caught on tape this week by a young white guy threatening to trump up charges on him and "ruin your life" for not showing the officer the proper respect as he violated the young man's civil rights.
"Do you want to go to jail for some fucking reason I come up with?"
"Ever get smart mouth with a cop again and I'll show you what a cop does."
"Talk back again and I'll say you were resisting arrest or something. You want me to come up with something? I can come up with nine things."
"You want me to lock you up and show you that I'm right and you're wrong?"
Had a bad night? "Don't ever take it out on a cop. We'll ruin your career and life and everything you've got."
Republican Chris Sander, a mortgage company executive from Ellisville, has filed to run for Congress against Democrat Russ Carnahan. This is Sanders' first bid for political office.
Last night Channel 5 reporter Mike Owens did a story on a shady real estate man who sold a couple a home that he apparently no longer owned. The real owner is evicting the "buyers" and the shady salesman is ducking the law and TV cameras.
It was a pretty good story. But more interesting than the story itself was the teaser at the end.
"Tomorrow night, more on Furqan and we'll hear a tape of him saying he makes regular payments of cash to the local alderman, a charge the alderman denies."
Hmmmmmm. Who could it be?
Considering the reporter is married to 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson, we can pretty much rule her out.
According to clues from Owen's report, the property Wali Furqan sold the couple is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of the 3rd Ward, represented by longtime alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr.
Whoever it is (and we really can't wait to find out who), as the KSDK report stated, he (or she) completely denies the charge.
Only four days on the job and Charles Bryson, the new public safety director, has already received his first mob of angry citizens to descend on his northside home. Lucky for Bryson they were carrying picket signs and not burning torches.
Bryson and his boss, Mayor Francis Slay, have given Fire Chief Sherman George until 5:00 PM Friday to make the promotions. If he does not, he will be "disciplined" on Monday.
It's never good when you come home to see firefighters at your home. The good news for Charles Bryson is that it's just a political fire that will be ablaze on his street today.
The Fire Institute for Racial Equality, AKA F.I.R.E., AKA the black firefighters' union, will be protesting today outside the home of the City's new public safety just one day before he is expected to take action against Fire Chief Sherman George.
Mayor Francis Slayappointed Bryson as director just this week, replacing Sam Simon, who after being criticized for months about his supervision of the fire department, abruptly took a job with St. Louis University just days before his scheduled showdown with George. That task has now fallen on Bryson, who has found himself in the middle of a racially-charged storm of controversy.
George supporters have charged that Bryson (who is black) lacks the necessary experience to lead the Department of Public Safety and was hired only to provide political cover for Slay when he fires the city's first black fire chief.
F.I.R.E. will also conduct another protest tomorrow (Friday) at 5:00 PM at City Hall.
UPDATE: PubDef has heard a rumor — rather, a possible scenario — in which Mayor Slay and Director Bryson place Chief George on 30 days unpaid suspension for failing to make the promotions as directed. During that time the fire department is placed under the control of an interim chief — maybe an African-American — who makes "compromise" promotions reflecting the racial balance of the department.
We won't have to wait long to find out if this rumor — or scenario — has any legs.
UPDATE 2: Appearing on Channel 2 yesterday morning, Bryson appeared to offer a tiny bit of face-saving wiggle room for the chief. He said he and Slay would accept if George, by 5:00 Friday, offered a date in the future when he would be willing to make the promotions.
Bryson also said Slay has told the chief that he did not have to promote anyone that he did not feel comfortable with.
On Wednesday Gov. Matt Blunt approved the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission’s nomination of Omar Davis to serve as the new director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Davis, of Jefferson City, is the director of Legal Services Division and general counsel for the Department of Revenue. Davis previously served as Deputy General Counsel in the governor's office and Securities Enforcement Council for Blunt when he was Secretary of State.
Davis, 32, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kansas State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law.
Davis’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Yesterday Blunt also nominated Rod Chapel, the current director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations whom Davis will replace, to a six-year term on the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission.
Prior to his role as the head of the DLIR, Chapel worked as the Legal Services Division Director and general counsel for the Department of Revenue.
Chapel, 37, previously served as an associate in the Sly James Law Firm. Mr. Chapel holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oklahoma State University, a juris doctorate from Tulane Law School and a master of laws in taxation from Washington University School of Law.
Chapel will replace Terry Jarrett. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending September 12, 2013.
Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett is heading east. Far East.
Starr has been invited to represent the United States on an international exchange program to Vietnam. The American Council of Young Political Leaders selected Triplett after receiving her nomination from Congressman Russ Carnahan, her former boss.
"I am excited and humbled to be part of this valuable program," Triplett said. "I look forward to forging lasting relationships with other young leaders from the United States and Vietnam."
Triplett will be part of a seven-member delegation that will travel throughout Vietnam from October 12-26. The delegates will meet with national, regional and local political officials, business and civic leaders.
The Associated Press is reporting that Missouri House Republicans have chosen Ron Richard to take over the chamber's top position in 2009 — assuming he wins re-election to the House, Republicans hold onto power, and new lawmakers abide by the wishes of their predecessors.
From the AP:
Those numerous assumptions highlight the novelty of the House Republicans' decision to elect a speaker-designee.
Richard will serve in training for the next 16 months under House Speaker Rod Jetton, then still would have to officially be elected by the full House in January 2009.
Richard, of Joplin, defeated suburban St. Louis Representative Allen Icet in a secret vote by House Republicans.
The GOP currently holds a 90-70 majority over House Democrats, with three vacancies.
UPDATE: The other new leaders are:
Senate Assistant Floor Leader - Sen. Jack Goodman Senate Caucus Leader - Sen. Luann Ridgeway House Floor Leader - Rep. Steven Tilley House Pro Tem - Rep. Brian Pratt
UPDATE 2: A statement from Gov. Matt Blunt:
“I congratulate Sen. Jack Goodman, Sen. Luann Ridgeway, Rep. Bryan Pratt and Rep. Steven Tilley on their new leadership positions in their respective chambers. I also congratulate Rep. Ron Richards and wish him well in his leadership role.
“I look forward to working with the new leaders in both chambers in the coming year to continue to build on our commitment to increasing funding for education, enforcing the laws against illegal immigration, protecting Missouri children from Internet predators and building on a strong economic climate that has helped Missourians create nearly 85,000 new jobs since January 2005. I believe that every Missourian deserves the opportunity to have a good job, raise a family, and to pursue their dreams.
“Again I look forward to working with the House and Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle to put the Missourians’ best interests ahead of partisan politics and to put Missouri’s families first.”
It has not been a good week for 1st Ward Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe.
Channel 4 reports that Troupe, who owns numerous residential properties, is being sued by a family who rents from him after a one-year-old girl fell out of a second story window which reportedly did not have a screen installed.
Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe appeared on Lizz Brown's radio show this morning to counter any claims that he ever spoke in favor of House Bill 1, the economic development package which contained the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit.
Brown even played for her listening audience the first few seconds of PubDef's recording of Troupe's testimony in which he criticizes the bill as a "Christmas Tree" for legislators around the state, "with the exception of the Land Assemblage part of the bill." Brown then quickly instructed her engineer, Howard, to turn off the tape.
She and Troupe of course left out the part when Troupe said, "Mr. Chairman, I think the bill is a great bill... I think it brings a lot of economic development to the area and I support everything in this bill."
PubDef wasn't the only one who was shocked by Troupe's 180-degree turn in Jefferson City. State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, who has consistently opposed the Land Assemblage Tax Credit, was visibly furious with Troupe after his testimony.
She argued with him as he returned to his seat two chairs away from her. Across the lap of Rodney Boyd, lobbyist for Mayor Francis Slay, Nasheed voiced her displeasure in a loud whisper. When her loud whisper was no longer a whisper at all, she and Troupe took their conversation to the hallway.
The conversation ended with Nasheed walking away and yelling "sell out" to the alderman and former state representative.
Guess she misunderstood Troupe's testimony too.
Troupe will be hosting a forum tonight on the dangers of the bill he called a "great bill" three weeks ago. Fellow aldermen April Ford Griffin, Freeman Bosley, Sr., and Marlene Davis are supposed to be there as well.
The entertainment starts at 6:00 PM at Lexington School, 3130 Norwood Avenue.
Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly is known for his sharp dress and smooth style, and tonight for only $500 you too can be a Cool Cat like F.X. himself.
Daly is hosting a jazz-themed fundraiser tonight Steinberg Rink in Forest Park. Those who contribute $50 can call themselves "Hipsters"; $250 get you to the "Daddy-O" stage; and real players can skip the $500 "Cool Cat" level and jump right to "18 Karat" heights for a mere $1,275.
The shindig begins at 5:30 and ends at 7:30, which seems pretty early for hipsters and Daddy-Os.
Susan Turk, writing for the St. Louis Schools Watch, reports that the controversial facilities management company Sodexho USA has effectively quit.
In a letter dated September 4, 2007 Sodexho Vice President, Education Facilities Services Jerry Tuggle informs the superintendent that "Sodexho is terminating the Agreement, (Editor's note: meaning their contract) effective November 5, 2007." Two months notice and that's it.
They want all outstanding amounts paid immediately. They give the district the option of buying all Sodexho equipment and supplies used at district premises on or before the termination. date.
Why now? Have they finally gotten fed up with all the negative assessments of their services? Or are they angling for a renegotiated and more lucrative contract? Can the SLPS find another "provider" in less than 2 months? Can they bring custodial and maintenance services back in house in that amount of time? Stay tuned!
A group of women legislators, all of whom supported the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit, held a forum at Harris-Stowe University yesterday to inform the public about exactly what it does — and does not — mean for St. Louis.
Before a crowd of about two dozen concerned citizens, State Senators Maida Coleman and Rita Days, State Reps Robin Wright-Jones and Juanita Head Walton, former State Rep Amber Boykins, and Mike Jones, aide to St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, discussed how economically distressed areas such as the City of St. Louis and parts of St. Louis can benefit greatly from state-provided economic incentives to spur needed development.
The public forum provided details and facts in the face of misinformation being put out by some other local elected officials, most notably Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe, who beyond all explanation testified strongly in favor of the tax credit before the House committee (watch the video), but the next day said he was against it and charged that it was a continuation of the Team Four plan.
Troupe is hosting a meeting of his own Wednesday, along with Aldermen Freeman Bosley, Sr., Marlene Davis, and April Ford-Griffin (who was scheduled to be at an event yesterday with tax credit supporters Jeff Smith and Rodney Hubbard).
Perhaps the most informative part of the Harris-Stowe forum was a presentation by Sally Hemingway with the Missouri Department of Economic Development detailing the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit — who can apply for, what it can and cannot be used for, why condemned and eminent domained property will not qualify for the tax credit, and how many areas in the state could potentially benefit from its use.
We may post one or two more videos from this event at PubDef.TV later tonight.
After first saying she wouldn't, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has bowed to the pressure and agreed to return contributions linked to Norman Hsu.
From the AP:
The Missouri Democrat said she made the decision over the weekend, as the cloud of suspicion has grown surrounding contributions from donors connected to Hsu.
McCaskill took no money directly from Hsu, but her staff has estimated that the senator received more than $18,000 from people reportedly associated with Hsu, including the family of William Paw of Daly City, Calif.
On Friday, McCaskill said she had no plans to return the money from Hsu-related donors because there was no evidence they had done anything wrong. But she pledged to give up any campaign money if it was discovered to be from illegal sources or from people accused of crimes.
Meanwhile, the Missouri Ethics Commission's got everybody saying "Huh?"
From the Post-Dispatch:
The Missouri Ethics Commission voted unanimously today to tell candidates who had collected campaign contributions larger than the now-restored donation limits that they "may be in violation" of state law.
However, the six-member panel stopped short of ordering candidates to return their over-limit contributions, which in some cases amount to millions of dollars.
Instead, the commission said it plans to hold hearings for each candidate who seeks to keep his or her over-limit money by contending that giving it back would constitute an unfair hardship.
"May be in violation"? "Unfair hardship"? "Hearings"?
State Senator Jeff Smith, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard, preservationist and Blairmont watchdogMichael Allen, and representatives of Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, the Carr Square Tenant Management Corporation, and the St. Louis Housing Authority gathered yesterday at the 14th Street Mall (which is currently undergoing a $30 million restoration) to discuss the process by which some important amendments were added to the controversial Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit and what they will be looking for from developers and the Board of Aldermen as any projects move forward.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has approved Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits for six Missouri not-for-profit organizations, including three from St. Louis.
Family Support Network has been approved for $228,405 in NAP tax credits to increase the services provided through Project First Step. Offered to at-risk families, Project First Step is a preventative, no-cost service working to avert child maltreatment before it occurs. Family Support Network plans to serve 640 St. Louis city and county families over the next two years, offering individual and family counseling, parenting education and resource referral.
Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club has been approved for $150,000 in NAP tax credits. HHBGC will utilize the tax credits to make needed repairs and renovations to its indoor swimming facility, which also houses the club’s learning center and computer lab. HHBGC serves at-risk youth, ages 6 to 18, from neighborhoods in very high need. Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club offers over 50 programs in the areas of character and leadership; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports and fitness.
South Grand Ministry has been approved for $53,950 in NAP tax credits. South Grand Ministry will utilize the tax credits to enhance the quality of life of its clients by providing programs allowing them to live safely in their homes, lead physically active lives and remain socially engaged in their communities. This program will reduce workplace absenteeism for caregivers, preventing an estimated $234,000 in lost wages.
More about the NAP tax credits:
The DED administers the Neighborhood Assistance Program that helps not-for-profit organizations raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.
Businesses can donate cash, materials, supplies or equipment; technical assistance and professional services; labor; real estate; or stocks and bonds. Credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total amount contributed or up to 70 percent for projects located in most rural areas.
Not-for-profit organizations participating in the NAP program conduct capital campaigns or provide services in the areas of crime prevention, education, job training, physical revitalizations, or community services. The Neighborhood Assistance Program is utilized by not-for-profit organizations throughout Missouri to make their communities a more desirable place to live and work, as well as pave the way for economic development.
If the confrontation plays all the way out, George will lose his job. That will not be good, and I say that not just because I like George. Firing him would be racially divisive. A lot of people in the black community see the dispute as a matter of respect. George is the chief. Where's the respect?
There has not been much in the tone of the mayor's rhetoric. It's almost as if the mayor thinks history started yesterday. I mean, come on, this is about race. George came through the ranks when the association was pretty much a white guys' club. Nothing unusual about that. My dad was a union electrician in Chicago and I remember when his union was that way. Those fellows felt that they were protecting what was theirs.
I remember the business agent talking to my father. "If your son wants to get into the union, he's not going to have to wait in line behind any blacks," he said, although he used another word for blacks. It's a word we don't use any more. Times have changed, and thank goodness for that.
But it's easier for white guys like me or the mayor to say that times have changed.
Kristen Hinmanwrites on the Riverfront Times blog:
Bryson, who has worked in Mayor Francis Slay’s office for just shy of seven years and has a background in social work, brings an additional new perspective to the director’s office –- that of an African-American. “One of the reasons the mayor chose me is so that we can work on race relations,” says Bryson.
Race has long been said to be a factor in the tenuous relationship between George and city hall. “If you talk to clergymen on the north side,” points out Bryson, “they will suggest that part of the problem in the past between the public-safety director and the fire chief may have been race.”
Bryson says he and George already have “a good working relationship” from having made the rounds at various public boards and commissions over the past few years.
As the new public-safety director puts it: “My race will not be an ace in my pocket. It will be a different way of looking at things.”
Click here to vote for PubDef.net in the RFT's "Best of St. Louis" Poll
Following revelations last week that Streets Department employees have been working on private jobs on public time and with public equipment, another city worker, Sterling McKinney, told Channel 4 News of how three years ago he was ordered by his supervisor to pave the driveway of a city business.
He told Channel 4 that it is common for low-level workers like him to be ordered to do such "high-profile jobs." For fear of losing their jobs, he said, the workers comply.
When informed about McKinney's allegations, Ed Rhode, spokesman for Mayor Francis Slay said he was happy to hear McKinney "confessed his wrongdoing."
"We all know this is wrong and we plan to turn this information over to the Circuit Attorney for prosecution," said Rhode, suggesting that the whistleblower may soon need to find himself a lawyer.
Following appearances today by General David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad, before the House Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill issued the following statement:
“When President Bush asked the American people in January to support a new way forward, he said this surge was going to be about giving the Iraqi people a chance to stabilize. He set forth himself in that speech in January nine benchmarks that he said he would hold the Iraqi government accountable for.
“Unfortunately, so far, we have not heard enough about why these benchmark aren’t being met, and why is it that we have been able to sacrifice as a country now on the ground for longer than our troops fought in World War II, why is it that the Iraq government cannot take meaningful steps towards securing their own country and living with each other.
“I think there is some good news in what General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker have said today – the fact that they acknowledge that drawing down troops is the right way to go.
“But unfortunately, I don’t think there has been enough conversation yet about something other than the two extremes. I don’t think any of us in Washington want an expeditious drawdown of all our troops in Iraq. And on the other hand, I don’t think most people in American want us to continue to stand in the middle of a civil war. I think there is something in between. I will look forward in the hearing tomorrow, I will look forward to questioning General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker, as I know many other senators will, about what would be in between.
“I think the logical thing is to change the mission, to change our mission from securing Iraq and providing stability to that nation to what we really should be doing which is fighting terrorism. We should be fighting terrorism in Iraq with our troops on the ground, but at a much lower level than we have now. And we should be refocusing our troops in other areas of the world where terrorism continues to be a problem, and in fact is growing because we are bogged down in Iraq. There is a better way than what we are doing now.
“I think that General Petraeus – although I think he is an honorable man, and I think both he and Ambassador Crocker are giving their best judgment – they own this strategy on behalf of the commander-in-chief, and they are obligated to defend it. I think there has to be somewhere in between the president’s stubborn opinion that nothing should change and the position of some on the left who believe everything has to change tomorrow. We’ve got to find that middle ground. It’s important to the American people, it’s important to the men and women risking their lives.”
At a fundraiser last week at McGurk's bar in south St. Louis, Attorney General candidate Chris Koster* discussed the need for stem cell research and what the science could mean to people like his friend, State Sen. Chuck Graham.
First, Mayor Francis Slayreplaces his troubled public safety director, Sam Simon (at whose feet many of his critics place much of the fire department's current problems), with his favorite black guy, Charles Bryson (it's been barely a month since Slay promoted Bryson from Neighborhood Development Executive to deputy chief of staff).
Next, only moments on the job, Bryson goes after Slay's least favorite black guy, Fire Chief Sherman George.
"Chief George must still make the promotions by Friday," said Bryson in a written statement. "That order stands – and I endorse it. If he doesn’t, he – like you, me, or anybody else who refused to obey an order and do their job — will face disciplinary action."
Let's see how this could play out...
George refuses to be forced to promote
Bryson fires George ("It's not a race thing. They're both black.")
Black folks go nuts (Front page of the American: "SLAY FIRES FIRST BLACK FIRE CHIEF WHILE WHITE POLICE CHIEF IS LOSING CONTROL OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE STREETS!" Wow, that's a long headline.)
Slay appoints a new black chief ("See, I'm not racist.")
Their invitation promises "a stimulating evening" filled with art, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It will be hosted by State Representative Mike Talboy.
The event is on September 19 at 5:30 PM at the Pi Gallery, 419 E. 18th Street, in Kansas City. Members and candidates can get in free, but non-members will have to pay $20.
Last week, Governor Matt Blunt and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay joined to declare Missouri a State of ONE to help raise awareness about global disease and poverty with the ONE Campaign, a non-partisan national program dedicated to the cause.
Two events will seek to educate the public today on the recently-signed legislation creating the $95 million Distress Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit.
The first, hosted by Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, is a press conference to discuss the compromise reached in crafting a better bill than was first vetoed by the governor earlier this summer.
State Sen. Jeff Smith, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard*, Alderman April Ford-Griffin, John Burse and Sean Thomas of ONSLRG, and Michael Allen of the Ecology of Absence blog are scheduled to appear. The event happens in front of Old North's offices, 2800 N. 14th Street (at St. Louis Avenue), at 11:00 AM.
The second event is hosted by a group to female state legislators. State Senators Maida Coleman and Rita Days, State Representatives Robin Wright-Jones and Juanita Head-Walton, and former State Rep. Amber Boykins will host a forum at Harris-Stowe State University from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Bank of America Theatre.
We've also heard there may be yet another forum Wednesday hosted by a group of aldermen. Stay tuned for more details as they become available and check back for video from both of today's events. *Client of A D French & Associates
Governor Matt Blunt was on CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight" last week to discuss his new order that everyone pulled over by the Highway Patrol must have their immigration status checked.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis warned that the executive order could lead to more racial profiling. Jorge Riopedre, the group's secretary and legislative affairs chairman, told the Post-Dispatch that law enforcement agencies may single out "Hispanic-looking'' people, and take them directly to an immigration judge. He predicted that legal immigrants or citizens could find themselves unfairly forced to prove their status.
"This is not about illegal immigration. It's about due process,'' Riopedre told the Post.
As expected, Michele Kratky, wife of former State Rep. Fred Kratky, has been selected as the Democratic nominee to replace her husband in February's special election.
Southside Democratic committeemen and -women met this morning to select their candidate. According to the press release, Kratky was the only candidate considered. Here's the press release:
Democrats in the 65th Legislative District chose Michele Kratky Saturday as their nominee to run for State Representative. Michele Kratky hopes to succeed her husband, former State Representative Fred Kratky, who resigned the seat in June.
Last week, the Governor called a Special Election for February 5, 2008, to fill the seat, triggering the process held Saturday that decided the nominee for the Democrat Party.
"I am delighted to be able to finally choose our nominee, and hopefully, our next State Representative," said Jack Stelzer, chairman of the 65th Legislative District Democrats. "I know Michele will work hard in her campaign, and our committee people will work hard to ensure her successful election."
According to Missouri Constitution and Statute, Democratic committeemen and committeewomen from the city wards that make up the 65th Legislative District decide the Democratic Party’s nominee for a Special Election. Michele Kratky was the only candidate considered during the group’s meeting.
"I am honored to be the nominee," Michele Kratky said, "and I am looking forward to running an aggressive campaign."
Officers also were elected during the meeting. Jack Stelzer will serve as chair; Antoinette Poole, vice chair; Louise Tonkovich, secretary; and Chuck Miller, treasurer.
State Representative Margaret Donnelly is receiving support from some pretty well-known women in her fight for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.
ST. LOUIS – The Donnelly Campaign today announced the endorsement of several prominent women in the Missouri Democratic Party. Former State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, Former Secretary of State Bekki Cook, Former Democratic Party State Chair May Scheve and Former St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney Dee Joyce Hayes jointly declared their support of Donnelly for Attorney General.
“Margaret has had an incredible and distinguished career as a lawyer and public servant," said Bekki Cook. “She is the most qualified and best prepared to be the ‘People’s Lawyer’.”
"Margaret will make a great Attorney General and is in the best position to win,” added Nancy Farmer. Farmer won the 2000 Democratic primary for state treasurer in a three way race and went on to win the general election.
"Margaret Donnelly and her over 20 years of experience in family law dealing with tough and gut wrenching juvenile cases have prepared her to be the state’s lawyer,” said Dee Joyce Hayes. “Margaret is a tough no nonsense lawyer who is ready to step in to the job of Attorney General on day one.”
“Nancy Farmer, Bekki Cook, May Scheve and Dee Joyce Hayes are some of the most influential women in the Democratic Party. Their knowledge and ability to win races across the state down to the local level will be an instrumental part in ensuring my victory in both the primary and general election,” commented Donnelly.
So far, the only announced certain candidates for Attorney General are Democrats. State Rep. Jeff Harris and new Democrat State Senator Chris Koster* are the other two. On the Republican side, U.S. Attorney and former Speaker of the Missouri House Catherine Hanaway is expected to run, as may Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons.
*Client of A D French & Associates (website design)
The Missouri Women for Obama will hold two simultaneous community organizing meetings on Monday, September 10th from 6 to 8 PM.
The meetings will be at the Mad Art Gallery (2727 S. Broadway, St. Louis) and the Jefferson County Library (5678 State Road PP, High Ridge).
"We look to empower women to participate in the presidential election and support Barack Obama," says Anna Jinkerson who is volunteering as the coordinator for Missouri Women for Obama.
Women for Obama is an official grassroots organization, sponsored by the Obama presidential campaign. The Missouri chapter is organized on a local level and plans on sponsoring house parties, voter registration drives and book clubs, all in support of Barack Obama.
Jinkerson acknowledged Hilary Clinton’s campaign, but said that her organization’s vote goes beyond gender.
“Women in Missouri need a candidate who’s electable in the general election,” she says. “We feel that Barack Obama brings the right type of experience and electability to the presidential elections.”
The meetings on Monday will establish community groups of women to support the organization. More meetings locally and in Kansas City and central Missouri are in the works.
Democratic Attorney General candidate Jeff Harris announced the support of another labor union today. Here's the press release:
Columbia -- House Democratic Leader and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jeff Harris continues to gain support with organized labor picking up the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148.
Don Giljum, Business Manager for Local 148, said today that, “Jeff Harris is our choice for Attorney General because he has been there on the issues important to labor and the working families of this state. In the legislature, Jeff has consistently stood up in opposition to the Republican majority, fighting for health care, education access and funding, and for an increase in the minimum wage. Working families in Missouri will be well-served by Jeff Harris as Attorney General.”
"It has been my privilege to stand with organized labor on behalf of the working men and women of this state,” Harris said. “I am proud to have the members of Operating Engineers Local 148 standing with me and supporting my candidacy for Attorney General.”
As Attorney General, Harris has vowed to aggressively enforce minimum wage and prevailing wage laws to ensure that hard-working Missourians are fairly compensated for the work they do.
Local 148 represents an estimated 3,000 skilled plant personnel at Ameren UE, other industrial power plants, mechanical service contractors, and in the public sector, which includes MODOT.
Mayor Francis Slay and his public safety director, Sam Simon, have issued another — much stronger — ultimatum to Fire Chief Sherman George: promote by next Friday or face disciplinary action. Click here to read Simon's letter (via KSDK).
At an unrelated press conference this morning, PubDef reporter Gabe Bullard asked Governor Matt Blunt about the status of his two controversial education appointees, Rick Sullivan and Derio Gambaro. The governor said he remains hopeful that Democratic Senators Jeff Smith (Gambaro's senator) and Joan Bray (Sullivan's senator) will come around and support the men.
"Fight, fight!," as we used to say on the school yard.
The Political Eye column of the St. Louis American newspaper and MayorSlay.com, a creation of Public Eye, Inc., the PR firm of Richard Callow, have gone to the mattresses.
Last week, the American reported that actions by the city's public safety director, Sam Simon, had possibly left city firefighters in a dangerous position by ordering that all Fire Department airmasks be removed by Aug. 1 without notifying Fire Chief Sherman George.
A few days after the report was published, Mayor Francis Slay's anonymously-written blog, MayorSlay.com, called the story "bad reporting" and outlined its own version of events:
Five years ago, two St. Louis firefighters died tragically. Their widows filed suit against the manufacturer and distributor of some of the Department’s equipment. In the course of the first trial, testimony suggested that equipment might be defective. Both widows are convinced the equipment contributed to the deaths of their husbands.
Armed with that information, Simon wrote to the distributor asking for a $1.2 million refund. The distributor responded by offering to remove the equipment, but without refunding any cash. Simon declined. At no point did Simon ever order the equipment removed.
That’s the simple chronology that "supports" the baseless assertion by some partisans that Simon’s actions were improper.
Bad reporting? "Surely it is not 'bad' reporting to report a 'demand' as a demand. That is simply letting grammar be one's guide in interpreting the English language," answered today's anonymously-written Political Eye column.
In another post on mayorslay.com, using the same pompous tone, Slay-Rainford-Callow-Rhode write, “One of the challenging things about the current state of news reporting is the mix of rumor and fact that gets churned around in blogs, talk shows and boards - and then re-reported on mainstream TV and radio.”
It should be evident from Simon’s signed letter and the statement of the "facts" on mayorslay.com that the mayor’s own blog is guilty of mixing rumor and outright lies with whatever facts it churns around - and, unfortunately, the mayor’s version of events too often gets "re-reported on mainstream TV and radio," whether or not it is based in fact.
St. Louis Public School's Virtual Schools are underway and district officials say so far, so good for the Internet-based learning program.
At a press event this afternoon at the Downtown Academy (formerly Patrick Henry School), Superintendent Diana Bourisaw discussed the program, which started just this year for grades K-3 and 9-12, with more grades to follow next year.
Students in the program take most of their classes online. The students also go to learning centers throughout the week for additional education.
The program costs students and parents nothing. As for how much it costs the district, Bourisaw didn't have an exact price, but she said she believes it will "pay for itself."
SLPS' virtual schools are made possible through a partnership with Virginia-based K12 Inc. Learn more on the district's website.
There is a bit of Constitutional confusion in Jefferson City today.
As readers of PubDef had expected for weeks (and readers of the Postjust found out today), Governor Matt Blunt withdrew the names of two of his controversial education appointees during last week's special session of the State Legislature. Both State Board of Education appointee Derio Gambaro and St. Louis Public Schools CEO Rick Sullivan were withdrawn from Senate confirmation because of lack of support from their home senators — a customary requirement for successful confirmation.
PubDef has reported than both men are expected to be resubmitted to the Senate soon and would remain in power until at least January, when the Senate reconvenes and again takes up gubernatorial appointments. However, the Governor's office believes it is not necessary to resubmit their names to the senate before next year.
According to a source close to the situation, the Governor believes that simply having the nominees on file with the Secretary of State's office is sufficient enough for the two men to continue to serve on a interim basis. The well-placed source says the Governor is considering not resubmitting the names to the senate until next year.
However, the Missouri Constitution clearly states, in the case of Gambaro, that appointments to the Board of Education must be made with the "advice and consent of the Senate." The law creating Sullivan's positions says the same thing. And apparently, the Senate's Republican leadership agrees.
State Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons (R-Kirkwood) told the Post-Dispatch the decision to pull the names was mutual to avoid a Senate vote. He also said he agrees with Blunt's staff that Sullivan and Gambaro still hold their posts for now. But Gibbons also said he believes the state constitution requires that the governor renew their interim appointments by September 19 if he wants them to stay on until the Senate reconvenes in January.
If these men serve for three months without being submitted to the Senate, it may put every action, vote and decision under close legal scrutiny. And in the case of Sullivan, who serves on a three-person board, if any important decisions are made by a vote of 2-1, a judge may later rule the vote was in fact 1-1 since Sullivan could not legally cast a vote — especially if he is ultimately not confirmed by the Senate.
How about local control of our police department first? After all, that is where about a third of our city's annual budget goes. But then, why should city folks have any say over how one out of every three of our dollars is spent?
Perhaps Mayor Slay could be calling for local control of our schools — even mayoral control. No, wait. That's right, he was the one pushing for the state's Republican governor to take control of our $450 million-per-year school system.
Well, it's not like crime or schools have anything to do with the quality of life here in the city — at least not like the Arch grounds anyway!
As a matter of fact, we're so out of practice with controlling our own destinies around here, if the U.S. government did give up control of the Arch grounds, they should probably just turn it over to the State of Missouri.
At least that'll keep Hizzoner from building a parking garage or a Walgreens on it.
The people of St. Charles have spoken. Republican Tom Dempsey has defeated Democrat Ed Appelbaum tonight to become Missouri's newest state senator.
The final unofficial results are:
Dempsey — 6,671 (56.2%) Appelbaum — 5,199 (43.8%)
Here's a statement from the Missouri Republican Party:
"Tom Dempsey’s hard-fought victory is great news for the residents of the 23rd Senatorial District who will benefit from his strong work ethic and his dedication to improving the lives of Missourians. Tom’s strong support of Gov. Matt Blunt’s agenda including funding increases for public education, enhanced job creation, significant health care reform and disdain for tax increases played an important role in his successful campaign. Missouri Republicans congratulate Tom on his impressive victory and look forward to his continued success as a member of the Missouri Senate."
Dempsey replaces Republican Senator Chuck Gross, who resigned to take another job.
Residents of Lafayette Square got a first look tonight at plans for a new development on the site of the old Praxair chemical plant.
Located on the corner of Missouri and Chouteau Avenues in south St. Louis, the vacant three-block area was home to Praxair, which was leveled by explosions and fire in 2005.
The exact specifications have yet to be worked out, but developers Jeff Winzerling and Pete Rothschild have come up with a $41 million plan that would incorporate condos, town homes, parking lots, a community park and retail and office space into the now vacant area.
Click here to see the Lafayette Square neighborhood's current urban plan.
Governor Matt Blunt today signed the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit Act into law as part of his larger economic development package.
Other provisions of the new law include expanding the Quality Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that add jobs with above average wages and health benefits, expanding tax credits for filmmakers, and legalizing ticket scalping in Missouri. Click here to download House Bill 1.
Republican Bob Tullock, the 1st Ward Alderman in the City of Manchester, today formally announced his intention to run for state representative.
From his press release:
Bob is currently serving as an Alderman of Ward #1 in the City of Manchester and is currently serving his second term. He has worked hard to protect the rights of his constituents by protecting their interests on the board. As an example, Bob introduced legislation against the Use of Eminent Domain for private Development in Manchester and supported legislation that prohibited a convicted felon from serving as a public official in Manchester.
Bob has a history of hosting monthly neighborhood meetings with those he represents in Manchester. Bob firmly believes that our government is a representative form of government and he believes that every decision that he makes as an elected official must reflect the will of his constituents. He has pledged to do the same thing as the Missouri State Representative of District 92.
Tullock, who calls himself a proponent of "good old-fashioned family values," is running for the seat currently occupied by the term-limited State Rep. Charles Portwood (R-Ballwin).
Robert Levine from the 92nd District Democrats says they are currently recruiting a candidate to run in the heavily-Republican district.
Fourteenth Ward Alderman Stephen Gregali played tour guide yesterday for the visiting president of Bosnia-Herzegovina. After leaving the mayor's office, President Zeljko Komsic got a tour of the Aldermanic chamber.
