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Rumor has it that State Senator Chris Koster (R-Harrisonville) will announce this week that he's leaving the Republican Party to become a Democrat.
Koster, who already has $644,000 in the bank, according to his last campaign finance report, is also expected to announce that he will be running for Attorney General on the Democratic ticket.
Readers will recall PubDef.net reported spotting Koster at the state senate campaign kick-off of Democrat Rodney Hubbard earlier this month. If true, Koster's crossover could have far-reaching implications in the 2008 races.
Developing...
UPDATE @ 9:18 p.m. — Reactions to Koster's rumored defection are already coming in. Democrat Jeff Harris, the Columbia State Rep who is also running for Attorney General, tells PubDef.net he welcomes Koster to the Democratic primary contest.
"We have been planning to run against Chris Koster-- the Republican -- since day one in this campaign," said Harris. "And I am STILL running against Chris Koster THE Republican, only now it’s in the Democratic Primary."
"I am running AS a Democrat because I AM a Democrat -- always have been and always will be."
Gov. Matt Blunt's office today raised questions about information in the Supreme Court Candidates’ applications that was withheld by the Appellate Judicial Commission. The commission asserted Friday the applications they delivered to the governor's office were complete, but a review found that documents were missing or removed from the original applications submitted by the candidates.
The missing documents include one candidate’s statement of judicial philosophy, another candidate’s list of cases as required by the commission and background check authorizations for all three candidates.
"Upon review, we found that the three Supreme Court candidate's application materials you sent to our office last Thursday were incomplete," said the Governor’s Chief Counsel Henry Herschel in a letter to Judge Laura Denvir Stith, the chair of the Judicial Appellate Commission.
After initial research that included a request from each candidate for copies of their original application, it became clear that the commission removed or withheld pertinent information from the applications provided to the governor.
Missing documents include:
one candidate’s list of cases tried
one candidate’s statements of judicial philosophy
background check authorization forms for all three candidates
The commission asked each applicant twenty-five questions including a request for a list of ten legal cases they have tried. The materials sent to the governor's office did not include an answer to this question by one of the candidates. After contacting the candidate, the governor's office was provided with a two page addendum that had been provided to the commission but was missing from the application. This addendum listed only four cases that had been tried by this candidate.
Additionally, one of the candidate's statements of judicial philosophy, provided to the Appellate Commission as an addendum, was omitted. This was particularly enlightening as it addressed head on the question of judicial philosophy by one of the candidates.
The applications from the commission also failed to include the signed permission waivers for background checks and the background checks themselves. It is not known whether the commission ran background checks on the candidates or why copies of the authorization forms were removed from the application files.
The governor's office previously requested all available information from the Appellate Judicial Commission and has expanded that request to include information about why relevant material was excluded from the provided materials. The request is part of the exhaustive interview process in motion to help Gov. Matt Blunt determine who of the three candidates will serve as Missouri’s next Supreme Court Judge.
In Missouri, the governor does not appoint a judge to the Supreme Court from citizens at large. Instead an Appellate Judicial Commission, made up of the presiding chief justice, three lawyers chosen by the Missouri Bar and three people appointed by governors, selects a panel of three candidates. Gov. Blunt has appointed only one of the three commissioners, and the others were appointed by former Gov. Bob Holden. The governor has 60 days to appoint one of the three nominated candidates to the Supreme Court.
For the second year, State Senator Jeff Smith brought his A-game to Fairgrounds Park, but this time a lot more people joined him.
While Smith showed his love for the game, others showed their love of an incumbent senator. Several faces who were not at "Candidate Smith's" event last year came out Saturday to support "Senator Smith's" 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
New faces included: Mayor Francis Slay, Attorney General and candidate for governor Jay Nixon, State Sen. Chuck Graham, License Collector Mike McMillan, Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, and Committeewoman Mattie Moore.
One of the few elected officials that did show up at last year's event (and gave us this priceless endorsement video) was 22nd Ward Committeeman Joe Palm, who again made an appearance.
Organizers estimate that over a thousand people — roughly five times the turnout last year — came out Saturday.
Nixon played referee for a game in which Smith played. His team, which included aide and rumored state rep candidate Chris "I can guard anybody" Carter, came in third place in the 17-and-over age division.
First place in each age division got bikes, second place got tickets to Six Flags, and 3rd place teams received gift certificates to area businesses. All players got either backpacks or school supplies.
Supporters of Shamed Dogan's run for the Missouri House seat of the term-limited State Rep. Neal St. Onge (R-Ellisville) gathered at the Ballwin home of Henry and Becky Viola for his official campaign kick-off Saturday.
Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, along with St. Onge, who supports the 28-year-old Dogan's campaign to replace him, State Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-Lee's Summit), Ballwin Aldermen Tim Pogue and Jim Terbrock, former State Rep. Sherman Parker, and blogger John Combest were all on hand to show support.
State Representative Connie Johnson and an awkward State Senator Harry Kennedy joined celebrity doctor Ian Smith, comedian J. Anthony Brown, old school hip-hoppers Biz Markie and Slick Rick, St. Louis Ram legend Marshall Faulk, and other celebrities at the 50 Million Pound Challenge event at Union Station this weekend.
The Challenge is a party with a purpose, promoting physical fitness and health among African Americans while bringing some great (and free, thanks to State Farm) music performances to cities all across America.
Organizers called the St. Louis event a huge success, with thousands of people showing up and tens of thousands of pounds pledged to be lost.
DOWNTOWN — The 50 Million Pound Challenge is at Union Station today from noon until 4:00. Hosted by Dr. Ian Smith (from VH1's Celebrity Fit Club) and funny man J. Anthony Brown, this FREE event will feature performances by Joe, Kelly Price, Slick Rick, Shirley Murdock, and DJ Biz Markie (also from Celebrity Fit Club).
NORTH SIDE — State Senator Jeff Smith brings his second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament to Fairgrounds Park today. The tournament, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is free for all, and all players will receive free T-shirts and back-to-school supplies. DJ Charlie Chan will be spinning and free food and drink will be provided. And for those with a sweet tooth, Ben and Jerry's will be there with 500 scoops of ice cream.
U-CITY — Crack-Smoking Republicans, beware. Blake Ashby is running for president again. His campaign kick-off is today at 11:00 at the Tivoli Theater in University City. The kickoff event will feature a speech by Ashby and a rundown of "The Top Ten Ways You Can Tell a Republican Has Been Smoking Crack."
BALLWIN — State Rep candidate Shamed Dogan is also holding a campaign kick-off event today at the home of Becky and Henry Viola. The event will feature barbecue by Red the Bar-B-Que Man, chosen by the Riverfront Times last year as the "Best Barbecue in St. Louis" (but what do they know?), and an appearance by Dogan's former boss, former U.S. Senator Jim Talent.
CHECK BACK MONDAY FOR VIDEO FROM ALL OF THESE EVENTS
Russell Goward, former State Representative and Democratic Committeeman, passed away today. He was 71-years-old.
A former Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Goward was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1966 and served 15 terms representing north St. Louis' 60th District.
Goward's major legislative accomplishments include a role in drawing up the first congressional district where an African American could run for Congress and win. He was also a founding member of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.
During his time as a Democratic Committeeman, he helped build the 21st Ward Regular Democratic Organization into one of the largest and most active ward organizations in north St. Louis.
A 1953 graduate of Sumner High School, Goward attended Hubbard Business College, Harris Teachers College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.
Goward is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dolores Goward, and their two children, Russell Goward, Jr. and Monika Goward-Petty.
Date and time of funeral services will be announced soon.
PubDef.net caught up with State Senator Rita Days (D-St. Louis County) as she was leaving the Ferrara Theatre in America's Center, where Democratic Presidential candidates Dennis Kucinich, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama addressed the National Urban League Conference just moments before.
We asked Days, who says she supports Barack Obama's campaign, what she thought about the candidates' speeches and the absence of the major Republican candidates, who each chose not to attend.
Days said for all the talk from Republican candidates about wanting to reach out to African Americans, their actions speak otherwise.
Barack Obama: If I'm not the one to do this let me ask, "Who has the power to bring Mississippi into play?"
Barack Obama: Someday I want to hear, "The state of black America is strong."
Barack Obama: Who will have the capacity? Who can inspire new people into the process of improvement?
Barack Obama: The critical question of this race is twofold. First, who has the leadership capacity? Second, who can inspire and mobilize the country?
Barack Obama: I'm going to spend some time in New Orleans. Two years after the hurricane, all we got was a 'mission accomplished' photo op. We need to make sure the people who need to be a part of the rebuilding process are a part of it.
Barack Obama: The day I'm innaugurated, the country looks at itself differently. Don't underestimate that power.
Barack Obama: 3 things I would do in my first 100 days as President to enhance African-American owned businesses. 1. Call a summit with African-American business owners. 2. Put an individual in charge of overseeing the little agencies that exist now. That person reports to the president. 3. Give financial and technical assistance. Someone may have a good idea, but no tech to back it up. We need to provide training for that.
Barack Obama: I'm confident in my ability to lead this country. But I can't do it all on my own. I'll need the help of everyone here.
Barack Obama: What it takes to operate the Harlem Children's Center for a year is roughly equal to four hours in Iraq.
Barack Obama: This plan won't be cheap.
Barack Obama: I will crack down on predatory lenders.
Barack Obama: If we created a world bank to help the poorest nations, why can't we create an inner city bank?
Barack Obama: We need to bring businesses back to inner cities.
Barack Obama: I will put in one billion dollars into innovative new jobs.
Barack Obama: When I'm president, I'll give money to fathers who help raise their children and crack down on those who don't.
Barack Obama: Why spend money imprisoning kids when we could spend less to help them early. We can find money to save the children of America.
Barack Obama: Can I have an extra five minutes? Since you had me wait 45 minutes. (audience laughs) Mark Morial: All in favor of five more minutes... Audience: AYE!
Barack Obama: No more subsidies for middlemen on college loans. Increase Pell Grants.
Barack Obama: We need wireless broadband in every city.
Barack Obama: If we have sprawl, we need better public transportation.
Barack Obama: We need to take steps that are important for all cities, even those that aren't housing the poorest of the poor.
Barack Obama: I want to focus on a comprehensive plan I've put forward to lift up urban America.
Barack Obama: It makes a difference when parents turn off the TV, put away the video games and starts reading to their children.
Barack Obama: Let's never pass a law called "No Child Left Behind" that leaves the money behind.
Barack Obama: We can retire the phrase working poor. If you're working every day, you shouldn't be poor.
Barack Obama taking the stage.
Hillary Clinton: Some of my Katrina Plan...
1. I would put one person in charge of that progress. That person would be in the White House and I would meet with them every day.
2. We've got to get the money directed where it is most needed.
Go to my website and look for the Dillard speech.
Hillary Clinton: I have a ten point plan about how to help Katrina victims. We have to make it clear that what was a natural disaster was turned into a national disgrace. This administration shamed us as a nation.
Hillary Clinton: steps to take in the first 100 days to protect Civil Rights:
Appoint an Attorney General who supports civil rights laws.
While enforcing current laws, let's look for holes to plug.
Hillary Clinton: I'm confident we can do this. James Baldwin said, "Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by those who are doing it."
Hillary Clinton: We've got to reverse President Bush's cuts on child support enforcement. We have to combat the impact of the brutal criminal justice system. I want to have a second chance program that focuses on keeping young people out of the criminal justice system and how we will rehabilitate them when they come out.
Hillary Clinton: A recent study showed that when employers were presented with similarly qualified white and black applicants, they were twice as likely to hire the white applicant. They hired white applicants with criminal records as often as they hired black applicants.
Hillary Clinton: I have a program that will create 50,000 jobs that can't be outsourced.
Hillary Clinton: We need comprehensive, community-based programs to help children go from falling through the cracks to filling in the cracks.
Hillary Clinton: According to study at the University of Chicago, universal pre-kindergarten would close by 50% the education gap between white and black children.
Hillary Clinton: I've made a commitment to universal pre-kindergarten.
Hillary Clinton: Let's expand and build on Head Start.
Hillary Clinton: Today I am announcing my Youth Opportunity Agenda. Where we do whatever we can to help every child realize their potential...I'm going to focus like a laser on those early years...Let's not just focus on children, let's focus on the parents and the aunts and uncles and cousins.
Hillary Clinton: When we squander those 1.4 million futures, we squander America's future.
Hillary Clinton: I reject the conversation about 1.4 million men being a threat. I reject the conversation about 1.4 million lost causes. It's time for America to begin a new conversation about 1.4 million workers, taxpayers, entrepeneurs.
Hillary Clinton: I want to focus on just one aspect...the crisis of 1.4 million young men of color between the ages of 16 and 24.
Clinton taking the stage.
John Edwards: When minority entrepeneurs have contracts, they're more likely to move to urban areas. They're more likely to hire minorities.
John Edwards: I will make sure my administration looks like America from the top to the bottom.
John Edwards: There are two candidates in this race spending more time attacking each other than addressing America's real problems... That got your attention, huh. (laughter)
PubDef.net caught up with Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean at the National Urban League Convention today. We asked him what he thought about the major Republican Presidential candidates choosing not to attend the convention.
"I'm not entirely surprised," said Dean. "They didn't show up at the NAACP. They didn't show up at the National Association of Latino Elected Officials."
"Our party is the party that includes everybody — in fact, it depends on everybody in order to win. And theirs doesn't."
Governor Matt Blunt will soon choose from among three members of the Missouri Court of Appeals for his first appointment to the Missouri Supreme Court.
The Appellate Judicial Commission selected the finalists from among 30 applicants to replace Ronnie White, who recently resigned from the court to go into private practice.
The finalists are Judge Nannette Baker of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District and Western District Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Ronald Holliger. Baker and Holliger were both appointed to their current posts by Democratic governors while Breckenridge is a Republican appointee.
White was the first and only black member of the state high court. Baker is the lone African-American among the finalists. Blunt has 60 days to make his selection. If he fails to do so, the commission will make the appointment.
UPDATE: Blunt's office today requested information on all the applicants. Here's the press release...
Gov. Matt Blunt’s office today requested any transcripts, notes and information gathered by the Appellate Judicial Commission as they narrowed a field of 30 applicants to a three member panel. The request is part of the exhaustive process in motion to learn more about and evaluate the legal work of the three names submitted to the governor as candidates for the Missouri Supreme Court.
“As you might imagine, details from these interviews will be very helpful to our office as we begin our own exhaustive interview process,” wrote Henry Herschel, General Counsel for the governor in a letter. “I am sure you will agree that any interview transcripts, audio recordings, notes, format, length and any additional information from these interviews will be helpful to us as the governor prepares to make this important decision.”
The office has requested:
Any transcripts and/or audio recordings and notes from every interview with every applicant
Information on meeting and interview times, locations and length
Details of notice provided regarding all commission meetings and interviews
Insight into the questions presented to the applicants including whether they were standardized and what questions were included or given priority
The governor’s office acknowledged receipt of the applications submitted by the three candidates, but noted it did not include this information. Once the governor’s office receives the documents, they will compile this information with all available records, research and communications to aide the governor in making his final decision.
In Missouri, the governor does not appoint a judge to the Supreme Court from citizens at large. Instead an Appellate Judicial Commission, made up of the presiding chief justice, three lawyers chosen by the Missouri Bar and three people appointed by governors, selects a panel of three candidates. Gov. Blunt has appointed only one of the three commissioners, and the others were appointed by former Gov. Bob Holden. The governor has 60 days to evaluate the three nominated candidates to the Supreme Court.
In the interest of promoting fitness among African Americans — and having some good, free fun on a Saturday afternoon — the 50 Million Pound Challenge is coming to St. Louis this weekend.
Hosted by Dr. Ian Smith (from VH1's Celebrity Fit Club) and funny man J. Anthony Brown, the event will feature free performances by Joe, Kelly Price, Slick Rick, Shirley Murdock, and DJ Biz Markie (also from Celebrity Fit Club).
Things kick off Saturday, July 28, at Union Station at noon and continues until until 4:00. All are welcome to this free event.
Yesterday, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited City Hall and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay on his way to speak at the National Urban League Conference. (Photo by Gentry Trotter)
Is it just us, or does today seem like a Friday? Anyway, let's start the Friday fun a day early!
A picture says a thousand words. What does this one say? Comment below. The winner will be announced Friday and will receive a special prize.
Governor Matt Blunt has appointed former St. Louis mayor Vince Schoemehl to the Bi-State Development Agency for the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District (Metro).
Schoemehl, 60, was mayor of St. Louis from 1981 to 1993. He is currently the President and CEO of Grand Center, Inc.
Metro is a ten-member board that provides policy direction for the metropolitan area’s public transportation. The governors of Missouri and Illinois each appoint five members to the board.
Schoemehl is replacing Harvey Harris, and his appointment is subject Senate confirmation. His term will end on November 11, 2011.
Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee endorsed U.S. Senator Barack Obama in his bid for President today, making her the first Missouri Democratic statewide elected official to endorse a presidential candidate.
Montee also announced the formation of "Missouri Women for Obama," an organization she will chair. The following is from Montee's statement:
America needs a leader who can inspire us to be better in every way. Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation leader who will bring this country together like we haven’t seen in over 40 years. Barack Obama is running a campaign that is about more than Democrat or Republican – listen to him and you’ll hear a message of coming together as a nation to solve our common problems. Look at his record and you’ll see a history of working with people of all kinds, focusing on common purpose instead of perceived difference.
Electing Barack Obama is about more than race or gender or class. I'm endorsing Barack Obama today because he represents America as it can be, America as it should be. After nearly eight years of partisan politics trumping good government, the stakes are too high for any of us to sit on the sidelines.
Missouri Women for Obama is a statewide organization. Members are located in each of Missouri’s nine congressional districts and the organization is actively organizing women throughout the state to promote Obama’s candidacy.
Montee's endorsement announcement included sending letters to Missouri's newspaper editors, copies of which were provided to the press.
His campaign will kick off this Saturday, July 28th at 11:00 at the Tivoli Theater in University City.
Ashby ran for president in 2004 as a Republican, but he is now running as an Independent. He says he wants to rid Washington of “Crack-Smoking Republicans.”
The kickoff event will feature a speech by Ashby and a rundown of “The Top Ten Ways You Can Tell a Republican Has Been Smoking Crack.”
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has appointed Dr. Reynaldo S. Anderson to the Missouri State Council on the Arts.
Anderson, 42, has been active in the military as well as in political and church organizations. He is currently an assistant professor of education at Harris-Stowe University.
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards will address the National Urban League conference being held at the America’s Center this week. The conference goes from Wednesday the 25th through Saturday the 21st, with the candidates scheduled to address attendees Friday morning.
Local Edwards supporters will hold a rally outside of the Center, at the corner of 7th Street and Convention Plaza, on Friday at 8:00 a.m.
UPDATE: Speaking of John Edwards, here's a video of him receiving a "Father of the Year" award in New York last month. You'll notice he's introduced by none other than St. Louis Cardinals great Ozzie Smith.
The New York Times reported yesterday that New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s aides used the State Police to gather information about State Senate Majority Leader – and Spitzer’s top rival – Joseph L. Bruno. The aides were planning on using the information to attack Bruno politically.
Spitzer has suspended his communications director Darren Dopp without pay for his role in the affair.
This account of governor’s aides using state law enforcement for political means might ring a bell for Missourians. Last week, the Kansas City Star reported that Governor Matt Blunt’s aides used the Missouri Highway Patrol to attack State Attorney General Jay Nixon. So far, Blunt has not taken any action regarding the case.
Tonight will mark the directorial debut of St. Louis American editor Chris King. "Blind Cat Black," King's first feature film, premieres tonight as part of The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.
"Blind Cat Black," which features several local well-knowns appearing for the first time on film (some of them in ghoulish zombie make-up), starts at 7:00 p.m. at The Tivoli Theater in the Delmar Loop.
The 2007 fiscal year ended June 30 revealing a $2.98 million general fund budget surplus. Comptroller Darlene Green attributed the surplus to some higher than estimated revenue source receipts and allocated funds left unspent by some city departments.
"We beat last year’s earnings tax receipts by 3.6 percent or $4.7 million," said Green. "This really helped cover some revenue sources that were down from last year, like the amusement tax receipts."
Other notable revenue sources that beat FY 06 returns were intergovernmental receipts that include gasoline and auto sales taxes and prisoner housing reimbursements (up $5.0 million or 21.2%); hotel and restaurant tax (up $588,000 or 5.1%); and sales tax (up $1.4 million or 3.0%). Property tax receipts were also up 8.3 percent, but that was attributed mostly to an increase in delinquent tax payments.
City Budget Director Paul Payne agrees that the 2007 fiscal year surplus is a welcome change over past years.
"The surplus, while modest, is a positive development. It says good things about the city's economic growth, which along with continued vigilance on spending, are the keys for ensuring future budgets can meet the city's needs," said Payne.
The year end results cited above are unaudited and represent preliminary calculations. The official, audited results will be published later this year in the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Opponents of the takeover of St. Louis Public Schools will finally get their day in court. PubDef.net has learned that 9:30 a.m., September 25, is the time and date of the start of the hearing to determine what control city residents will have over their public schools.
State Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) has released a report, months in the making, on school district takeovers all over the country and how they often lead to vouchers, privatization, and little academic improvement.
Local supporters of Presidential candidate John Edwards will be preparing meals for needy St. Louisans tomorrow (Sunday) at 10:00 a.m. at Reinert Hall, 303 S. Grand, on the campus of St. Louis University.
K.C. Star: Blunt's Staff Pressured Highway Patrol to Criticize Nixon
By Gabe Bullard
A report by the The Kansas City Star uncovered that aides to Governor Matt Blunt urged the Missouri Highway Patrol to publicly criticize Attorney General Jay Nixon, a potential Democratic challenger in the 2008 election.
In e-mails obtained by the Star, sent from Blunt's office to the Highway Patrol, reveal that the Governor's office was instrumental in putting together a June 7 Highway Patrol statement that critized Nixon over how he handled the 2005 Taum Sauk reservoir collapse.
"The e-mails show the governor used the Highway Patrol not as a law enforcement agency but as a political arm of his administration," said Jack Cardetti, a spokesman for the Missouri Democratic Party.
Blunt's office says they were not trying to use the Highway Patrol for political gain. Instead, they say they were helping members of the department voice their frustrations with the Attorney General for not filing criminal charges in the Taum Sauk case.
But as The Star points out, the Governor's staff did not send any e-mails urging the Highway Patrol to attack Nixon until after two Patrol spokesmen agreed with Nixon's statement.
The Republican Party was already critical of Nixon's involvement in the case, citing a campaign donation by Ameren as reason for bias. Nixon has since returned the contribution.
The Attorney General's office is now pursuing a civil case against Ameren. The Environmental Protection Agency is also looking into the case.
"In 2004, YouTube didn't exist. Three years later, politicians have learned to fear and revere the video-sharing Web site that has become a vital part of the campaign for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
St. Louis Public Schools CEO Rick Sullivan all but apologized to his two fellow Special Administrative Board members last night for failing to include them in the decision to fire, or RIF (Reduction in Force), 34 district employees earlier this month.
Board member Richard Gaines said he believes that under state law, the Board of Education — and so now the Special Administrative Board — must approve such firings first, which it did not.
The Special Administrative Board (SAB) of St. Louis Public Schools voted unanimously last night to affirm its support of two ongoing legal fights against the State of Missouri for more education dollars.
Board member Richard Gaines said it was Board of Education President Peter Downs who asked him to bring to the SAB's attention the importance of the district's lawsuit against the state for violating the terms of the Desegregation Agreement by failing to fully fund the educational funding formula for many years. According to St. Louis Public Schools, the state owes the district tens of millions of dollars, which has largely contributed to the district's current financial problems. Coincidentally, the district's financial problems was one of the reasons cited by the State Board of Education for taking over the district.
The second case involves more that 200 school districts across Missouri also suing the state for failing to fully fund the education funding formula.
Members of the Special Advisory Board of St. Louis Public Schools were vocal in their disagreement Thursday evening over a move to make the governor's appointee to the Board both chief executive officer of the district and president of the board.
Board member Richard Gaines said he thought it was improper for the person charged with implementing board policies to also lead the board which assesses those implementations.
He said he has requested the State Attorney General's office to give its opinion about what the law says CEO Rick Sullivan's role on the Board is. He asked the other members to table any decision until after that opinion was delivered Friday morning. But board member Melanie Adams refused to table her motion and by a 2-1 vote, the Board changed its bi-laws to make Sullivan its presiding member.
In a second 2-1 vote, the Board approved Adams' motion to make herself Vice-President and Gaines Secretary/Treasurer, which he declined.
UPDATE:Click here to watch the 30-minute version of this video.
UPDATE 2:Post-Dispatch reporter Steve Giegerich often gets his facts mixed up. So as a continuing public service, PubDef will correct his errors in covering future Board meetings before he damages the image of the Special Administrative Board and its members as bad as he did the elected board and some of its members.
In his story today about last night's meeting, Giegerich writes:
"[Richard Gaines] then proposed to dilute [Rick] Sullivan's power by stripping away the CEO title and electing him the president of the board. The motion was defeated 2-1, with board member Melanie Adams siding with Sullivan."
That is not true at all. Gaines made no motion to take any power away from Sullivan, nor did he even propose such a motion.
What Gaines did suggest, but still never made a motion on, was to delay electing officers until after the Attorney General has offered his opinion about what the law says. No motion made by Richard Gaines last night was voted down.
Giegerich's editors should watch the above video from yesterday's meeting and print a retraction in Saturday's edition.
Secondly, Giegerich also missed the point when he writes:
"Specifically, Gaines was upset that Sullivan, along with Superintendent Diana Bourisaw, had authorized the layoffs of 34 district employees last month."
No, what Gaines was upset about, and Rick Sullivan all but apologized for last night (see this video), was that the decision to fire those employees was never brought to and approved by the Special Administrative Board, as is required by law.
Sullivan told Gaines and Melanie Adams at last night's meeting to review his decision "as if it had not already been done," suggesting lawyers have informed him the firings were done improperly and will still have to be approved by the board at a future date.
UPDATE 3: On July 25, 2007, the Post-Dispatch ran the following correction:
"A report in Friday's Metro section on the St. Louis Public Schools Special Administrative Board incorrectly reflected actions by board member Richard Gaines. Gaines asked the board to consult with the attorney general to define the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer Richard Sullivan. Board member Melanie Adams then made a motion for the panel to elect a board president."
The State Supreme Court has restored limits on campaign contributions. But it has left up in the air, at least for now, if those large donations must be returned — something that is next to impossible to fully occur considering how much money candidates have already spent (Pssst, if you haven't already spent it, do it fast!).
The court ruled in favor of Webster Groves Democrat James Trout, who filed his case challenging the lifting of limits after losing his campaign for state rep last year. We sat down with Trout back in January to talk about his lawsuit.
It's important to note that the court's ruling was unanimous and was written by conservative judge Stephen Limbaugh.
One additional thought: You can't give it back if it's already spent (hint-hint). Have you ever seen the movie "Brewster's Millions"?
The daughter of St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa remains behind bars at the Warren County Jail today, charged with stealing a credit card, possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to the Post-Dispatch, Aimie Mokwa was found in her Warrenton hotel room with a "smoking device that tested positive for cocaine," marijuana, different kinds of prescription medications, and her 9-year-old daughter.
Chief Mokwa called his daughter "troubled" and said he has taken custody of his granddaughter.
The party starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Arena Bar and Grill, 5760 W Park Ave. There will be multiple televisions to catch all the debate's one-liners and political side-stepping.
Event organizers say all are invited, not just Richardson supporters. If you're interested, email richardsonmovc@hotmail.com.
At an event yesterday in O'Fallon Park in north St. Louis, Gov. Matt Blunt announced the appointment of Don R. Johnson to the Conservation Commission. Johnson is the first African American to hold the position.
State Senators Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis City) and Michael Gibbons (R-Kirkwood) were also at the event. Video shot by intern Gabe Bullard
Nearly 300 local supporters of Presidential candidate Barack Obama gathered yesterday evening at the Mad Art Gallery in south St. Louis.
The racially-mixed audience listened to regional coordinators with the Obama campaign as well as local organizers discuss plans for upcoming events and strategies for organizing ahead of the February Presidential Preference vote.
Darryl Piggee, chief of staff for Congressman Lacy Clay, and Steve Engelhardt, aide to Clay, who helped publicize the event, were also in attendance, as were numerous business people, students, activists, longtime- and first-time Democratic campaign workers.
"The Board has hired a new attorney," Alderman Steve Conway told reporters in the hall outside the Board of Aldermen chamber. "Denise Watson-Wesley Coleman."
Coleman is the first African American ever to hold the important attorney/clerk position. Her selection, which occurred in a closed session this morning, comes as a compromise after the board was divided among two other candidates, Hope Whitehead, the former head of the state Liquor Control Division, and Annette Kolis Mandel, a former mayor of Creve Coeur.
According to Lawyers.com, Coleman, 61, was born in Chicago and graduated from DePaul University in 1976. She received her law degree from St. Louis University in 1984.
Coleman has experience in the following areas of law: Public Finance; Administrative Law; Health Care; International Law; Criminal Law; Probate; Personal Injury; and General Practice.
Her previous experience includes: Law Clerk, 22nd Judicial Circuit, 1988. Member, Board of Directors, Harry S. Truman Restorative Center, 1989-1995. Member: Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 1989-1998; American Bar Association, 1989-1997; Illinois Bar Association, 1989-1997; National Association of Bond Lawyers, 1989-1995; Junior League of St. Louis, 1989-1995; Mentor, Homeless Mothers and work for St. Louis Public Schools.
It came as no surprise when board member David Jackson made his motion last night for the St. Louis Board of Education to "cease and desist" all of its operations until the pending lawsuit is resolved. He had made his intentions clear in an article published in Post-Dispatch the same day. And so as quickly as he made the motion, Board President Peter Downs ruled it out of order and his colleagues, one by one, from yells to whispers, told him why they felt the Board must continue its fight against the state takeover. But it was board member Donna Jones who spoke first and loudest...
The Special Administrative Board will meet again on Thursday. This will not only be the first time the Board has held a public meeting at the district administration building, but also the first time the public will have an opportunity to address all three members at the same time.
The Board Meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Immediately following the open session, an executive session will be held to discuss legal matters.
Here are the two agendas:
OPEN SESSION AGENDA
1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Student Recognition 5. Public Comments 6. Superintendent’s Report
Back to School
New Programs
Finance
Business Items
7. Board Member Updates 8. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA
1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Motion to go into Closed Session 4. Legal Matters 5. Adjournment
The following is an editorial from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay...
"State Violence Should Be Subject to Oversight By New Commission"
The business of death is a serious one that merits extensive and exhaustive oversight. Although I argue that the death penalty should not be employed in Missouri, Attorney General Jay Nixon deems the practice necessary and appropriate. Due to extensive support for reintroduction of the incorporation of the death penalty and in line with the Federal ruling, the re-introduction of the death penalty is inevitable. Although the Federal bench may have ruled Capital punishment to be a legitimate form of punishment, not cruel or unusual, unjust prosecution and execution is cruel and unusual. Missouri is behind the times in finding new ways to prove guilt on defendants part.
A specific example of this failure exists in the case of Reginald Clemons. Clemons was convicted in 1991 of murdering two girls near the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Although he is on death row, his case has not been re-opened. Although over-whelming evidence and one confession points to guilt in another direction of another party, his case has not been reviewed.
Thinking along the same logical lines, the state of New Jersey seeks to eliminate the death penalty. This desire stems from a number of reasons not the least of which are cost and mounting cases of false conviction. Many New Jersey-ites have come together and joined with the Innocence Project (created by attorneys Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld) which works to abolish the death penalty. New Jersey death penalty opponents cite the case of Byron Halsey. Halsey was found guilty of one of the most vicious murders known to New Jersey residents at the time. With the introduction of DNA testing and other new methods of legal investigation, Halsey was found innocent.
On death row previous to his acquittal, Halsey is a prime example of the possibility of error within the judicial system. The Criminal Justice Reform Commission of New Jersey works to reform and eventually abolish the death penalty through examinations of false accusation cases involving introduction of DNA evidence.
In Missouri, if we are to reinstitute this violent and irreversible action, we are required to incorporate bodies to regulate this violent action. We must follow New Jersey’s example and create a commission to ensure that Clemons is not wrongfully executed. Missouri must establish a board of commissioners to investigate all death-row cases extensively for error or discrimination before any inmate can be executed. In title II, section 201, of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s 2001 death penalty bill, it discusses and supports the creation of a national commission on the death penalty. In co-sponsoring Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bill, the “National Death Penalty moratorium Act of 2001”, I hope to establish a local version of the aforementioned commission.
Much like every man-made system, the judicial system is rife with errors large and small. With introductions of DNA testing, psychological examination, along with many other methods of investigation, legal systems around the U.S. are reevaluating their guilty-convictions in cases that result in a death sentence. According to Innocence Project data, since 2000, there have been 104 exonerations throughout the U.S. based on DNA evidence alone. Without a commission to investigate, these exonerations might not have taken place.
I fear that although improvements regarding unwarranted executions are being made, they may already be too late for some. There is increasing evidence that points to the notion that Larry Griffin, executed in June of 1995, was innocent of the charges for which he was executed. Due to lack of an adequate review of the proceedings of his case, Griffin was executed. The amount of overwhelming evidence present against the guilty verdict of this case is daunting and leaves me disheartened.
The very essence that makes the death penalty dangerous is its permanence. One cannot un-ring a bell. A board of commissioners established to review death row cases in Missouri would ensure exonerations when appropriate and fewer inappropriate and unjust executions. I urge Missourians to support every effort to create this commission and to limit rampantly unwarranted use of the death penalty in our state.
Press release from the Missouri Democratic Party...
Blunt’s 2nd Quarter Finance Plan: Sell State Government for $478,250 in Campaign Contributions
Jefferson City, MO --- Less than a year after getting rid of campaign contribution limits in Missouri, Gov. Blunt’s fundraising strategy is becoming crystal clear: sell off state government piece by piece in exchange for unlimited campaign contributions.
This quarter alone, Gov. Blunt raked in $478,250 in contributions from appointees to state boards and commissions; fee office operators or their families; companies with state government contracts; and even the railroad company to which he gave rights to the Boonville Bridge. A glance at Blunt’s quarterly report reads a little like the old American Express commercials:
Selling Booneville Bridge Rights to Union Pacific: $25,000 (in campaign contributions)
Selling Appointments to Boards and Commissions: $130,500
Selling lucrative fee offices: $80,250
Selling state government contracts: $242,500
Total sale of state government to campaign donors in 2nd quarter alone: $478,250
Selling your integrity: Priceless.
"In his zest to fill his campaign coffers, Matt Blunt has continued to sell state government to special interests and wealthy corporations at the expense of Missouri families," said Jack Cardetti, Missouri Democratic Party spokesman. "Missourians deserve a governor who will restore integrity to state government by focusing on health care and college affordability, instead of auctioning off state government to the highest campaign contributor."
A large group of local grass-root supporters of U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Barack Obama are scheduled to meet Wednesday night in St. Louis.
Not another fundraiser, and not another meet-and-greet for local political big shots, tomorrow's event is supposed to be a chance for the real engines of the Democratic Party; the field workers, the neighborhood activists, the people who do the hard, less glamorous work of campaigns.
The event is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Madd Art Museum, 2727 S. 12th Street.
The Post-Dispatchreports CEO Rick Sullivan has ordered Superintendent Diana Bourisaw not to attend tonight's meeting of the elected school board.
Last week, the elected board sent a laundry list of 20 items for the superintendent to prepare for them, many of them dealing with the district's preparation for the first day of school. Presumably, they will be forced to go without those answers at tonight's meeting.
The elected board will go into closed session at 6:00 this evening to discuss legal matters. It was at their previous closed session that members voted to take control of the district's bank accounts, a move that prompted a judge to issue a restraining order against the board.
The regular public meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Carr Lane VPA Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave. Click here to see the lengthy agenda.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has approved Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits for several not-for-profit organizations:
Gateway Greening, St. Louis, has been approved for $59,044 in NAP tax credits. Gateway Greening will utilize the tax credits to provide tools, training and on-going support for more than 180 community greening and gardening projects.
Missouri EnergyCare, Inc., St. Louis, has been approved for $24,000 in NAP tax credits. Missouri EnergyCare, Inc., will utilize the tax credits to fund its annual Winter Warming and Summer Cooling programs. These programs work among the medically vulnerable, low-income residents of St. Louis and St. Louis County to prevent illness, hospitalization or death caused by summer heat and humidity or winter cold.
Operation Food Search, St. Louis, has been approved for $200,000 in NAP tax credits. Operation Food Search will utilize the tax credits to provide $16 million of emergency food assistance to member agencies for distribution to Missourians in need. The project is expected to serve 265,000 individuals during the next year.
St. Patrick Center, St. Louis, has been approved for $240,453 in NAP tax credits. St. Patrick Center will utilize the tax credits for its Employment Enhancement project. The project will provide skill development services that enable Missourians to become employable, seek higher grades of employment and for completing vocational or educational training.
"More than anyone else, Willie Marshall was responsible for bringing a Black perspective to the Green Party," says Party activist Barbara Chicherio. Willie Marshall passed while asleep early July 14 after a long bout of lung and heart problems. He was Chair of both the Missouri Green Party and St. Louis Green Party Central Committee.
A military veteran and retired postal worker, Marshall was an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq. He appeared on Green Time TV and spoke at Black and Green Wednesday programs insisting that Black people should not be wounded and killed in a war for oil profits. Marshall also participated in national events as a member of the National Committee of the Green Party USA.
"He often told us of his personal experiences as a victim of racism, especially while in the military in 1959 and 1960," remembers Chicherio. "But there was never bitterness in what he said. He always pointed out injustice and what needed to be done. That's why he was so effective at changing the Green Party from almost all white to a group where Blacks are a majority at most meetings. Willie brought an African-American perspective; he brought ideas that people listened to; and, he brought other Black people."
In 2004, Marshall was elected Outreach Coordinator for the Green Party of St. Louis. That year, he won 10% of the vote as Green Party candidate for Public Administrator. The next year he was the Green Party nominee for Mayor and won 21% of the vote against Democrat Francis Slay. That was the highest vote that any Green Party candidate, including Ralph Nader, has ever received in the City of St. Louis. Nader was the well known 2000 Green Party Presidential candidate. Marshall won over 40% of the vote in predominantly Black wards 2, 4, and 21.
"People all over north St. Louis knew Willie," according to Ziah Reddick, Treasurer for the Green Party of St. Louis. If you were passing out literature for him, someone would tell you how much they liked him because of something he had done to help them out. People knew they could trust Willie Marshall."
Since 2005, Marshall worked with Greens on childhood lead poisoning prevention. He went to meetings called by the Greens, Health & Environmental Justice and Lead Safe St. Louis. But he was highly critical of approaches by the City of St. Louis, charging that it was not targeting areas where the most children were lead poisoned. Marshall was one of several St. Louis residents who wrote letters in 2006 asking the City to document where lead poisoning money was spent. During the campaign to gather signatures for an audit of the City, Marshall was frequently a Green Party spokesperson.
Willie Marshall founded the New Generation Solidarity Consumers Union, which he spoke passionately about. Strongly influenced by struggles such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, he felt such a tool should be a permanent part of organizing. During a 2006 interview, he said "A consumers union can leverage economic sanctions to get justice." Working for justice was Willie Marshall's life.
State Representatives Jeanette Mott Oxford (whose birthday is today, according to the Arch City Chronicle) and Jamilah Nasheed recently appeared on a "A Nation Deceived," a podcast dedicated to discussing the impeachment of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
Listen to the entire show right here...
This year, Nasheed sponsored, and Oxford co-sponsored, HCR 46 calling for Congress to impeach Bush and Cheney. The resolution never got a hearing.
In Congress, St. Louis Congressman Lacy Clay is a co-sponsor of House Resolution 333, calling for the impeachment of the Vice President. Last year, Clay was one of 33 Democrats to co-sponsor a resolution seeking to investigate grounds for impeaching President Bush.
State Senator Jeff Smith is preparing for his second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Fairgrounds Park. Our camera was there last year when then-candidate Smith brought his dribbling skills to north St. Louis.
The event will be on July 28, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Smith has set up a website (www.jeffsmith3on3.com) where teams can register online. The deadline is July 23.
According to Smith, the tournament is free for all, and all players will receive free T-shirts and back-to-school supplies. A local DJ will be spinning music, free food and drink will be provided, and for those with a sweet tooth, Ben and Jerry's will be there with 500 scoops of ice cream.
The age divisions are 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, and 17 and up. The winners of each age division will win brand-new bikes from Big Shark Bicycles; runners-up will receive free passes to Six Flags, and 3rd place finishers will receive gift certificates for everything ranging from clothes to CDs to oil changes.
Add another $1.6 million to Matt Blunt's total cash raised. After spending almost $400,000 in the last three months, the governor had about $5.8 million in the bank as of June 30.
$100,000 from the Republican Governor's Assoc. $50,000 from AT&T $50,000 from Muneer Satter, a Goldman Sachs employee in Chicago. $50,000 from Harold Simmons in Dallas, TX $10,000 here... $25,000 there... You get the picture.
Compared to Blunt's 98-page campaign finance report, Jay Nixon's 312 pages seems like a phone book. But size isn't everything and though Nixon clearly had many more individual donors, Blunt's big check writers again proved decisive.
Nixon raised a little more than half what Blunt did in the same period, roughly $950,000, but spent $50,000 more, leaving him with $2.5 million.
The A.G. Race
State Senator Mike Gibbons, candidate for Attorney General, raised $106,000, spent $43,000 and has $158,000 in the bank.
State Senator Chris Koster, another AG candidate, raised $157,000 to add to the half-million he already had in the bank. After expenses, $644,000 cash on hand.
It is a favorite political pastime to watch the financial accomplishments of those thoroughbreds of political fundraising; the Blunts, Slays and McMillans of the political world. But with the end of contribution limits, what was once a horse race is now more like NASCAR.
This post will be updated throughout the day with updated numbers. Stay tuned.
The Race for Governor
We're still waiting for Governor Matt Blunt's and Jay Nixon's July reports to post. But on his April campaign finance report, Blunt proved this was indeed a whole new world by raising $2.9 million with the help of numerous $25,000, $50,000 (one from a happy "homemaker" in Monett), and $100,000 donors.
The 5th Senate
The rumor was true, by raising an eye-popping $111,011.54 last quarter, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard* removed any doubt that he is the frontrunner in the race to succeed State Sen. Maida Coleman.
According to his report, Hubbard transferred $11,886.54 from his state rep. committee and got large donations from Rex Sinquefield ($30,000) and License Collector Mike McMillan ($10,000). Much of the rest of Hubbard's money came from dozens of $25 and $50 contributions from local supporters.
As we reported last week, State Rep. Tom Villa, who is also running, raised just $500. State Rep. Robin Wright Jones', another possible candidate, report has not been posted yet. *Hubbard is a client of A D French & Associates
UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder raised $347,015 last quarter, bringing his total cash on hand (after spending $36,000) to just over $400,000. Notable names on his report: Kwame Building Group ($2,000), Paul McKee and his McEagle Properties ($5,000 plus a $1,856.58 in-kind donation), and Steve Stogel ($2,000).
Since our first World Saxophone Quartet video has been viewed more than 30,000 times on YouTube, we thought we'd go back to the tape from last year's concert at Lovejoy School and cut three more videos. Enjoy.
With the Black Caucus and its allies clearly with the votes to hire the Board attorney of their choice, and the opposition, led by Alderman Steve Conway, forced into desperation, shouting and disorder, Alderman and Caucus member Freeman Bosley, Sr. abruptly calls for adjournment.
The looks of his stunned colleagues could only be described as... "WTF?"
The second and decisive round of this important battle will be Wednesday. Stay tuned.
The elected board may not be happy with receiving what it asked for by forcing the issue.
Sources say Judge Richard Callahan has ruled against the Board of Education and placed the finances of St. Louis Public Schools under the control of the Special Administrative Board. A formal written ruling is expected shortly.
The elected and appointed school boards of St. Louis Public Schools are set to clash today in a Jefferson City courtroom after Board President Peter Downs allegedly attempted to make himself the sole signer of district checks yesterday.
Downs apparently went into U.S. Bank yesterday with a resolution from the St. Louis Board of Education authorizing him to remove the district's chief financial officer as a signer. The bank, apparently aware of the ongoing power struggle, said they would only do so with a court order.
Upon hearing about Downs' action, attorneys for the Special Administrative Board filed for a temporary restraining order. That hearing is scheduled be heard this afternoon by Judge Richard Callahan, the same judge that denied the elected board's request to stop the state takeover.
It is unclear when the elected board approved such a resolution, which should have been done in open session, or who voted in favor.
Developing...
UPDATE @ 4:40 p.m. — The elected board may not be happy with receiving what it asked for by forcing the issue. Judge Callahan has ruled against the Board of Education and placed the finances of St. Louis Public Schools under the control of the Special Administrative Board.
UPDATE 2 @ 4:47 p.m. — Board President Peter Downs tells PubDef.net that he personally did not go to the bank. Rather, the Board's attorney forwarded a letter to U.S. Bank requesting them to make Downs' the sole signer, which the bank refused to do without a court order.
UPDATE 3 @ 5:00 p.m. — The elected board approved this action in closed session before Tuesday's public meeting. The vote was unanimous among the six members present (Flynt Flowler was not).
The conclusion of a report earlier this week by Channel 2's Charles Jaco raises an interesting question: Will the loss of the city school's accreditation lead to another wave of parents moving out of the city?
State Representative and likely State Senate candidate Tom Villa raised just $500 last quarter, well below the amount expected to be shown by his chief rival, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard*.
According to campaign finance reports filed yesterday, Villa received just one contribution last quarter, $500 from the Missouri Rental Dealers Association on June 25. That is the same day the southside Democrat filed papers authorizing his State Rep campaign committee to raise funds for his State Senate bid.
After spending $2,538.19, Villa was left with just $27,280.44.
Meanwhile, Hubbard's report, which is expected to be filed sometime Monday, is rumored to show more than $100,000 raised.
*Rodney Hubbard is a client of A.D. French & Assoc.
As I am sometimes forced to do, I'm pulling out the ol' Bat-signal. Send aid, my techie brothers and sisters!
Yesterday I shot about two hours of great video, which I was planning to post over the next few days. I mean really good stuff here. Combest would've loved it.
But when I came back to edit it... (pause for effect)... disaster.
Dropping audio. Choppy video. WTF?! (See this video as an example.)
See, when I was running low on tape, I switched from SP to LP, allowing me 90 minutes of tape time instead of just 60. The bit I taped at SP (60 mins) is just fine, but the rest — and of course this was the best stuff too — is all messed up.
I use a Canon GL1 and Sony MiniDV tapes. Can I take the tape somewhere and have it imported on a different deck? Is there something I can do in Final Cut Pro?
The Board of Adjustment sided with the City yesterday and ordered Jim Roos' two-story "End Eminent Domain Abuse" mural to be removed.
Roos, a longtime anti-eminent domain activist, argued before the Board that supporters of the use of eminent domain often have hundreds of thousands of dollars at their disposal to persuade city officials and the general public. But opponents, many of them poor or elderly homeowners, may only have signs on their own property as their only means to inform neighbors and warn the public about the dark side of eminent domain.
But one alderman thinks neighbors informing neighbors may not be such a good thing. Roos' attorney supplied PubDef.net with a copy of a letter Ald. Phyllis Young (7th Ward) wrote to the city's zoning administrator.
"If this sign is allowed to remain," wrote Young, "then anyone with property along any thoroughfare can paint signs indicating the opinion or current matter relevant to the owner to influence passersby with no control by any City agency."
The stating of one's opinion without the approval of the government? What's next — an informed electorate, high voter participation, accountability to the general public? Anarchy!
Our town's Gentry Trotter has worn many hats in his day, but this may be the first time he's worked for a Republican Missouri governor. Trotter, known mostly for his pr mavenry, has been named special assistant to Ed Martin, Gov. Matt Blunt's chief of staff, and communications advisor to the Governor's office.
Trotter is expected to provide statewide counsel in the area of media relations and community outreach. He will also advise the administration about utilities, economic development, consumer issues and boards and commissions. Trotter does some similar tasks with Democratic St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay.
Members of the elected school board dropped a stack of homework on Superintendent Diana Bourisaw's desk last night.
The Board added to next week's agenda requests for 20 different reports and information requests from Bourisaw and her staff. But all the other requests really could have been rolled up into the one from former Board President Veronica O'Brien: a letter from Bourisaw saying who she thinks she works for — the elected board that hired her or the newly appointed board that is in charge of the district now?
Requests from the board members present:
From David Jackson: an executive summary on district's procedures for dealing with staff abuse of students.
From Veronica O'Brien: a letter stating who Bourisaw thinks she works for and a request for what exactly "academic leave" is and is the superintendent paid while she is on it.
From Donna Jones: an update on the RFP for the district's food service contract, a report on the supplies the district currently has, and the status of a proposed back-to-school fair.
From Kate Wessling: a report on how the administration plans to handle excessive heat in un-airconditioned classrooms.
From Bill Purdy:
the identities of the 30 employees who were laid off last week, the rationale for doing so, and any plans for new layoffs;
detailed report on the employee early retirement plan;
update on repairs to Metro High;
status on air conditioning projects;
status on text books and supply orders;
status of food service contract;
enrollment projects for next years and the number of empty seats in magnet schools;
report on previously approved property sales;
report on teacher staffing;
review of superintendent's evaluation for previous year;
what (if any) plans for "split" classes next year;
what is the status of the new gifted high school at McKinley;
and reports from the district employees who traveled to Harvard for a seminar on urban education on what they learned
Bourisaw was not at last night's meeting. She, along with several district employees and CEO Rick Sullivan, are attending a seminar at Harvard University on urban education. According to a district spokesperson, she is expected to be back in the office on Monday.
You may have heard that two concert-goers were injured Sunday at Beyonce's concert at the ScottTrade Center. They were reportedly taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital where they were treated for minor burns.
You may have also heard that Beyonce visited the two victims at Barnes later that night.
"Last Thursday, our system failed to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. But the system was broken long before the evening of July 6th," said Jamilah Nasheed.
"If a 12-year-old boy can be spurred to this type of violence, there is something inherently wrong and out of order. Our community needs to come together and fix it."
The "Save Our Children" Prayer Vigil and Rally will take place at the intersection of Vandeventer and St. Louis Avenue, near Purtty's home, on Wednesday, July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click here to read the press release.
State Representative Jamilah Nasheed is encouraging the elected and the appointed school boards to work together for the sake of improving student performance.
In a June 9th letter to the governor-appointed CEO of St. Louis Public Schools, Rick Sullivan, Nasheed wrote:
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
It is no secret that I opposed the state takeover of the St. Louis Public Schools as being against the best interests of district students and taxpayers. Now that the takeover is a reality, at least until pending litigation is resolved, it is vital for the newly appointed Special Administrative Board and the elected St. Louis Board of Education to cooperate, rather than compete, in the governance of the SLPS.
In the month since the takeover took effect, the appointed board has been dismissive of any sort of working relationship with the elected board. For its part, the elected board has resisted the authority of the appointed board. This impasse serves the interests of no one involved, least of all St. Louis students.
I firmly believe that all parties only want what is best for our young people. Therefore, I propose the two boards hold a joint town hall meeting so the boards’ members and the public can work to establish a common ground from which to pursue the difficult work of improving the quality of education provided by the SLPS. With the start of the 2007-2008 school year just two months away, this effort at conciliation should take place sooner rather than later.
I appreciate your consideration of this matter. If I can be of assistance in arranging a town hall meeting and fostering better communication between the two boards, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Aldermanic President Lewis Reed has launched a new website designed to keep city residents informed about important issues being discusses at the Board of Aldermen and highlight some of the great things going on in our city.
www.PresidentReed.com will feature videos and photos of the latest events and happenings around town, and links to websites and legislation of interest.
"As someone with a background in Information Technology, I am very excited to use the latest tools technology has to offer to keep St. Louisans informed of the important work we're doing at the Board and of the exciting changes happening in our great city," said President Reed.
The St. Louis Public Schools Special Administrative Board will hold a Special Board Meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Administration Building, Foundation Room, 801 N. 11th Street. The meeting will begin with a motion to go into closed session to discuss legal and personnel matters.
This comes a week after the district announced 34 layoffs, or "Reduction in Force" notices, which Superintendent Diana Bourisaw said were authorized by the elected board last month. However, Board President Peter Downs denied that. There has been no comment so far from the district's governor-appointed CEO, Rick Sullivan.
Here is the agenda as posted on the SLPS website:
EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA
1. Call To Order 2. Roll Call 3. Motion to go into Closed Session 4. Legal Matters 5. Personnel Matters 6. Adjournment
A new law signed Friday by Governor Matt Blunt encourages abstinence-only education in Missouri's public schools and bars some experts from teaching classes on sex or STDs. House Bill 1055 adds to the existing law, which states all sex education courses must present students with "the latest medically factual information regarding both the possible side effects and health benefits of all forms of contraception, including the success and failure rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases..."
The new law adds: "...or shall present students with information on contraceptives and pregnancy in a manner consistent with the provisions of the federal abstinence education law".
In addition, the new law restricts agents of abortion providers (read: Planned Parenthood) from offering, sponsoring, or furnishing in any manner any course materials or instruction relating to human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases.
Gov. Matt Blunt today appointed Jackson County Drug Court Commissioner Brian Curtis Wimes to Circuit Judge of the 16th Circuit - Division 18 to replace Judge Jon Gray, who retired.
Judge Gray was appointed by then-Gov. John Ashcroft to circuit judge in 1986 and was the first African American to serve the 16th Circuit. Wimes is also African American.
"We must work to ensure that all Missourians are represented in their government and that in all cases qualified Missourians are elevated to service," Blunt said. "Brian Wimes’ experience overseeing the county’s drug court and his dedication to public service and the law of our state will be invaluable as he assumes this new role. Missourians can be proud he has agreed to serve in this capacity."
Mr. Wimes, 41 of Kansas City, has served as Jackson County Drug Court Commissioner for more than five years. He previously worked in the Jackson County prosecutor’s office, where he was named Rookie Prosecutor of the Year and received national honors. He also worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, Litigation Branch. Mr. Wimes earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas and a law degree from Texas Southern University.
Mr. Wimes is an active community participant. In 2002, he was honored as a member of Ingram’s Magazine’s “40 under Forty”. He is a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, on the board of directors for the Hope House Domestic Violence Shelter and has participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Mr. Wimes was one of three candidates for the circuit judge position sent to Blunt by the 16th Judicial Commission, which accepts applications and selects candidates to fill judicial vacancies within this circuit. The governor can only appoint one of the three candidates submitted to him by the commission.
The five-member 16th Judicial Commission is made up of the chief judge for the Western Court of appeals, two attorney’s elected by the Missouri Bar, and two gubernatorial appointees.
Third Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr. has called on Police Chief Joe Mokwa to investigate claims by the family of 13-year-old Alexus Purtty that repeated calls to 911 were not responded to in time to prevent the girl's murder.
Purtty, a star student at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, was stabbed to death Thursday night allegedly by a 12-year-old neighbor.
Family members say they called police several times about the harassing 12-year-old, but by the time police arrived, he was gone.
"If police had gotten here when I called, then maybe this wouldn't have happened," Purtty's mom told reporters.
You can't hate on a brother for trying to make some dough before his twilight years.
The Post-Dispatch confirms 53-year-old former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronnie White is joining the law firm of Holloran and Schwartz — and as a partner, no less. From Jake Wagman's post:
One of the firm’s partners is Jim Holloran, a personal injury attorney who is probably better known for his Soulard tavern, McGurk’s, where White was to be feted Friday — his last day on the bench — to celebrate the new gig.
Holloran and Co. also offered another toast to the former head judge: the firm will now be known as Holloran, White & Schwartz.
Honoring Missouri's First: In 1995, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan named the first African-American to the Supreme Court. Last week marked a milestone for St. Louis native, Justice Ronnie White, who resigned from the state's highest court. Recently friends from the judicial, civic and business communities came to pay tribute to retired Justice White at a farewell bash at McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden. Here (left to right) St. Louis juvenile commissioner Anne Clark, and Alderwoman Marlene Davis watched former Missouri Supreme Court Justice Ronnie White accept a proclamation from Charles Bryson, executive assistant to St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay, who was on vacation. (Photo and caption by Gentry Trotter)
No longer in control of the district's purse strings, three elected school board members are calling on supporters to make financial contributions to help with the cost of the legal challenge to St. Louis' Public Schools unaccreditation.
School Board President Peter Downs, board members Bill Purdy and Donna Jones have established the Save Our Children's Education nonprofit corporation. "Our purpose is to raise money to fund legal efforts to defend our school district," wrote Purdy.
"Toward that end we have retained the Jefferson City law firm of Brydon, Swearengen & England to represent us. The law firm of Lashly Baer is also part of our legal team. We have set a goal of raising $40,000."
In addition to direct donations, the group is sponsoring a fundraiser concert next week.
The Black Notes, a jazz quintet from the Metro High School, and local group The U-Turns will perform at The Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester, on Thursday, July 19, from 7 - 10:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.
Direct donations can be mailed to:
SAVE OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION P.O. BOX 21642, ST. LOUIS, MO. 63109-0642
Longtime "Blairmont" watchdog Michael Allen sat down with PubDef Friday to discuss Governor Matt Blunt's veto just hours earlier of the giant economic development bill that included a $100 million tax credit for one man, developer Paul McKee.
In addition to giving his reaction to the veto, Allen, an Old North resident who said he fully supports the state earmarking millions of dollars in tax credits to rebuild north St. Louis, suggested ways that McKee and state legislators can craft a better piece of legislation next year — one which residents and local elected officials can support.
A source tells PubDef that Gov. Matt Blunt is going to veto HB 327, the contoversial bill containing a $100 million land assemblage tax credit, within the hour.
UPDATE: It's done. Here's the press release...
Blunt Vetoes Giant Bill Packed with Excess Spending
Governor Says Good Wages, Health Care Are Quality Jobs ‘Musts’
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today vetoed tax-credit legislation that came to his desk loaded down with excessive spending, including incentives for businesses that fail to pay average or above-average wages and fail to provide employees with health coverage.
In vetoing House Bill 327, the Governor said he is prepared to summon a special legislative session if legislative leaders are willing to pass a more restrained bill that will achieve the good objectives of this legislation such as expanding the successful Quality Jobs program - while setting aside special projects and excessive spending items.
The vetoed bill would have spent an estimated $200 million in excess of Quality Jobs reauthorization, and there were unknown expenses associated with the legislation that could cost Missourians even more. The legislation drew Blunt’s veto after growing large and expensive with a laundry list of projects that included creation of an “eminent domain train,” tax breaks for “phantom flights” to Europe and a provision that would harm many existing Missouri employers by putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
“There are important initiatives in the bill,” Blunt said. “The Quality Jobs Act we created in 2005 has helped Missourians create more than 94,000 new jobs since 2005. Ultimately, however, it became loaded with excessive spending that simply does not benefit the average Missouri taxpayer. There is no difference between spending taxpayer dollars by appropriations and spending them by tax credits. Each should meet the same test of fiscal responsibility.”
“I am committed to signing a fiscally responsible expansion of Quality Jobs, Enhanced Enterprise Zones and the New Market Tax Credits. The savings from a sounder bill will benefit the state for decades to come,” Blunt added.
Among the sections identified as problems by the governor:
Jobs and Health Care
Of greatest concern to the governor, the vetoed bill allowed Quality Jobs tax incentives to go to businesses that pay employees less than the average county wage and, more significantly, do not offer health care coverage to their employees. Governor Blunt created the Quality Jobs Act to help generate new family-supporting jobs with good pay levels and health coverage, but the vetoed legislation would have provided the same benefits to businesses that pay lower wages and do not offer health care.
“I will insist that job-creating incentives be provided to employers who pay at least average wages and provide health coverage,” Blunt said.
Eminent Domain Trains
Another part of the bill sought to provide eminent domain power at the behest of a Colorado company that is seeking rail tracks and other property to run “historic rail cars” as excursion entertainment.
Blunt had three objections to the provision. First, it provided a public bounty for dinner theater trains, an activity that offers, at most, the very smallest of effects on the economy. Second, it could complicate the governor’s plan to expand the Katy Trail on the Rock Island rail corridor. Third, Blunt said the state must not slide down “the slippery slope” of piecemeal awards of the power to take private property against an owner’s wish. Last year, Blunt signed into law on the nation’s strongest safeguards for private ownership, which was endangered by the U.S. Supreme Court’s pro-taking decision in Kelo versus New London, Conn.
Blunt said, “We must not extend the power of eminent domain at the very time we have been successfully restricting it.”
Phantom Flights to Europe
Blunt said transportation infrastructure improvements would have suffered from a new aviation fuel tax exemption offered for non-existent, future international flights that originate in Missouri and cross an ocean. The Missouri Department of Transportation opposed the provision and said transportation improvement would lose $400,000 in revenue.
Blunt said, “At present, no transoceanic flights originate in Missouri. Of additional concern, as written, it is possible that airlines could claim the exemptions for flights that merely connect with trans-ocean flights in U.S. cities in other states.”
Hurting Established Employers
The governor also expressed concern with a change in state tax laws that could cause established Missouri employers, particularly distribution companies, to operate at a competitive disadvantage. House Bill 327 would give tax breaks to new distribution companies, while denying the benefit to existing businesses.
Summary
“We have established a new economic climate that allows innovative Missourians to more easily create new jobs and quality jobs in high numbers, attracts new businesses, and strengthens established employers,” Blunt said. “The new direction in our economy relies on the enterprising spirit of the people and the Missouri work ethic. New state policies are supporting and empowering this growth by balancing a budget that was $1 billion in the red when I became governor, by establishing clear incentives for high-quality, family-supporting jobs with health care coverage, and by protecting our small business owners and large employers from the long-ignored threats of frivolous lawsuits and other regulatory burdens.”
Since taking office Blunt has made it priority to restore balance to the state’s budget. Overcoming an inherited $1 billion deficit he was able to balance the state’s budget, make important investments in Missouri’s future and secure $200 million for priorities like education and health care in future fiscal years.
The governor signed budgets that include more than $675 million in education aid to benefit Missouri students of all ages including more than half a billion dollars for K-12 education. His Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative generates an additional $335 million to strengthen Missouri’s colleges and universities. Blunt secured these significant increases without a single penny of job killing new taxes.
The governor has helped create a jobs climate that has enabled Missouri employers to create more than 94,000 new jobs since January 2005.
UPDATE 2:A second press release...
What Missourians are Saying About Gov. Blunt’s Veto of House Bill 327
The following Missourians today voiced their support for the governor’s veto of House Bill 327:
“We appreciate the Governor’s careful consideration of House Bill 327 and recognize the difficult decision he had to make on this legislation. We also support his call for a special legislative session to address the Quality Jobs program and Enhanced Enterprise Zones. These are core economic development programs, which must be expanded in order for our state to create jobs and encourage growth.” Jim Anderson President, Springfield Chamber of Commerce
“The governor was right to veto House Bill 327. Time and again legislators are told by special interest lobbyists that if only their particular industry could be granted an exemption from state taxes that will produce economic growth, but they never discuss how these giveaways hurt Missouri taxpayers. This legislation was packed with special interest projects and excessive spending that would have taken Missouri in the wrong direction. I applaud Governor Blunt for protecting Missouri taxpayers by using his veto pen to stop House Bill 327 from becoming law.” Matt Bartle State Senator, District 8
“I was concerned all along that the good in the bill was not enough to out weigh the concerns in other provisions. I know this was not an easy decision but the Governor made the right decision.” Ed Emery State Representative, District 126
“I supported the Governor’s priorities in this bill (Quality Jobs and Enhanced Enterprise Zones), as well as the Land Assemblage provision. It is a shame that these important economic development enhancements had to be lost due to unrelated, costly amendments. I hope the general assembly will be able to enact these three provisions quickly.” Chuck Gross Former State Senator and Budget Chairman
“This legislation would have put Cape Girardeau County into a conflict of over $500,000 for county revenue. We cannot afford this amount of reduction from our budget, if it is withheld. Gerald Jones Presiding Commissioner, Cape Girardeau County
“I agree with Governor Blunt’s decision to veto House Bill 327. There were an awful lot of good things in this bill but when you add up the plusses and the minuses the minuses far outweighed the good.” Charlie Kruse President, Missouri Farm Bureau
“I applaud Gov Blunt for giving the General Assembly a second chance to craft sound public policy that continues to facilitate job growth and economic development while practicing responsible stewardship of the people’s money and ensuring Missouri’s healthy and solid financial foundation.” Brad Lager State Senator, District 12
“I support Governor Blunt’s veto of House Bill 327. In my opinion, the bill’s negative ramifications far outweigh its positive characteristics. The uncertain fiscal impact on the state is a cause of great concern, as is the unilateral exemption of certain products and materials from sales and use taxes at the local level. Quality Jobs is an extremely important economic development tool. I urge the General Assembly to pass a clean, stand-alone bill to allow Quality Jobs to be workable and successful.” Ken McClure Gov. Blunt’s former Chief of Staff and A former head of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Staff
“Brick and mortar retailers across the state who have to compete with foreign competitors appreciate the governor’s veto of House Bill 327, and by this action keeping the playing field level for Missouri businesses.” David Overfelt President, Missouri Retailers Association
“House Bill 327 would have had a dramatic negative impact on funding for highways and bridges in Missouri. By vetoing this bill, Governor Blunt is showing a strong commitment to transportation in our state, which means fewer fatalities on our roadways and greater economic opportunities for our citizens. I know the governor had to make a difficult decision, but it was the right decision. I thank him for his outstanding leadership on this issue and for safeguarding our critical transportation system.” Pete Rahn Director, Missouri Department of Transportation
“Governor Blunt’s veto of House Bill 327 is an example of true leadership. While House Bill 327 contains a great number of good economic development tools including some of my own amendments, the final bill missed a very important step – the conference committee. By vetoing 327, the legislature can come back with the good ideas and discard those we cannot afford.” Delbert Scott State Senator, District 28
“House Bill 327 gets in the way of keeping Missouri on a pro-growth path.” Rex Sinquefield President, Show-Me Institute
Governor Matt Blunt Office of the Governor Room 216, State Capitol Building Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Dear Governor:
As Alderwoman of the 5th Ward of the City of St. Louis, I write this letter requesting your humble consideration to please veto HB 991 "Land Assemblage Tax Credit Act" pertaining to the "Project" as described in the media, targeted primarily for the 5th Ward of the City of St. Louis.
My concern from the beginning is there must be community input on this major economic development. Residents, Business Owners, and other stakeholders of the 5th Ward that I represent deserve nothing less and they all are citizens of the State of Missouri.
Please feel free to call me if there is further understanding of this matter required at (314) 941-0186. Thanking you in advance for your consideration and support.
Respectfully yours,
April Ford-Griffin Alderwoman, 5th Ward City of St. Louis
Very few of the tens of thousands of people who attended this week's V.P. Parade know anything at all about its history.
Local Civil Rights legend Percy Green sat down with PubDef.net yesterday to discuss to history of the Veiled Prophet (V.P.) Parade and tell us the story of how in 1972 he led his group of militant ACTION activists in an operation to unveil the mysterious prophet.
License Collector Michael McMillan and Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly have teamed up to continue to bring government closer to the community.
They are sponsoring three business license and resource fairs throughout the City. Several economic development assistance agencies will be present along with financial institutions to assist companies in maintaining and expanding their business opportunities in the City.
Through these fairs, the business community will learn about the public and private resources designed to encourage their growth. In addition, any business owners in need of a license will have an opportunity to pay any licensing fees.
McMillan and Daly plan to hold these fairs on an annual basis in an attempt to grow and promote business in the City.
The events will include representatives of the St. Louis Development Corporation, the City's Business Assistance Center and Building Division, the Missouri Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Bank of America, Commerce Bank, Gateway National Bank, Pulaski Bank, Regions Bank, Royal Bank and U.S. Bank.
McMillan said, "Our goal is to provide a resource to the community that will be valuable to our City's companies while encouraging these businesses to get up to date with their license fees."
"I think it is our duty to do anything we can to enhance revenue for our emergency service personnel, as well as providing additional resources for our parks, streets and schools," said Daly.
The fairs will be hosted at three different locations and are scheduled for the following dates:
July 11, 2007 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bishop DuBourg High 5850 Eichelberger St. St. Louis, MO 63109
July 17, 2007 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Wohl Center 1515 N. Kingshighway St. Louis, MO 63113
July 27, 2007 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Harris Stowe State University Emerson Center 3026 Laclede Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103
For more information, please call Darius Chapman or Lisa Udofia at 314-622-4528.
CLINTON ON TRUMAN — Former President Bill Clinton... Ahhhh, remember the Clinton Years? Stock market through the roof, no American cities destroyed by terrorism or flood, general peace and prosperity — The Good Ol' Days. Oh how we miss thee... Anyway, back to my thought... Clinton is going to be in Independence, MO today speaking on the legacy of Missouri's only U.S. President, Harry Truman.
If you're contemplating the four-hour drive, don't bother. Tickets are sold out. Hey, it's Bill.
WANTED: MINORITY LEADER — Earlier this week, it broke that State Rep. Jeff Harris (D-Columbia) was stepping down as House Minority Leader. MissouriPolitics.net and Jason Rosenbaum think current Asst. Leader Paul LeVota (D-Jackson County) is the leading figure to replace Harris.
THE "I WISH..." LAW — Governor Matt Blunt has been zig-zagging across the state in recent weeks signing bills into law. As a matter of fact, the Gov will be in Maplewood and St. Charles later today to sign two more. But last week, Blunt signed one of the more popular new laws — at least among the fellas in the barbershops.
Called the "Castle Doctrine" by supporters, the new law allows people to use deadly force on intruders to their homes or carjackers. In addition to shielding people against lawsuits, the bill also removes the requirement that a person flee from an attacker.
In the barbershops, it's being called the "I Wish a Muthafucka Would" law after Cedric the Entertainer'spopular comedy routine (video clip NSFW).
A small group of St. Louis firefighters carrying picket signs followed Fire Chief Sherman George as he walked in the V.P. Fair yesterday.
The signs called on George to promote officers in the department following a federal court ruling which said that the exam used for promotions was fair.
Last week, the firefighters' union took out an ad in the Post-Dispatch calling on the public to pressure George. Mayor Francis Slay also recently joined the call for the fire chief to act.
Our friends over at "The Real Deal" radio show tell us that former St. Louis Public School Board President Veronica O'Brien will be on the show today at 4:15 p.m.
The show airs on WGNU 920AM and you can listen online at www.wgnu.net.
KWMU is reporting that a judge this morning temporarily barred a law that would let lay midwives deliver babies in Missouri.
Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce has issued a temporary restraining order against the midwives law. She scheduled an Aug. 2 hearing to consider a preliminary injunction. The bill is scheduled to take effect on Aug. 28.
The midwives provision was secretly attached by state Sen. John Loudon (R-Chesterfield) to legislation intended to make health insurance more affordable and accessible to some Missourians.
Several doctors groups sued. They claim the midwife language violates the Missouri Constitution by going beyond the bill's health insurance title and by changing the bill's original purpose.
Midwifery is currently punishable by prison time in Missouri.
Here is an interview we did with Sen. Loudon shortly after the controversy broke:
Downs: SAB Shouldn't Change Policies Until Situation is Resolved in Court
By Antonio D. French
The following statement comes from Peter Downs, president of the St. Louis Board of Education:
The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis is strongly opposed to the unlawful and flawed attempt to take control of St. Louis Public Schools away from the voters and their elected board of education. With broad backing from citizens of St. Louis, the Board is challenging this scheme in the courts and is committed to seeing that challenge to a successful conclusion.
The vagueness of the law involved is enormous. The effort to take control from the elected representatives of the people of St. Louis and abruptly give it to an appointed board with no plan for improved student achievement is wrong and misguided. Even if the law is found lawful, the division of responsibilities of the two entities will detract, not enhance, the gains this elected Board has achieved and will make the operation of the SLPS unworkable.
Nevertheless, people in St. Louis are looking for some relief from the confusion spawned by the State's takeover attempt.
What We Fight For
The elected Board is committed to building schools that not only teach how to read and compute, but also teach students how to think critically within various disciplines of knowledge; schools that prepare students to become active, involved, and just participants in our democracy; help students imagine and achieve new options for their places in society; and enable them to lead rich and rewarding personal lives.
This contrasts with the objectives of a prior Board, which led the call for a state takeover. The prior board, which was tied to Mayor Francis Slay and a small group that called itself the Black Leadership Roundtable (BLR), had a constipated vision of education that allowed room for only reading and math and blocked access to many educational opportunities and future choices for St. Louis children. In pursuing their narrow objectives, the prior Board actually drove down the performance of schools in St. Louis.
When it became clear that the people of St. Louis rejected the prior Board's constricted view of education, the prior Board and their supporters began calling for a state takeover, a "transition board," to thwart the will of the voters and prevent the development of democratic and effective public education.
Make no mistake, although the State's current attempt to change policy makers is based upon the performance of SLPS under the prior, narrow-minded Board, the effort to reinstate that same failed group as the new policy makers signals that the State has two goals: to prevent the development of strong, democratic public education in St. Louis, and to beat down democracy in the city.
Children First
As the elected Board of Education of the City of St. Louis, we are committed to fight for the futures of the children of St. Louis and the right to vote. We are committed to seeing through our lawsuit against State actions that serve only to sabotage public education in St. Louis.
At the same time, we recognize that individuals on the appointed board may not agree completely with the State's aims or the narrow vision of a prior Board. We will try to convince them to support measures designed to advance public education in St. Louis. We are very concerned that the programs and initiatives we approved, that are designed to improve student achievement, will suffer while the legal battle over authority continues.
In an effort to provide stability while the legal uncertainty is fully litigated, the Board of Education is open to discuss an interim working arrangement with the TSD under certain principles which would include an agreement that the previous actions taken by the elected Board go forward.
We urge the TSD not to interfere or prohibit any previous decision by the elected Board until a final decision is made by the courts. While both the elected Board and the TSD can and should continue their planning, the elected Board asks the TSD to commit with it to make no future operating decisions without the consent of the other board until the court renders a decision. The superintendent, of course, should do her best to communicate fully with the members of both boards.
In Monday's edition of the Mexico Ledger — out of Mexico, Missouri — reporter Tim Hare looks at House Bill 327. It seems there's a little bit for everybody in the the giant givaway legislation.
From the article:
Referring to its potential to help create quality jobs, Senator Wes Shoemyer urged area residents to encourage Governor Matt Blunt to sign House Bill 327.
Shoemyer made the appeal during a legislative breakfast held Friday morning at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce. He indicated final approval of the bill could have direct benefit for Mexico and its residents.
Among the provisions of HB327 are changes to existing elements of the Quality Jobs program, including raising tax credit caps, utilizing tax credit offsets, and providing for certain tax exemptions."
The article continues:
HB327 has recently come under greater scrutiny following revelations that Paul McKee Jr., a St. Louis-based developer with political ties, could potentially greatly benefit, especially from provisions in the bill that would provide tax credits eliminating interest costs and half of eligible land costs.
Sen. Delbert Scott of Lowry City has decried the bill, stating from the Senate floor in May, "It's an attempt to hide a big pot of money for one guy. The whole thing stinks."
While the governor does have line-item veto authorization on appropriations bills, the line-item veto is not permissible under state guidelines on tax credit legislation.
If necessary, Shoemyer said Blunt "could call a special session with a narrow call on it so he knows he would get clean legislation," and also questioned whether the St. Louis developer in question would be able to meet certain eligibility requirements.
In a statement from Superintendent Diana Bourisaw today, St. Louis Public Schools announced that 34 district employees have received "Reduction in Force" notices.
"The budget approved by the St. Louis Board of Education, which passed last month, authorized a reduction in up to 60 administrative positions," said Bourisaw. "We hoped that all reductions would occur through attrition, especially with the early separation program that the district has offered. However, this did not happen in all cases."
According to Bourisaw, all but 12 of those employees have rights to other district positions. She stressed that the administration "worked diligently to identify positions that could be reduced in a manner that would not affect classroom instruction."
Bonner will apparently no longer be coaching the Vashon basketball team either. According to Bourisaw, any coaching vacancies will be filled by district teachers.
Gearing up for his re-election campaign, Governor Matt Blunt unveiled his new campaign website today. The site, www.mattblunt.com, has been completely redesigned and sports new campaign colors.
The Governor will be in town today to sign the controversial Mo HealthNet bill into law. Check back later for video. (Sorry, no video.)
Democratic State Rep. Rodney Hubbard kicked off his state senate campaign with a strong show of support from elected officials, former elected officials, and even some Republicans.
[WARNING: The following video features music containing language which some may find objectionable. NSFW.]
Among those spotted at Friday's event at the Carr Community Center in north St. Louis:
State Senators Jeff Smith and Chris Koster (R-Harrisonville); State Representatives Jamilah Nasheed, Talibdin El-Amin, and Jim Lembke (R-St. Louis County); former State Reps Yaphett El-Amin, Betty Thompson (D-St. Louis County), and Mark Wright (R-Springfield); President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed; License Collector Mike McMillan; former Mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr.; and Committeemen Jesse Todd (18th Ward) and Curtis Royston (27th Ward).
EXTRA: Watch Rodney Hubbard's full 23-minute speech at PubDef.TV
Koster, who already has $644,000 in the bank, according to his last campaign finance report, is also expected to announce that he will be running for Attorney General on the Democratic ticket.
