Gives a whole new meaning to "We're going to sue your ass!"

But seriously, Bauer is an embarrassment and shouldn't be allowed to use the term or the logo in an obvious attempt to confuse voters. Instead, Bauer should try to explain why he abuses eminent domain and took the 24th Ward out from under the Historic Preservation Act.

Indeed, what a change of events for Bauer to be sued instead of suing opponents ( The SLAP style lawsuits meant to shut up petition gatherers

Bauer has never lost a three-way race, but those were primaries. In this special election, two Dems, even if one's unofficial, will be to the advantage of the only non-Dem, Sharon Barnes. Plus, while Bauer is emphasizing Dem despite being an independent, Barnes is cleverly de-emphasizing her party.

And given all the confusion surrounding the recall, more independent voters may think of self-picked Waterhouse as inept and sue-happy Bauer as a vindictive trickster, making Barnes appear the least partisan and most consituent-friendly of the choices, with an added appeal to fellow women.

Anybody know when/where I can help canvass or phone bank for Waterhouse?

This is a great strategy to squash Bauer and to tell him that any assocaiton with the Democratic party he's had is essentially over.

As long as the Waterhouse campaign gets out the folks who voted for the recall it should be a no brainer. Our ward is heavily Democratic so I think Ms.Barnes has an uphill battle. BUT, this will definetly be an election that will be decided by a few hundred votes.

Independent voters? How many does that really amount to and do you need to court them at all? Waterhouse was picked by the 24th Ward Democratic Organization - we actually voted for Bill to be our candidate so "self picked" seems a tad off. Obviously I'm a little biased as I am fully behind Bill - yes I even have the yard sign and have been getting my neighbors to get behind him.

Bill Waterhouse's candidacy is a perfect example of that city mentality of "I don't care about the qualifications or quality of the candidate as long as he's a Democrat." We city voters have allowed the Democrats to take us for granted for too long. Maybe it's about time we started looking at candidates and issues instead of just party.

While he is at it, he should sue the ward organizations who print "Democratic Ballot" across the top of their sample ballots they hand out during DEMOCRATIC primaries. Confusing voters with Democratic labels is bad when it hurts the establishment powers but just fine when it helps them? People in glass houses.....

The Sample Ballot issue is a little different - after all, you could choose to vote in a primary other than the Democratic Primary on the same day.

Hmmm.... Fred Heitert and Sharon Barnes: the future Republican Party caucus in the St. Louis Board of Aldermen?

I'll believe it when I see it.

By the way, who was the last Republican alderman other than Heitert? I think it was the guy Jim Shrewsbury replaced in the 16th Ward in 1983.

Joe Frank

The yard sign issue mirrors the entire problem in the 24th Ward. They have constantly been given half the story for too long. Putting the correct political party affiliation on the sign is the least the voter should expect. When Sharon Barnes was asked about her lack of party affiliation on her signs, she stated that was trivial infromation! It might be to her, a person who sat back and watched the folks work hard to recall Bauer and then step in and throw her name in the hat. That in itself is a slap in the face of all those who took the risk of Bauer intimidation while working the recall effort. Bill Waterhouse was elected by the ward organization even thoguh the committee persons have the power to appont a candidate. It was a fair election and he has kept his campaign above board and has offered the complete truth to all voters. It's about time they got the whole truth from somebody. He will do the same as alderman. It's about time.

"We city voters have allowed the Democrats to take us for granted for too long."

Only one way to curb that one - get involved.

Not to get all preachy but seems like st.louis voters get all up in arms about the candidates they choose when they seem to have had all the information and access to the candidates beforehand.

I feel good in voting for Bill Waterhouse. I talked with him about my concerns about the ward and st.louis in general and felt confident that he would do a better job than the other candidates.

That's one thing I really like about st.louis politics, accessability to politicians. Since I've moved to st.louis city and gone to Democratic ward mtgs and neighborhood association mtgs, Ive meet all of my elected officials- even hizzoner

As far as I know, the last Republican alderman prior to Heitert was Leonard Burst of the 16th Ward. Perhaps the Oracle is around and can elaborate.

"Only one way to curb that one - get involved."
Josh, I have been involved politically and in the community for over 20 years, and I applaud your pro-active approach, but you and I are in the minority. Many voters look to see if there is a "D" or an "R" after a candidate's name and make their decision strictly on that basis. In the city it doesn't make a difference how honest, intelligent or virtuous you are or what your positions on issues are if you are not a Democrat. That kind of political inbreeding leads to voters rubber-stamping less than stellar candidates just because they belong to the "right party."

I know Tom Bauer and Sharon Barnes, and I have acquainted myself with Bill Waterhouse's background and positions on the issues, but I have come to a conclusion different from yours. I am confident that Sharon Barnes is the best candidate.

Delamer, you are clearly a Republican. And you are right, unfortunately, too many people are only concerned with Rs and Ds. But as long as the Rs are screwing up the state and country in lock-step fashion, I suppose it is good for the Ds.

You are right, more or less. I am more of a disgruntled Republican than anything else. I believe that overwhelming one party control on any level does a disservice to the public. A party with total control gets complacent, puts up substandard candidates and takes the voters for granted.

You may think that R's have screwed up on the state and national level, but I don't see that the D's have done any better in the city. A little political diversity might wake everyone up.

Delamer-

Obviously I'd love for you to be behind Bill Waterhouse but we can agree to disagree on that one.

The parties seem to be putting in the best candidates that they can IMO - I do believe that at times there may be some charateristics lacking in them like say...experience. But if there arent stronger candidates who will get the nod then what do you do? Abstain until you can bring the best candidate possible? Not a chance.

I think it's up to the members of the parties to press the leaders - chairmens etc - to have better candidates representing them. I wouldnt volunteer and work for a candidate in my party if I thought that they didnt represent my views.

j

In most special elections, I'd expect only the partisans and dutiful senior citizens to really show up at the polls. But given how publicized this recall has been, you may find more swing voters in this contest.

I too fall in the D-camp, but I think Sharon is the best candidate by far in this race. When it comes to local politics, national stances matter less, from NYC to the STL. Besides, many of our City's elected D's are rather conservative, including our Mayor.

Knowing its an uphill battle with D-voting habits, Sharon has been out canvassing and talking to voters. And unlike the rather abrasive Carol Wilson, Sharon Barnes relates well to her constituents of simpler means in the 24th.

You're right about Sharon Barnes. She is a fine candidate and a good person. Since becoming the 24th Ward Republican committeewoman, she has worked hard for her constituents and has never made party affiliation the price for her help. She might win; she should win.

Just to make things even more interesting...

Recently, Tom Bauer, the ousted Alderman of St. Louis’s 24th Ward who also was responsible for placing Billboards sporting the Confederate flag in predominantly African American neighborhoods could not attend a meeting on Monday November 28th at the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association, so he sent Frank Weltner to speak as his proxy.

The same Frank Weltner that operates the website Jew Watch: Keeping a close watch on Jewish Communities & Organizations Worldwide

Mr. Weltner is an outspoken member of the National Alliance. He has volunteered as the local Public Relations Representative for the St. Louis Unit of the National Alliance. He has hosted more than 50 Internet radio shows for the National Alliance, entitled "National Vanguard Radio." He has organized numerous protests in the St. Louis Area for the preservation of the White Race which he says lives in "hostile territory surrounded by persons of alien cultures who hate them and want to kill them through massive immigration, integration, and miscegenation."

Check out these websites:

http://www.jewwatch.com/index.htm

http://www.jewwatch.com/jew-history-jewwatch-frank-weltner.html#frankweltner

Party affiliation at the local level is meaningless in my view. It serves not purpose other than to give a few people some power.

As I talked to people during my primary campaign and especially on voting day most said they were voting for the Democrat. They looked confused when I explained that both candidates were Democrats -- like that was a new thing to them.

Where is the real discussion about vision for the city, devepment issues, eminent domain, affordable housing, etc... Remove the partisian politics from the picture and maybe we can actually discuss things that are important to this city.

It comes as no surprise that Bauer is associated with someone like Weltner. This guy is a nutjob and has no business representing people at any level of government. The Democratic Party shoud have veto rights, and kick this jackass right out of the party!

Looking at election law, in a special election the Democratic committeepeople appoint the one and only Democratic candidate. The voters of the 24th ward overwhelmingly agreed that Bauer be ousted. The committeepeople nominated Democrat Bill Waterhouse to be the one and only Democratic candidate. I can see this lawsuit has merit. Bauer should not be allowed to use the term Democrat on his campaign materials.

"Party affiliation at the local level is meaningless in my view. It serves no purpose other than to give a few people some power."

Yes! What ever happened to words like "public service?" Is party so important that we are willing to sacrifice it to people who value power and ego above the needs of their constituents?

One more thing: This lawsuit stems from an ad that ran in the SW City Journal on November 16th where Bauer calls himself "Independent Democrat." If you look at Bauer campaign finance reports for this election, he has only filed a Statement of Limited Activity which means less than $500 has gone through his campaign account. That ad cost a lot more than $500, not to mention yard signs, etc. Why isn't Bauer reporting his campaign contributions? I wonder how much Frank Weltner, white supremacist will show up on those reports.

It troubles me that a person in a city such as St. Louis can gain traction while being associated with someone who hates people. How can you be in office and have friends who hate the people you represent. Won't that hatred rub off on you and influence your decisions?

Can you imagine the havoc that Bauer will inflict on the 24th Ward if he gets back in. This is the ward that recalled him and caused him public embarrassment.

He hasn't changed any of his views. He still shoots the bullets of the developers. He is still suing his old constituents. No doubt he will double his efforts if the voters split the vote and give Sharon Barnes just enough votes to get Bauer the victory.

Sadly, the 24th Ward is not especially diverse. According to 2000 Census data, it's about 88% white.

Although the Dogtown and Clifton Heights areas have changed somewhat in the past 5 years, they've become MORE affluent - and probably more white, too. The less well-off portion of the ward is closer to Manchester Ave. and in the Ellendale neighborhood.

Remember "White Palace"? I wonder what Susan Sarandon's character would make of Dogtown - 15 years later. ;-)

Now, James Spader's character-type might actually live in Dogtown, too!

Hasn't Tom Bauer been around for multiple decades as a Democrat? I understand that he cannot call himself a Democrat during this campaign because the 24th Ward Dems selected another candidate and that the recall may have tarnished his image a bit, but regardless of how much the Democrats want to distance themselves from him, he is just that--a Democrat.

So--we have bickering among the Democrats in the 24th whose best answer to everything there seems to be a lawsuit. This looks like one of the best arguments for political diversity in the city I have ever seen.

If this is your idea of diversity, http://www.jewwatch.com/index.htm,than no thanks!!!

That's my idea of hateful lunacy, not diversity. I consider political diversity to be the election of a candidate who belongs to something other than the Democratic party.

National Alliance? Yoza! If memory serves me correct arent they related to the Aryan Nation?

I know when I lived in So Illinois that there was a huge population of the National Alliance "brothers" (check out the documentary "Stevie" for the real scary verzion) but to know that ole Tom Bauer has one speaking for him? If I was running either Bill Waterhouses or Sharon Barnes I'd absolutely go to town on the fact that he is associated closely with Frank Weltner-that could ruin Bauer as a lawyer as well. I missed the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Mtg due to work but I can only imagine what my neighbors thought of Weltner.

So to recap on Tom Bauer:
- Sues his constiuents
- Misuses a party's affliation on campaign literature
- Has a known white sepratist speaking for him at public mtg's
- Has not disclosed certain monies spent on his campaign
- Has been recalled by voters of his ward

My guess is that after this election we wont here from Bauer again. At least that is my hope- I'd hate to run against him in the next coupla years (ha!)

Just got another piece of Sharon Barnes literature. She never puts her party affiliation on her material. Guess she is embarrased to be a Republicn in Dogtown. Although she could be part of the killer B's ...Bush, Blunt and Barnes. Then there is Tom Bauer who has made up a new party...the Independent Democratic party. Thank goodness the ward has a real Democratic candidate who tells it like it is. Bill Waterhouse is a Democrat and proud of it.

I have been a resident in the 24th Ward for a very long time and have tried to stay on top of all the political upheavals that have happened over the years. I have taken the time and trouble to acquaint myself with the candidates in this race and to be open to ALL of their comments and platforms. I am putting my support behind Sharon Barnes as I know she is the best choice. I have always voted Dem in the past, but not this time. Frankly, I am tired of the dictatorial attitude of the Democrats and their stranglehold on the citizens of this city. Isn't it about time for a change? Isn't it about time for a new approach? Sharon will give us the support and representation we need downtown. Whoever said that city politics were by party?

Why would Sharon Barnes be embarrassed to be a Republican in Dogtown? Is there something wrong with Dogtown? I always thought it was a pretty nice place.

Maybe she left off party affiliation because she thinks there is something more important than party--like issues. Maybe she wants people to think and talk about this campaign instead of mindlessly voting the party line. Now there's a creative idea.

I'm sure sharon left off party affliation because the ward is heavily Democratic. I'd think it would be a no brainer for her not to do that esepcially considering Bauer is trying to split the vote.

I've meet sharon at my neighborhood association mtg and found her to be a very likeable person but I just cant get past the politics. Her literature, or at least the ones I have recieved, were very non descript blanket statements "voice for the public" blah blah blah. It's mindless and gets her name out there and when voters look for her name come election day they'll pass by the "party affliation" - cant fault her for a shrewd move. Smart politicking. I dont get the feeling that "real issues" are truly involved here. Its a stepping stone for the republicans to get in the door in a very strong democratic city. Like I said, it's a shrewd move but I dont believe it will work, or at least I hope it doesnt.

Delamer- come back to the dark side! Just kidding
j

I don't blame Sharon for trying to hide the fact that she's a R-Word. That doesn't fly in Stl City. It is a good political move, but I highly doubt that voters will cross the party line for her. She is basically a political non-entity. Not to mention that Republicans are about the least popular party in recent history.

I wonder who she will take the most votes from, my drunk ass predicts, Tom Bauer.

Rationale: White supremesist, hater-types, a.k.a. republicans will identify with bauer/sharon rather than the Stl dem establishment backing waterhouse.

Sharon Barnes is truly the one and only candidate for this Ward. She is creating conversation on the issues rather than focussing on political affiliation - something that has no bearing on whether or not a person is capable of doing a proper job for the residents she is so committed to representing. Why are the Dems (both of them!!)so afraid of her? Is it that she really does offer this Ward a true chance at honest government and true voice in the decisions that are made regarding their homes, families and neighborhoods? It will be great to finally have someone with true "public service" representing us downtown after Dec 13!!!!

I would like to think that in this special election we would think back to the hard work of all those who struggled to recall Tom Bauer. I would hope we all remember the reasons he was recalled and despise the fact that he is back in the running for his own spot!

The political reality in this election is clear. There are simply not enough republicans or friends of Sharon Barnes to get her elected. No republican has ever pulled more than a small fraction of the vote in the 24th ward. Unfortunately, a vote for Sharon Barnes is a vote for Tom Bauer. These voters will bear the sole responsibility if Tom Bauer reclaims his old seat.

I know of no real animousity among the republicans and the democrats in the 24th ward. In fact I believe there is a good dialog that exists and just basic disagreements on fundamental politics. This can all change of they split the vote and tilt the scales Tom Bauer's way. I hope they are smarter than that.
I would like to think they are.

It frightens me to the core when Stone states "can you imagine the havoc that Tom Bauer will inflict on the 24th ward if he gets back in...He hasn't changed any of his views." You put him there in the first place. Can you honestly say that you never supported or voted for him?

No thanks Southsider, you can keep Tom Bauer. The Republicans don't want him.

Now, let's talk about an issue for once.

The unique plank in Mr. Waterhouse's platform is that all development in the 24th Ward will be made with Union labor. Is that realistically enforceable? Someone had better let Mayor Slay know before he goes on another junket trying to bring more jobs to the city. Before you get all upset by me using the Union word, just know that I am pro-Union and a vested member of the IAMAW local 777 and have worked with Unions my whole career. I just want to live in a viable city. I am tired of reading almost every day about jobs leaving the city.

Stone, I think that the people are confused because no one is talking about the issues. I do think that they are smart enough to know that Sharon Barnes is the best candidate based on those issues. Does anyone care to talk about issues other than the land grab and freedom of speech?

Mr. Corbett (a.k.a. "Stone"), do I understand you correctly that your 24th Ward Democrats could not control your Democrat Tom Bauer so you want to replace him with another Democrat, and because all of you Democrats can't get along you want the Republican to get out of the way?

The last time I looked this city was part of a democracy--not a Democratcy--and Republicans still have a right to run for office. There will be only one Republican on that ballot and two Democrats because no matter what you want to call Bauer, he is one of your own. If anyone is splitting that vote, it is the Democrats.

The choice here has become clear. Voters can choose one of the two bickering Democrats who have lost sight of the needs of the constituents or they can make a real change and select Sharon Barnes who puts public service before petty politics.

Delamer-

Tom Bauer was recalled by a wide majority of the same voters who put him there in the first place. I dont think for an instance that the voters would have ever imagined that their alderman would do such things as sue them and abuse his powers for personal gain.

As far as the issues are concerned sharon barnes stands for some pretty basic principles that anyone needs to have to run for office. I dont see any specifics in her literature , which as a registered democratic voter I find bewildering to get each week, that state what she means and what her goals for my ward is. My feeling is that she hasnt a clue as to what the constiuents of the ward want. How can you be in touch with a ward that is barely reperesented by her party? You can walk door to door til the cows come home but that dont mean s**** unless you can get folks out and get them out in large numbers. Plus all three candidate need to remeber that this will be a close one due to the time of year and the nature of a special election.

So, I should vote for the Democrat, not because you say so. But, because it is a foregone conclusion... Well, at least the Saint Louis Democratic party has a new strategy.

I am glad that the men who took the beach at Normandy were not of that ilk. Tom Bauer's Nazi friend would not be so objectionable.

And now another issue for everyone to ignore!

As I was driving down Manchester today I saw, low and behold, a very large shopping mall. Thank you very much Big K for not pulling out when the other big box stores did. And a special thanks to the little guys who are still hanging in there.

What are Mr. Waterhouse's feelings towards revitalizing the Saint Louis Marketplace? Just ignore it like Tom Bauer did?

I think you should vote on who you think would best represent you and your concerns. My point was that Barnes hadnt really shown any real specific ideas for me to align myself with. So who does that leave you with? Yes you should vote for the Democrat- or we'll come sue you!!

Issues will be the main concern for all three candidates over the next two weeks for sure and since it seems that there are folks from each camp commenting on this discussion lets see what we can get information wise on the table. I think we've beat the strategies to death by now.

Personally I'd like to know what each candidate would like to see in the St.louis Marketplace. I was there this weekend and it was a ghost town at 1:30pm on saturday. I think to draw in your new companies you have to make it very inviting for them financially. I'm not entirely sure how the tax credits work to intice companies and who ultimately brokers that but that would seem like a likely start.

And from a personal standpoint, I'd love to see a coffeeshop in Clifton Heights. That would be great.