January 2006
January 31, 2006
Alice Nicolas, new Ward 15 committeewoman
Not sure if it's official yet, but it's happening.
Nixon starts on-line petition
To start a Missouri No-Call List for cell phones.
I'd sign a petition to stop spam. Anyone?
Kathryn Nelson
Kathryn Nelson died this past Thursday, January 26. A memorial service will be held for her on Saturday, February 4 at 4:00 PM at Christ Church Cathedral at 13th and Locust Streets in downtown St. Louis.
We expect to have more about Kathryn in our next print edition - February 7.
January 30, 2006
Sen. Bond on C-SPAN re: Judge Alito
Bond says he, "will proudly vote for" Alito's placement on the Supreme Court. Bond decried the use of Alito's confirmation as a "political football," and encouraged his fellow Senators to put aside partisanship and to vote for Alito. (C-SPAN stream)
Currently, the Senate is debating whether to vote for "cloture," or the end of debate. Sen. Kerry said he would endorse a filibuster in order to delay a vote on Alito. If the Senate votes for cloture today at 4:30 (eastern), which requires 60 "yes" votes, the Senate will officially vote for or against Alito tomorrow.
There are a number of groups trying to pin down which Dems are for or against a filibuster. They have only an hour to go.
There are no hard numbers, but C-SPAN's research shows 57 votes are expected for Alito, and only 37 against.
Update: Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) is on now, saying Alito opponents are represented by the ACLU, a widly liberal organization that "defends pedophiles" and terrorists rather than police and "children who want to pray in shcool".
Sen. Reid was on earlier saying that Alito would support the policies of the President over the concerns about Constitutional protections.
Update 2: The cloture motion passed 72-25. The Senate will vote on Alito's nomination tomorrow morning at 11 a.m (ET).
8th Ward Dem Website
Novak's column
Maybe the Best Party of the Year
Bad News for Lexus LS 460L Drivers
Investigation touches Rep. Blunt?
The Houston Chronicle reported last week that Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle's office issued subpoenas to collect records of any communication between Brent Wilkes (a California businessman with connections to Former House Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) and former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) who is under indictment for bribery involving Wilkes), DeLay, Cunningham and Rep. Roy Blunt regarding the dealings of another California businessman, William B. Adams.
The interest in Blunt as an offshoot of the ever-expanding investigations into DeLay and Cunningham seems to have to do with his role as Majority Whip where one of the requirements is to keep the House members in line. Blunt was a close ally of DeLay and played a pivotal role in the infamous K-Street Project (This isn't a watchdog website but a clearinghouse for information).
Earl is seeking information regarding any federal legislation that may have benefited Adams.
These investigations must be upping the sales of Tums around the Republican leadership offices.
January 28, 2006
New Cbabi Show
Portfolio Gallery presents, St. Louis, Missouri's number one artist, C'babi Bayoc, in a one person show titled "Our Family Portrait." Drawings and paintings depicting family life.
Exhibit dates: February 10, 2006, through March 31, 2006.
Opening reception February 10, 2006, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
At Portfolio Gallery & Educational Center 3514 Delmar Blvd. East of Grand
blvd. St. Louis, MO.
Exhibit is free and open to public.
January 27, 2006
Happy B-Day Mozart
If you haven't maxed out on Mozart yet, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is performing a tribute to him this Saturday. The tribute features one of his most popular works, the "Jupiter" Symphony.
They will also be performing his great unfinished symphony, Requiem, on Feb 3-5 (I know, it was completed, but not by Mozart. Following his death, his assistant Sussmayr finished the composition following Mozart's instructions).
"The Cars That Go Boom"
Though Tigre and Bunny of the 90's hip-hop group Le Tigre sing their praise, some aldermen in St. Louis have no love for the roving subwoofers-on-wheels.
The trunk-rattling sounds of souped-up stereo systems may be thing of the past if the Board of Aldermen have anything to say about it.
The Board passed BB 81 today that not only prohibits the use of eardrum-blowing car systems, but also their installation. If an officer stops a vehicle equipped with speakers over 12" or supercharged amplifiers, the owner may have his car impounded for four days and be slapped with a hefty fine; no less than $250.
Installers of such equipment may also be subject to fines if they are located in the city.
The bill sparked a vigorous debate with Aldermen Bosley Sr. (3rd), Carter (27th), and Schmid (20th) in favor of the bill, and Aldermen Troupe (1st), Gregali (14th) and Conway (8th) opposed.
The opposing aldermen agreed that cracking down on excessive noise is a positive step. However, going so far as to impound someone's vehicle merely for the existence of high-power equipment was too far. Conway called it a, "job of poor legislation."
Ald. Troupe equated the measure with prohibiting the possession of cars that can exceed the speed limit.
Ald. Conway joked that they may have found a new way to fund the budget, seize all the cars at the Rams' tailgate party.
Ald. Bosley argued that retirees, children, those "trying to convalesce" and regular people should not be subject to "scurrilous" music that can be heard a block away. "They are not listening to Mozart," said Bosely. He dismissed concerns about impounding vehicles saying the violators did not deserve their vehicles because of their disrespectful treatment of the community. "We hope [they] don't have the money to get the car back," said Bosley.
Ald. Florida (15th) asked to be added as a co-sponsor and said the bill, "seems excessive but is necessary. It's time to try a different tool."
The discussion appeared to generate some friction between Alderman Schmid and Aldermen Grigali and Troupe. The two aldermen seemed to think Schmid was unwilling to take their concerns seriously. Schmid said there had been plenty of time for concerns to be raised in committee.
Gregali worried that those who were pulled over for reasons unrelated to violations of existing noise ordinances may be subject to having their vehicles seized. Seeming to miss his point, Schmid contended that if they aren't making noise, they don't have to worry. Yet the bill states that the existence of the equipment, not just its operation, is cause enough to impound the vehicle, regardless of the reason for the stop.
The opposing alderman would have gone along with the bill provided the section on seizure was removed but the board voted down the amendment.
The board passed the bill 22-4.
Update: In a funny coincidence, Bosley was quoted in the Post Friday saying he found hip-hop an interesting genre that bridged the gap between the races. Said Bosley, "...this music is a great neutralizer". He did complain that the music was often violent.
In other news, one of the features at the Contemporary Art museum's Audiophile Series is Moses, a Chevy SUV covered in speakers.
State of the Union Watching Party
Time: Tuesday, January 31 at 7:45 PM
Host: Martin Casas
Location: The Royale (Saint Louis, MO)
3132 S Kingshighway Blvd
(314) 772-3600
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Private Interest vs. Public Good
An interesting aspect regarding Governor Blunt's plan to sell MOHELA, the successful Missouri student loan organization, is the firing of the director of MOHELA, Michael Cummins, for, presumably, his opposition to the plan.
The AP wire has a separate story on the subject. It notes that Cummins hasn't commenting on his firing, but quotes Sen. Joan Bray saying he passed along his misgivings to her the day before he was fired.
Few details are available yet, but the central question can still be debated in the abstract: Will the shift from an agency accountable to the voters who created it to a private entity significantly change things?
Is it wise to unload a program as successful as MOHELA, which controls $5 billion in assets, simply to cover capital-improvement costs? Perhaps we should put some of MOHELA's expertise to work in securing bonds to finance capital improvement bonds.
One thing is clear, opposing the Governor's initiatives is not a path to job security. Cummins, a 14-year vet of MOHELA, will follow former Public Council John Coffman on the employment search. Coffman, a member of the PC's office for 15 years, his last four as its head, was fired in May after he opposed legislation easing restrictions on utilities that he claimed would have hurt consumers. His critics called him a partisan, but now consumers are facing the odd prospect of paying higher rates on gas after installing energy-saving technology designed to save them money such as energy efficient furnaces.
January 26, 2006
CAPF Appeals for Funds for Appeal
Friends,
Last week the Appellate Court ruled against the Coalition Against Public Funding for Stadiums by a vote of 3-0. This is news that disappoints and angers, but we always assumed that the Missouri Supreme Court is our greatest hope for obtaining justice.
We must have financial help immediately to press forward with an appeal to the Supreme Court. We appreciate that our donors have given repeatedly and very generously, but this case is so important. So far we have raised $2,000 of the $10,000 that we need for hard costs anticipated in carrying out the appeal to the Supreme Court! Please read the details about the ruling below, and then immediately mail the largest check made out to “CAPFS” that you can to P. O. Box 2142, St. Louis, MO 63158.
The appellate court’s ruling says two mutually contradictory things. On one hand, it says the whole financing agreement happened in December, 2003. If this is true, the deal violates the debt-limitation provisions of the Missouri Constitution, which limits long-term debt to less than 20 years without a vote of the people. But later in the decision the court rules that the County really had only a moral obligation to request appropriations, so did not incur any “unconditional indebtedness.” If that is the case, then the argument that the financial assistance occurred in 2003 obviously cannot be true. Why did the prospectus on the bonds warn of the petition drive and possible future votes and/or litigation if this was not understood by the bondholder and the County?
Courts have no right to invalidate a legally carried out citizens’ petition initiative process that was validated by the County as having enough signatures and then passed by a 72% Yes vote in November ’04.
The court failed to rule on our contention that the lawsuit was a SLAPP suit against Fred Lindecke and me. (SLAPP stands for Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, and it’s the term for illegal lawsuits meant to silence critics of injustices carried out by politicians &/or wealthy and powerful corporate interests.)
We can’t let the issue die here with the appellate court loss. The people have spoken through Prop A. We must stand together and demand justice from the Supreme Court. If you can't send a check immediately, then at least please call me at 314-8882 with a pledge and the date that you'll be able to send a check.
Jeanette Mott Oxford
State Rep. Chappelle-Nadal Supporting Welsch for U-City Mayor
MO Dems propose increasing minimum wage
Memorial Service January 28 For Former MO Congressman's Wife
A memorial service will be held January 28 for Nancy Chanitz Buechner, 59, who died of lung cancer Saturday, January 7 in McLean, VA. She was the wife of Jack Buechner, former Congressman from Missouri's Second District and long-time St. Louis resident.
The St. Louis memorial service will be held at Chaminade College Preparatory School's Chapel, 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd. at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow.
Mrs. Buechner was raised in St. Louis, attended DeAndreis High School and The University of Missouri-St. Louis and worked for 20 years at The Crane Agency before moving to Washington, D C. in 1991.
Jack Buechner served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1986-91 and the Missouri House of Representatives from 1972-1982.
January 25, 2006
Tax Credit Defense Effort Rises Again
2006 Kickoff event to Protect: Historic Tax Credits and Rebuilding Communities Tax Credits
Thursday, January 26,
5:30pm - 7:30pm
The Tap Room
2100 Locust
Celebrate our great success and help make sure it continues.
The tax credit has its first threat of the 2006 session. Sen. Chuch Gross has refiled his bill to cap most of the state's tax credits at 3% of general revenue. This would cap the historic credit and destroy the program. The bill is SB 927.
McKenna Amasses 56k
22nd looks to be heading back to Dems.
McKenna raised 58k - most of any non-incumbent state senate candidate - last quarter. 56k on-hand.
Alter, meanwhile, shows $7,500 raised; $5,800 on-hand; and another 153k in debt.
Streetfighter Reviews Gambaro Performance
At last night's TG Heights meeting.
January 24, 2006
Green Continues to Back Civilian Review Board
ST. LOUIS, January 24, 2006—The following is a first person statement from St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green. Comptroller Green has supported Alderman Kennedy’s civilian review board plan since its inception and wishes to reaffirm that support at this critical juncture in the legislative process.
“Police officers are a vital part of our community. They risk their lives every day to uphold the law and protect our neighborhoods. But situations inevitably arise where citizens disagree with the amount of force used by police. It’s times like these when a fair and objective review board is necessary to uncover the truth. Holding police officers accountable for misconduct is an important part of building trust within the community and moving St. Louis forward.
“Alderman Terry Kennedy’s legislation creating a civilian review board will not only benefit the city, but the entire region. I commend Kennedy’s character and resolve in standing firm on electing the board majority. I urge the board of aldermen, mayor and police chief to embrace board bill 69 and endorse Alderman Kennedy’s legislation. Creating a civilian review board in St. Louis with an elected majority, investigative powers and proper funding is long overdue.”
Baybeck Granted Tenure
at UMSL's Political Science Department.
Bauer's 24th Ward Committee
Case forwarded to the Attorney General.
January 23, 2006
Roberts to spin at the Contemporary
From the Glory press machine:
Hey. I would like to inform you of an upcoming thing that I am participating in. On Thursday, February 2 - yes, Groundhog Day -- from 6-9 p.m., I, Randall Roberts, a.k.a. DJ Li'l Edit, will be disc-jockeying at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. I will be playing dance music, and I am excited about it because I have been practicing a lot lately and I just ordered some new records.
What's Wayne Running For?
Undecided according to his filing.
A Tale of Two Photos
January 22, 2006
No more "chad" jokes
The Washington Post ran a story today again raising questions about the security of Diebold Election System's touchscreen voting machines, a few of which the city has purchased.
While both Election Board chairman Ed Martin (also an ACC contributor), and Diebold are correct in insisting that elections are only as secure as those who run them, yet moving towards a system that does not provide a paper trail makes it that much harder to examine potential fraud and correct it when it occurs.
The fraudulent recall petitions in the 22nd Ward show that people are more than willing to brazenly sign-off, under oath, on blatantly illegal documents (did they really believe the BOE wasn't going to check out the signatures?).
Touchscreen voting machines may very well help eliminate some of the "hanging-chad"-style problems; where election judges must determine a voter's intent.
An effective system might consist of a touchscreen machine that provides the voter with the ballot options and then spits out a printed ballot with the choices the voter selected; which they then drop into the ballot box. It could be tailored to meet the needs of blind or disabled voters, eliminates problems with punch-card systems, provides assurance to the voter that their vote is accurate, and it still keeps people in the system.
There is nothing wrong with a room full of people counting the paper ballots. It's not antiquated, it's not inefficient. It's one part of the election process that should be celebrated.
Nothing should replace the paper trail in elections. Speed and cost should not drive our election system. Accuracy and participation should.
For those who think electronic vote tabulation is the wave of the future, perhaps we should poll the folks who recently had their accounts hacked at ScottTrade to measure their faith in electronic systems. That's a company that invests millions into its security system alone.
Any system is vulnerable to fraud, St. Louis' history is rife with it. But a staff of well-trained election officials and a room full of physical records can ensure that the process is accurate, fair and ours.
Update: In response to Mr. Martin's comments, I wasn't addressing the St. Louis BOE's decisions, their choice of touchscreen machines do include a paper trail. In the event of a recount, the touchscreen machines provide a record.
My point was to address the larger argument of an electronic ballot system versus a paper ballot system. In my opinion a system that calculates votes electronically rather than counting physical ballots raises more questions than it answers.
January 21, 2006
McMillan Adds Endorsements
The list keeps growing -
Sheriff Murphy
Alderman Florida
Alderman Hanrahan
Alderman Ortmann
Alderman Schmid
Alderman Vollmer
and over twenty committeepeople.
January 20, 2006
Twofer...
Over at the Political Fix blog, Jake Wagman pointed out that Alderman Fred Wessels was both the acting Mayor and the acting Board President today.
Alderman Joe Roddy joked with Wessels, suggesting Wessels might want to call an emergency meeting of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Roddy noted, "You have the votes." Wessels declined.
Whether Wessels could have pulled of the move is another question. I suppose we should be glad he doesn't have a secret plan he has been waiting for a time like this to unleash .
If you had the authority to potentially push through any plan you wanted, what would it be? Close the BOA? Reopen the Kiel to save downtown? Eliminate eminent domain? Enact stringent preservation laws? Rename the city after Chuck Norris?
Odenwald Quarter
January 19, 2006
Blunt approval ratings still in cellar
New numbers from Survey USA, approval down 1 point to 35%, disapproval up 2 to 61%.
El-Amin Quarters
Talibdin shows limited activity.
January 18, 2006
And when the time comes
look for Marlene Davis to fill Mike's shoes as 19th ward alderman.
McMillan Machine will Crush Coleman
Last Friday, Alderman Mike McMillan called State Senator Maida Coleman. To ask for her endorsement. With someone waiting in line to file down at the Board of Elections, McMillan was busy nailing down commitments for his License Collector run.
He recalled that recently she had encouraged him to seek higher office. Could he count on her support? Coleman fumbled for words saying that there were things going on now...
McMillan didn't get Coleman's endorsement, but he has garnered an amazing level of support from across the city, especially impressive when considering that filing doesn't even open until the end of February.
McMillan has the endorsement of:
Mayor Slay
Comptroller Green
Congressman Clay Sr.
Congressman Clay Jr.
Current License Collector Daly
Former Mayor Schoemehl
2nd Ward Alderman Flowers
3rd Ward Alderman Bosley
4th Ward Alderman Shelton
6th Ward Alderman Reed
13th Ward Alderman Wessels
14th Ward Alderman Gregali
18th Ward Alderman Kennedy
22nd Ward Alderman Boyd
26th Ward Alderman Willamson
27th Ward Alderman Carter
23rd Ward Committeeman Slay
State Representative Rodney Hubbard
St. Louis American Publisher Suggs
St. Louis Argus Publisher Hasan
St. Louis Sentinel Publisher Williams
Rev. B.T. Rice
Rev. Sammy Jones
Former Alderman Martie Aboussie
Harold Crumpton
Kim Tucci
With more coming everyday.
Not only does McMillan have lots of endorsements locked up, he's also locked up the top-shelf political talent.
Vigilant Communications, Joyce Aboussie's Telephone Contacts, and Tim Persons have all signed on to the campaign.
And he has the money to run an aggressive campaign. His latest filings show $100k in the bank. But those were $300 contributors who can now give up to $1,200 in this race. In other words, he has the capacity to to raise another $200k relatively quickly.
What does all this mean for Coleman? She should look for another job.
Senate 4th
Amber Boykins - raised 12k; 44k on;hand, includes 15k loan.
Derio Gambaro - 40k raised, 40k on-hand, includes 4k loan and debt.
Robin's Quarter
January 17, 2006
5th and 83rd
5th district
Barbara Fraser - 35k raised, 145k on hand
Odenwald's not up yet.
And in the 83rd
Jake Zimmerman - 6k raised; 142k on hand.
Theresa Kendrick - $480 raised; 5k on hand.
Haas withdraws from School Board Election
According to the text of remarks Bill Haas will make at tonight's School Board meeting, he withdrew from the School Board election this afternoon.
The text which Haas sent to media this afternoon reads:
"You should know that this afternoon I formally withdrew from the election. I think I had a good chance to win, and it saddened me to do that, but ambitious people like myself have an obligation to be humble in their ambitions, and the conventional wisdom would hold that we have a better chance to elect two people with three candidates than four so it seemed right to do the unselfish thing and take one for the team."
Shrewsbury unveils new website
Oracle on El-Amin, Troupe Truce
Jackson quarter
Jack Jackson raised 26k; 137k on hand.
Advantage Loudon.
Other filings
Jeanette Oxford - $1,900 raised; $1,800 spent.
Fred Kratky - raised 13k; 46k on hand.
Rick Johnson Announces
formally for Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney:
"I am proud to announce my candidacy for Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney, and I look forward to traveling the County over the next year to listen to the voters' thoughts and concerns."
Setting up, at least in theory, a 08 run for Attorney General.
January 16, 2006
China Post picks up Ortmann Urination Bill
Ingrid Owens - 74th
Owens filed a campaign finance report. No much there. But no one else filed to replace termed Thomas George so far.
Gibbons for AG
Montee Quarter
$65k raised; 554k (including her 500k loan) on hand.
Palm - 57th
Limited activity. He just announced Jan 1.
Then there were three
Political Eye had reported back in September that former Transit Union President Bob Bartlett would run for 60th District State Rep. He has started a committee, joining Nasheed and Simms.
December Quarter
We'll be updating the blog a lot throughout the week as filings come in.
Loudon for Auditor.
$123 raised, including 25k loan. 255k cash on hand.
McMillan Statement
Ald. Mike McMillan Announces Candidacy for License Collector
On Monday, January 16, on the National observation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Ald. Mike McMillan announced his candidacy to run in the Democratic Primary for License Collector of the City of St. Louis in the August 8th election. "I want to continue the progress made in the License Collector's Office by advancing the technology, service delivery and streamlining the process for businesses," said McMillan. "St. Louis is a great city that can be even greater with focused and dedicated office holders".
Mike McMillan is an over twelve year public servant of the City of St. Louis. He has been elected to the Board of Aldermen three times overwhelmingly and has initiated and supported over one billion dollars worth of development in his ward.
January 15, 2006
Police Pensions
I missed the Post story about this yesterday, but I happened to speak with a member of the STLPD last night who expressed some serious concerns about potential changes to the pension plan.
In his view, the raises are a good deal, sliding scales and all. When he first became an officer, the housing market didn't provide many options at their pay scale. The pay increases are helping cover some of that ground. Even still, many officers work secondary to get by.
Pensions have been a major issue for all industries in these days of lean budgets. Perhaps a cut in long-term expenses to fund raises now would be a the best way to make due with fewer dollars. On the other hand, pensions are part of the contract. The employee takes on a career with certain benefits as part of the agreement.
His friend, who is making his way through the academy, thought 401K was the solution. But should an employee have to take on the extra risk? If pension/retirement packages are part of the initial agreement, why should the employee have to shoulder a risk beyond steady employment?
Warm Beer, cold donations
While some of the January Quarterlies are available at the Missouri Ethics Commission, most won't likely be available until Tuesday, sending me to go through some of last years filings.
One entry I doubt we'll see repeated; in September the MO Beer Wholesalers Association PAC gave $200 to State Senator Bill Alter.
Alter's bill to ban the sale of beer colder than 60 degrees likely won't go down smooth and easy with them.
January 14, 2006
Coleman Quarter
$31,600 monetary contribs
$3,355 in-kind
$750 expenses (software)
$30,850 on hand
January 13, 2006
Coleman making calls
The drama continues to unfold. ACC has a good source that Maida Coleman is making calls about the License Collector race.
MoKaBe's supports CAN
This Sunday's brunch will raise funds to continue billboard.
Leggett Retiring.
Just received word from tipster, confirming Howard's comment below.
Still looking for participants
Got suggestions and ideas about how to make the Arch City Chronicle a better paper?
We're holding focus groups on January 21st.
There will be a 10am group and 2pm group.
Interested? Email me, dave@archcitychronicle.com
Hessel wins ROY
Fred Hessel was named Edw. L. Bakewell, Inc.’s rookie of the year for 2005. Since joining the company Fred has racked up over $2 million in real estate sales.
Daly statement
January 12, 2006
Gregory F.X. Daly announces candidacy for Collector of Revenue
Today, two-term License Collector Gregory F.X. Daly announced his
intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Collector of Revenue for
the City of St. Louis in the election to be held in August 2006.
“I want to see our city thrive and grow,” said Daly. “I believe I have
the knowledge, experience and passion that we want in our city
officials. My goal, quite simply, is to make St. Louis the very best
place it can be.”
Daly is a life-long city resident, former small business owner and has
more than twenty years of governmental experience. During his two terms
as License Collector, Daly increased collections and streamlined the
process for businesses to be properly licensed in St. Louis.
January 12, 2006
Smith Quarter
Jeff Smith's report will show $35-40,000 raised; over $100,000 on hand.
Standing in Line
Tipster says that... down at the Board of Elections:
Greg Daly has someone waiting in line for him - to file for Collector of Revenue.
And, Mike McMillan has someone waiting in line for him - to file for License Collector.
And Mariano Favazza has someone waiting in line to file for re-election.
UPDATE: Greg's mother is his place-holder. And he is running for Collector of Revenue.
U City Mayoral Race
Shelly Welsch takes on incumbent mayor Joe Adams.
Election is April 4.
January 11, 2006
Noecker and Keller join SMOS Housing Corp.
Stephanie Noecker and Dan Keller have joined the Board of Shaw neighborhood's St. Margaret of Scotland housing Corporation.
Coleman's Quarter
Word on the street has the Coleman quarter looking weak - certainly in some part because of her late start. Still if the whisper number - around $30,000 - is true, her bid is in trouble.
January 10, 2006
Harris-Stowe State University
Changing of names, website will change over a couple of months.
January 09, 2006
ACC Focus Groups
Got suggestions and ideas about how to make the Arch City Chronicle a better paper?
We're holding focus groups on January 21st.
There will be a 10am group and 2pm group.
Interested? Email me, dave@archcitychronicle.com
Suppression Doc
Nasheed's numbers
Jamilah Nasheed is going to report $10,300 cash on hand for her state representative attempt with the latest statement.
January 06, 2006
Polling Again
Tipster emailed in that she was called last night by a polling firm asking about the school board race this spring.
Andrews to Green Building Council
After 6 years of service at SLACO, Emily Andrews has accepted the position
of coordinator for the St. Louis chapter of the Green Building Council.
Liberty in the Balance
Liberty in the Balance: Rights and Repression in Wartime St. Louis
An Exhibit by Webster University Faculty & Students
Sunday, January 8, 3:15 PM
The Old Courthouse
Market St. and Broadway, Downtown St. Louis
The exhibit explores the issue of civil liberties during three American conflicts: the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. It has a particular emphasis on events in and around St. Louis and the roles (good, bad, and ugly) of St. Louisians.
The opening will consist of a short walk-through with students and faculty. We'll then head to Max & Erma's (across the street) for drinks and, if you like, dinner.
On-Street Parking on Market St. is plentiful
Contact wrosenbl@webster.edu for more details
Costello to LRA
Laura Costello, formerly of Des Sales Housing Corp., has been tapped to replace Gee Stewart as the director of LRA.
Storch hosts Meeting on 64/40 Closing
Representative Rachel Storch will host a Public Forum on the 64/40 closing.
Next Thursday, January 12.
7-9pm
Washington University School of Law Courtroom
Moderated by Charlie Breenan, KMOX
Speakers will include:
Lesley Solinger Hoffart, 64/40 project manager
Ron Morris, 64/40 deputy project manager
Chris Proehler, Metrolink project manager
Space limited, RSVP at 866-630-2097
January 05, 2006
To St. Louis With Love - By K. Spencer
Kelly Spencer writes a "Dear John" letter to St. Louis, including fifteen reasons to be "truly heartbroken about leaving."
Continue reading "To St. Louis With Love - By K. Spencer"January 04, 2006
Smith Pumps Clay, Says No to Death Penalty
Press Release:
Smith supports Congressman Clay's endorsement of The Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2005
Jeff Smith, Democratic candidate for the 4th District Senate seat, reiterated his opposition to the death penalty and praised U.S. Representative William Lacy Clay for co-sponsoring The Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2005. The Act, introduced by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) and co-sponsored by 39 members of Congress, deems the implementation of the death penalty a violation of federal law.
LinderS
"Polaroid Manipulations"
Opening reception is free and open to the public, Friday, February 17, 2006 from 7 - 9pm. The exhibit features polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts by St. Louis photographer, Jane Linders. The exhibit runs through March 19, 2006.
Subterranean Books
6275 Delmar
St. Louis, MO 63130
314-862-6100
Too Many Dead
Number of People Dying in Car Accidents in Missouri:
2004 YEAR END TOTALS: 1130
2005 YEAR END TOTALS: 1216
Baby Womer
Congratulations to Mark Womer and his wife, Fay, on the birth of their child, Kailyn. Born New Year's Day at 6:09 am, weighing 8 lbs and measuring 20.5 inches.
McGuire Returns
Former P-D features writer John McGuire (now going by John Michael McGuire) has joined St. Louis Magazine as "writer at large." His first work with the publication appears in the January issue.
McCaskill inches ahead
According to Rasmussen.
McCaskill 46% Talent 43%
+/- 4.5% means still basically tied.
Still Need Help
Arch City Chronicle is still looking for help with distribution. Must have a car and passable knowledge of the city. Four or five horus, twice a month.
Interested? Email me, dave@archcitychronicle.com.
January 03, 2006
Cop Talk meets O'Fallon BOA
PD exodus afoot?
Rumored to be leaving the Post-Dispatch:
Photographer Andrew Cutraro and Fashion Editor Lisa Jones Townsel.
If true, then this could be the beginning of a post-Lee-purchase "exodus."
Update: Add two more names to the list: A&E Editor Cliff Froehlich, who will be returning to his post as executive director of the St. Louis International Film Festival. And Business reporter Shera Dalin, who is going to into teaching.
Palm formally announces for 57th
Yesterday Joe Palm, commiteeman of the 26th ward, announced his candidacy State Representative for 57th District. The current representative, Yaphett El-Amin is running for the 4th Senatorial District.
His announcement speech highlighted two themes: the need for "real change," and his political experience.
On hand were 26th ward Committeewoman Patricia Moss, State Representative Rachel Storch, 18th ward Committeeman Jesse Todd and former Harmon Administration chief of staff Mike Jones.
According to conversations in the crowd, Palm also has an ally in 1st ward Alderman Qunicy Troupe.
If Palm does indeed have political support in the 1st and 18th along with his own 26th, he's in pretty good shape.
PROMO drops Pro-choice litmus test
Vital Voice reports that the PROMO Board of Directors voted to remove "pro-choice" from its list of criteria when decidig political endorsements.
January 01, 2006
To what should be an interesting '06
Happy New Year! from all of us at the ACC.
May the new year find you happy and well.
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