August 2006

August 31, 2006

Globe Shopping

I really love shopping in the city, especially at antique stores and places like the Globe Drug Stores on Cherokee. There are two on Cherokee, the westernmost one is a flea market/Kmart/corner store hybrid full of random items like newly (FDA) appoved birth control pills for women in their forties. These pills were innocuously nestled amongst launch bags, paper cups, and, I believe, knock-off Reynolds-wrap.

Where else can you get some Little Pig BBQ Sauce:

or "Ethnic Sheen" hair pomeade, (which I suppose must work with all ethnicities from the Masaii to the Sherpas)

79 cent candy bars draw my ire, but Globe still has 50 cent, premium candy bars--

Even if the back of my M and M's had its writing in Arabic, and in the end, was put into a bag straight from an unsuspecting Rally's, it tasted just as good as the high-rent version.

Besdies the oddities, there are some really great deals at Globe Drug, like cheap but stylish candle holders, and cat/dog cages at a fraction of the price you might find in other stores.

I shop at these places fairly frequently, and not in some condescending "HAHA this-isn't-Whole-Foods-look-and-laugh-where-poor-people-are-forced-to-shop" kind of way. Stores like these help define some of that city flavor and diversity that I will never get enough of.

Thursday Night

Channeling the open-mic spirit of yesteryear's Frederick Music Lounge's "Noiseday Hootenany", Paul Stark, Frederick's business manager and KDHX Host, created "The Chippewa Chapel Traveling Guitar Circle, Medicine Show, & Open Mic Night", described on the Chippewa Chapel website here as a

FREE LIVE MUSIC NIGHT FEATURING:

FREAKS, GEEKS, GUITARS, SNAKE OIL SALESMEN,SPOON PLAYERS, CHARLATANS, HARMONICA BLOWERS, DANCING GIRLS, TRICKSTERS, LIARS, BOASTERS & CLOWNS, SWORD SWALLOWERS, VAMPIRES, FIRE EATERS, ASTOUNDING FEATS OF LEGERDEMAIN, CIGARETTE SMOKERS, WHISKEY DRINKERS, AND AMAZING INSTRUMENTS OF MUSICAL DESTRUCTION

Tonight, the Chippewa Chapel will be at the Tin Can on Morganford. I went to a couple of Hootenanny's at Frederick's, but anyone who has been to a Chippewa Chapel venue, feel free to describe your experience.

August 30, 2006

Grand Oak-Hill MAP Program

Anyone interested in buying rental property, or already owns rental property in the city should take a look at the MAP (Management Assistance Program). Run under the umbrella of the Grand Oak Hill Community Corporation and directed by Committeewoman Maggie Lampe, the program already performs tenant screening for over 600 rental units

Details Here

Couple of Bits

Funny. (Thanks Fred.)

Republican City Central Committee's Annual Picnic - Sunday, September 10, 1-3 PM. Tower Grove Park - Stone Shelter.

An Evening with Attorney General Jay Nixon and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley for Gen Frank, Candidate for Missouri State Representative
Friday, September 15. 5–7 PM. For more information or to RSVP please contact Paul Scoville at 636-305-6470.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Its over. This Monday was the last hurrah for hip-hop at the Hi-Pointe.

Monday night hip-hop/freestyle sessions at the Hi-Pointe Cafe were a staple of the St. Louis scene for eons, predating (I believe) and providing a grittier, more intimate setting than the science spin at Blueberry Hill. Truly, the music at the hi-pointe was food for the hip-hop soul. As many might know, the Hi Point Cafe has been sold, and Sept. 3rd brings the swan song.

For people old enough to remember, Cicero's used to have a monday night hip-hop session a decade ago, but all that ended after a melee. As far as I can recollect, this emerged not long after. If anyone can correct my timeline, please feel free.

August 29, 2006

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That time already?

The deadline for Krews to apply for Mardi Gras 2007 is Thursday.

This year's theme is "literature."

Television Coverage of Predatory Lending Scam Targeting Hispanics

The Arch City Chronicle- here

and

The RFT- here

have both written about different aspects of this issue, and I believe it got some coverage nationally.

Eileen Wolfington, chair of (PLAN) Professional Latino Action Network sent this email detaling WB 11's upcoming coverage-

WB 11 News St. Louis will report on their newscast this Wednesday, 8/30/06 at 9:00 pm the abuse against the Latino community regarding the REMAX case

??????????????

Seen on the corner of Wyoming and Texas. Can anybody decipher the meaning?

Academy-Sherman Park Neighborhood Meeting

Last Thursday's Academy-Sherman Park meeting had some interesting and newsworthy tidbits.

Undaunted at his loss in the recent primary, a very empassioned Joe Palm revealed his plan to clean up MLK drive on Martin Luther King's birthday.

Calling attention to prostitutes who "expose themselves in public" among myriad other problems, Palm said the street was an embarrasment to its namesake, and said his effort to clean up the street would not, and is not designed to take attention away from the planned march.

Fire Chief Sherman George also appeared, and spoke about some programs within the Fire Department that may be news to many (on a side note, the SLFD is the second oldest paid fire department in the nation)

1. Not only does the SLFD provide free smoke detectors to anyone who requests them, but they will also come to your house and install them, with batteries, at no charge.

2. The SLFD has a program called "Are You Okay?", which is a "telphone reassurance program" meant to help senior citizens or the disabled. Once a person has signed up, an automated phone call will be placed to a domicile 7 days a week, 365 days a year to check up on the resident living there. If there is no answer after 3 attempts, an emergency vehicle will be dispatched to the home to make sure everything is okay. According to George, this should cut down on the specter of the elderly or disabled falling down or being similarly incapacitated, and remaining on the floor, without help, for days, or in many documented cases, until death.

Lastly, George handed out the "Vial of Life"

The "Vial of Life" contains a lengthy form pertaining to an individual's medical history-- what medicines he/she is on, what reactions they might have, etc. etc. If this information is filled out properly, placed in the vial, and stashed on the right hand side of the freezer shelf, the paramedics will retrieve it.

George points out that medical treatment can be administered far more quickly and efficiently, both in the ambulance and the hospital, if the EMT's and doctors have this information. The vial has a sticker inside to be placed on the (refrigerator?) to alert the EMT's to its presence.

Any questions about these programs should be forwarded to Capt. Derrick Phillips or paramedic supervisor Sharon Collier- 289-1988

Lastly, outgoing Senator Pat Dougherty stopped by, tearfully thanking the neighborhood for all its support.

City Dem Headquarters

Will have its official opening Thursday, 6:30pm. It'll be located in the St. Louis Marketplace on Manchester. Candidate McCaskill will be on hand.

August 28, 2006

Essay contest

Black, White & Read All Over, the neighborhood newspaper of Lafayette Square, announces an essay contest for young people. Entries for two age categories, 10-11 and 12-13, will be judged separately. The winner of each group will receive a $50 cash prize.

Essay topic for the 10 -11 year olds is "How do you feel on the first day of school each year?" Topic for the 12 - 13 age group is "Are we alone in the universe?" Entries will be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 400. Essays will be submitted as hard copy, lines double-spaced, and sent via mail to Expository Writing Contest P.O. Box 4932 St. Louis, MO 63108. Contestants should identify themselves by full first name and first initial of surname e.g. Sarah G. or Dennis K. Please indicate your age and provide a phone number where you may be reached.

Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, ability to construct a concrete sentence, usage of grammar and punctuation. Judges are Wm. Stage, columnist with the St. Charles County Business Record; Margaret Stage, a 6th grader at St. Michael the Archangel school; and Jean Steck, mother of four and Executive Director of the Wellness Community. Deadline for entries is October 12, 2006.

Winning entries will see print in the November edition of Black White & Read All Over.

Note: Do not write what you may think we want to hear; there is no unpopular stance on these topics. And please, no adult help with your essay.

Black White & Read All Over – News – Views – Satire -- is a free publication published monthly and distributed solely in Lafayette Square, St. Louis, MO.

FEMA at Work

Some pictures of FEMA at work in South St. Louis Square Park last Thursday:

With all the bemoaning about illegal immigration and the legislation that is currently making its way through local, state and national legislatures, it was somewhat poignant to see that every last one of these FEMA workers certainly appeared to be Mexican, and from what I could tell by talking to them, only one spoke "good" English.

I would assume they were "legal" becuase they work for FEMA, but who knows. One thing is for certain: they sure better have every scintilla of paperwork and documentation if they stay in Valley Park, or get stopped by the potentially immigrant-busting Missouri Highway Patrol, while of course, DOING THE WORK OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

If all these anti-immigration laws pass, it'll make driving while black look like a relief, and even "legal" Mexicans will have the dehumanizing burden of constantly proving citizenship while constantly being under the "are you illegal" microscope.

Few Things

52nd City reports that the Hi-Pointe is closing September 3.

Wash U's big incoming class leads to housing crunch.

I'll be on Collateral Damage tonight. 7pm, 88.1 FM.

Finally, we've ordered more newsstands for the paper. Feel free to email any locations you think we should be at.

August 27, 2006

Saturday Socials

Metropolis founder Chad Cooper was in town over the weekend, and had drinks with some old Metropolites at the home of barge boss, Butler Miller. Among the attendees: Jennifer Olmstead and Brady Baybeck, Lynn Josse, Cheryl and Eric Armbrecht.

Then Stephen Gregali and Lou Hamilton jointly celebrated their 50th birthday.
Overheard: LRA's Laura Costello argued with ACC over who owed who a phone-call; The Eleven's William Roth insisted he was not a political player ("I'm Lou's neighbor"); McCaskill's main brain, Richard Martin, explained how Claire will win despite Talent's money advantage; Kathy and Tom Reeves talked about thrills and ills of sending a child off to college; County Exec Charles Dooley pretended to be unable to remember his Republican opponent's name;

Others among the many at the Cat's Meow patio: Barb Geisman and Richard Callow; Ed Martin; Alderpersons Lyda Krewson(with husband Mike Owens), Jennifer Florida, Dorothy Kirner, Steve Conway, Donna Baringer and Mike McMillan; 15th ward Boss Jan Clinite; Recorder Sharon Carpenter; Vigilant majors Nancy Rice and Fred Steffens; Lesser Vigilantes Lori Becker, Bob Rice and Gregg Christian; Fleishman's Allison Bruns; Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce; RCGA's Tom Irwin; Collector FX Daly; Sheriff Jim Murphy; New City's Tom Hoerr; City Dem Chair Brian Wahby; developer Pete Rothschild; State Rep. Barbara Fraser.

August 26, 2006

Wallace and grommet

Responding to the Post-Dispatch article reporting his statement that Mayor Slay is a "modern-day George Wallace standing in the schoolhouse door," St. Louis School Board member Peter Downs said he is correct in laying responsibility for withheld funds at City Hall's front door.

In his newsletter, St. Louis Schools Watch, distributed today, Downs said the Mayor has exerted influence over the retiring Collector of Revenue, Ronald Leggett. The office is holding back $5 million in funds collected for the school district while protested taxes are dealt with.

Downs cites Missouri Revised statute 139.031, saying that as the taxing entity, the St. Louis School District is responsible for handling taxes submitted under protest, not the collector of revenue. According to the statute, the collector of revenue is to impound any taxes collected under protest.

Downs asserts, correctly, that it is the taxing authority, not the collector, that is responsible to refund the taxes if the protest is successful. However, the collector must first release the funds under protest to the district. To do so, the district must apply to the circuit court for the funds to be released.

As of this afternoon no one was available at the school board or Leggett's office to confirm whether such a request has been made. There is a filing (case #0622-CC05339) by the St. Louis Board of Education against Ronald A. Leggett for "other extraordinary remedy" in Circuit Court listed on July 28th on Casenet. Downs says, additionally, that a city-appointed attorney is challenging the process. If the case cited above is the filing required, there has been no additional action recorded in Casenet besides the issuance of summons.

Part of the requirements for the court to release the funds include, "a satisfactory showing that such taxing authority would receive such impounded tax funds if they were not the subject of a protest and that such taxing authority has the financial ability and legal capacity to repay such impounded tax funds".

August 25, 2006

Martin Send-off

The room was packed for Martin's farewell.

Well-wishers included:
Soon-to-be State Rep. Talib El-Amin joking good-naturedly with ACC about how much Team El-Amin paid poll-workers on Election Day.
Police Board president Chris Goodson who reported that the FBI is on the case in the rash of arsons that have hit the near southside lately.
Sheriff Murphy, Treasurer Williams, Collector Daly, CA Joyce and Clerk Favazza (sporting a Gore 2001 look) represented the County Offices.
Scott Leiendecker taking a victory lap for the smooth primary and fast results.
Also on hand was mayoral liaison Robbyn Wahby. And Lutheran Family Service's Megan Payne and husband Mike, who's working on the Voter ID lawsuit for the BOE.
Out-going Senator Pat Dougherty staked out valuable real estate at the bar, but gave it up early as he headed to neighborhood meetings. ("I don't leave office until January.")
And Lieut. Gov. Peter Kinder. Rumors earlier in the day had him talking up a gubernatorial run. But those seem to be an outgrowth of Matt Blunt's recent remarks. Kinder told ACC that he couldn't rule out an 08 run, but that he definitely wouldn't primary Blunt.

The Clone Wars continue

Courtesy of

http://bsl.archpundit.com/

St. Louis Rally
Christians Against Human Cloning Rally
7:00 PM August 28th
Life Christian Church
13001 Life Christian Church
Dr. Alan Keyes
Archbishop Burke
Dr. Rick Scarborough

Veronica O' Brien on Air

Veronica O' Brien will be on Gary Wiegert's Show "Bad Boyz" on WGNU am 920 at 11:00.

Thanks to: http://travisreems.blogspot.com/

Jefferson Bank Protest Commemeration

Civil rights advocates and activists, Norman R. Seay, Percy Green, & Other old-timers from the "struggle" will commemorate the Jefferson Bank & Trust Protest today, Friday August 25 at 2301 Market Street @ Jefferson Avenue from 4 PM to 6 PM.

More info, Donald Gammon 314.653.0600

August 24, 2006

Burson at Duck Room Sunday

Listen to Clare Burson’s music with your eyes closed. It’s then that you will be transported to the charm of the South, idly swaying on a hand-me-down porch swing while sipping sweet tea laced with life, love and surrender. Burson’s genuine lyrics and achingly tender voice effortlessly conjure that kind of strength.

The Memphis, TN, native whose father was the chief of staff during President Clinton’s second term, and whose mother creates politically-inspired art, credits Lucinda Williams’ simple, rich songwriting style as an influence. Her latest EP, Idaho, garnered recognition from the 2005 International Songwriting Contest when Burson’s song, “Take Good Care,” became a finalist. “I didn’t even want to record that song. I questioned whether or not it was finished,” expressed the singer/songwriter who describes her music as, “indie-americana without the twang.”

With a new release set for Spring 2007, Burson is content doing things on her own. “It’s so rare to make it big in this business. If that never happens, I’m happy to continue making recordings that I’m proud of.”

See Clare Burson, along with Richard Ferreira, Sunday, August 27th at the Duck Room. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7p.m. To hear some of her music, visit Burson’s website.

--Reine Keis Bayoc

Seek Sales Help

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Email dave@archcitychronicle.com

More on the 4th

To elaborate from yesterday with a couple examples:

In the 15th Ward, Smith hit the 2nd precinct heavily and received 79.47%, compared to 63.91%, 71.34%, 74.90% in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th precincts.

In the 18th Ward, he hit the 2nd and the 5th, getting 22.07% and 14.29% compared to 11.19% and 12.50% in the 4th and 6th.

Not as consistent in the 27th Ward. Smith hit the 4th precinct and got 10.26% of the vote, higher than the 6.18% and 7.14% in the 1st and 6th, but lower than the 11.81% he received in the 2nd precinct.

New paper up

in the archives.
Enjoy!

Blunt by the numbers

The most recent poll from Survey USA has Governor Blunt's August approval rating up 2 points from 38% in July. After a year-long stint in the mid-30's, the Governor has drifted up and begun to hover around 40% in the recent polls.

It may not appear to be a significant shift, but the details are interesting. Blunt picked up support among groups who have expressed some reservations with him lately, Pro-Life voters (50 to 57%), and regular church-goers (45 to 49%).

Regionally he picked up support in central Missouri (39 to 46%), and even Kansas City (35 to 40%); though he lost some in the Ozarks (51 to 46%).

That said, all these polls have a fairly wide margin of error, 5%, 6%, even 9% for regional numbers. Yet the jump in favorability among a few key groups in August stands out.

The August survey was taken between the 11th and the 13th, not long after Blunt began running television and radio spots. It was before he publicly reiterated his support for stem cells, however. The August primary could be a factor, rising tide and all that. Blunt also chose a new chief of staff and stood firm on the voter ID bill around this time.

I am sure those wiser than I will jump in.

August 23, 2006

4th District Details

The newest edition of the ACC, which hit the streets yesterday, featured an analysis of the 4th senate district. Since the story went to press, the precinct vote totals have been released.

The Smith campaign has provided the ACC with a map of where Smith himself doorknocked. A brief look at the data seems to suggest that Smith did significantly better in precincts he doorknocked, compared to neighboring precincts, both in the wards he won and those he didn't.

Stay tuned for a deeper analysis...

What's Larry Raising $$$ For?

Larry Williams recently had a nice fundraiser. Look for it on his next quarter. Here's something else to keep in mind:

"Committee to Re-Elect Larry C. Williams" was terminated 8-01-2005 and same day replaced with "Williams for St. Louis", a continuing committee or PAC. You can write as large a check as you'd like to Larry's new committee. But since it's not a candidate committee, you'd have to wonder what you're contributing to.

August 22, 2006

Progressives make the Ballot

The Missouri Secretary of State certified that the Progressive Party and its candidates would be added to the Missouri ballot for the November 7, 2006 general election.

August 21, 2006

Anti-immigration laws

The Post-Dispatch had an revealing story in this weekend's paper. Reporter Stephen Deere looked into the background of recent city-level anti-immigration laws.

August 19, 2006

The economy and illegal immigration

I came across a study published by the Missouri Budget Project in June examining the impact of illegal immigrants on the Missouri economy. Given the scarcity of exact figures, the numbers must be estimated.

The study concludes that illegal immigrants generate $29 to $57 million in taxes. In terms of services, many of the major social services, food stamps and medicaid are unavailable to illegal immigrants (though their children may be eligible). The study did estimate the cost of schooling, approximately $17.5 to $36.2 million.

One aspect they didn't examine was the effect undocumented workers have on wages, economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman examined the issue in March and found that illegal immigration does depress wages. Enough to offset tax revenue?

Update: Reader Clark points to an article in the New York Times summarizing studies that say the impact of illegal immigration on wages is less than expected. Other economic forces have muted the impact of illegal immigration on the labor market. Some businesses have expanded and others have stayed in the U.S. rather than leave in search of cheaper labor.

Even the authors of the study that Krugman cites have said that their article does not take into account a number of economic forces. When included, they said, their own estimates are reduced by half, if not more.

Hancock says Voter ID law unconstitutional

Retired U.S. Representative Mel Hancock (R), author of the eponymous Hancock Amendment, tells the Post-Dispatch the voter ID bill as written violates the amendment. The Hancock amendment requires that any state mandate is fully funded by the state.

The story focuses on the City Board of Elections' decision to weigh in on the side of the Voter ID bill. Board head, ACC Contributor, and future chief-of-staff to Governor Bunt, Ed Martin, said the bill will not cost the board any extra money and has hired a $145-an-hour lawyer to make the city's argument.

Secretary of State Carnahan has previously estimated the voter ID bill will cost local governments a collective $22 million in staff time and resources.

Update: Election Board head Ed Martin adds in comments that the story is inaccurate. The Board has, like most boards, legal counsel and that the hiring of Attorney Michael Payne is not an addition. He adds that in the board should have a seat "at the table" when any major decision is made.

State Senator Delbert Scott (R-28) has also joined the lawsuit.

Update: Antonio French is reporting that the St. Louis Board of Elections was denied a role in the lawsuit.

August 18, 2006

Clinic Opening in Forest Park Southeast

Nolan Holingsworth (back to camera), president of the Family Heath Care board of directors, and Congressman Lacy Clay, D-1, cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the new clinic in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood.

They were joined by Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-59), Sen. Joan Bray (D-24), Senator-elect Jeff Smith (D-4), Rep. Rachel Storch (D-64), Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons (R-15), Sen. Maida Coleman (D-5), Family Health Care CEO Bob Massie, D.D.S. (holding ribbon) and Alderman Joe Roddy (Ward 17).

[More on their remarks later]

End of the Trail

If there are any bicyclers in the St. Louis area who haven't gone on one of Confluence Greenway's Tuesday or Wednesday night trail rides (Riverfront and Creve Coeur Park, respectively), this week is your last chance. Confluence is ending the mid-week rides after this upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday

For more information about these rides, including hours and directions, visit:
www.confluencegreenway.org/m-events.php

City's Katrina money

KWMU.

August 17, 2006

Who are the Progressives for Change?

Treasurer Kimberly Benjamin is the sister of Chris Benjamin, chief of staff, to Rod Jetton.

Farmer's Union weighs in for McCaskill

Sen. Jim Talent and his challenger, State Auditor Claire McCaskill, have dueling farm group endorsements to go along with their dueling ads in Springfield.

McCaskill held a telephone conference Wednesday to announce an endorsement by the National Farmer's Union (NFU).

Russ Kremer, a Missouri farmer and board member of the NFU, said the organization had chosen to endorse McCaskill because she "respects family farms," and is fighting for their interests.

McCaskill said she was honored to receive the endorsement and that it would be her responsibility to ensure that family farms, "have the ability to control their own destiny."

According to Kremer, the NFU is made up of 250,000-plus member nationally and that the newer Missouri chapter is made up of approximately 1,500 families. McCaskill emphasized that only family-owned farms can qualify as members.

"At a time when family farms are under attack in Washington, we need a strong voice," said Kremer.

Kremer said family farmers were, "tired of being used as poster children," for issues they were not be in favor of. Kremer cited the estate tax as an example saying family farms were held up as the emotional incentive but that the tax affected only one-half of one percent of family farms.

McCaskill talked about restoring farmers role as price-maker, not price-taker. McCaskill hit upon "country of origin" labeling, a practice she said would open markets to family farms and provide consumers with an educated choice. When it comes to ethanol, she defended her opposition to the Senate energy bill saying it gave too little to renewable energy while piling up big oil's plate.

McCaskill said Talent was being dishonest in his characterization of her opposition to the energy bill (which contained some significant funding for renewable energy as well as tax cuts for oil companies) and that he was only now jumping on the ethanol bandwagon, while she had been in favor of encouraging the development of ethanol since the 1980's.

Though corn-based ethanol is the picture of renewable rural energy (just don't mention it to the TVA), McCaskill said there are other avenues family farmers are also able to take. Windfarms and switchgrass-based ethanol are potential areas of development in Missouri.

In this period of rapid growth for ethanol and corporate farms, the best way to protect the position of family farms from the effects of consolidation, according to McCaskill, is to separate the producers from the processors.

McCaskill has spent considerable money running ads in Southwest Missouri. McCaskill's plan is to take an aggressive position in going after parts of the state that she lost in the Gubernatorial race in 2004.

"We are going to fight in every corner of the state," said McCaskill.

Talent has substantially out-raised McCaskill, as a result McCaskill has refocused her money on areas where she can do "more with less." If she can successfully challenge Talent in his areas that Democrats may have written off previously, she may pick up enough votes to win.

As many campaign junkies may remember, Democrat Charles Dake won the 132nd District State Rep seat with 55% in February of this year, a district Gov. Blunt won with over 65% in 2004.

August 16, 2006

Pets in Need? Cash Only

Operation SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Today) is having a blue light special on a variety of pet services in Tower Grove Park this Sunday-- like microchips for $10.00, and vacinations for $10.00. Free vet advice will be given, and much, much more.

Press Release Here

Grand Oak Hill Dedicates New Van

The following is from Mark Etling, executive director of the Grand Oak Hill Community Corporation-- Phone: 865-5530, extension 110

The Grand Oak Hill Community Corporation (GOHCC) dedicated its newly acquired senior transportation van at a ceremony on August 15.

The ceremony was held at the GOH Community Center at 4168 Juniata. A reception followed the ceremony.

Speakers at the ceremony included Harold Brown, GOHCC Board President; Loretta Brennan, GOH Senior Center Director; Wray Clay representing the United Way; and Steve Billings, Administrator of Transit for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT).

Guests of honor included Alderwoman Jennifer Florida, Alderwoman Dorothy Kirner, and several members of the GOHCC Board of Directors.

The new vehicle is a 2006 Ford Starcraft Allstar, with a seating capacity of 14 plus an additional two spaces for wheelchair bound passengers. The van is outfitted with an automatic lift.

In May GOHCC received a check for $8,100 from the United Way to pay its share of a matching grant for the new van. MODOT paid the remaining portion
of the cost of the van. The total cost of the new vehicle is $43,013.

The van will be used to transport seniors and persons with disabilities to destinations in the Grand Oak Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. It will also be used for special trips and events.

Seniors and persons with disabilities who wish to use the new van, or who need transportation service, are asked to call the Grand Oak Hill Community Corporation at 865-5530, extension 101 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Here we go again

For more information contact:
Mark Bretz, Bretz Public Relations
314-838-9371 or mark@bretzpr.com For Immediate Release:

OLIVETTE ATTEMPTS TO INVOKE EMINENT DOMAIN TO FORCIBLY TAKE PROPERTY OF MANY RESIDENTS

ST. LOUIS, August 16, 2006 -- A plan for the Olivette City Council to adopt the use of eminent domain to forcibly take the property of several Olivette residents could be voted on at the Olivette Planning and Community Design Commission meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 17 at Olivette City Hall.

Progressives for Change

The commenter asks: Who are "Progressives for change"? I can not find much about them anywhere.

The sole beneficiaries of Harrisonville-based "Progressives for Change" (created July 10, 2006) are $3,000 to 19th District Legislative Committee (a Mark Miles committee) which shows receipt of the money but no expenditures and no other receipts since January; and $650 Gambaro for Senate.

The Progressives sole contributor to date was "Missouri Leadership Coalition" which lists the same address and same Treasurer, Kimberly Benjamin, as the Progressives for Change.

Coming as a huge surprise, the Coalition has previously given to only Republicans and its largest expense to date was polling by a GOP firm.

07-30-2006 -$5500 Progressives for Change (Harrisonville MO)
07-15-2006 -$1500 127th Legislative Committee (GOP, Jasper MO)
06-01-2006 -$6000 Public Polls Research (typo on report, should read Public Pulse Research, which is a subsidiary of John Hancock & Associates- Political Consulting) (Chesterfield Mo)
04-20-2006 +$1200 All Children Matter (Alexandria VA)
04-11-2006 -$650 Americans for Brad Roark (GOP, 139th State Rep. now running for Greene County Commissioner)
03-25-2006 -$650 Rupp for Senate (GOP, 2nd Senate District, Wentzville MO)
03-25-2006 -$1150 2nd Senatorial Republican Committee (St. Charles MO)
12-27-2005 -$2500 Senate Majority Fund (GOP, JC, MO)
12-15-2005 +$15,000 DLH Services Inc (Cape Girardeau MO) this is one of the Delta Companies, highway contractors, DHL stands for Don L. Harrison, big GOP supporter.
10-14-2005 -$3000 106th District Republican Committee (GOP, Farmington MO)
10-13-2005 -$6000 123rd Republican Legislative Committee (GOP, Raymore MO)

Steelman won't challenge Blunt in 08

KWMU.

Nixon: the tour

Two years out and Attorney General Jay Nixon played to a full house. The West County Democrats held a house party for Nixon in Chesterfield last night; turnout was high and everyone brought their checkbook.

Nixon is on his way to stop in every county in the state.

"Enthusiastic" is an apt adjective to describe the Democratic Party this cycle, but will it and their energy carry through till 2008? Is there anything that could happen now that would provide anyone with enough to make predictions about 2008?

The Governor and Nixon's "mano a mano" has been setting up for quite a while. The pieces are all in place for a long campaign. Blunt is getting out ahead launching television and radio ads in June, but are they too early to do anything but temporarily try to bolster the Governor's approval numbers?

Most voters are focused on this November. It will be quite a while before they start to think about the Governor's race. A McCaskill victory could provide a friendly ally to Nixon later in the campaign, but it's hard to see how a McCaskill loss could lend weight to any future predictions. As we've seen with the GOP's changing fortune since 2004, two years is a lifetime in politics.

August 15, 2006

Wahby still Chair

Despite rumors, Brian Wahby retained his position as Chair of the City's Democratic Central Committee this evening. He was unopposed.

Yaphett El-Amin did successfully run to replace Pat Moss as Vice Chair.

Zimmerman holds HDCC fundraiser

This Thursday, Jake Zimmerman invites you and your guests to an event for the House Democratic Campaign Committee on August 17, Thursday at the home of Laura Rosenbury, 712 Radcliffe in UCity from 5:30-7pm. 314-495-5226

Comblog

Combest starts a blog.

Yes, Rex.

Of course that last $19,500 did come from Rex Sinquefield.
The 23rd Senatorial.
The 12th Legislative.
The 16th Legislative.

That brought his total contribution to the Gambaro campaign to $40,200.

In other news, Rex's name is popping up all over the place. This from an email tipster:
Dave--- I thought you may be interested to know that I ran across Mr. Sinquefield's name in an odd place recently. He gave $25k to the Republican Governors Association on 2/24/2006, right about the time the school voucher/tax credit legislation, which Blunt supports, was moving in the Missouri House. Here is the quarterly RGA report that lists the contribution
on page 28.

August 14, 2006

Hispanic Festival

From the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival this weekend:

Attendance seemed a little low on sunday when I was there. One vendor said that more people came last year (when the dates coincided with a cardinal game), but it's always nice to go to an event that has a healthy amount of diversity.

People talked a lot about the food, definitely a highlight of the day.

Congressional Candidate Mark Byrne attended the festival, stumping for himself and other republican candidates.

Who is Mark Miles? (Part III)

The weekend before the primary, Gambaro received yet another $19,500 from committees controlled by Mark Miles.

The committees filed limited activity for the period ending June 30. When the next reports are filed I think it's safe to assume we'll see Mr. Sinquefield's name again.

August 13, 2006

Popper Interview

about Smith movie.

August 11, 2006

Wake Up Walmart

As part of its 35 day national tour, wakeupwalmart.com hosted a press conference today at Keiner Plaza. The group is pushing Wal-Mart to be a "responsible and moral employer."

Claire McCaskill was scheduled to speak but was stuck in Kansas City.(McCaskill's absence prompted a quick exit from the channel 4 team).

Rep. Clint Zweifel read a statement from McCaskill. The statement asserted, "American Corporations, like Wal-Mart, have the opportunity to set a responsible trend by providing fair wages and reasonable benefits."

Many union members and politicians attended, notables included State House Candidate Bob Burns, state senate candidate Jeff Smith, Jim Dougherty of UFCW local 655 and state reps Robin Wright Jones(pictured above), Jeff Roorda, Barbara Fraser, and Tom George.

Mr Smith Movie run extended

The Jeff Smith movie has been extended until next Thursday and Jeff is going to be taking Q&A at the 7:15 show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The movie shows at 5:15 and 7:15 tonight and at 2:30, 5:15 and 7:15 over the weekend.

Tickets here.

Friday Stew

This Sunday (13th) join Word Up and The Commonspace for an Ice Cream Social and Poetry Reading, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in Old North St. Louis, at 1331 North Market in the North Market Place Development, just a short jaunt south of Crown Candy Kitchens.

Board of Public Service looking for bidders for Norman Seay Park expansion.

Finally Grand Center is accepting nominations for the Fourth Annual Visionary Awards. Awards are given in four categories: Major Contributor to the Arts, Outstanding Arts Professional, Successful Working Artist, and Emerging Artist.

Nominating forms, information on past recipients and the ceremony at the Contemporary Art Museum on November 29th are available at the Grand Center website.

August 10, 2006

Election pictures

Are up in the Photo Gallery:
Election Day.
Daly-McMillan Party.
Jeff Smith Party.
St. Raymond's the next day.

All were taken by Brian Werner.

Paul Trudt's Other Vote Breakdown Map

(Click for larger image)

Thanks Paul!

Paul Trudt's Vote Breakdown Map

(Click image for larger map)

Thanks Paul!

4th SD Analysis

Oracle explains what happened.

The American sounds okay with the results.

UMSL Professor David Kimball offers his excel spreadsheet on turnout.

Ross Macholan does bar graphs.

More coming soon...

Blackout Blues

The local "blacking out" of tonight's Rams preseason game has me so upset I had to choke my lunch down, and my sweet and sour chicken just tasted all sour. It can be tricky to point out the differences between diehard Rams fans and diehard Cards fans (maybe bandwagoners vs. itstheonlythingthatstlouisdoesbetterthananyothercityisbeclassybaseballfaners??) ,but diehard football fans tend to be a more excitable breed because there are so precious few games to watch.

Counting the preseason and the regular season, there are only 20 games to watch unless your team gets in the playoffs, so every play of every game is important grist for the sports talk mill. Today, the Rams play for the first time, and I will have no grist.

Instead of watching the game on TV, I have to go all war of the worlds and listen to it on my radio. Tickets are way too high, the NFL package on Direct TV doesn't cover preseason games, and the blackout extends to Cape Girardeau and maybe even beyond.

Can anyone figure out a way to fight the power and watch this game?

August 09, 2006

Gala Book Signing and Auction

On Wednesday August 16th , from 5:30 - 10 PM, DT2 (the Downtown Dutchtown Business Association) is having quite an event: at the Bluffs on Broadway

Check out the links now, as tickets MUST be paid for by August 11, and they are not selling any tickets at the door.

Examples of photographs that will be shown during the digital slide show.

Security and Handicap drop off service will be provided. Parking for the event will be along Broadway.

Ward by Ward breakdown

Download file

Unofficial results, of course. Analysis to come. Just received it and putting it up.
More to come.

First Look:
Boykins won 21.
El-Amin won 1, 4, 17, 18, 19, 22, 26, 27.
Gambaro won 10, 16.
Smith won 8, 12, 14, 15, 23, 24, 28.

Gambaro only beat Smith 54-39 in his stronghold of Ward 10, the Hill. Meanwhile, most predictions had Gambaro winning Wards 23 and 24. Instead he finished a strong second in those areas.

Smith won big in his base - Ward 8 (64%), Ward 15 (72%) and Ward 28 (65%). And also made in-roads into most northside wards including Ward 4 (8.5%), Ward 18 (13.8%), Ward 21 (7.7%), Ward 26 (20.3%),and Ward 27 (8.7%). In Ward 17 El-Amin only beat Smith by 1 (one) vote.

UPDATE: ACC Staffer Brian Werner has entered the ward-by-ward breakdown for the 4th SD race into an Excel spreadsheet for data junkies.

Photos from Last Night

Mike McMillan confers with Dave Chilenski as election results come in.

The Jeff Smith party gets fired up as 4th SD results are announced.

Smith gives a speech on stairs. Early endorser Fred Kratky by his side.

Smith Wins

Lacy Clay at Jeff Smith's victory party.

Smith Wins.

August 08, 2006

Late Update

Though after 5 p.m. things were picking up he two words from most poll workers were, "hot" and "slow".

• Ald. Jennifer Florida (15th) was at the Fanning Middle School polling place talking to voters. One of the volunteers gathering signatures to start a recall against Florida said she was focusing on people who had signed the petition. Florida was passing out her latest newsletter to voters and was involved in a discussion about the zoning issues with two voters who seemed less than pleased with her support for the McDonald's project on South Grand.

• Derio's parents were out working the poll at St. Ambrose School on the Hill. They were joined by a lone, brave Jeff Smith volunteer (this being Derio's home-turf after-all).

• I heard complaints that things were moving slowly with the touch-screen machines.

• Up in the 18th Ward, turnout was light at the Washington Montessori polling place on N. Euclid. Karla May and El-Amin had a half-dozen volunteers a piece working the poll. 18th ward power-broker John Curtis said that the kind of confusion that exists, shouldn't be happening. The candidates should have sat down and talked things out rather than fight it out at the polls. Voters were having to use some creative logic ("pretzel logic" as the American's Political Eye called it) to determine who they were voting for.

No one seemed to want to take any odds on the races, but everyone seemed surprised by the low turnout.

You Get What You Pay For

Many candidates use paid workers at the polls. Rates and observed effectiveness varied greatly.

At one polling station, Jeff Smith's people were the only unpaid workers, and it seems like Jeff Smith employed an all-volunteer force everywhere, but that has not been verified.

According to queried workers, Gambaro pays $10 an hour, Boykins $100 for half the day, and $40 for the whole day from El-Amin (but they seemed a little unsure). The paid workers from the varying camps often didn't have t-shirts or stickers and spent a lot more time sitting down.

Some El-Amin folks didn't even have literature to hand out. One worker said "I'm not into politics" and when asked about El-Amin replied, "I don't know that much about her."

Though working hard at passing out lit, one Boykins worker said that he had voted for Smith.

All interviews were conducted, and this special written by ACCer Brian Werner.

Possible Computer Glitch May Have Cost Votes

The ACC has received news that some of the touch screen voting machines at the Ballwin Rec Center were not calibrated correctly.

Apparently, when a candidate was selected, the computer read that
their finger was elsewhere on the screen, therefore selecting a different candidate. As a result, if someone voted for Loudon, the computer might think you were voting for Thomas, and if not caught on the review, incorrect votes would be cast.

John Diehl, Chairman of the St. Louis County Board of Elections, refused to confirm the machines were intitially calibrated incorrectly, but did confirm that he recieved complaints from "a couple of voters" and "a candidate" that some of the machines were improperly calibrated, and as a result, the machines were re-calibrated.

Complaints were lodged around 1:00 according to Diehl, and technicians were out there by 2:00 to handle the recalibration. None of the machines were ever taken offline, and according to Diehl, there was "nothing wrong with them".

Diehl was careful to point out there are three different ways to check the accuracy of a potential vote--the printout, the yellow highlight of a selection, and lastly, the review screen. He was steadfast in his assertion that it "is ultimately the voter's responsibility to make sure the correct vote was cast. If a voter does not know how to change a vote, they need to see an official...once they finish the process, its too late."

The ACC has gotten word of similar problems in Kansas City.

News you can Use

One person asked for Victory Party information. I'm happy to refer folks to the Fix where they've compiled this evening's circuit.

Another person was wondering where to get results. The St. Louis Board of Election has a new web-site that will publish the tallies instantly. So check it out.

St. Louis Board of Elections Turnout Estimates

The St. Louis Board of Elections estimates a 20-22 percent turnout for today as a whole, judging by numbers through midday.

Latest Update

ELECTION DAY UPDATE

** Continued reports of light, light turn-out, with the general feeling being that demographically the voters are skewing older. In some polling places they're joking that there are more workers than voters.

** ACC correspondent Brian Werner ran into Joe Palm outside Church's. Palm had just finished purchasing lunch for his volunteers at Church's. (He graciously offered an extra box to the ACC staff.)

** Todd Britt, former aide to Francis Slay, was handing out lit for Kenny Jones at the Kingshighway Library poll. Britt says the race is too close to call. Next to Todd was volunteer Mary Long working the site for Jeff Smith.

** Across a number of polling places, the Smith volunteers are younger and mor energetic. We noticed several cases where El-Amin or Ward Org workers stayed sitting in chairs nevermind passing voters. Who knows whether last minute voter contact matters. But if it does, that should help Smith.

In other news, KWMU is reporting that the November ballot initatives now number only two.

More later...

Election Day Update

ELECTION DAY UPDATE
** Karla May looks like she has great poll presence in the 57th. Should be interesting to see if that's translated into votes.

** Light turn-out everywhere. Bad news for those without a serious ground game. Gambaro folks say its OK for them, that their conservative base is still more likely to vote than others. Smith folks also think that their election day machine will work regardless of over-all trends.

** SEEN WORKING THE POLLS: At the Sublette YMCA: Carnahan Chief of Staff Todd Patterson; 10th ward Committeeman John Paul Frisella; Congressional candidate Jim Frisella; candidate Derio Gambaro. At the Shaw's Sherman Elementary: Mr. Smith movie producer Matt Coen. At Kingshighway Library: Alderman Steve Conway. At Adam's School: Former aldermanic candidate Rodney Burchfield.

Send in your comments. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day...

Here we go

Jeff Smith's army of volunteers had an early morning (4:30 am) breakfast at Uncle Bill's before a big day at the polls.

Send in your comments today. Where did you vote? Who had signs, supporters? Heavy turn-out, light turn-out? Let us know what's going on.

26% Turnout Expected

Scott Leiendecker, Republican Director of Elections, said the Secretary of State's overall estimate of a 26% turnout for the primary is about what they expect for St. Louis City.

"We're expecting a little higher turnout due to interest in the 4th Senate race and interest in the new machines," said Leiendecker.

Leiendecker said they are taking steps to ensure a smooth primary tomorrow, including:
• Hiring technicians to be in place at each polling place to handle any technical difficulties with the machines.
• They are again deploying their automated "wake-up" call to ensure workers and judges are there to open the polling stations.
• Any problems or questions that can't be dealt with on-site will be directed towards a "command center" at the Board of Elections so that there is a unified and organized response. Instead of being given several numbers to chose from based on the problem, voters will be directed towards a single phone number.

Leiendecker said the board feels "pretty good" about the primary. Even still the board continues to take steps to improve its ability to respond to problems.

"We are better prepared now than in April, and we will be better prepared in November than now," said Leiendecker.

NOAA says 50% chance of showers.

August 07, 2006

Open Letter (Rant) from an ACC reader to candidates

Dear candidate:
I'm writing this to you on Monday, August 7, the evening before the primary election. Tonight I've concluded many of you are out of touch with my reality.

You see, I treasure my privacy. My home is a place I enjoy. It's where I enjoy the freedom to take a nap, listen to favorite music, watch television or even write.

But not this day. All day long my phone has been ringing. The calls are from your campaigns, encouraging me to vote for you.

I have a couple questions for you.

Do you honestly think people respond positively to these intrusions? Did you actually fall for some phone room sales pitch in which a slick-talking guy told you this was an excellent way to pick up votes? If you're that gullible, don't expect my vote. I'll be giving my support to someone who is smart and respectful enough to know it's not a good idea to interrupt my privacy.

An intelligent politician who is sensitive to the desires of a constituent - what a concept!

Comments on Letter from Gambaro's Wife (UPDATE)

He questions the tactic of using personal tragedy for political gain. The letter, now confirmed, was just sent to the ACC.

http://www.allthemuck.blogspot.com/

Here is a scan of the letter itself:

Gambaro Letter

One St. Louis, if you want it

* *

*Jeff Smith On 11th Hour Smear Attacks*

*Says His Campaign Will Not Respond in Kind*

(St. Louis) — When I announced my candidacy for the state Senate, I wrote in a letter to supporters:

"Too often, St. Louis's people are better than its politics....[But] in this campaign, I will not play on anyone's fears; I will appeal to our hopes and aspirations. This campaign will be about the future of the City, a City that will live or die as one. It is about One St. Louis, and win or lose, I will work to move our City's politics toward a healthier place....[because] we need a strong voice dedicated above all to the City's health – rather than to one neighborhood or another."

Those words ring true today.

Our campaign has been based on serious proposals to improve the quality of teaching in Missouri; to reverse Matt Blunt's draconian Medicaid cuts and offer health insurance to all Missourians; and, to provide equal rights and full citizenship for all.

Two of my opponents, regrettably, have taken a different tack. Instead of substantive dialogue, they have offered malicious innuendo, smear tactics, and race-baiting. At a time when so many are working so hard to unite this city, they have chosen to pit one neighborhood against another for their personal political gain.

Often, we wonder why so few people seem to be engaged in the political process. The recent conduct of two of my opponents is precisely what turns people off about politics.

This campaign provides a clear choice. These opponents offer anonymous smear attacks in automated phone calls, while we knock on thousands of doors to hear people's concerns. They spread disgusting rumors and make wild accusations about my character and personal life, while we espouse a vision for the city and state and discuss honest differences on the important issues at stake. They view City politics through the tired prism of North Side versus South Side, while we do everything in our power to unify this district by campaigning door-to-door in every precinct with our progressive message.

As I said, the choice is clear: unity versus divisiveness, hope versus fear—the new politics versus the old.

That is why we will not respond in kind to our opponents' smear. We will continue, in these last 24 hours, to knock on as many doors as possible so we can hear your hopes and dreams for this district and this state.

Democracy With Benefits

Steve Smith, owner of the Royale, has informed the ACC that tomorrow only, anyone who shows proof that they voted (either a voter id card or one of those stickers they give you after voting) will get a dollar off any drink.

Wanna Talk Elections?

Tonight. 7pm. French and I will be on 88.1 talking about tomorrow.

ACC Election Issue is up in the Back Issues

Here.

Oracle: Last-Minute Smear Against Smith

Flyers endorse Gambaro.

August 06, 2006

"You know...for kids."

ArchPundit's post ties into something I was working on yesterday.

Interestingly, All Children Matter received a last-minute $100,000 infusion from Rex Sinquefeld, as shown in their 8 days out report. That represents a 120% increase in their funding up to that point.

The check was received on July 20th, bringing ACM's cash-on hand which began the period with $5,210.89.

Beginning the next day they cut checks for Gambaro and several others including a $325 donation to Rodney Hubbard's campaign. ACM also spent another $28,290 direct expenditure in support of Hubbard's campaign including payments to OnMessage Inc. a Virginia based direct-mail company and Inkosi Design Studio on Delmar. Inkosi has done work for clients around St. Louis including Anheuser-Busch, Monsanto and Nelly.

OnMessage was founded by GOP consultants Brad Todd and Curt and Wes Anderson. The Anderson brothers worked for the RNC for Bush's re-eclection campaign and worked for Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.). Todd's bio stresses his work in winning close elections for Republicans and the Republican takeover of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

As Dave has previously reported, Sinquefield has been a major supporter of Gambaro. Sinquefield's Show Me Institute has been a major supporter of "school choice", a variety of efforts that include vouchers, tax credits and scholarships to allow public school students to attend private schools or public schools outside of their home district. Gambaro includes it in his campaign promises.

Hubbard's support includes a tax-credit funded scholarship named in honor of former State Rep. Betty Thompson. Thompson formerly held the 72nd seat, the seat currently by Rep. Chapelle-Nadal. Thompson has publicly supported Nadal's opponent former University City council member, Sandi Colquit.

Update: Another $9,349.66 in direct mail for Gambaro from ACM. This time through a more local direct mail group, Campaign and Issue Management of Carbondale, Il. They also spent another $3,350 for direct mail for Hubbard.

Blog St. Louis has 4th SD stuff

Dirty tricks against Smith.

And more GOP money for Gambaro.

August 05, 2006

Hot day to hit the bricks

Lieutenant Governor Harriet Woods and State Senator Rita Days (D-14th) geared up to door-knock for Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-72).

Nadal is facing a challenge from former University City councilmember Sandi Colquit. Nadal defeated Colquit in a three-way race in 2004.

In the course of canvassing her district, Nadal says she is often asked about home care for seniors and education. She stresses her support for public education and says efforts by pro-voucher groups like All Children Matter are undercutting efforts to improve schools.

Adding to the usual rivalry between candidates is the split that followed the candidates weighing in on the University City mayoral race in April. Nadal and several other prominent Democratic women, including Woods, supported challenger Shelly Welsch, a U City councilmember. Colquit supported incumbent mayor Joe Adams in his successful re-election bid.

The race split the city and the lingering emotions are likely to play a role in Tuesday's election.

Last month, the Arch City Chronicle reported on Colquit's campaign finance violations. She has since settled with the state, but its unclear how that may effect her support.

August 04, 2006

Our Free Classifieds Work

In his recent national bestseller The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes connectors as “people with a special gift for bringing the world together.” Indeed, the ACC’s classified ads’ staff meets this definition in our community, and here is my story of a recent delightful and rewarding experience.

In March 2006, LeaAnne DeRigne placed a free ACC ad soliciting expertise in “logistic regression using SPSS software.” As a faculty in the Department of Research Methodology at Saint Louis University, I receive many telephone and email requests for similar assistance, but had never encountered such a focused a newspaper ad and replied.

LeaAnne needed to complete her doctoral dissertation. She knew what she wanted to investigate and had the data for her research. She merely needed assistance in preparing the data and running the analyses in a computer software package called, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Other students in her PhD program at George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University had strongly suggested that LeaAnne use SPSS software for her dissertation analyses, but unfortunately, LeaAnne had not received any training on how to use SPSS.

Once I was able to understand the extent of her logistic regression and analytic needs, I put LeaAnne in contact with one of my graduate students, Stacie Metz. Stacie was also at the final stage of finishing her PhD program in the School of Public Health at Saint Louis University, and is extraordinarily proficient in both the use of SPSS and logistic regression techniques. Moreover, Stacie has a master’s degree in social work, and was currently teaching as an adjunct instructor in the School of Social Work at SLU.

The synergy between these two young women was apparent from their first meeting onward. They were both coffeehouse goers and planned their tutorial meetings in different local coffeehouses to provide interest and relaxed easiness for each session. As their professional and personal friendship grew, LeaAnne gave a guest lecture in Stacie’s SLU Social Work course on LeaAnne’s efforts as a legislative lobbyist to provide more services to children with special health care needs. LeaAnne completed her dissertation and successfully defended it on July 21, 2006 to complete her PhD program requirement. Congruently, Stacie also completed and successfully defended her dissertation one day before on July 20, 2006. These graduates finally had an opportunity to relax and celebrate with friends, colleagues and each other on Saturday, July 22!

In August, LeaAnne will continue teaching at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the Department of Social Work as a Visiting Assistant Professor, and Stacie will start a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at in the Department of Health at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Congrats to LeaAnne and Stacie for the “photo finish” of their respective doctoral programs, and to the ACC for this wonderful connection and service to the community through your free classified ads!

Kathy Wyrwich

Forecast update

96 degrees.

4th SD Voter Guide

KWMU's Tom Weber.

August 03, 2006

Blunt's New Chief of Staff

ACC columnist, Ed Martin.

Blunt Names Ed Martin New Chief of Staff

JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that he has selected Edward R. Martin, Jr. to serve as his new Chief of Staff.

“I am pleased to welcome Ed Martin to our team and look forward to his contributions to our ongoing efforts to help move Missouri forward as chief of staff,” Blunt said. “Ed brings an exceptional legal, professional and personal background to this job and has shown the ability to bring diverse groups of people together to get results, a skill that will serve him well in our state capitol.”

Martin, 36 of St. Louis, currently serves as chairman of the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners. Martin is a founding partner of the law firm of Martin & Simmonds, a general practice law firm in St. Louis. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, a juris doctorate with health law certificate and masters of applied ethics in health care from Saint Louis University.

Martin brings a wide range of experience and civic dedication to the governor’s office. He is fluent in Bahasa Indonesian, Bahasa Malay and Italian and has lived in Italy and North Sumatera, Indonesia. He serves on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Leadership Missouri Board. Martin has founded and co-hosted radio talk shows in the St. Louis area, serves on the St. Louis Review editorial board and writes a regularly featured column in The Arch City Chronicle. He has been involved with Boy Scouts of America, Cardinal Carberry Senior Living Center Board of Directors, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, among many others.

Martin is the Father McGivney Fellow for Rights of Conscience with Americans United for Life and is an active member in the Catholic Church. He was appointed by Archbishop Justin Rigali in 1998 as director of the Human Rights Office for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Martin served as chairman of the Papal Visit Committee for Social Concerns for Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis, and hosted Mrs. Rosa Parks for a private audience with the Pope.

Martin will begin his new duties on Sept. 1, 2006 and will be available for media interviews when he begins in his official capacity. Martin, with his wife and daughter, plans to move to the Jefferson City area.
###

ACC Needs Help!

Advertising Representative. The sky's the limits. But to make it happen, you'll need to be a self-starter who likes newspapers and loves people. Gotta be an enthusiastic outgoing, go-getter who's willing to work harder than everybody else, and gets a thrill from closing a deal. We offer an existing book of business to get you going and a fun, fun, fun place to work.

Copy Editor. One day a week, twice a month. Need to enjoy search and destroy missions for all the little gremlins and typos that breed in our copy.

Bill Clinton Fundraising for McCaskill

Apparently, Chuck Schumer, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has promised Claire McCaskill that Bill Clinton will appear at one of her fundraisers. Teleconferencing via speakerphone, Schumer has supposedly vowed to make the Senate race in Missouri one of--if not the-- highest priorit(ies) for the Democratic Party.

August 02, 2006

MoPIRG Global Warming Press Conference "Anti-Climactic"

How ironic that on a 100 degree day, no one showed up for MoPIRG's (Missouri Public Interest Group's) Press conference on global warming. Perhaps it was a catch-22-- it was so hot no one could bear being outside, but if enough people cared about global warming, it might have been a tad more bearable.

Either way, MoPIRG was joined by Gentry Trotter, the President and Founder of Cool Down St. Louis, a local non-profit that runs campaigns to "build awareness and avoid heat related illnesses and deaths".

Gentry Trotter (tall gentleman wearing black on the left), and Jeff Smith (gentleman in the red tie on the right.)
Gentry took great pains to reiterate that Cool Down St. Louis is a non-partisan affair and does not support any political candidate.

MoPIRG asserts that Missouri's emissions have increased 26 percent from 1990 to 2004, with much of that increase coming from SUV's and power plants, and fully supports Russ Carnahan's efforts to bring attention to global warming. They have manufactured a congressional scorecard for elected representatives nationwide.

For more, go to MoPIRG's website: here

National Night out (FPSE) and the Anti-Eminent Domain Ice Cream Truck

Few things in life are as simple as they should be. It even takes me 5 minutes to buy toothpaste as I ponder if my teeth need extra flouride, whitening, sparkles, baking soda, a cinnamon burst , a vanilla twist, or even a cold "Icy Blast".

However, what could be more simple and innocent than National Night Out??
National Night out is lots of kids and hot dogs:

Virginia Wilson (left) with Sean, and Sheena McDonald (right) with Kevin

National Night Out is a photo op for the photo oppers:

Mayor Slay and Onlookers

Alderman Roddy (far right) and constituents

National Night Out is some music for the youngsters:

The stylings of Mr. James Williams

What National Night Out is not, is...well... a bare chested, beer swilling, sign bearing, ice-cream truck bankrolling William Pappas. Fresh off a recent article in the RFT describing his battle with Eminent Domain and his long-gone Bernard's Pub, Pappas (left) and Jim Roosianite David Jones were spreading their disapproval of Eminent Domain by quietly sitting on Pappas' land (adjacent to the festivities on Thurman and McRee) and providing the neighborhood kids with a fully stocked ice cream truck.

Pappas and his crew were quiet, orderly, and respectful (at least up until I left), and I have no other reason to think they would have been rowdy after I left. It was a nice gesture to fund an ice cream truck for all the little ones, but to call the anti-eminent domain production tasteful would be another matter.

In general, FPSE put on a nice event. It was interesting to see the two different neighborhoods come together- the (mostly) white, middle class residents of the new "Botanical Heights" and the impoverished African-American population of Old McRee Town. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and get along well, but regardless, getting a solid bead on this tale of two cities will be a complex task in the upcoming months and years.

Talent-McCaskill back and forth

on front page of Kos.

Parks tax renewal

KWMU's story.

2nd CD

from KWMU.

Election Day Forecast

Weather.com says 94 degrees now, 30% of rain.

August 01, 2006

Bloggers for Smith

Diatriber.
ArchPundit.
Umar Lee.
Who am I missing? I'll update.

FPSE Plans for National Night Out

Ralph Martinez, operations manager for the FPSE Development Corporation, would like to let the community know FPSE's plan(s) for tonight--

REGISTRATION:

*will begin at 6:00-until
*registration table will be on Thurman between Blaine and McRee

Food and beverages:

*food will be served from 6:00-until (while supplies last)

*ice cream will be served from 7:00-8:00pm ( an ice cream truck has been secured to provide treats for all)

*We will provide water to all; due to recent HEAT ALERT, we must be conscious of dehydration.

Activities:

*The ST. Louis SCORES Program will provide soccer equipment and a workshop for our youth and all adults who are young at heart; this will take place on the green space west of Thurman at Lafayette from 6:30-7:30; this is an incredible program so please bring the children out and enjoy.

*We will have a "Magic Show" for our everyone; an area will be set up near green space, 7:30-8:00pm

*There will be street chalk provided for anyone who wishes to create "Street Art", play hop-scotch, and any other creative ideas for chalk.

*We will present Ms. Margie Meyer with a modest award for serving our community for over 30 years; this will take place at approx. 8:00pm

*We will have Mr. James Williams, a local teen from our community, performing with his saxophone; at 8:00pm

*A tent sight will house examples of our logo for viewing and feed-back.

*We will have a DJ so be ready to show-off your best dance moves....

Special Invites:

Mayor Slay
Alderman Joe Roddy
Local newspapers
Channel 5 news
St. Louis Fire Dept.
St. Louis Police Dept. DARE Mobile

Post picks

Oxford, Hubbard, Palm and Tyus.

Open Thread - 4th SD

Smith, El-Amin, Gambaro, Boykins and Jones. That's the order we're predicting here at ACC.

Our special election issue will be hitting the streets today. In it both the Oracle and Mr. Combest pick El-Amin to win.

ACC endorsed Smith.

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