September 2006
September 29, 2006
Missouri: Still Swingin'
Cook Political Report editor Jennifer Duffy comments on the 2006 Senate race:
"The ultimate bellweather (sic) is Missouri,” Duffy says. “Talent hasn’t done anything wrong. He doesn’t have ethical problems. He shows up for work. He’s got accomplishments. The point is, if he goes down, it’s more of a sign of how big the Democratic wave is than about Talent.” Duffy emphasizes that Missouri is almost like the ultimate swing state, because while “it’s looked pretty red since 2000,” recent races at the “top of the ticket have all been pretty close,” Duffy says. “It’s not as red as it looks.”McCaskill v. Talent has not generated the headlines such as the surprisingly close and increasingly erratic race between Sen. George Allen (R) and former Reagan official and James Webb (D). Yet it's clear that the bookmakers are keeping a close eye on events here.
There haven't been the kind of gaffes, stunts and controversies that latch on to an unfortunate candidate like an anchor on a clumsy sailor. This race has been (despite the wave of out-of-state money) a classic in candidate v. candidate.
A tough fight, for sure, but a clean one.
International Institute Fair
The Second Annual Educating for Change Curriculum Fair will be held Saturday, September 30th from 9 - 3 at the International Institute. The theme will be "Immigrant and Refugee Rights in the Context of Racial Justice".
View the press release here
Police Crash
Independent sources have indeed confirmed that the SLPD suffered from a system-wide crash the last two days, and were unable to file electronic reports. The police had to resort to filing the old-fashioned way (paper), but all systems are currently back up and running smoothly. It is unknown whether all the paper reports will be put back into electronic form.
Zogby polling
Things always tighten in the home stretch. Nothing different here.
September 28, 2006
Rehabber's Club Classes Coming Soon
The popular "How to Rehab a House in the City" classes, sponsored by ReVitalize St. Louis and the St. Louis Rehabbers Club, starts its Fall 2006 series of 8 classes on October 9.
Each class focuses on a different topic of interest to rehabbers at all skill levels. Highlights of the upcoming series include guest speaker Rollin Stanley, Director of the St. Louis Planning and Urban Design Agency, how to take advantage of Historic Tax Credits, and how to work with contractors.
Class material will be of interest to rehabbers at all skill levels from novice to experienced.
Classes will be held on eight consecutive Monday nights beginning October 9, at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman (at Kingshighway - 3 blocks south of Delmar). Classes run from 7-9 pm. Register on site for the whole series for $100, or attend individual classes for $15 each.
For more information please visit the "How to Rehab a House in the City" web site at http://classes.rehabbersclub.org.
ReVitalize St. Louis (http://rvstl.org) is a diverse coalition of citizens committed to revitalization in the City of St. Louis through historic preservation and sensitive planned development.
Homeowners / Homebuyers Seminar
Wednesday, October 4, 7 pm, Maplewood City Hall, 7601 Manchester
Planning a home repair project for next week or next spring? Learn valuable information about the home repair industry, assessing your home repairs and how to apply for tax credits that could help you finance those repairs!
"Resources for Homeowners", a panel of experts will be available including:
Scott C. Thomas, Trade Practice Consultant for the Better Business Bureau offers help with the home repair industry.
Chad Borah from Pillar to Post Inspection will discuss assessing your home and its mechanicals to determine repair needs.
Sallie Hemenway and Ann Perry from the Missouri Department of Economic Development will be on hand to guide homeowners through the application for Neighborhood Preservation Tax Credits.
This event is free and all are welcome!
(314) 646-3607
Taste of the 6th Ward
Yesterday evening at the home of Pam and Patrick Cacchione.
September 27, 2006
Red Ribbon Rally for the Kids
From the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA)
Red Ribbon Rally Seeks To Show St. Louis City Middle School Students The Seriousness Of Substance Abuse
Lots of great events have been planned for this year's Red Ribbon Week. As usual, NCADA-St. Louis Area and its partner agencies will host two Red Ribbon Leadership Trainings for middle school students and their teachers. The first rally is September 28, 2006 at the St. John's United Methodist Church in St. Louis City. The second rally will happen on October 5, 2006 at the Armory in Festus, Missouri. Over five hundred students and teachers will attend these rallies and will gain pertinent information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as well as innovative project ideas to implement in their schools. Throat cancer survivor Don Young (speaking through an electro larynx) will be the opening speaker at the St. Louis rally.
Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated during the last week in October in memory of the fallen Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, Enrique Camarena. More than just a commemorative reminder of Agent Camerena's death, Red Ribbon Week serves as a vision and vehicle by which substance abuse prevention advocates work towards supporting youth in their
positive decision-making, building livable communities, and ultimately creating a drug-free world.
Date: Thursday, September 28th
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Site: St. John's United Methodist Church-- 5000 Washington Pl. St. Louis, 63108
Jason Bowers
Prevention Specialist
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
8790 Machester Rd
Saint Louis MO 63144
314-962-3456
jbowers@ncada-stl.org
Mullanphy Saved
Sean Thomas, Director of ONSLRG (Old North St. Louis Restoration Group) just released his group's plans to save the historic Mullanphy Emigrant Home. Direct download the press release below:
For more info on Old North St. Louis and the activities of the ONSLRG, check out their blog here
Sean let it be known that it will cost the group over $150,000 (rebuilding, insurance, clearance and acquisition) just to shore up the south wall, which partially collapsed after the April 2nd storm.
Payment will be deferred, meaning ONSLRG will have time to secure funds to rehab the building, should they choose to. ONSLRG is asessing future plans for the building, but either lofts, a commercial art gallery, or some mixture of businesses and living space(s) are a pretty safe bet.
Fresh off plans for the 14th Street Mall first unveiled in the ACC here, ONSLRG is on quite a roll, and there will be much more to come.
Gaps for GOP
USA Today articles on marriage gap, and fertility gap.
Voter ID Forum
Please join State Representative Rachel Storch for a Town Hall Meeting
with Special Guest Secretary of State Robin Carnahan
Topics: Voter ID, Voter Registration, Elimination of Straight Party Voting
You will also have a chance to try the new voting machines that will be used in St. Louis City and County in the November elections!
Tuesday, October 3rd, at 7:00 p.m.
Location: McCormack House, 4575 Cadet
Forest Park Southeast (at the corner of Manchester and Kingshighway)
Finalized Nuisance Reporting Form
Here is a copy of the new Nuisance Reporting Form. It is a brainchild of Alderman Ortmann and Joe Thele, but its former version had a couple of typos.
Front:
Back:
If there are any questions, please call the Neighborhood Stabilization Office - 622-4628
Looking for NSO's
Joe Thele, Neighborhood Stabilitator extradoinaire, will be hiring new two new NSO's. It has already been reported that Brian Wilson, former NSO of the 15th ward has departed here, but Thele made it known during last night's Tower Grove Heights meeting that he will be hiring one additional NSO, but is not sure what ward will get the extra NSO.
September 26, 2006
Saving Private Cleveland
The Alliance to Save Cleveland High (P.O. Box 2835, St. Louis, MO 63118. (314) 442-4551) is having a meeting that should answer some questions about the future of Cleveland ROTC.
Join Us for the Upcoming Cleveland Town Hall Meeting 6pm, Thursday September 28, 2006 in Cleveland High School's auditorium. We will be discussing the whats and hows of rennovation with SLPS Building Commissioner Deana Anderson and talking about the future of our beloved Castle. Mark your calendar, show up and spread the word!
Cleaning Up in Dutchtown
DT2, (here), an organization dedicated to "Revitalizing the Historic Downtown Dutchtown Business District" is having a clean-up day this Saturday.
Making Downtown Dutchtown Gorgeous!
Organized Planting Day Planned
The DT2 Neighborhood Appearance Committee will be holding organized planting on Saturday, September 30, 2006. The group will meet on the Southern Commercial Bank parking lot at 3207 Meramec St, promptly at 9:00am. The time we stop will be adjustable.
We will be pulling weeds, relaying loose edging, and planting bulbs that are provided generously by Marcia Ellerbeck. Please RSVP to Marcia@dt2stl.org or
by calling 442-4552 ext 3.
Bring hand trowels, gloves, and a positive attitude!
September 25, 2006
New Rules Reach Committee
Alderwoman Lyda Krewson's bill to impose new restrictions on the sale of scrap metal in the city hit the floor and will now be evaluated by the public safety committee.
The details were still considered preliminary when the ACC wrote about the proposed legislation earlier this month (09-12-06 - Vol. 4, No. 21).
The new bill will tighten up scrap sales by requiring:
• All sellers must be photographed and provide a thumbprint.
• All scrap must be paid for with a check and a copy retained with the photograph and sales record.
• Every transaction in violation of the ordinance will be counted separately and result in a fine of no more than $500.
The board hopes the legislation will help crack down on rash of destructive thefts that have plagued the city. The new restrictions bring scrap yards in-line with the rules governing pawnshops and antique stores. The new rules will hopefully deter thieves from approaching the yards.
Krewson, Ward 28, is the primary sponsor, but a number of aldermen were in involved in discussions about drafting the bill.
Bertelsen wants a debate
Over the past few election cycles the Weidenbaum Center at Washington University has sponsored a debate between the candidates for Missouri's Third Congressional District. Several weeks ago I agreed to participate in such a debate scheduled for October 16. I was told that the incumbent, Russ Carnahan, had told the Weidenbaum Center to "pencil him in." At a town hall meeting on Monday I personally asked Mr. Carnahan if he would debate me on October 16. He answered "I believe, I got the invitation."
On Friday I was told that Mr. Carnahan would not be able to debate because, according to his staff, he was "too busy."
I hope Mr.Carnahan changes his mind and decides to engage in the debate. The people of Missouri's Third District deserve to see the candidates in action.
Dave Bertelsen
Republican Candidate
Missouri 3rd Congressional District
314-846-5364
September 23, 2006
Talent is no leader, says McCaskill
State Auditor Claire McCaskill emphasized her opposition to last year's Medicaid cuts and criticized Sen. Jim Talent for "taking a pass" by not speaking out against the cuts made by Gov. Matt Blunt and the Missouri legislature.
Speaking at a news conference Friday with four Missourians who lost their Medicaid coverage, McCaskill said she would be a better representative for Missourians.
"As a senator, I will always speak out when Missourians are being hurt," said McCaskill.
McCaskill acknowledged the Talent campaign's assertion that federal funding for Medicaid has increased while he has been in the Senate, but McCaskill said the growth reflected necessary increases due to rising medical costs and that some occurred despite Talent's presence in the Senate.
A campaign handout highlighted four votes in the last two years which both Republican and Democratic Senators voted to reject Medicaid cuts, votes Talent went against the majority on (Vote 62 2006, Vote 291 2005, Vote 58 2005, Vote 39 2004). In one case, Vote 39, which would have restored funding to Medicaid and the Earned Income Tax Credit, Talent and Bond split with Talent voting to support the cuts, and Bond voting to support the funding.
Sharon Belleville, 59, said Talent had failed to follow through on his promise to represent and listen to Medicaid recipients.
"If they don't want to hear what I have to say, then don't come to me for my vote," said Belleville.
Kristine Alliegre, 33, works part-time, is a full-time student and has two kids. She has relied on Medicare since she was pregnant with her first child in 2000. She was just informed on Thursday her two children were going to lose their coverage due to an unspecified problem with paperwork.
Alliegre said the cuts, "detract from families being whole, healthy units."
McCaskill disputed assertions by Republicans at the state and federal level who said the cuts are necessary cost-saving measures and do not represent opposition to the programs. McCaskill said the cuts amount to a tax on every person who uses the health care system, insured or not. Those who have been dropped from the roles now use emergency rooms as their primary care facility. Those hospitals pass on the added costs to covered patients' insurance companies; the insurance company then raises rates to offset their costs; the higher costs then make it harder for low-income individuals to obtain insurance; and around it goes.
"The cycle of cuts is creating more uninsured in America," said McCaskill.
The cuts don't just involve Missouri's resources. As a result of state reductions, $700 million in federal funds were sent back. Those funds don't just disappear, they go to other states, said McCaskill.
Though a Senator can not directly change how a state allocates its funds, they can direct how some federal funds are used. They can also use their very visible position to exert political pressure.
McCaskill said that the use of targeted matching funds and even reshaping the bloated bureaucracy could help encourage states to maintain funding.
One proposal McCaskill floated doesn't address Medicaid, but does affect the availability of quality medical service in poor areas; loan forgiveness. A portion of a medical student's school loans would be forgiven in exchange for working in community health care centers and areas that are having a tough time luring doctors.
Missouri had a similar program for nurses that forgave 25% of the loans for each year spent working in hard-to-staff areas. This year, in order to encourage more students to pursue nursing. the legislature changed the provision to provide 100% forgiveness for any nursing student gaining full-time employment regardless of where they work.
McCaskill spoke at the Connect Care Health Care Center at 5535 Delmar Blvd, just East of DeBaliviere Place. The center is a clinic low-income patients in the city.
Washington Post reviews Smith movie
Deeply absorbing and moving with the caffeinated speed of Smith's own feisty campaign.
September 22, 2006
ACORN shake-up
Ken McCoy and John Cross are gone.
More later this weekend...
Cherokee Clean-Up
Sheri Ford, owner of Tension Head on 2619 Cherokee St. won a small (280.00) grant from the Incarnate Word Foundation, and is using the funds to hold "Cherokee Clean-up Day" on Satuday Sept. 23. The event will focus on cleaning up Cherokee Street between Texas and Jefferson.
Besides cleaning up trash, the volunteers will edge the trees with rubber or plastic to keep all the dirt from blowing onto the sidewalk- like shown:
Though rain may hamper the event, goodies provided by Shangri-La will still be available to the volunteers. Here is a picture of Sheri:
Please give her a call at the store:
314- 577-6997, or email her: sheri@tensionhead.net with any questions.
Clifton Heights Neighborhood Party in the Park
The Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association will be hosting its annual Party in the Park from 3:00-8:00pm on Saturday, September 23rd in Clifton Park. The fun begins at 3:00 with food, children’s games, and a silent auction. The games and silent auction both run from 3:00-6:00pm.
Children’s games include a moonwalk, ring toss, bean bag toss, and face painting. There’s even a neighborhood “jail”—you could pay to have someone locked up, or you might find yourself behind bars and having to choose between “doing your time” and buying your way out of the jail! Games cost 50 cents to $1.00; jail prices vary by the length of the “sentence”. The silent auction includes: Cardinal’s baseball tickets, restaurant gift certificates, beauty and hair care products, tickets to local museums, and much more.
Stop by to see the vintage fire trucks on display, visit the neighborhood history booth, and take your turn spinning the “Wheel of Fortune” (everybody wins a prize!). Finish off the day with free live music by the band “Presentations” from 6:00-8:00pm (they play a range of music including classic rock and Motown, mostly from the 60s and 70s). Food and drinks (hot dogs, bratwursts, and/or hamburgers; chips; desserts; sodas and water) will be on sale from 3:00-8:00pm.
Restrooms are available at the park. Bring the whole family, there’s something for everyone! Clifton Park is located in Southwest St. Louis city; two blocks west of Hampton Avenue, between Elizabeth and Columbia Avenues. Call Julie Grant at 646-1581 if you have questions.
We hope to see you and yours there for an afternoon and evening of fun
Thanks
Josh Wiese
President Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association
Last Call for Ballot Issue Speakers
The Tilles Park Neighborhood Association will sponsor a State & Local Ballot Issues Forum at 7 p.m., Tues., Sept. 26 at the SLPOA Hall, 3710 Hampton. The event is open to the public. Moderator for event will be Dave Drebes, Publisher, Arch City Chronicle.
Proponent and opponent speakers have been secured for Constitutional Amendment 2 (stem cell), Constitutional Amendment 3 (tobacco tax), and the Police Dept. Residency Nonbinding Vote.
Proponent speakers have been secured for Proposition B (minimum wage), the proposed Recreation Sales Tax, and Increase in Fines Charter Amendment.
Both proponent and opponent speakers are still sought for Constitutional Amendment 6 (tax exemption for veteran groups) and Constitutional Amendment 7 (state pension forfeiture). A speaker has come forward to provide a neutral explanation for the three charter amendments regarding civil service (Ord. 66911, Ord. 66912, Ord. 66913) but proponent and opponent speakers would be welcome.
Ballot issues with both proponent and opponent speakers will follow a debate format. Issues with only one side will follow a Q&A with audience format. State issues will go first, then city issues.
Groups wishing to send a representative to speak for or against a ballot issue currently without a similar speaker may contact tillespark@aol.com or 314.630.7599 but should do so before noon Mon., Sept. 25.
Saturday Grove Fest
Grovefest this Saturday, get details here:
September 21, 2006
President Reed?
6th Ward Alderman Eyes City-Wide Race
Lewis Reed is exploring a run for president of the Board of Alderman. The Democratic primary will be held next spring and Jim Shrewsbury, the incumbent, is expected to run for re-election.
Lewis Reed, an alderman of Ward 6 which includes Lafayette Square and Tower Grove East among its neighborhoods, running for president has a number of significant implications for local African American politics. Currently, African Americans, despite comprising a majority of the city’s population, hold only twelve of the the twenty-eight seats on the Board of Alderman.
Neighborhood scuttlebutt has two possible replacements for Reed’s aldermanic seat: committeeman Patrick Cacchione and Christian Saller, an active resident with expertise in urban planning. Both are white. Assuming all other things remain as they are, the African American representation on the Board of Aldermen would drop to eleven seats. Before redistricting African Americans held thirteen seats on the Board of Aldermen.
However, if Reed were to become president of the Board, African American would hold two of the three seats on the powerful Board of Estimate and Apportionment.
Shrewsbury has positioned himself as a counter-balance to Mayor Slay on a number of initiatives – for example, the Forest Park lease – but has avoided outright warfare with the sitting mayor.
Reed, meanwhile is probably second only to Mike McMillan, in his ability to point to a large number of specific development projects in his ward that he was responsible for deftly shepherding through city process.
Part of the electoral mathematics on which Reed may be counting, is his ability to win both north side and central corridor voters. Shrewsbury’s victory over Lyda Krewson was delivered via by strong turn-out in his south side base, but also a fair amount of north side support. If Reed is able to pre-empt that north side support and win the central corridor, the race would become a squeaker.
September 20, 2006
BJ Poll
Wonders if you're with Blunt or Nixon. No, not in 08, but today, concerning MOHELA.
Here comes the money
GOP sends $1,000,000 to help Talent.
94%
Via FiredUp.
Hotline Reviews Mr. Smith movie
The story will certainly be enjoyable for political experts, but is also a good enough movie on its own for everyone else.
Link.
UPDATE: Mr Smith starts Friday in DC at the E-Street Cinema and then opens in Atlanta on the 29th at the Plaza, 1049 Ponce De Leon.
You can see the current schedule here.
wednesday Stew
Jake on the signature gathering tactics.
Combest highlights legistorm.
GroveFest has a cool poster.
Military "Scraping Bottom"
In responding to questions after his talk, Clark said he agreed with recent reports that the military is "exhausted". The operational tempo, he said, is out of step with what the military is set up to handle.
Numerous "not for attribution" reports from the military as well as a recent report by Representatives Dave Obey (D-WI) and John Murtha (D-PA) have already begun sounding a quiet alarm.
Clark said the military is "scraping bottom" with the current volunteer army model. The military needs to improve its recruiting methods, said Clark.
The recruiting system has received criticism for relaxing its testing standards in areas of fitness and mental acuity.
In financial terms, Clark said the Army and the Marines need an immediate $50 billion each. Both arms of the military are having increasing difficulty with both manpower and resources.
In addition, veterans need to receive full funding for all health services, particularly those who serve in the national guard and reserve.
In terms of capital, material and human, the military may be slipping into negative territory. The phrase, "not since Vietnam," is popping up more often. Yet the phrase is used less in reference to the state of matters on the ground, but to the state of the military going into its fourth year in Iraq.
"This administration is going to have a big bill to pay," said Clark.
September 19, 2006
McCaskill recruits Gen. Clark
The Bush administration's prosecution of the Iraq war and its handling of the needs of members of the military, active and inactive, were were the topics of the day at Veterans for Claire's final stop.
Retired General Wesley Clark and State Auditor Claire McCaskill spoke to a group of veterans, many wearing McCaskill stickers, at American Legion Memorial Post 103 in Mapelwood.
McCaskill thanked the assembled veterans for their service, saying she respected the sacrifices of all veterans, including Rep. Jack Jackson (R-89), a retired Marine colonel, who she said had been publicly criticizing her.
McCaskill said the Bush administration has not lived up to its obligations by failing to adequately supply the military and by cutting heath care benefits for veterans.
"Senator Talent and this administration have turned their back on veterans," said McCaskill.
McCaskill and Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2004, focused specifically on Senator Jim Talent's (R) support for the administration's policy.
McCaskill's said Talent had voted 23 times against veterans, including a 2006 vote against an amendment that would have made funding for veterans' health care mandatory. The amendment would be paid for by restoring the pre-2001 top rate for income over $1 million, an amendment only two republicans voted for, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Arlen Specter (R-PA).
Calling Talent a "follower", Clark, criticized the Senator for his support of the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq while failing to adequately support the military.
In yet another reference to the only Missourian to be elected President, Harry Truman, Clark contrasted Talent's record with Truman's efforts as a U.S. Senator to crack down on war profiteering during World War II. As a democratic senator going up against a democratic president, Franklin Roosevelt, it took leadership and courage to do the right thing, said Clark.
Clark said he would pity Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld if he were to have to face "Senator Claire McCaskill".
Clark said he has seen many "false patriots" since the attacks of September 11th (a term the Talent campaign has criticized McCaskill for using). Adding that, "the flag doesn't belong to any political party," Clark said too many people pin a flag in their lapel and then vote against the interests of the military.
"What we need in Washington are real patriots," said Clark.
Clark, talking about his own experience being wounded in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of helping veterans learn to deal with their wartime experience. Remembering his own anger and guilt and that accompanied his wartime service, and knowing the stories of some of those returning from Iraq, he would like to see a program that counseled all vets returning from Iraq.
Clark spoke of his own transition from an officer to a politician, and a Democrat at that. He cited his long experience in the military and his time in both the Ford administration–where he worked with Rumsfeld and other prominent Republicans–and the Clinton administration. Clark said he found that Democrats were willing to listen when those in uniform spoke up.
A conversation he had with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice when she served as national security advisor in the first Bush administration seemed to cement his views that the Republican party didn't understand the role of the military. He cited their positive view of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a perception of the role of military combat as a foreign policy tool rather than a means of last resort.
Despite a perception of the military and veterans as an easy Republican vote, Clark said there needs to be a hard look at the Democratic party. He has certainly decided where he is waging his campaign and for whom.
"We need [McCaskill] in that fight and we are going to put her there," said Clark.
Morganford Musings
The new vintage store (The Vintage Haberdashery) is having a grand opening on October 7th. The store is located at 3181 Morganford. Here is a picture of the inside:
In the background is store owner Joile Mackney, and in front of her is worker Charleen Vocca.
Here is a picture of the outside of the store, with "helper dogs" cuddles and squeak:
Joile promises to have a full line of Haloween costumes available in time for the holiday. Also, there are three one-bedroom apartments that will be ready for new inhabitants in a couple of months. The top unit will be gigantic and distinctly "lofty", according to one of the workers on-site.
Across the street, a restaurant is being built. Mr. Alexander, one of the owners, declined to have his picture taken, but let me know that the restaurant will be an affordable family oriented American-style place, and will likely feature a robust breakfast buffet. He also made it clear that the investors are African-American
Facing Connecticut street on the other side of the building, (across from the side of 7-11), Mr. Alexander let me know he (and his partners) will be opening a doughnut and pastry shop.
Herod loans himself 10k
New Danforth book
3rd CD Dem Meeting
Thursday, Sept 21, 7pm, Firefighters' Hall.
September 18, 2006
GREEN CAR SHOW
Today, at the Schafly Bottle Works
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Green Drinks Green Car Show. Our first car show last year attracted the most diverse green drinks crowd ever.
It's happening Monday, September 18th at Schlafly Bottleworks - 7260 Southwest Ave. (at Manchester). The car show takes place from 6 to 7:30pm and will feature more than a dozen of the greenest vehicles available including:
*Hybrids - Toyota Prius, Mercury Mariner, Ford Escape, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Civic
*Super fuel efficient cars - Scion XA, Smart Car
*Flexfuel pickup
*E-Max Electric Ride (electric scooter)
*Biodeisel & Straight Vegetable Oil vehicles
A panel discussion featuring experts in biodiesel vehicles, fuel efficiency, automotive technologies, plus information on anti-idling ordinances & emissions-related health concerns takes place from 7:30 - 8:30 in the Crown Room.
FOCUS(ING) On Immigration
Focus St. Louis is hosting an important meeting on immigration law:
Tuesday, September 19
"How Do You Reform Immigration Laws to Address Illegal Immigration?"
In the past year, the issue of illegal immigration has taken center stage in the national media. Now, FOCUS St. Louis wants to take a deeper look at the issue locally. Please join us September 19 as we listen to and ask questions of local experts who will explore the controversial issue of "How Do You Reform Immigration Laws to Address Illegal Immigration?" This free event, in partnership with Metropolis St. Louis and League of Women Voters, will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19 at the Schlafly Branch Library, 225 N Euclid.
Steve Legomsky is the Charles F. Nagel Professor of International & Comparative Law at Washington University School of Law. Phyllis Schlafly is the executive director of the Eagle Forum and a political activist, syndicated columnist, commentator, and author. To make a reservation, contact Debra White at 314-622-1250 x101 or debraw@focus-stl.org
September 16, 2006
Burns looks good in 85th
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 12, 2006
TO: Bob Burns for State Representative Campaign
FROM: Terry Jones
RE: Poll Results
Republican incumbent Jim Lembke is very vulnerable to Democratic challenger Bob Burns’s in the upcoming November election for state representative in Missouri ’s 85th House District, according to my poll of 302 likely voters conducted September 7 through 9.
Only 33% say they will definitely vote for Lembke, 18 points shy of the majority he would need to win. An almost equal share, 29%, reply they will definitely vote to replace him. Only 36% give Lembke either an excellent or good job performance rating while 46% assign him either an only fair or poor score.
A plurality, 47%, say Missouri is headed in the wrong direction, a group predisposed to vote against any incumbent. Only 32% see the state going in the right direction with the remainder indicating the picture is mixed.
Lembke’s favorable/unfavorable ratio is just 1.68 (42% favorable/25% unfavorable) while Burns’s is much better at 3.75 (30% favorable/8% unfavorable).
Low re-elect numbers, weak job performance ratings, deep concern about the state’s direction, mediocre favorables/unfavorables: there are all the ingredients for an incumbent defeat.
September 15, 2006
911 too Busy??
After the Weed and Seed meeting, a presentation was given by Lt. Dan Howard, Commander of the Communications Division in the SLPD.
Apparently, many callers to 911 have been getting busy signals, or have been getting put on hold. Obviously, this is a disaster waiting to happen, or a lawsuit waiting to be filed.
Lt. Howard ket the crowd know that the 911 dispatch in St. Louis City recieives approximately 100,000 calls a month, and over a million a year. They handle more calls than all the municipalities in St. Louis County combined.
That being said, the dreaded 911 busy signal is due to three things:
1st- there is a finite number of calls 911 can handle in any situation, in any city, period.
2. Cell phones now account for HALF of all calls. Before the widespread use of cell phones, the city only received half the number of emergency 911 calls. Lt. Morgan gave this example: If there is an accident on 55 and Gasconade, within 3 minutes, calls from multiple cell phones all jam 911 at almost the same time, blocking access to 911 for other callers with other problems.
3. Ever since the storm hit, the non-emergency number for the police (231-1212), has been surreptitiously looping back into the 911 call que, further exacerbating the problem of busy signals for 911 callers. This technical glitch will be recitifed by ATT and the City within two weeks.
On a positive note, the city is purchasing a new, high-tech 911 system (Power 911). The police are in phase 1 of this purchase. Phase 1 is a software upgrade that lets the 911 operators reroute calls to the appropriate agency by simply pointing and clicking instead of transferring the call, which is a timesaver.
Phase 2, which will be in operation by this time next year, will enable the police to track cell phones using gps. They will know who you are, what service provider you have, and exactly where you are calling from.
Also, there were complaints of 911 operators being rude and pushy. Lt. Howard
explained that they are trained to "take over the conversation" in order to extract the vital information they need to pass on to the appropriate agency as quickly as possible.
Weed and Seeds of Frustration
The Weed and Seed program had a meeting last night at the Five Star Senior Center at 2832 Arsenal.
Lt. Boxstruck conducted the police report:
and later, the meeting broke into small groups:
Larcenies, car thefts and burglaries continue to rise, and there was a spirited debate on the issues of problem properties and juvenile law.
The main problem with problem properties is that the process to get them "shut down" can be a two-year process with many intermediary steps that drain time and resources from the citizens and city bureaucracy. To make it even worse, the process of "shutting them down" is neatly sidestepped by a new owner acquiring the property. Once a new owner buys the problem property, the long process has to start anew, from square one.
Therefore, drug houses that rotate owners frequently (and this happens often) have little chance of getting shut down and boarded up. There is no clear end to this loophole outside of legislation to close said loophole, but this would put an enormous, (and some would say) an undue burden on any new owner legitimately trying to clean up a property. They would inherit all the legal troubles with said property, making the prospect an unattractive one and potentially driving away upstanding new owners.
Another bone of contention was the current law dealing with juveniles. The juvenile laws binding St. Louis are mandated by the State, and have gone unchanged since they were first written. Since juveniles CANNOT BE CHARGED with city code violations, they are often "ex-booked" , or simply released to their parents, even in the case of relatively minor felonies.
According to the police, juveniles know this, and are free to get away with all manner of nuisance and property crimes with little or no penalty. Again, and again, Aldeman Ortmann had to remind the frustrated crowd that the only way to change juvenile law was to lobby state reps and senators-- an answer nobody wanted to hear.
Crime is an insidious force that wreaks havoc on communities on many different levels. This leaves everybody frustrated. The community is frustrated with the Police, who in turn are frustrated with the law, and seemingly, there is nowhere to turn for immediate satisfaction to the problems at hand.
It would seem that this is a golden opportunity-- both in the instances of juvenile law and problem property managment-- for some enterprising State Rep, Senator, or Alderman to introduce legislative changes to fix some of these issues.
The people and the Police are oh so weary.
Most Beautifullest Thing in the World
I have a weakness for antiques and all things ancient, but this is an incredible find.
R.EGE's Antique Shop, (who will do lay-a-way apparently) at 1304 Sidney has this copper and brass work of beauty:
Clocking in at 200+pounds, this 4.5 foot tall homage to 50's era Sci-Fi has a fully functioning am/fm radio, and uses standard light bulbs. I am guessing with a little bit of electronic expertise, a CD player could be tastefully mounted in some fashion.
What's astounding is the story behind it--
It was made in 1982 by machinist Kurt Stone, a custom made do-up that took six months to complete. Every dial, button, knob, and doohickey was milled by Stone himself. It has a Frankenstein-esque lever style on and off switch. However, it was Stone's last work. It lists for 1,250.00, but would appear to be an absolute steal at that price.
Ivory Perry Movie
WHAT: 16th Annual Great Green PESTO FEASTwith Special Screening of:
"IVORY PERRY: Pioneer in the Struggle Against Lead Poisoning"
WHEN: 6:00-8:00 pm (dinner), Saturday, September 16, 2006
7:00 pm (30-minute movie)
WHERE: Grace United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
6199 Waterman (at Skinker), St. Louis MO 63112
COST: $15 advance purchase by Sept 10. Call 314-727-8554
$20 at the door
The 16th Annual Great Green Pesto Feast -- one of the best vegetarian dinners in St. Louis -- will feature the award-winning documentary on the life of environmental activist Ivory Perry.
What challenges remain in finishing the work of Ivory Perry to eradicate lead poisoning? A discussion of environmental activism then and now will be led by...
* Percy Green, Community Activist, Chair of ACTION Reunion 2006
* Maida Coleman, Missouri State Senator, District 5
"Ivory Perry" recently won a 2006 Telly Award as well as Best Documentary in
the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. It was produced Kriss Avery and Jim Rothwell of Rainbow Sound.
Sponsored by the Gateway Green Alliance.
For more information call 314-727-8554 or visit the Greens' web site:
WWW.GATEWAY-GREENS.ORG
BOA to address curfew
KWMU.
September 14, 2006
Court throws out Voter ID Law
Statement from Brian Wahby, Chairman, Democratic City Central Committee:
I am very grateful to the plaintiffs for forcing this issue and to the court for its wisdom.
This law placed an onerous burden on Missouri voters, particularly our elderly. Without question, it would have had the effect of suppressing votes.
We salute the Court for insisting that elections are accessible to all of Missouri's citizens.
Duwe-gate
Thursday Stew
Ladies, there are worse guys to bring home to mom than funnyguystl (R-95).
Jake plugs our profile of Kreative Kakes.
Word on the CWE streets has Dan Schesch challenging Krewson next spring.
Black Bear Grand Opening
The Black Bear Bakery has an all-day long grand opening event this Saturday:
Visit Black Bear Bakery's new exciting location in the historic Vandora Theater: Renovated with a historic theme and adapted to a modern vision.
Experience a much larger new storefront with table seating and expanded store hours.
Grand Opening!
September 16th
10am, 12pm, & 2pm: Green building and bakery history tour. View and understand how Black Bear Bakery renovated the historic theater using green building and ecological principles. Understand the history, baking process and ideas behind Black Bear Bakery.
4pm "Revolution & Diversity on Cherokee Street" a talk and discussion hosted by baker Mark. How do we get to a more just and fair world--starting in our own
neighborhood?
6-8pm Live jazz/blues/acoustic music performed by local artists
8-11pm Black Bear Dance Party
Black Bear Bakery
2639 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
314.771.2236
September 13, 2006
New Issue
on the streets, and in the Back Issues.
KWMU Jeff City Bureau
KWMU has received funding totaling to establish a public radio statehouse bureau in Jefferson City.
KWMU will establish a full-time, year-round news bureau, staffed with a full-time producer/reporter at the Missouri statehouse in Jefferson City. The reporter will provide public radio stations in the state news reports, in-depth features and other coverage from the legislative sessions. The reporter also will provide year-round daily and weekly coverage of governmental department issues; agency activities (e.g. Education, Transportation, Conservation); lawmakers' events; and, ancillary activities in Jefferson City.
Thomas campaign cuts ties to Duwe
New Security Ads
Two new organizations have joined in the Missouri Senate race. The Center for Security Policy and Progress for America, both conservative think-tanks, are funding television ads in Missouri. (Watch the two ads here and here.)
Enlisting the stark images of the September 11 attacks, terrorist propaganda tapes and Iraq war footage, the ads seem not to support the policies of the Bush Administration so much as argue a familiar line that those–presumably Democrats–who are talking about changing policies are only making it easier for the various international terrorist groups.
Of the two, the PFA ad makes the more direct claims, but may have the most problems, as pointed out by Factcheck.org.
The ads will likely be most effective in states like Missouri. Sen. Jim Talent has vocally supported President Bush's policies and agrees that Iraq is "a central part" of the war on terror. McCaskill, on the other hand, is one of many Democrats who say the Bush administration has mismanaged the global effort to combat terrorists and that the war in Iraq has only made security worse, both at home and abroad.
Yet in other parts of the country, even some conservatives are publicly breaking with the President (editor of the Weekly Standard William Kristol, and editor of National Review Rich Lowrey, senior editor of National Review, Jeffrey Hart, novelist Christopher Buckley), whose popularity is intimately wrapped up in his foreign policies. It has been a winning issue for Republicans since 2001, but has the rhetoric become too overwrought?
Iraq and national security are the top two concerns on Missouri voters minds according to the Post-Dispatch/Research 2000 poll. Yet the "fear" issue that much of the security/terrorism rhetoric uses may not be enough. Iraq is as much now about competency as anything else, and the terror threat seems to have moved from the emotional to the practical. The breakup of the cell in Europe that was developing plans to smuggle explosives onto airlines gave a boost to Bush's popularity because it provided an specific example of successful policy (though not the policy cited in the PFA commercial which erroneously cited the administration's wireless surveillance as the source of the break. Instead it was the British intelligence and law enforcement efforts).
September 12, 2006
McCaskill Unveils Tax Plan
State Auditor Claire McCaskill released details of her plans to provide several tax breaks for "Missouri's middle class", those Missouri families earning between $40,000 and $100,000.
In a telephone press conference today, McCaskill said that she wants to focus on the middle class and their chances for prosperity.
"To often, in D.C., talk has been about giving tax cuts to millionaires," said McCaskill.
McCaskill's plan is part of her bid to unseat Sen. Jim Talent.
Her proposed plan has three parts:
• Home ownership - Provide a one-time $3,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Missouri home prices have increased by thousands in recent years. A boon for sellers, but an increasing barrier for first-time buyers.
• Child Care - Change the child-care tax break to allow families making more than $43,000 to get a tax break of 35% of their expenses rather than the current 20%. Child care expenses run, on average, $4,020 to $14,225, said McCaskill.
• Education - Increase and simplify college tuition tax breaks by combining the variety of federal programs such as the Hope Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit into one program. The plan would also bring back the tuition deduction and increase it from $4,000 to $10,000. Since 1999, Missouri's public university tuition has increased 70% and private school tuition has increased 45%.
McCaskill said that she recognized the positive impact tax cuts can have on the economy. However, the cuts should be more widely distributed.
"What we have is tax cuts that help every American instead of tax cuts that only help a sliver at the top," said McCaskill.
The cuts will cost an estimated $10.9 billion. To cover the costs, McCaskill said she would reduce the $400 billion of no-bid contracts issued annually and cut down on pork. McCaskill proposed subjecting more federal spending to hearings and cost-benfit analysis.
McCaskill cited the infamous "bridge to nowhere" as an example of targeted pork. Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens pushed for $220 million in federal funds to build the bridge to an island that was home to a mere handful of residents. The funding was dropped following public outcry.
"There are thousands of bridges to nowhere in the federal budget," said McCaskill. Trimming the fat is a natural job for someone with an auditor's experience.
Talent's campaign said McCaskill is late to the game.
"Claire McCaskill has supported higher taxes for everybody over her entire career," said Talent spokesman Rich Chrismer in an emailed statement.
Chrismer said McCaskill opposed the $1.35 trillion tax cut in 2001, the $350 billion tax cut in 2003 and the $70 billion tax cut in May. Talent supported the cuts. Chrismer said the cuts provided relief from the marriage penalty, eased taxes on businesses and families, increased the child tax credit and directed $400 million in aid to Missouri.
14th Street Mall Resurrected
The resurrection of Old North St. Louis moves forward: story from the latest edition of the ACC, which hits the street today.
14th Street Mall Plan Unveiled
Karen Heet
In the face of speculator acquisition and the deterioration of the existing buildings, plans to renovate the 14th Street Mall in Old North St. Louis were revealed August 29th at a community meeting held by the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG).
Phase 1 of the plan is a $25-30 million renovation of the historical buildings on the mall, which span a two-block area from St. Louis Avenue to Warren Street in the 5th Ward. The 14th Street Mall Association, a partnership between ONSLRG and the Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance (RHCDA), now has site control of the majority of the buildings on the mall, and the group is currently in discussions with the four remaining property owners.
Sean Thomas, executive director of ONSLRG, says that pre-development financing has been secured, and the 14th Street Mall Association aims to close on the renovation financing in the spring of 2007. Construction will begin immediately after financing is in place.
The plan calls for opening the pedestrian mall to cars and renovating the historic buildings on the Mall into mixed-use venues for live/work spaces, apartments and retail stores. Green building components are being considered. The 14th Street Mall Association will maintain ownership of the buildings in order to qualify for federal historic tax credits. State historic tax credits, new market tax credits and tax abatement will also be used to offset the renovation costs of the project. The architectural firm Rosemann & Associates has developed the site plan, and E.M. Harris will be the general contractor for the renovations.
Crown Candy Kitchen, at the north end of the Mall, has been a neighborhood anchor since 1913. Standing-room-only lines await customers most days at lunchtime. The 14th Street Mall Association hopes that the retail activity from Crown will drift south into the Mall area once it is completed.
With the Edward Jones Dome and the Arch centered in view, The 14th Street Mall is located in the quaint residential neighborhood of Old North St. Louis: a tight-knit community that was an independent village until it merged with the City of St. Louis in 1841. The neighborhood is bound by I-70 to the east, Branch Street to the north, N. Florissant to the west and Cass Avenue to the south.
The Mall was first closed to vehicular traffic on March 26, 1977 during a national trend toward pedestrian malls. The idea failed miserably, and as the city population declined in the late 70s and early 80s, many of the Mall’s buildings became vacant.
Hopes and visions for rejuvenating the Mall rose often over the years. Site plans were made, and residents gave their input, but no one had control of the site. More than 20 different people owned property on the Mall. Many individual owners could not get financing to renovate their properties, and no one entity had the means to purchase and renovate all the property at once.
Interest was renewed two years ago when a developer from Atlanta got contracts for most of the properties on the mall and looked capable of financing the project. However, the developer disappeared amid speculations of fraud, and fears arose among the community that an outside party could determine the fate of the Mall. This became the impetus for the creation of the 14th Street Mall Association.
Residential development activity has been heavy in the southern part of the neighborhood as the ONSLRG, again in partnership with RHCDA, has formed the North Market Place Redevelopment Area, which is renovating and constructing new single- and multi-family homes. The North Market Place Homes range in price from $156 to $192 thousand for a 1,500 to 2,000 square-foot home. Eight of the eleven new homes have received funding from the Affordable Housing Commission and therefore have been built using Universal Design, which creates ease of use for people of all abilities and ages.
Ralph Wafer is the architect for the North Market Place Homes and was chosen because of his previous work with many homeowners in the neighborhood. Vatterot is the general contractor for the project.
Kennedy & Associates is the firm that handles the North Market Apartments, and general contractor E.M. Harris is making renovations. The apartments meet “affordable” guidelines, so renters who make 80 percent of the median income are eligible for one- to three-bedroom apartments from $395 to $625 per month. The Lipton Group has the management contract and has seen a growing waiting list for the apartments.
Development opportunities abound north of the 14th Street Mall, as well. The Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) has requested proposals for five large areas for renovation or infill. More information can be found on the city’s website at http://www.stlouis.missouri.org/development/realestate/onslrfp/
Here is a picture of Sean Thomas:
Here is a picture of the mall as it is today:
And finally, here is a schematic of detailed plans for the mixed-use project:
The red represents retail and commerce use, the blue represents residential use, the brown shade represents buildings not yet owned by ONLRG, the green indicates greenspace, and the yellow represents possible courtyards or atriums.
Graffiti Redux
Here is a pcture of some more cryptic graffiti, in an alley on Grand near Humphrey (On the east side of Grand)
After some reflection, here is my personal take on this kind of graffiti (the vulgar or gang stuff speaks for itself)
Most of us who even bother to visit sites like the Arch City Chronicle, Urban Review, Pub Def, 52nd City, Commonspace, Eco-Abscence, etc, etc., do so because we care (or at least love to complain).
Because we care about civics, we are part of an ever-shrinking minority of people; a demographic that, in general, is dissatisfied with the crass materialism, corporate greed, and me-first attitudes that have become hallmarks of American culture.
Therefore, we like to think that other people care. We subconsciously applaud gestures that indicate there are more of us out there who operate on a different plane of consciousness than most of our fellow Americans. However, graffiti is a bad means to an end. No matter what kind of statement it makes, no matter how poignant, introspective, ironic, rabble-rousing or witty graffiti might be, it is still a blight on the landscape, not to mention illegal.
Its the kind of thing that can be admired from afar until someone puts it on your property. Would I like to find some of the people that put up this stuff? Yes. Would I like to have them decrypt these messages and explain their signifigance? Definitely. Would I want it on the side of my business? Definitely not.
Bringing attention to it and even doing a story about it does unintentionally glorify it, and some would say, maybe even legitimize it; but ignoring it isn't the answer either. Its the ancient choice of choosing the lesser evil. Though I do not agree with the method, I would rather suffer the consequences of writing about it and trying to understand some of its meaning than ignoring it. If for no other reason, maybe we can show these graffiti "artists" that there are other outlets for venting their frustration besides defacing property.
Canvass for Claire
The City Democratic Central Committee is Sponsoring a Canvass this Saturday starting at 9:00 AM. Everyone who wants to help Claire McCaskill, Susan Montee and the Democratic Platform needs to be at the Democratic Coordinated Campaign Headquarters at 6558 Manchester Road.
The canvass will be all day, so if you can't make it at 9:00, show up anytime before 5:00 PM and help the cause.
Wear your comfortable walking shoes and volunteer for a few hours and talk to voters in St. Louis City. Call Bob Rice at 314.446.5415 for more information.
PD moves up.
I never did put much stock in these type of lists.
September 11, 2006
Not just for kids...
Friday evening was the Rock Paper Scissors St. Louis Tournament of Champions at the Science Center. The single elimination tournament was open to anyone who wanted to compete.
Marc Elliot(right) came out on top, winning a $150 Pepsico gift certificate and a golds gym membership.
The event featured contestants of all ages and included a prize for best costume.
World Rock Paper Scissors society founder Graham Walker(right) spars with tournament director Chris Files(left).
Clinton Pictures
From Saturday's Rally:
Monday Stew
Carnahan is blogging (Or Joel anyway).
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) is hosting a series of
town hall style meetings that customers can attend to have customer
service issues and questions addressed. These meetings will be known as "Ask MSD" sessions. The next Ask MSD session is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Academy, 4175 N. Kingshighway in St. Louis. I'm guessing there's a guy named Sullivan who might have a fwe questions...
Home Eco’s Sustainable Living Speakers’ Series at Tower Grove Farmers’ Market continues Sept. 16 with - What Exactly IS Sustainable Living? Jill Hamilton, director of Sustainable St. Louis, will talk about what it means to create a just and sustainable world and how we can start living a new American dream today.
September 09, 2006
Montee means business
Saturday's rally at the Pageant was, obviously, President Clinton's show. The man is a one-man campaign machine when he turns it on.
Yet one up-and-coming Democrat, Buchanan County Auditor Susan Montee showed that she's got some skills.
Montee, who is running for Missouri State Auditor against Republican Sandra Thomas, gave a rousing stump speech–granted the other speakers aren't in the midst of a hotly contested race. She poured it on.
Up until recently she hasn't been widely known in the St. Louis area, but that won't likely last long. She is certainly determined to leaver her mark.
Clinton Stumps for McCaskill
Excited, and vocal, Democrats eagerly lined up early to see former President Bill Clinton this morning. Clinton is in St. Louis to help raise money for State Auditor Claire McCaskill in her bid for Republican Senator Jim Talent's seat. He is also helping raise the spirits of the lucky ticket-holding Democrats jockeying for position at The Pageant.
Former Missouri Governor Roger Wilson emceed the event. A who's-who of Missouri Democrats took the stage to prime the audience.
McCaskill and Clinton took the stage together, waving to the crowd and shaking hands with the assembled politicians.
McCaskill's comments were short, but to the point. In Missouri, she said, people use plain language.
"Well," said McCaskill, "I smell change."
McCaskill waxed nostalgic as she set the stage for Clinton saying the country had prosperity, jobs and better health care under Clinton. She added that the U.S. was also looked to, "as a country that has strength and the high ground."
Clinton did not disappoint his eager audience.
Riffing on the "Show Me State" motto, Clinton said that Republicans, while in control of all three branches, have shown voters how they govern.
"Their rhetoric doesn't match what they are doing, but we have had 6 years of their doing," said Clinton. "We should show them the door."
Reaching back to his time in office, he compared Republican performance at the wheel with his administration's handling of the economy, education, health care, crime and foreign policy.
Focusing on the economy he talked about the need to bring back spending restrictions enacted when he was in office and end the tax cuts that have helped drive the ballooning national debt.
He linked the issue to U.S. foreign policy, saying, the country is going "hat in hand" to China, Saudi Arabia and Mexico to ask for money. That money, he said, pays the country's bills, including the cost of the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On the domestic economy, Clinton talked about the wage growth that occurred during his second term from 1996 to 2000. Something that, despite increasing stocks, higher corporate profits and growing productivity, has not happened during President George W. Bush's time in office.
Clinton did not take on Bush personally, mentioning that the two had a good personal relationship. Instead he took on what he saw as the Republican "ideology".
"They are in the grip of an ideology," said Clinton. "We have a philosophy."
Clinton said their ideology provides what they need, so they have no need for answers to questions. The result, he said, is that questions are responded to with attacks, and questioners are accused of being subversive.
"If we had that thinking for the last 200 years, America would not even exist," said Clinton.
He went on to add that Democrats should expect attacks on McCaskill that say her election would somehow "imperil" the country.
Clinton said that some Republicans, such as President George H.W. Bush with whom Clinton has developed a close personal relationship, genuinely see the world differently. They are not bad, he said, just incorrect, and Democrats should avoid playing the game some Republican activists play.
In moving on to national security Clinton noted the upcoming anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, calling the day, "one of the worst in American history, but also one of the most magnificent," for the outpouring of support and sympathy that came from all parts of the country, and the globe. A good will, he said, that spoiled all to soon.
He criticized what he called the politicization of national security in the 2002 and 2004 elections, and the attacks on veterans like former Sen. Max Cleland. Democrats, he said should be the party to elevate the debate.
Clinton urged Congress to pass all the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, saying the Republican-controlled body was more interested in cutting taxes than in national security. As an example he pointed to the billions in tax savings that went to the wealthy while an $800 million program to scan shipping containers was brushed off for fiscal reasons.
Joining Clinton and McCaskill on stage were County Executive Charlie Dooley, U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, Attorney General Jay Nixon, State Senator Maida Coleman, State Rep. Jeff Harris, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, candidate for State Auditor Susan Montee, and State Rep. John Bowman.
McCaskill's family, including one of Missouri's most famous mothers, Betty McCaskill, joined them on stage before she spoke.
September 08, 2006
WHOOPS!
Sandra Thomas press release criticizes Montee for "breaking the law" by missing filing dates.
But if you download the file (below) and click on "Properties", the press release appears to have been written on a State computer by Daryl Duwe, aide to Senator David Klindt.
And that's a BIG No No.
Sandra Thomas press release (Via Combest)
September 07, 2006
Jo Goes Blurb-land
New format to her weekly column.
Mayor's New Compromise Offer
on BJC-FP deal, over at his site.
Deal Falls Through
From our South County tipster:
For those following the development saga near Grant's Farm, apparently the sale (of the 94-acre tract across Gravois from Grantwood Village) has fallen
through. Because the sale is now off, a related sale of 3 1/2 acres of that tract to Cor Jesu has also been canceled.
There is, of course, nothing preventing the owner of this tract from bringing the same parties, or others, into negotiations toward a new sale of the same property, and we should expect this.
Couple of web sites
City Dems is redesigned and back up.
Faithful Democrats shows the depth of the religious left.
FBI Meets St. Louis Muslim Community
CAIR-St. Louis (the St. Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations), The Adult Education Committee of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis Are sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting (Information / Q&A Session)
FBI MEETS THE St. Louis Muslim COMMUNITY
Date: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2006
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Daar-ul-Islam Masjid, 517 Weidman Rd., St. Louis MO 63011
Guest speakers are:
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steve Gomez
Supervisory Special Agent John Boles
Supervisory Special Agent Walt Comeau
Special Agent Matt Brumund
Special Agent Greg Lecombe
For more information CONTACT:
Dr. Gulten Ilhan gilhan@stlcc.edu 636-634-5339 OR
Kamal Yassin director@cair-stlouis.org 636-207-8882 / 314-477-8407
September 06, 2006
Comments Section Fixed
Spammers hit the server, but all comments should be enabled and working properly now.
September 05, 2006
Herod Asks McMillan to Debate
OK, so a License Collector debate sounds like a recipe for Zzzzz, but I'd go and listen.
Ad survey
As part of its regular series, Ad War, D.C. newspaper The Hill is polling its readers on the effectiveness of Missouri Senate campaign ads. Conducted by Wilson Research Strategies, a top research and consulting firm, the survey contrasts two ads from the race.
One is Sen. Jim Talent's "bipartisanship" ad in which Talent touts his work with members across the isle and highlights the Senator's message that he will, "put people ahead of politics." The ad features scenes of "everyday Missouri"–police, farmers in the field, construction–as well as Talent shaking lots and lots of hands. Talent mentions familiar themes; methamphetamine crackdowns, ethanol, highway funds and, perhaps controversially, prescription drug money.
The other is a McCaskill ad promising that she won't forget her roots in Southwest Missouri or the values her parents gave her; "integrity, hard work, guts," intones McCaskill's mother. The ad is set in a kitchen with McCaskill, her daughter and McCaskill's mother pitching in over a meal. It closes with McCaskill's daughter saying, "fight for what you believe is right, Mom knows that." A nod to the idea that although the ad may seek to soften her image, she is still a fighter.
The themes struck by the candidates are nothing new to those who have followed the election. According to the Research 2000 poll conducted in the last days of August, the top two issues for Missouri voters are Iraq (26%) and terrorism/security (17%), while immigration is tied for third (13%) with taxes. Both candidates had discussed the issues at campaign appearances and in the papers (the Post contrasted their immigration stances in today's paper), but it appears both have locked in their message for the next two months.
FIGHT NIGHT
After an invite from Alderwoman Kirner (who has judged amateur boxing for 12 years), I was off to watch an amateur boxing match last Friday at the South Broadway Athletic Club at 2301 South 7th Street. Being a neopyte to the St. Louis amateur boxing scene, the prospect of watching the fights was exciting.
I know St. Louis has a rich boxing history, but it was interesting to actually be in a hungry amateur atmosphere while learning about all the different gyms in the city. Its a world many people (myself included) don't realize is thriving in St. Louis.
The kids were far younger than I expected, ranging in age from 8 to 16
The crowd was larger, and the atmosphere more dynamic than I expected
The action itself was a whole lot of swinging without a whole lot of hitting due to the age of the fighters, but the action was quite intense.
As if giving a nod to pg-13 movies, the "ring girls" didn't come out until the older kids fought. Wasn't too sure how I felt about the "ring girls"
The show itself was entertaining, but also disturbing. Seeing all those kids fighting in a ring drowned in Budweiser logos seemed antithetical to good taste and the advertising laws dedicated to protecting kids from being assailed to drink young and often. If Budweiser had to give up their frogs because they were seen as kid-friendly, something should be done about this.
99 percent of the kids fighting were black. On its head, this wasn't surprising, and tomes are dedicated to describing the socio-economic conditions that create this phenomenon, but I don't have the space to go into that here.
What I will talk about was the music pumping through the place. Generally speaking, I loathe hypocrisy, so let me just say that I grew up on rap music, much of it gangsta rap. As a result, I listen to it now, especially because it is necessary to hear and understand every part of African-American culture which I am a part of. But having said that, it was still disconcerting to hear it playing with all those little kids and their families attending.
If I had a stone for every time I (loudly) heard ni***, glock, bitc* , pu*** and crack pumping through the loudspeaker like nobody's business, I'd make the Great Wall of China look like Huckleberry Finn's picket fence. Now, I'm not naive. Have these kids probably heard this stuff a million times, yes. But that still doesn't mean it's the right thing to play in a venue like that.
I went with fellow blogger-in-arms Travis Reems. We talked about the value of boxing to inner-city youth, and pondered whether or not it was a useful tool for escaping the maladies of poverty.
Though boxing and football are violent sports, there is an undeniable truth and honor to controlled combat. Though there was some trash-talking, it was clear these kids were learning and practicing good sportsmanship in the heat of battle. It is clear that boxing is instilling the virtues of hard work, dedication and perseverance that it takes to be successful in the long term.
Obviously, I wish that more African-American kids could make it out of negative environments through education, and not sports, but without having done a survey on how these boxers turn out later in life, its safe to say that it probably is having a positive impact on their lives for the reasons mentioned above.
Here is a pictue of Alderwoman Kirner doing her thing
Bourisaw or Bust?
In an issue released Tuesday, St. Louis Schools Watch encouraged parents to support the new superintendent, Diana Bourisaw, as she took on the challenges of the new school year. The new super holds the helm as the district began a new school year under the cloud of potential state intervention due to falling test scores.
The article highlighted statements from Missouri Education Commissioner Kent King. King urged readers and parents to allow the new administration time to work, while at the same time floated the possibility that the district may lose its accreditation this fall.
The SLSW article criticized the brief tenure of Creg Williams, saying that district achievement dropped precipitously under his care. The article cites figures contrasting the Missouri Assessment Program test scores from 2006 with previous years.
Although King has said that according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) there has been little to no progress, DESE has said that scores from the 2006 test can not be compared with previous MAP scores. DESE spokesman Jim Morris said that not only has number of categories dropped from five (step 1, progressing, near proficient, proficient and advanced) to four (below basic, basic, proficient and advanced), but also the definitions have changed as well.
According to Morris, the definitions have been broadened. In Missouri that has generally meant districts have benefited by more students being counted in the higher two categories–proficient and advanced. In St. Louis, however, the opposite has been the case; the one category that has swelled has been the "basic" category.
The piece holds the previous school board–under the watch of a majority of members supported by St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay– responsible for allowing the district to land into this predicament.
"On the third grade communication arts test, only 25.8% of students scored proficient or advanced in April 2006, compared to 35.2% the year before. The decline was even sharper on the fourth grade math test: 20.3% of students scored proficient or advanced in April 2006, while 36.1% had attained those levels just one year before."
Yet according to the state's own figures, it is only in the 2005 to 2006 transition that the math and communication arts figures lurch so far down. From 2001 to 2005, proficient and advanced scores for third grade communication arts increased: 17.2%, 20.8%, 22.5%, 30.5%, 35.2%. Other grades generally show overall scores improving or holding; including mathematics.
Contrast that with 2006 where the majority of scores fall in the bottom two categories and grow increasingly bad across the grade span from 3rd to 8th.
The district faces a potential state intervention, yet there is little clear information available for parents and voters.
September 03, 2006
Clinton at the Pageant
Former President Bill Clinton will attend a rally for the Missouri Democratic Party this Saturday at the Pageant in the Loop, 6161 Delmar. The rally will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The Democratic Party calls it, "yet another sign of the tremendous momentum we are building going into November."
Candidate for Missouri Senate, Claire McCaskill, will be in attendance; likely, so will every Democrat within driving range.
Fans, detractors and curious passers-by are welcome. Attendance it free, but tickets must be obtained.
Contact the Missouri Democratic Party for tickets.
September 01, 2006
Biz trends
The St. Louis branch of the Federal Reserve released a study examining how neighborhood characteristics affect business location decisions between 1998 and 2002. They looked at how factors such as education, crime, taxation and population in 15,000 zip codes in 361 metro areas across the U.S.
For the most part their findings support common sense; zip codes with low crime, low density rates and populated by young, educated people earning a good living showed the fastest growth. Areas which focused spending on infrastructure and education did better than those that spend a lot on housing and community development.
Different industries responded differently. Service and information-oriented businesses were not averse to density but warehousing and whole trade stayed out. Retail and construction were highly averse to crime, but warehousing and utilities were, unsurprisingly, undeterred. Warehousing, wholesale and manufacturing sought out areas with lower education, while tech and information companies sought out areas with high education rate.
The study examined the four major metro areas served by the St. Louis Fed; Memphis, Louisville, Little Rock, and our own St. Louis.
In St. Louis the study found that, while there was a decrease in the center of the metro area, the greatest decrease in businesses occurred in a semi-circle following interstate 270 as it wraps around the area from interstate 55 in the south to highway 367 in the north. The greatest increase occurred in a band further out; from O'Fallon in the north to Eureka in the south.
The shift in growth from the suburbs to the exurbs isn't new, but its interesting to see the numbers.
McCaskill Throws Out First Pitch in Home Opener
The City Democrats opened their new office in the Market Place Mall on Manchester last evening, which will temporarily serve as the nerve center for McCaskill's push in the St. Louis region.
McCaskill headlined the affair, delivering her battle cry amongst a crowd of volunteers and St. Louis democratic politicos.
Democratic group hug:
Representative John Bowman (far right) is the Canvass Director for the McCaskill campaign here in St. Louis. On a side note, Gregg Daly has to be the best dressed politican in the history of St. Louis.
Picture of McCaskill, Ingrid Owens and her daughter Taylor. Owens was a recent candidate for the 74th district. Though she fell to Tony George, she will be back in 2008.
Aggravating Data
People can be famously skeptical about numbers and statistics; when it comes to St. Louis school's Missouri Assessment Program score test results, their skepticism might only be bolstered.
Missouri Education Commissioner Kent D. King's said Thursday that the state may revoke the district's accreditation will likely rock the district. Voters and parents looking for more information in the data released today may only find confusion.
Accompanying the release of the test figures, was a statement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that due to a number of changes, this year's results can not be accurately compared with previous MAP scores. State law mandated the changes.
"We are trying to discourage comparisons," said Jim Morris, director of public information for DESE.
Morris said that not only have scores been redistributed due to the shift from five to four categories (below basic, basic, proficient and advanced), but even the categories don't match up.
"The top two categories, proficient and advanced, still have the same names, but the definitions have been changed," said Morris. "Those categories have been made broader."
"We're really looking at this year as a new baseline," said Morris.
In addition to changes in how scores are reported, testing changes will also affect results. Instead of the grade-span method where several grades will be chosen, the states now tests grades 3-8 and one grade in high school.
Morris said DESE recognizes that parents and citizens are trying to put the scores into some form of context. Given the changes, the best method would be to compare St. Louis' figures to the state averages. (Antonio French has a great graph of the comparison at St. Louis Schools Watch).
Matching up to state data won't provide particular performance data, nor is it likely to ease concerns. St. Louis city measures far below the state average.
The data will also affect the "adequate yearly performance" (AYP) results, which test how districts match up against standards mandated by the No Child Left Behind legislation. This year, the district has missed the targets in math and communication arts.
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