November 2006
November 30, 2006
Public School Forum Cancelled
The public school forum has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled later. As soon as we know when, we'll pass it on, unless anyone has some information to pass on.
House Tour and Book Signings in Soulard
Local authors will sign books at the Soulard Christmas House Tour Holiday Bazaar. The Bazaar is Free, but there is a fee for the tour.
Books:
Edna Campos Gravenhorst
Images of America ~ Benton Park West
Joan M. Thomas
Images of Baseball ~ St. Louis' Big League Ballparks Postcard History ~ St. Louis: 1875 - 1940
Patricia Treacy
Images of America ~ The Grand Hotels of St. Louis
Cindy Easterling:
Webster Groves
Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3: Soulard Christmas House Tour: Tour hours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day, $18 per person in advance (call Metrotix at 314-534-1111) and $20 per person on days of tour, $15 per person for groups of 10 or more when tickets purchased in advance. Starting point for tour: 1110 Victor. For additional information, please call 621-6226.
November 29, 2006
Proposed Pay Raises
From a memo to Democrat LAs & Staff; Democrat Representatives
The State Salary Commission today issued its recommendations at a meeting in Jeff City. The recommendations were made verbally - and not entirely clearly - so the details may be slightly different once they are drafted into a written report. But basically here's what they did:
For FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008) Most judges plus statewide elected officials: Current salaries + $1,200 + 4 percent + whatever raise state employees get in FY 08. Associate circuit judges: salaries + $3,200 + 4 percent + whatever raise state employees get in FY 08.
For FY 2009 (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009) All judges, statewide officials and state legislators: Whatever raise state employees get in FY 09. Because of limiting language in Amendment 7, however, lawmakers won't get the raise until Jan. 1, 2009 - halfway through FY 09.
The $1,200 + 4 percent figures reflect raises state employees received
in the last six years, which is how long lawmakers, judges and statewide
elected officials have gone without pay hikes.
The ball is now in the legislature's court. The General Assembly has
until Feb. 1 for both chambers to reject the recommendations. If that
doesn't happen the recommendations automatically take effect. Under
Amendment 7, it takes two-thirds majorities in both chambers to reject
the recommendations. If they aren't rejected, funding is mandatory.
Post election role for Tod Martin
Tod Martin has been appointed McCaskill's Deputy Chief of Staff.
Public Dialogue on Public Education
From the release:
Join the St. Louis Metropolitan Children's Agenda and Vision for Children at Risk for our sixth forum in the series "A Public Dialogue on Public Education."
Thursday, November 30, 2006
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The Engineers' Club of St. Louis
4359 Lindell Boulevard
The sixth forum in the series, "A Public Dialogue on Public Education", will be the fourth stakeholder forum. This forum will focus on the views of the Office of the Mayor and some key community organizations on the importance of public education in the City of St. Louis. Panelists will outline their perspectives on the St. Louis Public Schools, identifying what they see as key issues and critical needs. The program for the forum will include the following panelists:
Office of the Mayor - Jeff Rainford, Chief of Staff and Robbyn Wahby, Educational Liaison
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri - Becky James, President & CEO
FOCUS St. Louis - Christine Chadwick, Executive Director
St. Louis Mental Health Board - Don Cuvo, Executive Director
RSVP: Admission is free, but registration is required. Please RSVP to Belinda Boston at 314-534-6015 or blboston@visionforchildren.org.
(The Engineers' Club is in the Central West End on the north side of Lindell Boulevard between Boyle and Newstead Avenues. It is in the block immediately east of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (New Cathedral). There is ample parking behind and to the east of the building. Turn into the parking lot off of Lindell Blvd. at the east end of the Engineers' Club building.)
"A Public Dialogue on Public Education" will continue with a series of forums approximately every two weeks through the 2006-2007 school year. These forums are intended to promote constructive community dialogue, provide needed data and information, and develop effective strategies to advance quality public education in the City of St. Louis.
Note: The forum tentatively scheduled for December 14 focusing on the findings and recommendations of the Special Advisory Committee on the St. Louis Public Schools is being postponed until early January 2007. The Special Advisory Committee has advised us that they will not have completed their work and filed their report with the State Board of Education by December 14. The Special Advisory Committee has agreed to make a presentation as part of the community forum series "A Public Dialogue on Pubic Education" early in the New Year.
Richard Patton
St. Louis Metropolitan Children's Agenda
Oracle on the 12th
and how it may affect BOA Pres race.
November 28, 2006
Lend a Hand
Dining out for Life is tonight. If you can afford it, please help St. Louis Effort For Aids in their struggle to combat the devastation HIV/AIDS wreaks on our community. All of the pertinent information can be found on their website.
In addition, there is an "Art for Aids" reception, from 4pm to 7pm at UMSL's Gallery Visio. It is free and open to the public.
This is from UMSL's website:
"Art For AIDS 2006" opens today and runs through Jan. 6 in Gallery Visio at 190 Millennium Student Center. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. The fundraising exhibit features work by St. Louis-area artists. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of exhibited artwork will be donated to Camp Hope, a St. Louis-based weekend-long respite for children living with HIV and their families. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and sponsored by Gallery Visio and PRIZM. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. E-mail galvisio@umsl.edu for more information.
November 27, 2006
Schmid draws challenge
For Immediate Release November 27, 2006
Gondolfi Declares Candidacy for 20th Ward Alderman
Campaign trumpets "participatory politics"
(St. Louis) – Community activist Galen Gondolfi is entering the race for alderman of the 20th Ward. Filing Monday at the St. Louis Board of Elections, Gondolfi made official his intention of seeking the post in the March 6, 2007 primary election.
Gondolfi's platform prioritizes affordable housing preservation, small business
development and resident participation as critical issues facing the ward. As former president of the Benton Park West Neighborhood Association, Gondolfi is a seasoned community activist with an emphasis on "participatory politics." A Senior Loan Counselor with the local non-profit Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation, Gondolfi links first-time home owners and small business people with local, state and federal resources.
"The ward's greatest assets are its residents," declares Gondolfi. "We need an
alderperson who not only listens to our residents, but acts on their behalf."
Gondolfi's campaign committee is co-chaired by Glenn Burleigh and Lizzie
Kucharski, with Amber Dover serving as treasurer. The 20th Ward includes, in part, the neighborhoods of Gravois Park, Dutchtown, Marine Villa and Benton Park West.
Festivus in Full Swing
This release talks about the history of Festivus (helpful), and provides a comprehensive list of activities. If anyone went last year and wants to describe the vibe, please do, because I still don't get it.
The website, www.festivusstl.com does not have as much information as the lengthy press release. The RFT's Blog takes a well-deserved swing at "Kramer's" recent racial outbursts in in light of this year's Festivus celebration.
Anyone who hasn't seen Michael Richard's N-word tirade can see it here, and his "apology" here.
November 26, 2006
Mayor Slay repeats call for state takeover of SLPS
The Mayor gives his reasons on his blog.
Recent re-ignition of infighting among the Board of Education and the upper administration has drawn criticism from staff, parents and the community.
Much of it has focused on Board President Veronica O'Brien and her very public fights with a superintendent of her choosing as well as board members who, perviously, were publicly aligned with her.
The committee assigned to examine the St. Louis Public Schools will make the final determination as to what, if any, state action is necessary.
McCaskill on Face the Nation
"There are no good answers in Iraq," said Senator-elect Claire McCaskill on CBS's Face the Nation Sunday morning.
McCaskill was addressing the record level of violence in that country's capital, Baghdad, and what options were left.
McCaskill complemented President Bush's efforts to bring together the "moderate arab countries in the region." Those countries, she said, have their own stake in Iraq's fate.
President Bush is traveling to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki in Amman, Jordan, next week. Vice-President Dick Cheney has spent recent days in Saudi Arabia where its expected they will ask the kingdom to use its influence in Iraq's Sunni community to help broker a stand-down between the Sunni and Shiite factions.
McCaskill was also critical of Bush, however, saying that the November election was a rebuke of the administration's policies to this point. There are two years for him to change course, she said.
Despite heightened expectations for action on Iraq by the new Democratic majorities in the Senate and the House, McCaskill was quick to downplay the role Congress can play in the war.
"There is only one commander-in-chief," said McCaskill.
The Democratic Congress' role is likely going to limit itself to oversight. The power of the purse is one the Congress is unlikely to implement in addressing problems in Iraq. McCaskill said it was "unrealistic" that the Congress would consider cutting funding.
McCaskill appeared on the program with Senators-elect Bob Corker (R-Tenn), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), fellow members of the freshman class.
Corker agreed with McCaskill's support for greater regional involvement in the Iraqi region. At issue in involving Iraq's neighbors is discomfort with the role Iran or Syria could play. Both have been accused by the administration for fostering and supporting the violence in Iraq.
Corker seemed to buck the administration's line by supporting some form of dialogue with Syria.
"Even though they are our enemy, they need to be engaged," said Corker.
Demonstrating the enormous difficulty of taking any step in Iraq, followers of Moqtada al-Sadr, the powerfull Shiite religious leader, said they will walk out of the parliament and Maliki's cabinent if the Prime Minister goes through with his meeting with Bush. Sadr's supprt was crucial to Maliki's in his early months as prime minister.
On Saturday, followers of Sadr, who is said to control the Mahdi Army, the most powerful of the Shiite militias, took control of the state-run television to denounce the Iraqi government. The militants also denounced members of the Sunni community as terrorists and appeared to be issuing, "what appeared to many viewers as a call to arms.
Update: A New York Times story out on Monday suggests that the independent Iraq Study Group will recommend some form of dialogue, perhaps even direct talks, with Iran and Syria about Iraq. Both countries have been exerting covert influence on the political process and militant activity in Iraq.
An interesting comment in the piece comes from Robert Gates, the former CIA head chosen by Bush to replace Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld the day after the November elections: "Mr. Gates has said little about his thoughts on military strategy, other than to express amazement when he visited Iraq with the study group over Labor Day that the administration had let the situation spin so far out of control."
November 25, 2006
5th State Senate playsheet
If you've watching the mad crush of humanity that is the post-Thanksgiving shopping spree you're likely thinking, "There's something better I could be doing with my time." Even you on-line shoppers aren't spared.
Well, here at the Arch City Chronicle we've wanted to offer something different for readers to mull over as they much on leftover turkey sandwiches. Call it, "Fantasy State Senate Campaign".
With State Senator Maida Coleman term-limited out in 2008 (early birds have nothing on political prognosticators), speculation as to who is and isn't running for her 5th State Senate seat is heating up. We presented our reasoning in a recent issue, now we want to offer up a couple spreadsheets to let readers play out different scenarios for the coming campaign.
We set up two; one for a three-way race and one for a four-way race.
The turnout for each precinct can be adjusted ("Turnout") as can each candidate's performance in each precinct ("% Johnson" in this case). The spreadsheet is set up so that it will automatically adjust the vote totals, both for the precinct and the candidates' take of the district.
Try you hand and let us know your results.
Note: the number of registered voters, turnout and votes cast were taken from the 2004 election. The 2004 election was the last year there was a similar set of elections; state senate, St. Louis circuit attorney, state-wide and national. The same set as in 2008.
November 24, 2006
Cafe Soul Tonight
When it comes to African-American themed entertainment in St. Louis, the choices are woefully limited, and as everyone knows, going out in St. Louis is, sadly, a fairly segregated affair. Cafe Soul (tonight at the Missouri History Museum) appears to be an unique and upscale venue that will appeal to both races, and should be a blast. Here is a note I received from Angela, one of the organizers:
Cafe Soul is a monthly event that caters to the mature adult that loves live music and raw talent. The event is an open mic for aspiring and established singers and musicians in St. Louis and on a national level. We started Cafe Soul back in June and it has grown tremendously as there is a void in the music scene for this type of an event. We have a live band every month, the band consists of talented musicians that write and record their own music. We've tried to create an event that did not exist here in St. Louis that would be an alternative to going to the night club. We're hoping that Cafe Soul becomes a staple in St. Louis and that when anyone, whether local or national, thinks about great live music and an exciting vibe, they think about Cafe Soul. We have a bit more work, to do, but I think we're on the right track!!
The History Museum was kind enough to allow us to host our event there in conjunction with their latest exihibit The Visions of American Liberty and Freedom. The exihibit will be open to walk through the night of the event and the venue itself compliments what Cafe Soul is about.... creating an experience.
St. Louis Loses One of Its Own
Gerald Boyd, former managing editor of the New York Times died today. The NY Times has an article here
November 22, 2006
Gravy for the Masses
Bad gravy can ruin a good Thanksgiving meal. People who like gravy will know that eventually, it will touch nearly everything on the plate. This recipe is for anyone suffering in silence from weaksauce.
This recipe is from Fuel President Kelly Butler, who wrote a review for the ACC about Chava's in Soulard. Kelly is quite the amateur chef, having taken first place in the Mardi Gras Amateur Cookoff last year, and second place the year before that. Enjoy.
Thanksgiving Gravy
Got Turkey Neck?
If you do, Suzanne Somers may have the gadget for you! However, if you have the kind that you get from the meat department, you'll want to keep it!! It is the key to making the BEST gravy that you will ever pour over your Thanksgiving bird!
Makes: 4 cups gravy
1 turkey neck
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil
12 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms- stemmed & sliced
1 Tablespoon dried Rosemary
4 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
1 cup white wine (Riesling)
2 celery stalks cut up
6 whole black pepper corns
8 Tablespoons flour
8 Tablespoons fat pan drippings from roasting turkey
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and rosemary and sauté until mushrooms begin to soften, about 3 minutes. (Can be made 3 hours ahead). Cover flour paste tightly. Let paste and mushrooms stand at room temperature.
Sauté chopped onion in butter or olive oil in a large pot. Wash turkey neck. Place in pot with onion. Add wine, chicken broth, celery and pepper corns. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 hours. Strain broth and reserve liquid. There should be 4 cups. If there is not, add a little canned chicken broth. Keep broth warm. Pick meat off neck bones and reserve meat. Throw away the other stuff.
In a saucepan heat turkey fat drippings until they start to bubble. Whisk in flour
paste and mushrooms. When this mixture starts to bubble, cook 4 minutes. Stir in reserved turkey broth. Continue stirring until gravy thickens. Mix in thyme and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve turkey with gravy. Gobble, gobble!
Haas, Willis set to challenge
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Scott Leiendecker
November 22, 2006
Work 314.589.6211
Cell 314.398.5060
City Candidate Filing Opens Monday
(St. Louis, Mo) - Candidates seeking their party's nomination for
President of the Board of Alderman and the position of Alderman/woman in
the even-numbered wards in the City of St. Louis may begin filing
Declarations of Nomination at 8:00 A.M. on Monday, November 27, 2006, at
the office of the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St.
Louis, 300 North Tucker Blvd. These offices will be voted on at the
Municipal Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.
Several candidates have had representatives holding a place for them in
line at the Election Board for several weeks.
These include:
James Shrewsbury, a candidate for President of the Board of Aldermen
Jeffrey Boyd, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 22
Dionne Flowers, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 2
Kacie Triplett, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 6
Other candidates who took a place in line today include:
Patrick Cacchione, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 6
Bill Haas, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 18
Donna Barringer, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 16
Frank Williamson, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 26
Stephen Gregali, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 14
Lyda Krewson, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 28
Joseph Vollmer, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 10
William Waterhouse, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 24
Terry Kennedy, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 18
Stephen Conway, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 8
Lee Willis, a candidate for Alderman, Ward 26
Filing for these offices closes at 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 5, 2007.
###
Rothschild helping Saller
Sandy Rothschild has been enlisted in Christian Saller's campaign for 6th ward alderman.
Moving Up
Democratic representatives Ted Hoskins and Rodney Hubbard have claimed coveted 3rd floor offices.
Offices are an indication of pecking order in Jefferson City. Most Democrats are packed into closet offices on the 1st floor. Aside from more space, 3rd floor offices allow law-makers prime access to the Floor. They can easily shuttle between their office and floor. Meanwhile 1st floor office-holders can't leave the floor to do office business for fear of missing a vote.
Of the five offices the Dems gained, they were allotted three in the 130 D complex and two on the 3rd Floor. The 3rd Floor offices were assigned to Hoskins and Hubbard by direction of Speaker Rod Jetton. Some smarting Dems snipe that it's pay-back for their support of school vouchers.
November 21, 2006
New twist, same old yarn: O'brien calls for state intervention
...to eliminate the positions of people she no longer agrees with.
Ironically, one of the board's defenders has come under fire from Board President O'Brien as well, board member William Purdy.
Just over a month ago, Purdy defended the district in an open letter to the Post-Dispatch:
Re: “Chaos continues” (September 28). Let me assure your readers that any chaos exists primarily in your editorials. The St. Louis Public Schools are on a sound road to recovery after three years of plummeting performance that began in 2003. Further, the system is now firmly embarked on a plan to regain full accreditation.O'Brien is now accusing Purdy of being the puppet-master behind Superintendent Diana Bourisaw's insubordinate ways; a superintendent hand-picked by O'Brien as part of a palace coup.
Just hours before the (not-so) surprising ouster of former-Superintendent Creg Williams on July 14th, O'Brien dismissed claims that Bourisaw (who was hired as an auditor) was, in-effect, a superintendent-in-waiting in a conversation with Post-Dispatch columnist Sylvester Brown (P-D, July 16th).
To view the presentation that has gotten Bourisaw in so much hot water, go to the St. Louis School District's web page.
The presentation received mixed reviews from the state oversight committee.
Bourisaw is also getting mixed reviews at home. In addition to O'Brien's criticism that Bourisaw is too free-wheeling in her actions, members Robert Archibald and Ronald Jackson criticized Bourisaw's report as sugarcoating the state of the district.
Starr announces labor support
St. Louis Model for Democrats
Essay by Umar Lee
Excerpt:
These are lessons the City Democrats Party knows well. You cannot get construction workers in Dogtown to the polls by telling them you will ban trans fats and tax cigarettes, and you cannot get Democrats of St. Louis Hills to vote for you by going to war with the Catholic Church on issues such as abortion and gay-rights; because these are working people and they need to hear about issues that will make the lives of their families better and the Democrats who serve them have learned that lesson a long time ago (even if they have not been successful in their representation)
November 20, 2006
Anarchy Translated
The anarchists might have a grasp of the English language, but their Spanish am cry.
Sign at Texas and Wyoming:
Here is an attempt to reach out to their Latino brethren, seen near the corner of Manchester and Vandeventer.
According to the two native Spanish speakers I talked to, this makes no sense, and is just plain wrong. They meant to say "a world without borders", but ended up writing gibberish. If breaking the law and defacing property is your thing, mix in some google, or just ask somebody.
Saller's Official Announcement
for 6th ward alderman
Tower Grove East neighborhood resident and Board member Christian Saller has declared his candidacy for alderman in the City's 6th Ward. Mr. Saller has resigned his position with the St. Louis Development Corporation, which he has held for 10 years, working closely with the Board of Aldermen, numerous City departments and agencies as well as large and small developers all over the City, in order to campaign. As alderman, he will not seek additional employment but will devote his attention exclusively to the progress of the 6th Ward and the needs of its residents. He believes that the job of delivering optimal service to the constituency and ensuring economic development in all of the 6th Ward's neighborhoods requires nothing less than full-time dedication.
He will be accessible to Ward residents every day and will personally return every telephone call within 24 hours. The many responsibilities of an effective alderman all begin with engagement and advocacy. Those are the guiding principles of Mr. Saller's approach to this crucial role. Questions and comments are welcome and may be directed to Mr. Saller at christian_saller@hotmail.com or via telephone at 314-402-9295.
November 19, 2006
Now That's Constituent Service
From Joe Frank's blog.
The highlight of my day was when alderman Craig Schmid played the trumpet and Democratic committeewoman Lorraine Ura along with some others sang Happy Birthday to me! Now THAT was fun! They kept their distance from the voters; although it happens that was their polling place anyway so both of them got in line at various times.It was hilarious, because my wife Kelly saw Craig over at our regular polling place (Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer) and mentioned it was my birthday ... then only a half-hour later he showed up with trumpet in hand!
November 17, 2006
The View from Illinois
Illinois' Senior Senator, Dick Durbin, held a press conference on the St. Louis riverfront today. With the Illinois-side waterfront as his backdrop, Durbin outlined his priorities as the assistant majority leader in the 110th Congress, as well as issues that affect both Missouri and Illinois.
An issue that strikes home for many in the St. Louis region is bridging the Mississippi. It has become a source of frustration for many, including Durbin, who has become frustrated by a "wall of opposition" thrown up by Missouri lawmakers.
"We have done our part," said Durbin, "More than our part."
Saying that the Illinois delegation has done the footwork to make the numbers work, Durbin said they had received "little to no" cooperation from the Missouri side.
At issue is how to pay for a new bridge, one expected to cost close to one billion dollars. Missouri officials are pushing a toll on travel, an idea Illinois won't even touch. One alternative suggested by Illinois is a smaller companion bridge to the M.L. King bridge, an idea Missouri has flatly rejected.
It stands, as does the traffic on the Poplar Street Bridge, at impasse.
Asked about the election of a Senator Claire McCaskill, Durbin said he "thinks the world of Claire." He expects his new colleague to be of great help to the Democrats in the Senate. Her experience as an auditor and prosecutor will work well in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Continue reading "The View from Illinois"Director Departures
Two of the most experienced hands in the city were honored today by the Board of Alderman for decades of service to the city; Director of the Streets Department Jim Suelmann and Budget Director Frank Jackson.
Are there two subjects that elicit more consistent and explicit commentary from residents? Doubtful. These two have likely been subjected to strings of adjectives that would make a sailor blush.
Jackson ran the books in the City Budget Department for 28 years serving as an analyst, budget manager, deputy director and finally, for the past 11 years, as director.
Suelmann served as Director of the Department of Public Utilities and, since 1985, as the Director of the Department of Streets. Suelmann is wrapping up 28 years of plowing snow and filling potholes.
“In the last 28 years, we have gone through more mayors than directors,” said Aldermanic President James Shrewsbury introducing Suelmann.
Suelmann thanked the board and his family saying this year he could guarantee he would be home on Christmas.
Alderman Alfred Wessels said the day brought good news and bad news. The bad news is that Jackson was leaving. The good news, he said, “he has finished the '07-'08 budget.”
Jackson's tenure as director was marked by his ability to bash out a balanced budget every year, despite the city's ongoing financial balancing act.
As yet [11 a.m.], successors have not been named. Ideas?
Update: Steve Patterson spotted word on Suelmann's replacement at the Mayor's website.
Concordia flipping
That's not NAFTA you hear....
The building blocks of the "unified front" of six months ago crumbled like adobe when hit with the cool wave that is life in the St. Louis School system.
Recent reports that the pot is boiling over down at the North 11th street offices of the district put a recent St. Louis Schools Watch email in focus.
The email talked about the need to strike a balance between the board and the superintendent. District policies and the required Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (mandated and approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and updated regularly) serve as mediators between the personalities and keep micro-management too a minimum while ensuring involvement by board members.
"The two biggest mistakes in school district governance, MSBA trainers said,The newsletter struck an almost zen note given the maelstrom of finger-wagging that has been whipped up in recent days, though it kept dangling the issue of the board's ability to fire the Super.
are school boards overreaching themselves and trying to micromanage
districts, and superintendents overreaching themselves and trying to set
policy.Remember, boards govern and administrators manage."
As they say, politics makes strange bedfellows, but recent turns of fate may require a flow chart.
"Chief Under Fire From Board". And "Super Gives Report to State Board".
A new SLS Watch email criticizes Jackson and Archibald for their opposition to Bourisaw's plan on the theory that it undercuts their alleged desire for a state takeover.
Interestingly, the two quietest members at this point are the two who attended the inspiring Missouri School Board Association meeting that led to the policy-heavy SLS Watch email; Peter Downs and Donna Jones.
It should also be noted that in recent years, Bourisaw served as a state supervisor for DESE overseeing accreditation of districts in the St. Louis area. Perhaps a promising liaison to the committee deciding the district's fate.
Shut Out
For those Democrats who are still thinking of this year's election as "historic" here's a bit more data for you.
For the first time in the post-WWII period, and possibly ever, a political party has been completely shut-out and failed to pick up even a single elected position in either the House or Senate. Even the Gubernatorial well was dry.
The final door closed following Republican challenger Max Burns' decision Thursday not to challenge the vote totals form his unsuccessful run against the incumbent Democratic Representative, John Barrow of Georgia.
Continue reading "Shut Out"November 16, 2006
Cacchione's Speech
Cacchione's prepared remarks from last night's kickoff.
Good evening and thank you for coming to help me kick-off my campaign for 6th ward Alderman. And just so there is no misunderstanding, and to clear up any possible confusion, I am the Democratic candidate for 6th ward Alderman! If anyone decides to leave now, I promise you no one will say anything.Let me begin this by introducing my campaign team. My wife, Pam, my daughter, Victoria, and my con Anthony. Literally, my kitchen cabinet.
The first question I get when I tell people that I am running for Alderman is "why"? My answer is simple, "why not?". The 6th Ward is the most dynamic ward in the city. We are change leaders. For example, six years ago this place [Squires] did not exist. Now we have 12 new businesses and 300 new residents. This growth is happening throughout the 6th ward and the 6th ward is becoming not only a place to live and entertain, but a place to do business. I can think of nothing more exciting than being at the center of that chance and working with you to keep it growing.
My campaign is based on over 20 years of public policy experience and proven leadership. As 6th ward Democratic Committeeman, I have been working closely with Lewis Reed to put a police substation in [Tower Grove East], encourage residential and business development using TIF's and targeted tax abatements and developed a bike path connecting Forest Park with the Riverfront. As alderman I will use this experience to continue the development and redevelopment of the 6th ward and, knowing that people will not live, work and entertain in areas where they don't feel safe, security will be a major priority for me. This will all be done in partnership with the neighborhoods. I will make every effort to empower our neighborhoods and work closely with the leadership in the Loft District, Lafayette Square, the Gate District (Eads Park, St. Vincent, Buder Park and Lafayette Terrace), Compton Hill Reservoir, Compton Heights, Tower Grove East and Fox Park. What diversity and energy!
Finally, here in the 6th Ward, we are a microcosm of the city with rich and poor, blacks and whites, new immigrants and long-time residents and we have business and residential. We embrace and celebrate our diversity and if anyone thinks they can use our diversity to divide us they better think twice. This election is not about where you are from but where we are going together.
Thank you.
Citizens to Protect Forest Park Nearing Critical Mass of Signatures
From their release:
After collecting signatures at city polling places on Nov. 7, 2006, Citizens to Protect Forest Park now has 19,263 signatures in its possession. With some petitions yet to be turned in from Election Day, the total should increase to over 20,000.
Citizens to Protect Forest Park needs to turn in approximately 22,000 valid names of registered voters in the city to the Election Board by Dec. 8, 2006 to have the charter amendment on the April 3 general election ballot. The charter amendment would prevent city officials from disposing of city parks or allowing structures not customarily associated with park use or outdoor recreation to be built in parks without voter approval.
Citizens to Protect Forest Park is mounting a petition blitz to secure the remaining signatures. “Our aim is to collect at least 27,000 names to make sure we reach our goal of 22,000 valid signatures. Anyone wishing to help can go to protectforestpark.org to volunteer,” said Ken Cohen, who is a steering committee member of Citizens to Protect Forest park.
The petition was sparked by the city’s proposed lease of more than nine acres of Forest Park to Barnes-Jewish Hospital that would give the hospital unrestricted use of the land for 99 years. The hospital recently said it planned to put a minimum of six buildings on the site. In addition, the city has floated plans to move the dog pound to Ellendale Park, build a football stadium in Fairgrounds Park, and build two recreation centers in city parks.
Cohen said, “It has become clear that this administration has a policy of using green space for other purposes. We believe the great majority of city residents oppose this policy. They want their parks to remain parks. While we welcome new recreation centers and other new facilites in the city, we do not want them built in our parks.”
Citizens to Protect Forest Park estimates that 75-80% of the voters asked to sign the petition on Election Day were eager to do so.
Happy Trails!!
Confluence Greenway's November E-newsletter is out. Conservation, heritage, recreation and exercise are important, and they are great at providing a nature fix, even if its getting cold.
Some highlights: the Missouri Dept. of Conservation is adding new habitat and recreational opportunities at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. This 4300 acre urban conservation area, located 2 miles north of I-270 in St. Louis County, includes a spectacular view of the confluence of Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The 4.5-mile bike trail from the Visitor Center to the confluence was recently paved in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway District. In addition, a new auto tour road and canoe/kayak access will open in January.
Read about everything here
Cacchione Event
Patrick Cacchione kicked off his aldermanic bid last night. It was a healthy turn-out. My crowd count was about 80, on a wet and stormy night.
He spoke for about ten minutes starting with a few self-effacing jokes and tracing his political life that brought him to this decision.
He called the 6th ward the most exciting place in the city with its vibrant development opportunities and diverse mix of residents. As alderman he said he would keep the developments going and work hard on issues of crime and security.
In the crowd: St. Margaret's Tom Wyrsch, politico Hank Thompson (who will be helping the Reed campaign), Frank Rebholz, Pat Barber, Joan Kelly Horn and State Rep. Robin Wright Jones.
I guess it's news
But somehow it doesn't seem new.
November 15, 2006
Charter Reform is back?
Forwarded email:
Dear fellow stakeholders, A strategy to pursue
> incremental charter change was proposed in May 2005, when about 45 of
> us met at the History Museum. Though no vote was taken, the response
> was favorable then, and in subsequent conversations with those not
> present. In February 2006, we sent a follow-up e-mail asking if you
> were willing to invest some additional time in talking / working with
> supportive officeholders and other citizens in order to achieve
> incremental change. Some of you committed to talking with elected
> officials.We need to get together, share the results of our
> conversations, and discuss whether we should, and if so, how to, pursue
> incremental charter change in the future.We are suggesting getting
> together at: Talaynas at 310 DeBaliviere, on Wednesday, November 29, at
> 6:30 p.m. to discuss the above and related matters.Please e-mail or
> call if you will attend, so we will have an idea of how many will be
> there, so we can make arrangements for setting up the room. For those
> who wish to eat or snack, they will take orders during our meeting.
> Please also e-mail or call if you are interested in participating, but
> that date doesn't work for you, so we can let you know what was
> discussed & decided.Update: In the 2005-2006 session, the aldermen
> approved five charter changes to be presented to voters. They are
> described on this web page:
> http://www.geocities.com/stlgv1@sbcglobal.net/boabills.htm[1] One, to
> make it more difficult to recall aldermen, was on the April 2006
> ballot. It received a simple majority, 52.5%, but did not get the
> super majority (60%) to change the charter. The other four charter
> changes, which will not substantially change city government processes,
> were on the November ballot. Three of them, though defeated in 2002,
> were approved by the voters ... 'if at first you don't succeed ...'.
> Note: One of them, proposition 2, excepting the Mayor's staff from
> civil service, was an Advance St. Louis "Personnel Policies
> Recommendation" in May 2004.With these mixed results, some aldermen may
> be more willing to consider working with us on future change
> efforts.The other incremental charter change information has also been
> moved to a different ISP site and is at:
> http://www.geocities.com/stlgv1@sbcglobal.net/stlcharterchange.htm[2]We
> look forward to seeing and talking with you on November 29, or hearing
> from you if you cannot make that meeting.Anna Crosslin Michelle Duffy
> Kay Gabbert Tullia Hamilton Brian Murphy Daniel Schesch (314/726-1891)
Roosevelt Students Awarded for Lead Poisoning Work
Info from the Gateway Green Alliance:
Students at Roosevelt High School will receive awards for essays and art work at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Guest speakers will include:
Robin Wright Jones (State Representative - 53rd District) will cover issues of lead poisoning for the State of Missouri.
James F. Shrewsbury (President, St. Louis Board of Alderman) will cover issues of lead poisoning for the City of St. Louis.
Donna Jones (Member, St.Louis Board of Education) will cover issues of lead poisoning for public schools.
Don Fitz, Ph.D., (Gateway Greens) will outline components of a comprehensive approach to lead.
The event will be at Roosevelt High School, 3230 Hartford in St. Louis. It is the culmination of the "Get the Lead Out" program which students have been involved in for several weeks. During the kickoff event, students saw the movie "Ivory Perry: Pioneer in the Struggle Against Lead Poisoning."
For their essays or posters, students could use any combination of (a) the movie, (b) the biography "A Life in the Struggle: Ivory Perry and the Culture of Opposition," (c) pamphlets on lead poisoning, (d) web sites, (e) other library material and/or (f) personal experiences with lead poisoning. Prizes for both essays and art work are: $100, first place; $75, second place; and $50 third place.
The contests are a joint project of Gateway Greens and Roosevelt High School. Susie Parker, Outreach Coordinator of the Gateway Greens, notes that "We are interested in Roosevelt because it is in an area with one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in St. Louis. I live in the neighborhood near Roosevelt and I am sure that many students come from homes that are contaminated with lead."
Recent research on lead poisoning shows that it is associated with violence. "Lead does more than cause mental retardation at high levels," says Madeline Coburn, Secretary of the Gateway Greens. "At very low levels it can damage math and reading scores."
This project is made possible by a grant from the Ben & Jerry's Foundation.
School Board Elections
Educate St. Louis starting to re-load?
The elections are not that far off. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then about 90 days to the April election.
I mention this because I was polled last night - Midwest Research - about the SLPS. It was a long poll with several questions dancing around the potential hot-buttons - tax increase and state take-over.
Saller in
Last night at the Lafayette Square Neighborhood meeting, Christian Saller announced he would join the field and run for 6th ward alderman.
Saller, 43, has been active in the Tower Grove East neighborhood association as well as various historic preservation causes. He works at SLDC.
November 14, 2006
South Broadway Grand Opening
The Patch Development Company is having a Grand Opening tomorrow of the Steins Broadway Condominiums, entitled "Back to Broadway". The opening is from 4 pm to 7pm at 7525 South Broadway. Here is the website:
http://www.steinsbroadwaycondos.com/index.php
Appetizers and cocktails wll be served, and there is a chance to win a 42" plasma television.
Combest goes pro
joins Vandiver.
Adds disclosure to website.
DT2 After Hours Meeting Tomorrow
DT2, the organization dedicated to "Revitalizing the Historic Downtown Dutchtown Business District" is having one of their "Business After Hours" functions tomorrow at Nel's Neghborhood Pub and Grille (3748 Delor Street, St. Louis, MO 63116). It is not too late to RSVP, and anyone interested should check out their website for more infomation.
November 13, 2006
Lou Reed Announces
Lewis Reed Announces Campaign To Run For City Aldermanic President In the March 6, Democratic Primary
Mike McMillan and Beverly Buchheit-Named Co-Chairs
"Re-Building One St. Louis"
Lewis Reed, a long-time resident of the Compton Heights neighborhood and alderman of the 6th ward officially announced today is intentions to run in the March 6, Democratic Primary as Aldermanic President. Reed is nearing his eighth year as an alderman, representing parts of the downtown business and loft district, including parts of residential Southside.
In making his announcement Reed said, "It's time to make a change as to who is should be seated in the next four years in the Aldermanic President's chair. The economic growth of our city indicates that a successful team approach works better in the re-building of one St. Louis. The next Aldermanic President must represent all of the people and all of the interests which will help lay a deep structural foundation that we and our kids can build on. St. Louis is a great City, and it has many challenges. However, we must deal with those challenges in a progressive, professional and constructive manner. The days of old-fashion politics is hurtful to the growth of the city. We must also include diversity of thought in the fiscal viability and quality of life which face us daily. I believe my candidacy brings a sense of pride, value and business acumen to the Aldermanic Presidency's office."
As the campaign moves forward with its fundraising efforts, Reed said that he and supporters are planning various community-outreach initiatives, city-wide. This will give the average citizen a chance to provide input, as well as volunteer for the campaign. The Reed for Aldermanic President Committee also will soon request that those planning to run for the seat sign, a Conduct Code of Ethics commitment. The commitment will keep the campaigns strictly on issues relevant to the individuals' respective platforms and political records and they would avoid personal attacks, etc.
"The recent response from the public to the general election clearly indicated what happens when negative campaigning occurs in political leadership," Reed said.
The Lewis Reed for Aldermanic President Committee also announced the appointment of Alderman Mike McMillan, license collector-elect and 6th ward committeewoman Beverly Buchheit, as co-chairs of this democratic campaign.
"This Aldermanic position is more critical than ever as we rebuild this City," said 15th Ward Alderwoman Jennifer Florida, who is endorsing Reed's candidacy. "It has to be one St. Louis, coming together and colleague Reed has demonstrated the vision and leadership to move us forward."
Reed is a strong proponent of jobs, reinvestment and rebuilding. He continues to work in his district with some area developers to expand the housing market, adding jobs, hundreds of new housing units throughout the 6th ward and millions of dollars, including the expansion of an ever-expanding business district --- new retail shops and restaurants.
"I've had the opportunity of working with Alderman Reed, and witnessed his tenacious drive to help move St. Louis forward," said Alderwoman Dionne Flowers, who is also endorsing Reed's candidacy. "His endless energy is readily accepted by many of his ward constitutes, colleagues, and others who have city-wide interests."
Lewis Reed, is a native of Joliet, Illinois and majored in Mathematics and Computer Science at Southern Illinois University. Reed, who believes in giving back to the community, served as the chairman of the St. Louis Port Authority. Reed gained experience in overseeing riverfront property lease agreements, and riverboat gaming tax revenues. As a member of the board of directors of the St. Louis Development Corporation, Reed was able to aid in strengthening the city's business development and minority business certification compliances. When Reed served as vice-chair of the Aldermanic Ways & Means committee he was able to provide input into the City's $700 million annual budget. As a member of the Aldermanic Public Utilities committee, Reed sponsored a very expansive technology bill.
Alderman Reed drafted and helped pass into law a Technology Bill, reorganizing all St. Louis City technology departments, decreasing cost and increasing efficiency. He also sponsored and aided in the passage of the first Community Improvement District (CID) in St. Louis with assessed properties value of over $334 million and raising millions of dollars for numerous initiatives to rebuild and market downtown. Reed drafted and worked on the successful passage of the City's first neighborhood based TIF in raising almost $8 million to support neighborhood development plans. A strong proponent of promoting good health and supporter of the City's scenic attributes, along with five other Alderpersons, Reed aided in co-founding, "Bike St. Louis," which received over $1.1 million in grants. "Bike St. Louis," establish Bike routes connecting Forest Park to the Riverfront and various other parks and points of interests throughout the city.
Reed considered by many of his colleagues as soft-spoken, but focused and effective used his business acumen when addressing agenda items as a board member of Downtown Now and Downtown Partnership.
Reed, also served as a member of the Regional Justice Information Systems (REGIS) board of directors. He served as vice president of the 6th Ward Democratic organization.
Prior to being elected an alderman, he worked as the director of networks and telecommunications for the Edison Brothers Stores worldwide operations. Reed managed staff and renegotiated multi-million dollar worldwide contracts reducing cost and increasing production Also Reed served as the manager of data networks for SSM Health Businesses, a billion dollar plus, health care organization, consisting of 24 acute care facilities and over a 100 physicians clinics Reed developed technology solutions to meet business goals. These technology solutions were regularly covered in the local print press, and trade marketing publications.
The Lewis Reed for Aldermanic President Committee was recently formed and a this past weekend it opened its campaign headquarters, at 415 North Tucker.
This Week
Wednesday - 15th - 5 to 7pm - Patrick Cacchione Aldermanic Kick-off at Sqwires Annex, 1415 S. 18th Str.
Friday - 17th - 4 to 8pm - Holiday Open House & Artists' Reception at Home Eco, 4611 Macklind Ave.
November 10, 2006
Message from Brian Wahby
to his City Dem volunteers:
Before everybody gets involved with Thanksgiving plans I hope you'll take a
minute to congratulate yourself for what you and other Democrats did this
week. By electing Claire McCaskill to the US Senate we literally changed the
world--the whole world, not just Missouri's political world.
Certainly some worthy Democrats seeking elective office lost on Tuesday but
for the most part it was an outstanding day to be a Democrat. Democrats
will control the US House of Representatives; Democrats will control the US
Senate; Susan Montee is the new auditor for the state of Missouri; we gained
a handful of seats in the General Assembly; Democrats won everything in St.
Louis City, St. Louis and Jefferson Counties.
This big victory is certainly attributable, in part, to the incompetence and
corruption of the Bush administration. But don't think for a minute that
that's the whole story. Missouri's Democrats--you--worked like dogs to make
this happen. We literally changed the world.
Congratulations and thanks for all of your contributions and efforts.
Brian Wahby
Chairman
City Democratic Central Committee
Panel- Black Consciousness, Where do We Go From Here
Sponsored by Mizzou, this panel will meet at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington) on Nov. 12, 2006, from 3-6pm.
Sylvester Brown will be moderating the discussion. Some of the panelists include:
Dr. Robert Williams, Professor Emeritus- Washington University
Amos Johnson III, Director of Educational Programs for the National Center of Fathering
Dr. Kevin Cokely- Black Studies and Psychology- University of Missouri at Columbia
Sandra Moore, President of Urban Strategies
Atty. Kimberly Jade Norwood- Professor of Law at Washington University
The event is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be served
For more information call 314.749.8555
Congratulations
To Will and Laura Winter on the birth of a baby boy, Monday night. (And passage of Amendment 2, Tuesday night.)
November 09, 2006
Turnout by Ward
Again, from unofficial results:
Ward 1 - 37.63
Ward 2 - 42.72
Ward 3 - 30.25
Ward 4 - 35.53
Ward 5 - 35.34
Ward 6 - 50.93
Ward 7 - 48.68
Ward 8 - 52.35
Ward 9 - 40.99
Ward 10 - 52.84
Ward 11 - 47.70
Ward 12 - 59.18
Ward 13 - 55.25
Ward 14 - 53.03
Ward 15 - 49.76
Ward 16 - 64.79
Ward 17 - 44.74
Ward 18 - 38.75
Ward 19 - 34.62
Ward 20 - 33.34
Ward 21 - 40.26
Ward 22 - 32.72
Ward 23 - 62.59
Ward 24 - 51.88
Ward 25 - 42.96
Ward 26 - 40.79
Ward 27 - 38.37
Ward 28 - 55.86
Books and Beer; does it get better?
For those who enjoy the local Schlafly brew and are interested in learning more, Tom Schlafly is signing copies of his new book, "A New Religion in Mecca: Memoir of a renagade brewery in St. Louis," tonight at Left Bank Books, followed by an hour at Duff's across the street.
The book describes the history of Schlafly Beer and the St. Louis Brewery from its early struggle for the right to exist to the challenges of keeping good humor while living in the shadow of the giant.
Schlafly will be reading an signing books from 4-6 p.m. at Left Bank Books
(399 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis 314.367.3256).
Following it will be a stop across the street from 7-8 p.m. at Duff's
(392 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis 314.361.0522) where beer lovers will be able to sample a pint of the newest brew, No. 15. You can also pick up one of the new anniversary beer glasses. The beer and glass commemorate the fact that this December will mark the 15th Anniversary of Schlafly beer.
Come by and wish Tom and the brewery a happy birthday.
Southwest Garden Property Association Beautification/Redevelopment Awards
The Southwest Garden Property Owners Association met last night at the Botanical Gardens, and handed out development and beautification awards. The award winners had photographs of their respective properties placed on foam boards and mounted on easels:
Here is a pic of the effervescent Floyd Wright, President of the SGPOA
Pictured to the left is Joanie and Perry Sullivan, winners for the Most Outstanding Condo Conversion Award. The property is located at 2617 S. Kingshighway.
Other award winners are: Kristen and Michael Swanigan- 4552 Flad
Judy Lewin of Lunna Investments For Creative Use of Space in the
Conversion of a Two Family to a Single Family Residence-5711 Arsenal
Mike Prather (Prather Custom Homes) For Outstanding Development of a New Luxury House At 2632 January
Jarvis Haney for Complete Window Replacement 4637 Shenandoah
John and Joyce Tanurchis for Complete Window Replacement- 4036 Shenandoah
Hugh Pavitt for Complete Window Replacement -4500 Cleveland
Dan Schaffer of Mandalay Properties For Outstanding Renovation of A
Single Family Home-2928 Louisiana
Ben and Tanner Mueller for For Outstanding Redevelopment of A Two Family Building- 4516 Shenandoah
Codd Real Estate for Outstanding Conversion of A Four Family Building to Two Townhouses-3208-10 Morganford
Metro Properties for Outstanding Condo Conversion of a Historic Four
Family Building At 2010-12 Tower Grove Avenue
Jennifer Hart for Outstanding Redevelopment of her Owner Occupied Two Family- 4515 Flora
Tom Schreiber for a Townhouse Conversion Of his Owner Occupied Property at 2031-33 Maury
Irving Blue, Executive Director of Forest Park Southeast Development stopped in with some good news:
Apparently, home appraisals in FPSE have jumped some 68 percent in the past two years, and the neghborhood is on target for a 50/50 ratio of renters to homeowners in the next five years. There is a lot more going on in FPSE, and the ACC will have coverage soon.
The Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association is also having a "Pub Crawl" fundrasier tonight.
6-7 Mr B's Bar and Grill- 5800 Southwest Av
7-8 Bella's Bar- 5838 Southwest
8 to 9- Hide Away Piano Bar and Grille- 5900 Arsenal.
15 percent of the proceeds will go towards revenue for the association.
Caucus Vote
Maida Coleman has retained her position as minority leader of the Senate.
UPDATE: No dissenters. The vote was by acclamation after lengthy and fruitful discussion.
"Kick-Ass Awards" Tonight at the Atomic Cowboy
Sent by man-about-town Thomas Crone:
The Third Annual Kick-Ass Awards will be held at the Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester in the Grove (314-775-0775; www.atomic-cowboy.com).
The event, from 7:30-9 p.m. will highlight the accomplishments of a variety of community members and organizations, who've added to the region's health and vitality over the past year. Adapted from a similar program founded by writer Spike Gillespie in Austin, TX, the St. Louis Kick-Ass Awards was hosted at the late Urbis Orbis for two years, with past winners including: MoKaBe's, the Alternative Music Pub, Ann Haubrich, Margie Newman & Alan Brunettin, The Publishing Group and Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts.
Thomas Crone has also released the third print edition of 52nd City, called "Drink". Check out the online version at www.52ndcity.com.
Contributors to the print and web editions include: Aaron Belz, Chris King, Tom Weber, Jennifer Gaby, Nick Findley, Bill Chott, James Weber Jr., Adam Scott Williams, Caroline Huth and Julia Smillie, among many others.
Ward breakdown
For Talent-McCaskill and for Amendment 2 are here. BUT these are unofficial results and they've been through the imperfect "Drebes human transcriber method." So while I have a high degree of confidence in them, I can't promise they're totally error-free. Plus I didn't include the two alternative candidates. In other words, before you write your senior thesis based on these numbers, go down to the BOE and get the real stuff.
Interesting to note:
Talent's African American outreach did zippo. McCaskill won northside wards with 91-96% of the vote.
Talent only managed 73 votes in the 22nd ward to McCaskill's 2,369. So while there were 800 more votes cast in the 14th ward, for example, the 22nd actually delivered more votes to McCaskill.
Ward 16 was the most competitive in the city - McCaskill won 56% there, and Stem Cell only won 54%.
Vote Counting
There is a lot of arm twisting going on in the Capitol this morning over the senate minority leader position. Sources say that current leader Senator Maida Coleman from St. Louis is confident of six solid votes (Coleman, Bray, Days, Callahan, Wilson, and Justus), one short of the seven needed to win. She has yet to get commitments from two senators representing parts of St. Louis City: Jeff Smith and Harry Kennedy. But assuming that her other commitments hold up and one of those two breaks her way, she'll be re-elected leader.
One argument her allies are making: the likely house minority leader, Jeff Harris, is from Columbia. If Harris and Graham claim both minority leader posts, will the University of Missouri-Columbia will get the spoils while UMSL and other institutions will be overlooked?
The Caucus meets at noon. Just the Senators. No press, no staff. The vote is not secret ballot. One Jeff City insider tells ACC to expect the meeting to last about an hour.
November 08, 2006
Caucus Clash?
The Missouri Democrats picked up the most Missouri House seats they've picked up, five, in a generation.
However, attention now shifts to the Missouri Senate and what happens when the Democrats caucus on Thursday.
Word was, Sen. Chuck Graham (19-Columbia), was hoping to oust Sen. Maida Coleman (5-St. Louis) as minority leader, and that a victory by Doug Harpool in Senate District 30 (representing Springfield) to help give him the edge.
What happens now? Will Maida survive, or will Graham find a new ally?
More Election Night Photos
Up in the gallery.
These are by Brian Werner; and these are by Gena Miller and Lucas Hudson.
McCaskill calls for partnership, moderation
"Senator, Senator!" Words that must sound sweet to Senator-elect Clair McCaskill.
At her first post-elections new conference, Senator-elect McCaskill expressed concern that Democrats may over-reach in their enthusiasm following Tuesday's sweeping results.
She expressed concern that Democrats may merely use their substantial election results as a jumping-off point for 2008 and 2010, and instead should work for the issues that are important to the people who elected them.
"It's about being a leader," she said. "It's about striking a balance."
She said they should focus on issues like health care, ethics and immigration.
When it came to Iraq, McCaskill said they needed to work as an independent voice and provide accountability in Iraq.
McCaskill told Senator Kit Bond in a phone call this morning that she hoped they could work together to represent the people of Missouri on both sides of the isle.
That echoed a line in her victory speech early Wednesday morning when she told the gathered faithful that she will go to work not just for those who voted for her, but for the thousands who didn't.
McCaskill told reporters that voters responded to her because they saw her as a person and that she also understood their frustrations. She also cited her willingness to stand up to anyone, including her own party. To that, she added that her colleagues might not always like her stance on issues, but they will be her own.
Despite winning substantial seats, McCaskill noted it didn't necessarily create a Democratic mandate and that she would try to help keep the "swagger" out of Democrats actions in the coming weeks and days.
Despite some great leads in the House, many races, especially in the Senate, were much closer. She cited her own race as an example.
"We didn't have a great victory,' she said. "We had a narrow margin."
Some stuff
Lou Hamilton's Election night photos are up in the Photo Gallery. Lots more photos coming soon.
My piece for Salon.
A McCaskill map complements of Paul Trudt.
Download file
MO Results
Montee wins Auditor.
In State Senate - Barnitz holds; Bray holds; McKenna leading; Shoemyer wins; and Champion holds off Harpool.
Minimum Wage passes.
Tobacco Tax doesn''t.
Prop P passes.
And stem cell looks like it passes.
More on the State House races in a bit.
CLAIRE WINS
You can feel it here.
November 07, 2006
Shively in the 8th
wins. Dem pick-up.
Grill Wins; Welch Loses
Grill's a pick-up. Makes up for Dake
Meanwhile
Some Dem big-wigs are picking Claire up from the airport to come to the hotel here. And the mood is getting happier.... Katherine Harris loss (FLA) has the crowd here applauding.
Dake loses
The 132nd - about 30% Democratic Performing District, but Dems hoped to hold on. Dake loses by a little less than 300 votes.
Back in the main ballroom
Just visited the City Dem's suite. It's relatively quiet - an interesting contrast to two years ago. Then the early exit polls buoyed Dems. Having been burned, they're waiting this year. Glad the exits are in their favor, but not taking it to the bank.
Confirmation
These are the lastest Exit polls
In the air
We're hearing Claire is leading in at the absentee ballot voting in at least three counties in the bootheel.
Good news for Claire
In the House
It's early down here, but in the house already: Roger Wilson, Jim Shrewsbury, Rachel Storch, Steve Brown, Matt Murphy, Stephen Gregali and Tony Wyche.
In a half-hour, the number of politicos will have quadrupled. Come on down, it's just getting started.
Shocking exits
Heard it through the grapevine,
Democrats leading:
Virginia (52-47)
Rhode Island (53-46)
Pennsylvania (57-42)
Ohio (57-43)
New Jersey (52-45)
Montana (53-46)
Missouri (50-48)
Maryland (53-46)
Republicans leading:
Tennessee (51-48)
Arizona (50-46)
and from the other branch...
D R
OH 63.7 36.3
CT 47.6 44.5 (Lieberman) ..7
NJ 59.7 42.1
TN 50 50
RI 55.4 44.6
Montana – nothing yet
VA 55.8 44.2
MO 53.3 46.7
AZ – nothing yet
Maryland – getting them.
Cashbar: Downgrade
Perhaps it was the dissappointing fourth quarter fundraising,
Perhaps it's because we're not truly in South City,
For whatever, reason, beer costs FIVE BUCKS at a St. Louis political event.
!@#$
UPDATE
Much to the chagrin of St. Louisans everywhere, wine is a whopping 7 DOLLARS a glass, good lord, are times so dire?
games beginning
Gena again,
Stepped out of the Renaissance to get some air and wandered into the Mayfair hotel for a moment. The State Democratic House Coordinated Campaign have set up their number crunchers, laptops, and election board. Comparing notes to our predictions, the coordinated campaign has some differences in opinion of what races would be close, for the most part, we had a lot of crossover.
Notable differences include the 15th, which the Arch City Chronicle thought Green might retake, but is not on the coordinated campaign's board;
the 93rd, with the Coordinated Campaign picking Gen Frank as competitive;
finally, the 139th, which we both have as close, but the coordinated campaign feels stronger about the Democrat's chances.
Let the games begin!
Hello, this is Gena Miller, guestblogging from the Claire McCaskill election party at the Renaissance hotel in beautiful downtown St. Louis. We will be bloggin' live from the McCaskill party for the rest of the night.
Word is that polling stations in Jefferson County have run out of ballots, more are being delivered before the polls close. What does high turnout in Jeffco mean for Claire?
stay tuned
Cacchione Stumping as Well
Here is a pic of Patrick Cacchione stumping at Shenandoah for his 6th Ward Aldermanic bid.
Here is a picture of a flyer Cacchione was passing out informing the public of his intent to run:
Mary Milton, a volunteer for Kacie Triplett was there as well, continuing to pass out literature in her absence.
The 6th Ward Democrats were also there in force, handing out Louis Reed for President (Board of Alderman) literature:
The upcoming primary between Cacchione and Triplett will be a great one to watch, but today's battle for attractive literature easily went to Triplett, for what its worth.
More bits
Rumor - They've run out of ballots in some locations in Jeff County. Remember you can report problems to Dem attorneys at 1-888-DEM VOTE
Meanwhile - the Missourian does an unscientific exit poll with its reporters.
Folks from Rolla and Waynesville MO are talking about a plane circling with a banner: Vote Frank Barnitz for State Senate.
No Cloning group has 1000 vollunteers at Polling Places
Drew McKeown (pronounced me-KOU-an) stood a lonely watch outside a polling place in University City passing handbills out to voters encouraging them to vote no on Amendment 2. Normally the polling place is stacked with volunteers on election day, but this grey November day, only McKeown was out.
McKeown, a student at Washington University studying economics, said he became involved through conservative maven Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum. He said he is concerned by the “ethical slippery slope” that the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures proposes. What if successful research requires weeks of development rather than hours or days, he asked?
McKoewn admitted that most voters he approached had already made up their mind. He added, that despite a few mean-spirited comments, he had almost run out of handbills.
Jackie Winship from Missourians Against Human Cloning said they have around 1,000 volunteers at polls in St. Louis City and County. They have a nearly equal number in Kansas City and more throughout the state.
Connie Farrow of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures said they were focused not on polling places, but were still getting the message out by sign-waving in high visibility places. Farrow said they have 1,000 volunteers across the state. In the city they are setting up at locations like the Tamm overpass on Interstate 40 and folks at major intersections like Clayton and Hanley.
Both groups said they have gotten word of high turnout, but neither is doing any exit-polling and any impression of success is anecdotal. They'll be watching tonights count like everyone else.
Mike McMillan Greets Voters
McMillan on the grind in the 19th Ward. There is little need, but its good to see the effort even if his victory is as close to assured as assured can be.
U City
Turnout is, unsurprisingly, high this election, and University City is no exception. The polling place at the Parkview Tower Apartments, a retirement community on Westgate, just off the Delmar loop, serves four precincts and at noon the line was nearly out the door. One worker at the apartments said the line had run out the door earlier. One woman said it took just over an hour and fifteen minutes to vote.
Another voter, about half-way through the line, said they had been there 45 minutes. A short time later, the lines had shrunk and wait-times were averaging around an hour.
Rep. Maria Chapelle-Nadal said the longer lines were at least in part due to a precinct being added to the polling place. Chapell-Nadal said ehat precinct, which served The Heights area just West of City Hall, historically has a high turnout rate, near 90%.
Randoms
We've heard:
That rural MO and StL County have both received record numbers of absentee ballots.
That is the Progressive candidate to watch is Terry Bunker. Progressives need one of their state-wide candidates to hit 2% in order to avoid having to jump through the signature ringer next election. With a close Senate race, they expect progressives will vote practically rather than ideologically in the contest.
That turnout is heavy in most places around the region, with St. Louis County election officials predicting 70%participation.
On the South Side...
Bob Burns, who's running for the 85th District house seat, talks to voters at Assumption in South St. Louis County this morning.
The St. Louis County Library at Tesson Ferry and Lindbergh was the scene of some excitement. The electronic voting machines were not working initially. There were reports that some people were told they could come back later, but if they already signed, it's not clear whether they would allowed to vote. While I was there, the paramedics showed up to tend to an ailing voter(after about 20 minutes the voter was able to leave on her own).
Opponents of Proposition P apparently hadn't planned on the rain. They made use of signs from a previous election.
This is what we like to call grassroots.
Dems hope to reverse trend
For a little historical perspective here's how the state House and Senate have totally reversed over the past fifteen years:
Current Senate: GOP 22-11 (1 GOP vacant, Dolan resigns 11/05)
YEAR SENATE
2006 GOP 22-11 (1 vac)
2005 GOP 23-11
2004 GOP 20-14
2003 GOP 20-14
2002 GOP 18-16
2001 GOP 18-16
2000 DEM 18-1
1999 DEM 18-16
1997 DEM 19-15
1995 DEM 19-15
1993 DEM 19-15
1991 DEM 23-11
Current House: GOP 97-66
YEAR HOUSE
2006 GOP 97-66
2005 GOP 98-64 (1 vac)
2004 GOP 90-73
2003 GOP 90-73
2002 DEM 87-75 (1 vac)
2001 DEM 86-74 (3 vac)
2000 DEM 85-76 (2 vac)
1999 DEM 86-76-1 Ind
1997 DEM 87-75-1 Ind
1995 DEM 87-76
1993 DEM 96-65 (2 vac)
1991 DEM 98-65
Triplett Stumps at Shenandoah
Kacie Triplett's Aldermanic bid for the 6th Ward has hit the ground running ever since she gave a formal announcement. Lately, she has been going door to door for McCaskill (while introducing herself as a candidate), and here she is stumping at Shenandoah School:
Here is a pic of the literature she was handing out, complete with door-hangers.
The State Senate Race to Watch
is the 30th - Champion versus Harpool.
Consensus has McKenna and Shoemyer winning and Barnitz holding. Assuming that happens, Harpool is really the one to watch - because on Thursday the Democratic Senators will caucus.
Chuck Graham will challenge Maida Coleman for the leadership position. Observers say that he is counting on Harpool's vote to unseat Coleman. Harpool wins, Graham is the new minority leader; Harpool loses and Graham has to go hunting for another vote.
Stuff
Just back from voting, pretty solid lines at the 8th ward.
We'll have regular updates here: some on the ground reporting from competitive State House races; tid-bits I've been hearing and things to look for.
As always, feel free to email or call with tips - 314-255-5210.
Blogging will continue throughout the night. If you're a Salon.com reader, you might look for my byline late tonight; I'll be filing their Talent-McCaskill story.
More soon...
November 06, 2006
Judge ratings
League of Women's Voters Non-Partisan Voting Guide
For anyone who needs more non-partisan information about the candidates and other general rules and information concerning the election, this is an excallent resource:
Pro-Vote Needs Volunteers
The Missouri Voter I.D. initiative went down the judicial toilet, so the elderly, sick, shut-in or those otherwise prevented from making it to the polls need all the help they can get to celebrate their right to vote. Anyone with some free time and reliable transportation might want to consider taking people to the polls who are otherwise unable to make it.
This site details the call for volunteers in a nutshell:
The Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition (Pro-Vote) www.missouriprovote.org is behind the call for volunteers, and they are "a statewide labor-community organization that fights the conservative right-wing agenda through grassroots action."
Anybody who would like to forward information on similar volunteer-voter drives for conservative organizations, please do so and the info will be posted quickly.
Polling report
As I noted below, some polls are showing marked decrease between Democrats and Republicans on the generic ballot. Yet as in all things statistical, there is a counter-case.
In the Pew poll, the Democrats' margin dropped from 11% (Oct 23rd) to 4% (Nov 5). In the Gallup poll, it fell from 13% (Oct 23rd) to 7% (Nov 5th).
However, two polls still show substantial obstacles for the Republican GOTV effort.
A Fox News poll released today shows a 13% margin (49% to 36%) for Democrats, an increase of 2 points from October 26th (49% to 38%).
A CNN poll has Democrats up by 20% (58% to 38%). Thats an increase of 9 points from a poll on October 30th (53% to 42%).
Is it a wash? We'll only know on Tuesday for sure. The national attitude doesn't cinch anything for McCaskill's campaign, but it sure might give them a bit of head-room.
For Talent's campaign, the closing gap can only help. Republican enthusiasm had been waning, but if things are beginning to swing their way a bit, it might give them the edge in the GOTV effort. Just because you boost your voter contacts, doesn't mean they will be energized enough to vote. The promise of a squeaker might motivate some voters who were thinking of sitting it out.
Anti-Rupp ad
Senator Bray
Election night - Brentmoor Apartment’s Dining Room in University City (8600 Delmar).
McCaskill 51 - Talent 42
Survey USA poll conducted 11/3 - 11/5.
Fraser Victory Party
On election night, Barbara Fraser will gather with her family and supporters at Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Avenue, 63117.
South County Dems
State Representatives Sue Schoemehl, Pat Yaeger and Bob Burns for State Representative Victory Parties
Genesis Banquet Center
2651 Telegraph Rd.
Lemay, 63125
Election News round-up
NY Times today has a front-page article about the Ohio push-poll people.
Yesterday they presented their Senate and House analysis.
Washington Post quotes Thor - feels like NO before Katrina.
Umar Lee makes his endorsements.
Crunch time
All I got for a response was a slightly inward smile and a quick glance aside when I asked a McCaskill staffer if they knew something the rest of us didn't. We were all waiting for Senator Barak Obama (D-Il) and a who's-who of Missouri politicians to take the stage for the Democratic rally in the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park and I thought I would try and find out what's was behind a positive impression I had been getting lately. It had changed from positive but couched to one of concealed enthusiasm. It wasn't just the staff.
Their candidate has looked confident and happy in recent appearances; a change in attitude from the way she sometime appeared in her last campaign.
McCaskill lost her race for the Governor's mansion in a 2004 race that was said to be tight going into the last week, but ended up a three-point loss for the State Auditor. That tough race began with a difficult, and devisive, primary. No one looked happy and confidence was thin.
But enough about then, what happens on Tuesday? Naturally, no one knows for sure, but it's fun to look at the numbers we do have.
A Pew poll shows mixed results for the purported Democratic wave. Looking at the generic ballot (GOP vs. Dems) Republicans have cut the Democrats' lead among likely voters from 13 points in early October (53% to 40%) to 4 points in the first days of November (47% to 43%). At the same time, the number of Republicans who think their party will not fare well on Tuesday has increased 8 points (21% to 29%).
Gallup today released a poll today also showing Republicans regaining ground on the generic ballot, from a 13 point deficit two weeks ago to 7 points now (51% to 44%). Remember, however, that 7 point advantage is the same the Republicans had in the days leading up to election day in 1994.
Gallup's poll also showed that McCaskill has increased her lead among likely voters from 3% to 4% (48/45 Oct 1., 49/45 November 5).
Similarly, Pollster.com's running average of the last 5 polls shows a 2 point advantage among for McCaskill (48% to 46%), that doesn't include the Gallup poll released Sunday. Their 10-poll average, on the other hand, still shows a 47/47 tie.
So in a period in which the Republicans are closing the gap nationally, as naturally happens in the final days, McCaskill hasn't lost any ground. It may even be that she has picked up a touch of positive momentum, but that could be written off as statistical noise. Different polls, different techniques; a point or two is too little to take to the bank.
Yet all of the polls released in the last 6 days has her ahead, if only a touch. Throw in the so-called incumbent rule (a phenomenon accepted by pollsters and politicos that between the last poll of the election and election day, the majority of the undecided voters break for the challenger) and there might be a good reason why McCaskill's campaign is smiling to themselves.
November 04, 2006
Does God Love Stem Cells?
Previously, the ACC posted about churches opposing the stem cell issue, here
For the link lazy, here is a picture of Timothy Lutheran Church, one of many in the St. Louis area sporting political signs decrying the use of stem cells.