January 2007

January 31, 2007

Reed: 40 Days Out

Electronically filed Jan 31st.

$117,105 raised; $88,000 loan ($87,000 from himself, $1,000 Mound City Group); $112,126.78 spent; $92,978.22 on-hand.

January 29, 2007

Shrewsbury Quarter

Is in and scanned.
$84,650 raised; $42,155 spent; $238,825 on-hand.

Long Range Tea Inspection

The estimable, non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report takes a gander through the telescope at the '07-'08 Gubernatorial races and, not surprisingly, finds Missouri Governor Matt Blunt a bit vulnerable. Political editor Nathan Gonzales gives the rundown.

VULNERABLE (3 R, 1 D)
• Blanco (D-LA)
• Blunt (R-MO)
• Daniels (R-IN)
• Fletcher, (R-KY)

Democrats and others figure the wind will still be at their backs in 2008. The Senate races often dominate the coverage, but the Dems shifted some states' dynamics by picking up 6 Gubernatorial mansions in 2006. As Gonzales points out, the Governor's spot is even more attractive given the upcoming Congressional redistricting.

Tax Increase? Or Tax Correction?

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan may have to refigure his calculations regarding his speculation that Gov. Matt Blunt may be Presidential Candidate Blunt in 2012.

A key part of the calculus has been Gov. Blunt's steadfast opposition to tax increases, a story in the Kansas City Star's Jeff City Capital Notebook column may have found a hiccup in the plan.

So [State Rep. Shannon Cooper, R-Clinton, who opposed the late Gov. Holden's move to "close tax loopholes" in 2003] was asked last week what he would call Blunt’s plan to require phone companies and certain rental businesses to pay sales taxes. The change would net $30 million in new revenue for the state.

The Republican governor’s budget staff had called it a clarification of existing law.

“It’s a proper way to pay a tax,” Budget Director Larry Schepker told reporters.

Blunt, who has often promised never to raise taxes, made the same argument Friday — he was just clarifying the law.

So, is Blunt proposing a tax increase?

Cooper looked uncomfortable for a moment, but then replied, “Yes, I would call this a tax increase.”

Speculation about the Governor's future has been rampant; Congressman, Senator, Vice President to Gov. Mitt Romney in 2008, and occasionally, President. The Presidential speculation likely grew from the combination of being the son of a prominent Republican, Rep. Roy Blunt, and a potential precedent in President George W. Bush.

The speculation has continued unabated despite the face the first-term Governor has faced consistently low poll numbers (A SurveyUSA graph shows him consistently in the 30's since May of 2005, with men giving him slightly higher marks averaging around 40).

Update: Virginia Young at the Post-Dispatch has more details on the tax changes; potentially $60 million total, split between state and local goverments. In addition, the lawsuit that led to the correction may force the state to pay back incorrectly-assessed taxes; potentially $300 million or more.

Band Tax

From KWMU.

January 28, 2007

Haas out of School Board race

His release:

Through a quirk of sorts in the law, the last day for getting off the ballot for school board without a court order, was January 17th or so, the day after filing closed and the ballot was certified. Schoolboard elections are governed by state law, munciple elections, city charter and ordinances, so last day to get off primary ballot was January 25th.
Ballots for General Election wont be printed until March 7th, day after the Primary.

In any case:
1. I thought I deserved the union's endorsement from my 8 years on the Board, having earned my chops, if that's the right phrase: GLBT rights Resolution and Sex and Health Education Resolution that passed, leading the fight against the taking of Waring School (for which Roberti sued me in a SLAPP/crap suit that was ulitmately dropped which no media reported), leading the settlement in 2005 of the teacher negotiations, the 9th Grade Initiative I initiated which earned us provisional instead of unaccredited in our accreditation review, suing Jennifer Joyce when she and the police wouldnt do anything about Vince Schoemehl's alleged assaults against board member (Amy, Veronica and I; personally, I think Amy or Veronica could have taken him; not sure about me), standing up to Bill Roberti, admittedly in too feisty a fashion at times, and so forth.

2. The union has never endorsed me for school board, the four times I've filed! (withdrew in 2006 for the good of the team), tho supported me for state rep last year, which meant a lot to me (I'm sure it had something to do with my friend, the voucher dog, I was running against).

3. When I asked them this time why they didnt endorse me (I was told the selections were made before the endorsement interviews - which I was sort of late for since I forgot while out campaigning for Alderman - which I take no offense at), after all the good I had done, I wont judge (which I say right before I judge), but one fool said to me , "we consider those things to be in the past". Duh, it's hard to run on things you did in the future. Plus it wasnt like they were done back in the 19th century!

4. In any case, I think the case can be made that I would have had as good a chance as the union endorsed candidates to beat the Slay dogs in a multi-candidate race, because of my favorable name recognition from my years on the schoolboard and other campaigns,
and I was tempted to stay in the race just to show them that and teach the union a lesson about the strength of my candidacy and the consequences of the ungratefulness of not going home from the dance with the one that brung you;
but I didnt want to take the chance that I was wrong, and it certainly may be true that the union-endorsed candidates would have a better chance with me out of the race, so once again (like 2006) I did the honorable and unselfish thing and have withdrawn from the schoolboard race; I'm pretty sure I dont have an obligation to withdraw from every schoolboard race the rest of my life where the union doesnt endorse me, but this election certainly is critical to the future of the district, as the Board needs 2 more votes to insure that it will decide to sue the state to block the unlawful and counterproductive (to education of our children) planned takeover of the stlouis schools.

5.Finally (more or less, sort of), I call upon the other candidates in the race who oppose a state takeover to join me in withdrawing from the race and supporting Jackson/Wessling. Dont be like that horse's butt (whose name I know but wont say) who stayed in the last election, got less than 10% of the vote, I believe, was a distant 5th and almost cost Downs and Jones their election.
You dont have, in my opinion, a rat's ass chance of winning, so if you really wish to help the kids, do the unselfish thing. If not, maybe you support a state takeover, or at least your actions belie your words.

6. Finally, as I say above, the time for actually getting off the ballot without a court order has passed. But such an order show be easy to obtain for cause, which we (other candidates) have. It shouldnt be expensive, especially if we join together. Even if we cant get off the ballot, just saying we're withdrawing and supporting Jackson/Wessling and stopping campaigning, will do lots of good.
Actually, the only one who has a chance to get off the ballot without a court order is me (I), as when I win my Alderman primary, I have to choose between the two offices to be on the ballot for in April, and of course will choose Alderman and then the election board will automatically remove me for schoolboard.

January 27, 2007

Roger Wilson stepping down

Dems will start a search for a new Party Chair and Executive Director.

Around the Town

Newly-minted License Collector Michael McMillan and political consultant Dave Chilenski took in the scene at last night's opening of I Remember Heaven: Jim Hodges and Andy Warhol at the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum.

The Contemporary Art Museum moved into its new Grand Center home in 2003 and is as much an attraction as the art contained within.

The museum lies in McMillan's home ward, the 19th, where, as the democratic alderman for the past decade, he oversaw nearly $1 billion in investment including construction of the Contemporary. McMillan took office as License Collector this month after defeating Republican Pat Herod for the office in November.

Chilenski is working with McMillan as well as keeping up with other projects including running 6th ward aldermanic candidate Kacie Starr Triplett's campaign.

State Legislators on My Space

Jolie Justus
Mike Talboy
Jason Holsman

January 26, 2007

It Takes A Village

The ghosts of developments-past may have been swirling at the feet of the aldermen during a presentation on the $387 million Ballpark Village at a noon meeting of the housing and urban development committee today.

Wind repeatedly blew open the door leading to a narrow balcony off the Aldermanic Chambers and swept into the chambers; sending Alderwoman Young scrambling to secure her newly liberated paperwork.

Mayor Francis Slay's development director, Barb Geisman, and Alderman Fred Wessels, 13th ward, who chairs the committee, gave the gathered a rundown of the financing and what the Cordish company plans to build in return for the $59 million in TIF financing the city is providing the development.

As with other TIF financing, the city is redirecting a portion of the taxes to be collected once the project is up and running to provide bond financing for the project.

Geisman stressed that no general revue is given directly to the developer, the project generates its own funding. However, the city forgoes a portion of tax revenue generated in the development.

That being the case, Geisman estimated that even after the TIF gets its cut, the city will still receive an average of $3.5 to $4.5 million in revenue annually over the next 23 years. Over that same time period, city schools could expect $2.3 million annually.

The development will carry its own tax to fund the project. A bill introduced to the Board of Aldermen today creates two taxing districts, a TDD (transportation development district) and CID (community improvement district). They are estimated to generate $24 million for the project through a 1% sales tax and $1 ticket tax.

An interesting figure crops up here; it's estimated that 1.3 million tickets will be sold annually. The Cardinals came in 5th in overall ticket sales in 2006 behind the Red Sox (4th), Cubs (3rd), Yankees (2nd) and Broadway hit musical Wicked (1st). In March of 2006, the Cardinals had sold 3,020,500 of 3,531,377 available 2006 tickets (minus post-season) or 85%.

Alderwoman Lyda Krewson wanted some assurance on the project. Other developers had begun with high-end retailers such as Ann Taylor, which is one of the potential retail [clients] being tossed around by Kordish.

"I remember St. Louis Center," she said. "Now you can't even by pantyhose there."

Alderman Wessels assured that this project was different with a focus on drawing pedestrian traffic, offering entertainment to draw non-baseball crowds and integrating a residential component in the form of 250 condominiums now with the potential for more in the future.

Geisman said the retail portion could draw from the approximately 6 million visitors to Bush Stadium and the nearby Arch complex.

On the job front, the project could generate 2 thousand new jobs including jobs in the new class-A office space being created.

The Cordish Company's national connections would help in drawing business interest from around the nation for both the retail and office space, said Wessels.

Five bills establishing the project were introduced in this morning's session, BB's 407, 409, 410, 41,1 and 412.

Another hearing will be held on Wednesday January 31st.

It's hoped that the project will break ground this summer and be ready when the first pitch crosses the mound in 2009.

BJC expansion is one step closer.

Whether an extended soliloquy from Alderman Joe Roddy, 17th, did the trick or the members had their minds made up is unknown, but the Board of Aldermen endorsed the 9.4 acre Forest Park-BJC land lease agreement with little discussion.

The bill received 22 votes in favor and two no votes: Aldermanic President James Shrewsbury (whose opposition he has made very clear) and 22nd Alderman Jeffrey Boyd.

Aldermen Terry Kennedy, 18th, and Frank Williamson, 26th, were present but voiced no vote.

After the meeting, Carla Scissors-Cohen, a spokesperson for Protect Forest Park said they were not dissuaded by the aldermen's lopsided support.

"We know the citizens are behind us," said Scissors-Cohen, noting that the organization collected nearly 28,000 signatures to place the issue on the April ballot. "So no, its not over yet."

Scissors-Cohen is correct. The board's endorsement certainly eases the bill's path, but the surveyors shouldn't break out their yellow spray-paint yet. The three-member board of Estimate and Apportionment must still okay the bill.

There the agreement's future will lie in the hands of Comptroller Darlene Green who, along with Mayor Francis Slay and Board President James Shrewsbury, sit on the board of Estimate and Apportionment. Slay has he will support the bill, and Shrewsbury will put it down.

A phone call to the board of E&A yielded no word on whether the agreement will be held at the next regular monthly meeting on February 21st, or is a special meeting will be held.

Shrewsbury said that no special meeting of E&A has been scheduled as of this afternoon.

Ald. Lyda Krewson, 28th ward, Ald. Alfred Wessels, 12th ward, (co-sponsors of Roddy's bill) and Ald. Freeman Bosley, Sr., 3rd ward, spoke in support of the deal.

Krewson called the park the "crown jewel" of St. Louis. The combined $3.8 million annually that would be placed in a trust for the park "is not enough", and reminded the board that the park was not always the high-traffic destination it is now and without proper funds to keep up, it could slip backwards. She said the trust was essential for her support since it will prevent aldermen from getting their mitts on the funds.

Bosley emphasized the role BJC plays in supporting public health in the city. As the city grows, he said, it would take a large organization like BJC to keep up.

Bosley summed up his support as only Bosley can. "I don't care how much green-space you have out there if you are sick and you are dying," he said.

As the deal currently stands, the city would lease to BJC 9.4 acres of the segment of park that lies east of Kingshighway and north of Clayton road, much of which is currently leased to BJC which operates a subterranean garage under the trees, courts and playground.

In exchange:
• BJC will set aside 15% of the newly leased are for green-space.
• Deposit $2 million into a trust to maintain Forest Park.
• BJC will spend $1 million to improve some facilities in the remaining section.
• Forest Park Forever has pledged $1 million a year for upkeep.

Currently the city spend $1.6 million on Forest Park, the combined $3.8 million, supporters argue, will allow the city to spend that $1.6 on other city parks that have been all-to-visibly neglected in years past. Alderman Wessels added that an additional $1.8 in capital improvement funds is also spent on the park but that due to a bond deal 20 years ago $1.35 goes to fund the bond, bringing the potential annual funding to approximately $4.25 million. In 10 years, the full $1.8 will be available to the park.

The Aldermen are busy today

Bills relating to Ballpark Village and the Forest-Park BJC deal are on for today.

A crowd sporting "Save our Parks" t-shirt has gathered in the gallery to watch for the outcome.

We'll let you know if we hear the sound of broken hearts.

Oxford Proposes Tax Reform

From State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford:

Tax Reform: It’s Time for Missouri to “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”

A friend who attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings told me that AA groups define insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results each time. Having been a public policy advocate in Missouri for 20 years now and an elected official for two Legislative Sessions, it is easy to label Missouri’s budget process as “insane.”

Year after year our appropriations and budget committees hear heart-wrenching testimonies from Missourians of every description: veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, teachers and early childhood education advocates, healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, veterans, community task force members, and on and on. Citizens describe the disastrous consequences of Missouri’s underfunding of essential services and inadequate response to pain and suffering.

Legislators often reply: “I wish we could do something about that, but we don’t have the money. Who do you want us to cut in order to serve your group better?”

Surely it is time for Missouri to “Wake up and smell the coffee.” We can no longer afford to continue this insanity. Nor can we count on the one time or short-term fixes that have bailed us out in the past.

Friends and caring relatives sometimes stage an “intervention” in an effort to help an alcoholic or addict face reality and enter treatment. That is my intent in filing tax reform legislation designed to make Missouri’s outdated tax system more fair, adequate, and sustainable.

The bill that I am introducing would reduce taxes paid for the 60% of Missourians with the lowest incomes. It includes a refundable sliding scale tax credit of $150 per person that phases out between $30,000-50,000 for single people and at $60,000-80,000 for married couples. It asks those in the top 40% of income to pay increased taxes. Within these top brackets, there are adjustments as income increases so that those most able to pay bear the heaviest load.

This tax reform plan will produce slightly more than $1 billion in new state revenue and must be approved by a vote of the people. Let me describe the plan more thoroughly:

Fairness: Missouri’s present tax system treats middle and low-income taxpayers unfairly. The tax burden of those who have the least is nearly twice that of the wealthiest Missourians. The starting place for the top bracket has remained at $9,000 since 1931 even though that equates to more than $550,000 in current dollars. By updating the brackets to reflect today’s economic realities, we take a major step toward fairness.

Adequacy - Every year the Legislature faces a crisis about how to fund essential services that provide for the common good. 327 school districts are suing the state for failure to meet constitutional funding obligations for elementary and secondary schools. We have a higher smoking rate than 47 other states and are dead last in spending on tobacco use prevention and cessation. We offer less support for quality childcare than any other state, and only three states have more citizens lacking reasonable access to primary healthcare. It’s time to admit that we can’t fix these problems by budgeting more carefully - we must have more dollars to meet Missourians’ needs.

Sustainability – Elected officials keep searching for one-time answers and short-term solutions for our funding crises — for example, cutting more than 100,000 Missourians off Medicaid or selling assets from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). But isn’t it likely that these fixes do more harm than good? Medicaid cuts shift costs onto local healthcare providers and charities and increase sickness and death. Underfunding higher education causes tuition increases, and underfunding our public schools cheats our children and hamstrings our future economic progress. We need sustainable solutions that will not leave us in the same broken down boat year after year.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Missouri to no longer be known as “The Forty-Something State,” a nickname that indicates its abysmal ratings in practically every measure of social well-being? With this income tax revision plan, we can obtain the dollars we need to pay for essential services and make our tax system more fair at the same time. We must have the courage to face reality and put an end to our budget insanity.

January 25, 2007

28th ward Executive Committee votes for Reed

The 28th ward's executive committee voted unanimously tonight to recommend to its members that they endorse Lewis Reed in that ward's open-vote endorsement, February 1.

Cacchione's 40 Day

Being filed right now - His 40 day will show $5,600 raised, bringing his total to $13,600 with $5,800 on-hand.

6th Ward Dues

Patrick Cacchione's report shows a $380 contribution to the Sixth Ward. Kacie Triplett's report shows $486 to the Sixth Ward. Assuming those were for membership dues of supporters, that comes out to 76 new members compliments of Cacchione and 97.2 new members via Triplett.

Triplett $$

Raised 13,715 with 9,395 on-hand.

Meanwhile watch for a new filing from Saller, one that covers the last couple of weeks.

UPDATE: Saller's 40 day report shows another $5,715 raised with $5,700 on-hand.

January 24, 2007

24th ward goes for Shrewsbury

By a vote of 38-4.

Last Night SLPS Board Meeting

From John Ginsburg:

Went to the special school board meeting last night. My first Board experience.

Apparently, at the end of last year, the board voted to bring in a team from the Missouri School Board Association, a non-profit group of which SLPS is a member, to help them with improving how they are as a Board. The guy
facilitating was an excellent presenter and gave a 7-point formula that has come from working with many other School Boards around the state and learning what factors work and what don't. He was well-versed in the statistics facing the SLPS, good with concrete examples, and patient with the members. This was the first of a four-part consulting series, if the Board decides to continue with him.

Veronica O'Brien was noticeably absent, as she left before the guy started. Perhaps she thought it was not necessary, but it certainly makes it difficult for a consultant to build the efforts of the team if not all the team participates. Ron Jackson thought that it was the wrong topic - that they shouldn't have even talked specifically about how to operate as a Board until they were able to deal with their interpersonal challenges. He was polite, but skeptical. The presenter
assured him that that would be dealt with in a later session.

Most of the other observers in the room left before the presentation was over, as did Bob Archibald, but I thought it was interesting. Even if the material was not rocket science, the presenter was engaging, thought-provoking, and experienced. Given the current situation on the board, they could probably use the help.

Reed Whisper Number

200k raised. We'll see.

Cacchione Quarter

Or is it Cash-ione?
$1,980 raised, $5k loan to self; $2,888 on-hand.

January 23, 2007

SOTU Reactions?

Text of the speech is available here.
Any reactions to President Bush's State of the Union address? What about the Democratic response by freshman Senator Jim Webb?

Any guess as to how many people watched Veronica Mars on Channel 11 instead?

One area I was surprised to find little meat was health care.

To counter the escalating costs and difficulties related to modern health insurance, the President proposes monkeying with taxes. The White House released a rather murky explanation of the proposal on Monday. In essence, those who receive health insurance as a benefit from their employer will find it taxed. Others will receive a subsidy in the form of a tax deduction.

The tax deductions may provide savings for some, but may also channel people towards the high deductible, low-premium policies that provide little beyond "disaster" policies.

Those whose low incomes push them in the direction of these policies often don't have the cash to cover co-pays. Others who do have the income may merely take the deduction and pocket the difference.

It's not the disaster you have to worry about, its the nickel-and-dime things that undercut the foundation of good heath. They can lead to long-term problems that quickly outstrip most individuals coverage.

The proposal offers a national variation on the Romney and Schwarzenegger plans which subsidizes private health insurance for low-income state residents. However, instead of spreading the costs to doctors, health insurers and hospitals, individuals who get health insurance from their employer as a benefit will find a new tax.

Given that approximately 46 million people are uninsured in the U.S. and millions more go without at some point due to changes in their lives, a more substantial plan might be in the works.

McCaskill Presponds to SotU

Her presponse.

Rep. Blunt on CNN for SOTU

Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Southwest MO, will be a guest on CNN's Situation Room for their expanded State of the Union coverage. Other guests include DNC Chair Howard Dean, Senator and Pres candidate Chris Dodd, D-CT , and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY.

ProVote asks Sen. Bond to back Minimum Wage.

Missouri ProVote is asking voters to call Sen. Kit Bond to encourage him to support raising the minimum wage. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar measure almost two weeks ago with six of the nine members of Missouri's delegation voting in favor. Joining the four Democratic Representatives, Reps. Kenny Hulshof, R-9, and Jo Ann Emerson, R-8, voted in favor of the increase.

The bill is currently before the Senate which is expected to vote to end debate today or tomorrow with the final vote likely next week.

If passed, the bill will increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 by 2009.

In November, Missouri voters approved an increase in the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.50 an hour with an overwhelming 76% of the vote. Several communities have challenged the measure in court due to a provision in the law that removes the overtime exemption allowed fire and police departments. The law states that all wage-earners working over 40 hours earn overtime, no exceptions. Currently, police and fire earn overtime under a different formula due to the unique scheduling.

If the federal increase passes, Missouri will be required to adopt the new federal minimum wage.

Missouri Tech Ed needs a boost

Gov. Matt Blunt commented that Missouri's low scores and declining participation in the math and science fields is less about innate ability and more to do with encouragement and opportunity.

"It's not because we are inherently bad at math and science," said Blunt.

To address the decline, the governor introduced an initiative Monday to increase interest and student achievement in math, engineering, technology, and science.

Blunt's plan includes:

• $2.9 million to create 100 "tech" classrooms in 100 schools statewide to assist teachers in integrating technology in classroom instruction.
• $250,000 in training for teachers and administration.
• $250,000 to cover part of the cost of taking math and science advanced placement tests.
• $100,000 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to train more AP teachers.

The recommendations were part of a consultation with the METS Coalition, a group of businesses including Boeing, Fleishman-Hillard, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and others interested in fostering a tech-based farm team in Missouri from which to develop potential future employees. The coalition was kicked off at a summit held by the Governor last spring.

The coalition is assisting DESE in developing school curriculums and some members help directly through the Show-Me scholars mentoring program.

Deb Hollingsworth, chair of the coalition and vice-president for external affairs at SBC, said the members had spent a great deal of personal and professional time on the project.

Hollingsworth called it a "moral imperative" that they, "demand more from our students and give them the tools."

The governor noted after the presentation that Missouri is competing on the world stage with China, India and other nations.

"This is why we have this alliance," said Gov. Blunt. "This is why we have this initiative."

Mr. Smith Doesn't Go to the Oscars

Nominee list.

SotU Watch Party at Royale

Tonight - Tuesday January 23 - 7-10pm (speech begins at 8pm)
The Royale
3132 S. Kingshighway
Parking on Juniata

Free pizza appetizers and 2.50 Schlafly drafts during the speech.

Sixth Ward Debate

The Downtown St. Louis Residents Association and the League of Women Voters will be sponsoring a debate and election information session for the Sixth Aldermanic Ward on February 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Downtown St. Louis Public Library at 1301 Olive.

The debate will start at 7:00 PM and will feature the candidates: Patrick J. Cacchione, Kacie Starr-Triplett, and Christian Saller. In addition, The Board of Elections will be conducting voter registration before and after the debate for anyone interested. Example polling machines, precinct maps, and other voter education services will also be on display. This event will be an excellent chance for all voters, including citizens of the Sixth Ward, to educate themselves before the aldermanic primary elections on March 6th. For any questions, please call Pam DeVoe at 314-691-6869.

January 22, 2007

Triplett's first mailer

Hit mailboxes last weekend?

Who are 12th ward GOP Committeepeople endorsing?

Trick question.

In the 12th Ward, where the Republican Party has its sole candidates and a primary contest this election cycle, the GOP has no committeeman or committeewoman, no ward organization registered with MEC.

January 21, 2007

2008 Hopefuls

Not sure what they're hoping for yet...

Maida Coleman, sitting on $25k.
Rod Jetton, started statewide committee.
Charlie Shields, amended his old committee.

Blunt at 37%

As he approaches the State of the State speech on Wednesday, a SurveyUSA poll shows that the Governor may have some heavy lifting ahead of him.

Progress in the next year, or the lack thereof, may determine the first-term Governor's future. His deliberations have drawn national attention. Long-term political analyst–and Republican in the know–Robert Novak isn't banking on Blunt's re-election.

In a column in Human Events (Gov. Blunt recently penned a treatise on the future of conservatism in the publication), He notes the combo of the topic's conspicuous absence at a recent planning session and his very visible friendship with '08 candidate, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (hat tip to the CDT Political blog).

January 20, 2007

From Mo Ethics

Gambaro eats the debt from his 4th SD campaign.

And the MEC remains delinquent on posting delinquent committees on its website, running this notice for over a year.

Changes at Buzz Blog

Headed towards subscription model.

January 19, 2007

Press Releases

Show Me Institute's press conference next week will explain how to eliminate the city's earning tax.

Darlene Green issues statement on BJC Deal:
"The comptroller believes people on both sides of this issue have strong points. On one side are the citizens and taxpayers who want to protect their parks and have a say in plans to develop park land. On the other side is the city's largest medical facility that serves thousands of disadvantaged residents each year and is an economic engine for the community.

"The comptroller intends to move forward in an effort to bridge the gap on these two very valid viewpoints and hopefully reach a compromise solution. She is working now to hold meetings beginning next week with both sides that focus on common ground and building consensus instead of rehashing differences. This issue is too important to our community on a number of levels for us to settle for anything less than a mutual agreement.

"The comptroller is reserving comment on the new lease plan revealed today until after these meetings and, hopefully, a compromise is reached."

Shrewsbury nabs 8th

Also last night, the 8th ward organization endorsed Jim Shrewsbury for President.

Frank to MO PTAC

Joe Frank will soon be joining the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC), Eastern Region office at 100 N. Tucker in downtown St. Louis. MO PTAC helps small businesses get government contracts.

Triplett Endorsements

In a morning-after press release, Kacie Triplett announces / reminds public of her endorsements.

January 18, 2007

Cacchione wins 6th ward endorsement

It was a packed house at Sqwires and Patrick Cacchione came away with the hotly contested ward endorsement tonight.

Roe Anniversary

Tonight, Roe v. Wade 34th Anniversary Event, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Mad Art Gallery in Soulard, 2727 S. 12th Street. $35 general, $15 student, available at the door.

The Freedom of Choice Council of St. Louis announces the 34th Anniversary Celebration of Roe v. Wade, featuring: Special Guest - Cristina Page, author of How the Pro-Choice Movement Saved America.

Operation Help Iraq's Kids

Stop by the Brentwood OfficeMax (Eager Rd) anytime tomorrow, Friday, between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and help our Marines by donating school supplies for Iraqi children.

That's Tim Embree. He used to help Robin Carnahan with fundraising. Now he's in Iraq as part of a 12-man team of military advisors, the guys that train the Iraqi Army.

Tim's team is located in Anbar Province and is led by Lt. Col. Roderick Arrington, of University City. Other St. Louis area men on the team are Master Sergeant Russ Avery of Fenton, Gunnery Sergeant J. Sullivan of High Ridge. They are part of a US Marine Corps reserve unit from Bridgeton, 3rd Battallion 24th Marines.

McGraw Milhaven, KTRS 550, will host the event. For more information call 314-965-1017

January 17, 2007

Universal Coverage: not-so socialized medicine?

While Democrats are certainly wary of having "Hillarycare" hung around their necks again, it seems that the debate over the form of a universal-style healthcare system has moved from inter-party to intra-party.

Republican Governors Mitt Romney and Arnold Schwarzenegger have unveiled new programs that propose to provide health care for every citizen of their state through a mix of mandates and subsidies. They are not the single-payer systems that conservatives are loath to see created, but they may represent its early stirrings.

Not surprisingly the two Governors–both from states with a distinctly moderate-to-left leanings–have come under fire from conservatives who see it as an attack on the "free market" system that insures us all; minus the roughly 47 million who go without.

Continue reading "Universal Coverage: not-so socialized medicine?"

January 16, 2007

Reed's Polling

From email tipster:

I just completed a phone survey on the aldermanic board president race. EMH Opinion Sampling was the polling firm. Based in Sacramento CA.

Asked opinions of Firefighters Local #73, Reed, Shrewsbury, Bosley Jr. and McMillan.

Pro Reed statements included over $1 billion in development, establishing integrated IT system for city, starting Bike St. Louis. Cons were his connections to developers and support of TIFs, and never having held citywide office. Also a really odd con statement that his phone number is listed under his wife's name.

Pro Shrewsbury statements included starting meetings on time, outlawing firearms on city property, and making it illegal to leave children alone in cars. Con statements were having an office in the county, working only part time as president of the board, and allowing an alderman to urinate in chambers.

I think the survey was for Reed because of a couple of statements indicating Shrewsbury did/didn't do something for (unnamed) political reasons, e.g. support budget increases for firemen. No references were made to Reed's political motivations.

January 15, 2007

Quarters

Here are starters. The bulk will come in later this week.

Christian Saller - 6th ward - raised $1,555.
Bill Waterhouse - 24th ward - $11,200 raised.

January 14, 2007

Trips to Cuba

So who in St. Louis is getting offers for Department of Defense junkets, and where can I sign up?

A writer for the popular national politics blog Talking Points Memo relayed a conversation with an employee of a St. Louis television station about a recent public relations trip the DOD arranged to visit detainee conditions in Guantanamo.

I heard from TPM Reader WS, who works for a St. Louis television station and says he was invited by the Department of Defense to fly down to Gitmo last month for a tour of the detainee facilities.
…
Incidentally, WS has no idea why he in particular was invited on the trip, but he couldn't resist the chance to go to Cuba. He has no plans to air an account of his trip.

The conversation between TMP's David Kurtz and the unnamed St. Louisan was sparked by Kurtz's coverage of the fallout from comments by Charles Stimson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs. Stimson suggested to Federal News Radio Thursday that corporations should re-evaluate doing business with law firms that allow their lawyers to do pro-bono representation of detainees at Gitmo. The lawyers hail from some of the top firms in the country.

The trip itself was led by Stimson in an effort to demonstrate the quality conditions the detainees are kept in.

The American Bar Association and others have loudly criticized Stimson for his comments saying the tradition of pro-bono representation is an important part of ensuring the protection of legal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Stimson's comments were viewed as potentially having a chilling effect.

ABA President Karen J. Mathis:

Lawyers represent people in criminal cases to fulfill a core American value: the treatment of all people equally before the law. To impugn those who are doing this critical work -- and doing it on a volunteer basis -- is deeply offensive to members of the legal profession, and we hope to all Americans.

The Pentagon itself has disavowed Stimson's comments.

Stimson's comments came after conservative talk radio host Monica Crowley sent a FOIA request to obtain the names of the lawyers and firms representing the detainees. Stimson's comments were reflected in a Friday op-ed by Robert Pollock in the Wall Street Journal (not available online).

January 12, 2007

52nd City

Has a new issue out.

Release party tomorrow (saturday) at Snowflake, Comtpon & Cherokee, 2-5 p.m

Round Number Two

On the heels of Public Service Commission hearings seeking input on AmerenUE's request for a 17.7% rate increase, forecasters are predicting another blast from Dr. Freeze. Exactly which part of the St. Louis area will be effected by a wave that a KSDK forecaster, this afternoon, said has the potential to glaze the area with as much ice as December's storm.

The National Weather Service is predicting a half-inch of accumulation or more through the weekend.

AmerenUE has released a statement saying:

AmerenUE officials say they are preparing as they do for each storm by placing crews on alert and readying equipment and communications systems with the forecasted approach of yet another major winter storm.

“During severe storms, AmerenUE’s first priority is to correct potentially life- threatening situations, such as downed power lines or hospitals without power,” says Richard J. Mark, senior vice president, Missouri Energy Delivery. “We then implement carefully designed power restoration plans focused on getting power back on for the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.”

He adds that the safety of the public and the crews working to restore power is the most critical priority. In restoring electricity, crews begin with main lines--those that serve thousands of people. Then they move to lines that can affect hundreds; secondary lines that affect dozens; and finally to service lines at individual homes.

A call for comment has not yet been returned.

Governor Matt Blunt released a statement this afternoon saying he had activated the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in anticipation of requests for aid.

The immediate St. Louis city area could potentially be spared the worst of the storm. The dividing-line between the northern below-freezing temperatures and the southern, slightly above-freezing temperatures is likely to bisect the metro area.

That said, it's off to the store to stock up on de-icer and purchase a new ice scraper; the last one having been destroyed last time we were told we'd be spared.

The Line on Guv races

From Washington Post. MO's race #5.

January 11, 2007

See You There

Thursday, January 11
Charlie Brennan to speak at the St. Louis Area Young Republicans Meeting
7:30 PM at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Friday, January 12
Issues & Answers Luncheon on I-64/40 Reconstruction Project
Guest Speaker, Pete Rahn, Director, MoDOT
Noon - 1pm, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark - One South Broadway

Friday, January 12
An exhibition by JENNA BAUER
6 to 9 pm at the Bruno David Gallery at 3721 Washington Boulevard, in the heart of the Grand Center arts district.

Wednesday, January 24
Join the effort to preserve the Missouri Historic Tax Credit
5:30-7:30pm, The Tap Room, 2100 Locust

Friday, February 2nd
"Pretty Pictures" Recent paintings by Kenny Bini.
7-9pm, 2865 Salena, Benton Park Neighborhood

Carnahan Statement on "Surge"

Americans want a more clearly defined mission.

Team Shrewsbury

Lindsay Marsh is the campaign manager. Past credits include Wesley Clark and Dick Gephardt.

Jonathan Levine, formerly of Jake Zimmerman's campaign, is doing field.

Rounding out the team is April Harris, Larry Lushri, and Harold Brown.

January 10, 2007

KMOX Editorial on SLPS

PSA? Editorial?

I don't know. Heard more than once by listeners.

Just Say No

There will be a protest tomorrow, part of a nationwide campaign to show disdain for Bush and Co's expected demand for more troops in Iraq:

From Americasaysno.org, which also involves truemajorityaction.org

America Says NO more troops! Thursday, Jan. 11th will feature a nationwide surge of protest. Volunteers will host actions in cities and towns across the country within 24 hours of the president’s speech with a simple message: "America says NO more troops in Iraq!”

The protest will be at Tamm Avenue Overpass over Interstate 64, Just
north of Tamm Avenue, Oakland Drive and Turtle Park. January 11, 2007,07:30 AM. We will be bannering on an overpass for morning and evening rush hours where we get about two cars every second. Bring signs or come to help hold banners. Wear warm clothes and gloves.

March Primary Candidates

Unofficial List of Candidates

McCaskill Opposes More Troops

Sectarian conflict makes it impossible for our troops to be anything other than target practice.

Shrewsbury Video

Up on his website.

Dollars for Development

Candidate Patrick Cacchione donates $100 toward study to attract grocer to Jefferson's empty Foodland.

Here's the press release

Reed Gets 15th Ward Nod

Last night after their forum, their membership voted to endorse Lewis Reed.

UPDATE: Pictures from last night, courtesy of Brian Werner.

January 09, 2007

BATON BOB HITS IT BIG

CNN is running a video story about Baton Bob. Its actually quite long. I have been asked a million times why urban professionals would stay in St. Louis, now I guess Bob can ask that question to other street entertainers in our city. Twirl on, Bob, twirl on.

Bauer Campaign Lit

Bauer flyer spotted recently.

Urges people to "re-elect" him.

Committee listed as paying for it was teminated a year ago.

6th ward Yard Signs

Cacchione = Blue
Saller = Red
Triplett = Purple

15th Ward Forum

The 15th Ward Democrats will be hosting a Candidates Forum featuring Jim Shrewsbury and Lewis Reed tonight (1/9) at 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the Carpenter Branch Library (Grand & Utah).

For more details, please call Jan Clinite at 314.773.2907 or visit their web site.

January 08, 2007

Ameren and the Growing Storm

More than 120 people turned out at the University of Missouri-St. Louis' student center this morning to voice their concerns to the Missouri Public Service Commission over AmerenUE's request for a 17.7% rate increase, approximately $360.7 million.

AmerenUE says the average residential customer would see an increase of six dollars a month, based on 1,000 killowat-hour usage per month.

The PSC's hearing brought out residents and elected officials alike.

Sen. Joan Bray (D-University City) was the first to speak. Bray commented that she always said, "AmerenUE was a well run company," when it came to ensuring a, "return to its investors."

Bray also warned those present that AmerenUE was not only asking for a rate increase, but to be allowed to include a fuel surcharge and environmental cost recovery in future billing. Even if the general rate increase is rejected, she said, the surcharges, which are permitted by a bill passed by the Missouri Legislature in 2005 (SB 179), may still be applied.

Approximately 45 people signed up to give sworn testimony before the committee. The board also noted that customers could submit statements by mail or through the PSC's website.

Two of the PSC Commissioners, Steve Gaw and Linward "Lin" Appling, asked questions of those testifying. Doug Healy, assistant to the chairman, also appeared as a representative of PSC Chair Jeff Davis.

The complaints were detailed. James Strawhun of Florrisant has kept an record of outages in his neighborhood since 1992. He submitted his log saying the number of incidents has increased since AmerenUE took over service.

University City Councilman Byron Price, 3rd ward, cited his own records of outages. He said opposed the increase because of service issues which he said, "Cause tremendous financial hardship, medical issues and potential loss of life."

Price criticized AmerenUE spokespeople who claimed that this year was different because the storm had been one of the "worst in history". Noting that he worked as a forecaster for Southwestern Bell in his younger days, Price received loud applause saying, "This is not the greatest storm in the history of St. Louis."

One woman wanted the PSC to consider the effect of a rate increase on the elderly and others on fixed incomes.

PSC commissioner Steve Gaw asked staff to drive out after the meeting to photograph evidence of neglected maintenance behind the home of Bethany Porter of Ferguson, who has experienced 12 outages in the past four years.

The staff of the PSC has already recommended against a rate increase saying that based on an audit of AmerenUE's books, the utility is over-earning by $136-168 million.

The PSC will continue to hold hearings and take testimony in the coming months.

Lewis Reed on the air

Eight weeks out and he's running TV commercials. One just spotted on CNN.

UPDATE: French has put the spot up. From the content of the ad some had wondered if Local 73 paid for the it. The disclaimer is impossible to read, but the Reed campaign confirms it is theirs - paid for by Committee to Elect Reed.

Blunt in Boston

In a move likely to add fuel to the speculation about Blunt's plans for the future, the Governor is spending the day in Boston visiting Gov. Mitt Romney at the presidential-hopeful's day-long, milllion-dollar fundraiser.

Poised on the top floor of Boston's convention center, Romney's fundapalooza brought together friends and supporters from around the nation in an effort, "to form a bond with each other, and chat with the governor." Romney's team hopes to pull in $1 million from around the country, the first step in an ambitious drive to raise $50 million by June.

Some of the current speculation surrounding Gov. Blunt's future (driven mostly by his non-committal comments regarding re-election) has Blunt as a possible V.P. nominee in a Romney Presidential run.

Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan lays out how Blunt could skip second-chair 2008 and go right for the center ring in 2012. Governors have had a great deal of success in rising to the land's highest office, but how does the speculation jive with Blunt's consistent–and unshakeable–low polling numbers.

McClellan is dead-on in that any potential future for the Governor will likely hinge on his handling of the Medicaid transition. President Bush made his mark in education reform, which he brought to the national level in the form of No Child Left Behind, which has received mixed-marks from educators (The NCLB's fifth anniversary was Sunday, January 8).

AmerenUE Public Comment Today, Tuesday

AmerenUE is having three public comment sessions in St. Louis this week (Post-Dispatch via John Combest).

— 11:30 a.m. Monday at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, the Century Room in the Millennium Student Center, 1 University Boulevard, Normandy.

— 5:30 p.m. Monday at the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, Highlander Lounge of the Student Center, 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis.

— 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wentzville School District central office board room, 1 Campus Drive, Wentzville.

Olmstead joins MCHPED

Jennifer Olmstead is staffing the Missouri Coalition for Historic Preservation and Economic Development's annual effort to make sure that the Missouri legislature doesn't harm the program.

January 07, 2007

6 North

gets nice write up in NY Times.

January 05, 2007

Bauer's Back

Here we go again.

Here is Waterhouse's statement.

And as rumored, Sam Moore filed to challenge OL Shelton.

Former Post Editor Campbell Dies

Former editor-in-chief of the Post-Dispatch, Cole Campbell, died in an single-car accident in Reno, Nevada this morning. Campbell was editor of the St. Louis daily from 1996 to 2000. He was working as dean of the journalism school at the University of Nevada, Reno.

From the AP.

Tim Ogle joins Carnahan's Staff

He'll be doing community outreach for Congressman Russ Carnahan.

Friday Stew

A Conversation with Activist Percy Green: “Why You Must Raise Hell!”
January 9, 2007…7 p. m. at The Schlafly Branch Library, 225 N. Euclid Ave.

Mr. Green will share highlights of his life as an activist in St. Louis and the value of non-violent protest. Mr. Green will also outline the various roles citizens can take in the continued struggle for equality and social justice. For more information or to register, call the Schlafly Branch @ (314) 367.4120

Congratulations Fred!
You are invited to attend the 131 FW SVF Assumption of Command on 6 Jan 06 at 1400 in the Dining Hall Annex. Captain Fred Hessel will assume command of the Services Flight at that time. Captain Hessel comes from the Logistics Readiness Squadron where he was the Operations Officer. Please join the Services Flight in welcoming Capt Hessel to his new position.

Happy Birthday to Bob Byrne, former editor of the City's Newsgram.

January 03, 2007

Smith will sponsor Wilson for BOE

See previous post.

Shrewsbury, Reed meet Tonight

For the first time, I think, in a neighborhood forum format.

At the Gate District Neighborhood Meeting, 2828 Caroline (or maybe 2830 Caroline?), at 7:00pm.

Trying to Solve Middle Schools

Today's NY Times.

Happy Belated Birthday

Bill Siedhoff on January 2, 2007.

January 02, 2007

McMillan Sworn In

Missouri Supreme Court Justice Ronnie White administered the oath of office to the city's new License Collector, Michael McMillan, this morning before a sea of supporters and well-wishers. The former 19th ward alderman was elected in November with an overwhelming 82%, defeating his Republican opponent Pat Herod.

The Kennedy Hearing Room at City Hall was filled to the brim with friends, family, fellow aldermen, city officials and some of McMillan's constituents.

"They don't mind treating this place like Fox Theater; standing room only!" said Ida Goodwin Woolfolk. Woolfolk emceed the swearing in and lightly roasted the newly-minted License Collector calling him, "the cosmopolitan gentleman."

"He's a little like a little old man," said Woolfolk of McMillan's quest to know what her remarks would be.

She mostly praised McMillan who spent a decade representing the 19th ward, a ward she called a "paragon of progress." The ward has seen over $1 billion in investment since 1997. Woolfolk said McMillan is a devout Catholic, perpetually driven in his work, and exceptionally generous. She noted that his gift list this year was nearly 3,000 names long including constituents, colleagues and students.

Mayor Slay–who may be praising his successor if the prognosticators are correct–said McMillan has "tremendous leadership skills" and is able to cross all boundaries, racial, ethnic and geographic, "North, South and Central."

Slay also included a brief New Year's benediction noting that 2006 was a great year for the city with new homes, new residents and new businesses; but there's more to come.

"I promise you, 2007 will be better," said Slay.

McMillan's speech was one befitting someone who, some say, will rise as high as he choses. He made sure to acknowledge many of the people his career has brought him into contact with, both as alderman and in his preparations for the new office; and wove them into a story that described both his career and the city's redevelopment.

McMillan thanked Woolfolk, his supporters and his family and said he was, "happy to join Jim Sonderman and Mayor Slay in the former alderman club." He also acknowledged the work that all office members devote to the city saying, "we are only as good as our staff."

He quoted from Martin Luther King's "Conquering Self-Centerdness Speech," which talks about the need to set aside personal concerns for the good of the many. He also reiterated his five-point promise to revamp the License Collector's office: aggressively pursue revenue; improve technological access through online services; streamline the paperwork; crack down on fraud; develop the best trained customer service staff possible.

McMillan said he would build upon the efforts of his predecessor, Gregory F.X. Daly, who is moving across the building to the office of the Collector of Revenue.

"St. Louis is doing things right," said McMillan. "We are moving in the right direction."

Afterward Alderman Lewis Reed, 6th Ward, said McMillan will do a great job. Reed recounted a time when the two were working on a project and received a 3 a.m. phone call from McMillan wanting to talk over an issue after Reed told to call him "anytime".

"He's as hardworking as they say," said Reed.

Daly looks forward to working with McMillan in bringing new revenue to the city.

"He understands business and knows government," said Daly. Daly added that to increase revenue, the license collector will have to use persuasion as well as the sticks the office provides, something he is more than capable of.

A resident of the 19th ward was pleased to see McMillan's success.

"He's been my alderman for years and I can pick up the phone and call him for anything," said Robbin.

In his remarks, McMillan talked of working to increase revenue for the city. Part of his job may have been done for him by the voters who, in August, approved a bump up in the graduated business tax rates. The rates will be assessed based upon the size of the business. McMillan also plans to begin a crackdown on the businesses that slip past his office and make sure they also pay their fair share.
[final paragraph edited for clarity]

South Grand adds Guides

South Grand Community Improvement District has formed collaboration with the Downtown St. Louis Partnership to bring a new addition to South Grand Blvd, the South Grand Guides Team, beginning January 2, 2007. These individuals will be in red and black uniforms. The duties of the South Grand Guides are uniformed sidewalk greeters and guides travel on foot to provide information, hospitality and a warm, friendly environment to those who live, work, shop, play and visit the South Grand area. The street greeters are also trained as "additional eyes and ears" for the 3rd District Police Department.

In addition to greeting visitors, the South Grand Guides answer questions, give directions, assist customers and report cleaning problems to Operation Brightside and the Neighborhood Stabilization Officer. They are also equipped with a radio to allow them to report suspicious activities to their dispatcher and - if need be - to the police. They offer suggestions on dining and shopping and assist in making South Grand a more fun and enjoyable place to visit and work! They can serve as an escort for an employee of the South Grand area who might be working late and may need to get to their car. The South Grand Guides are trained to be at the beck and call of those in need.

Smith's Next Decision

Will he support or block the appointment of Carol Wilson to the Board of Elections?

You may recall it wasn't long ago that Wilson was exhorting her fellow Republicans to take a Democratic ballot in the 4th SD primary in order to aid conservative Derio Gambaro.

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