ACC Exclusive

January 27, 2007

Roger Wilson stepping down

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

January 03, 2007

Smith will sponsor Wilson for BOE

See previous post.

December 27, 2006

Carnahans back Nixon

According to insiders, Robin Carnahan phoned Jay Nixon today. She told him, "We're with you."

Recent rumors had Carnahan making phone calls to gauge political support for a gubernatorial run.

Today she told Nixon that she'll be running for re-election for Secretary of State and supporting him for governor.

December 16, 2006

6th Ward Update

Today I spoke to allies of both Kacie Starr and Patrick Cacchione's, but did not speak to the principals themselves.

Here's what's going on, as best as I can tell: Both Starr and Cacchione have been actively soliciting residents to join the ward organization prior to its endorsement meeting on January 18.

The 6th is an open ward, so packing the organization with friendly members could sway the endorsement. Furthermore, I have heard (but not confirmed) that both the alderman and Congressman plan to endorse whoever the ward endorses.

Starr recently brought in the names and money (dues are $5) for approximately 100 new members. Cacchione's allies are crying foul. The money is mostly, if not all, in cash, and they feel that there's too much room for manipulation.

Both sides have mentioned the ward's by-laws as a place to settle the dispute, but apparently there's been difficulty locating the by-laws.

The 6th ward executive board will meet on Monday at 5:30pm at Pestalozzi Place (corner of Pestalozzi and Virginia) to discuss the matter. Both Starr and Cacchione serve on the executive board so it should be an interesting meeting.

UPDATE: Starr camp tells ACC that most dues were paid by check, not cash, and those checks were cashed by the ward organization last month.

December 13, 2006

Odenwald, Stokes: City Should Reenter the County

In the current issue of the ACC, Kurt Odenwald, out-going St. Louis County Councilman, and his assistant David Stokes, penned the following essay exploring what it would mean if the City reentered the County. They "hope it happens."

“First, Let’s Get the Terminology Right. Second, Let’s Get Serious About St. Louis City Rejoining the County.”

By Councilman Kurt S. Odenwald and David Stokes, special to the Arch City Chronicle

On a few occasions during his term as Mayor of St. Louis, Mayor Slay has mentioned the idea of St. Louis City and St. Louis County merging. He deserves great credit for bringing the idea forward, although the suggestion has not generated much civic discussion yet, either pro or con. That is unfortunate, because it is time to try again.

However, a prerequisite to any discussion requires a substantive change in terminology. Specifically, we need to replace the word “merger’ with the term “re-entering.” While it may have worked in other places, the idea of the governments of St. Louis County, all 91 municipalities, and St. Louis City suddenly becoming one government is simply not going to happen – at least not without a first step. It will be challenging enough to accomplish the simpler step of having the City re-enter St. Louis County (just as Kansas City is a municipal government within Jackson County), but that important first step is a real possibility, and the positive effects of that initial step are numerous.

From Mayor Slay’s second inaugural address (as reported in the West End Word) it is apparent that he truly meant his words to be “food for thought” as his office has not yet put much research into the effort.

The Mayor stated, “In four years, Charlie [Dooley] and I may share fire engines, airports, a health district, a bond issue, a tax base or even an office. Or we may not.” It would be difficult for the City to share fire engines with the County, as St. Louis County Government has no fire department, and I doubt that Mayor Slay wants to involve the fire districts in this already crowded arena. We’ll leave that aside, as we have no desire to be the naysayers in the back belittling those who have chosen to bring this issue to the forefront. But, there needs to be a fundamental understanding of the respective roles each government currently plays in our region as we consider the possibility of a future where the County line runs from the Missouri to the Mississippi. Importantly, what would be the necessary steps and practical effects of the City re-entering St. Louis County as its 92nd municipality?

The City’s re-entry into St. Louis County would require approval from numerous local boards and legislative bodies, sweeping State legislation addressing the laws made for “Cities not within a County,” and, most importantly, the approval of the voters in both jurisdictions.

As our part in slowly moving this discussion forward, we suggest the following as further “food for thought” as to the practical effects and major challenges that face such a bold step as suggesting that the City of St. Louis become like all other cities in Missouri.

At first glance, it would appear that County residents might pay less in property taxes while City residents will inevitably be faced with the prospect of paying more. Should the City rejoin the County, City residents would be subject to paying County property taxes, which are currently set at 0.558 per $100 of assessed valuation. City residents whose properties have been historically under-assessed will also face the prospect of having a County assessor more realistically apply values to City homes.

Property owners in fashionable neighborhoods like Compton Heights and others that have been significantly under-assessed in past years may be looking at significantly increased property values, and higher property taxes. Considering that the County spends more money per capita on services in the unincorporated areas than in municipalities (no exact breakdown is available, but this fact is clear to anyone familiar with County Government), and all residents of the City would obviously reside within a municipality, the influx of City property with an assessed valuation of $4 Billion into St. Louis County would theoretically provide substantial additional revenues which could permit the County to reduce the current tax rate and still provide the current level of services to “all County residents.”

A key variable will be the costs associated with St. Louis County providing “county services” within its newest municipality. The potential savings to City Government when their County offices are administered by St. Louis County would allow the City to reduce its own municipal property taxes in a manner that would offset a portion of the increase. However, it seems realistic that some type of tax increase for City residents would be inevitable.

The County’s role within St. Louis City would largely be determined by the City itself. The only thing “almost” certain about departmental reorganization would be the County taking over the eight ‘County’ offices currently operated by the City of St. Louis: Recorder of Deeds, Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, Public Administrator, Treasurer, Collector of Revenue, License Collector and Circuit Attorney. We say ‘almost’ because the State would have to be closely involved in redesigning the Circuit Court.

Four of the above positions relate to the Court and, as such, could be kept separate. The 16th Circuit in Jackson County, which is one circuit with two divisions in Kansas City and Independence could serve as an excellent guide on bringing the two judicial circuits together. The Recorder, Collector, License Collector and Treasurer would all be merged into the St. Louis County Department of Revenue and their employees moved out of patronage and into civil service positions. Eliminating the duplication of government will add up to big savings to the City—but at the cost of control over hiring and firing, which, as we all know, is a source of political power.

As for other departments, the City and County would need to have very detailed discussions as to reorganizing the departments. The City, unlike any municipality in St. Louis County, has sufficient population under State Law to operate its own Health Department. Whether St. Louis County assumed those duties would be strictly up to the City. The discussions would vary from department to department, and we believe voters would need to understand the proposed changes, at least at a basic level, before any vote can be considered.

For example, what City parks, if any, would become County, both managed and paid for by County Government? The County would not be required to assume any parks, but a few obvious choices come to mind. While City government would benefit by turning over the annual operational expense of some parks to the County, will it be willing to give up control over what have traditionally (and rightfully so) been considered City parks? Although it is doubtful the City would ever give up control of Forest Park, a major area park like Carondelet could be run by St. Louis County in much the same way Tilles Park in Ladue is a large County park located within a municipality.

What City roads would be incorporated into the County arterial road system? The Forest Park Parkway jumps immediately to mind as a natural selection, as do some other east –west arteries that cross the City- County lines, like Delmar, Chippewa or Morganford. Now lets not get too crazy here—no one is suggesting eliminating the wonderfully confusing manner in which the street names change upon crossing that imaginary “County” line. After all, if Kirkwood Road does not have to be Lindbergh, then Morganford does not have to become Union, and Chippewa should not have to become Watson Road.

Public safety departments would likely change very little as the municipalities in the County generally provide their own police and fire service. Under a re-entry of the City into St. Louis County we believe the Elections Boards would likely merge, as that is a County Office. Of course, the Commissioners are appointed by the Governor, and the operations are directed more from Jefferson City than any local jurisdiction.

The simple fact is that St. Louis County provides limited services to the largest County municipalities (Florissant, Chesterfield, University City) and St. Louis City is larger than any of those by a significant margin. The alternate fact is that what would take place within the City would have no more effect on the daily life of a Ballwin resident than the current goings-on in unincorporated South County or the City of Dellwood do now, which is to say relatively no effect at all.

From a political perspective, the re-entry of the City and its residents to the County would solidify the recent Democratic hold on County government, as City voters would now vote in County elections. However, a slight enlargement of the County Council, perhaps from seven members to nine (or possibly eleven) would allow County Republicans to continue to have a strong voice on the County Council. Increasing the size of the Council to 9 would maintain the approximate present size of the Council districts (each having about 150,000 residents).

The City Board of Alderman and the offices of Mayor, Comptroller and President of the Board of Alderman would not need to be changed at all since they are all municipal positions. However, we would hope City residents would take the opportunity of rejoining the County to streamline the size of the Board of Alderman and elect the President from among the members, instead of citywide, like almost every other major legislative body.

So why would City residents want to re-enter the County if that re-entry would likely result in a tax increase and if they would still rely upon City government for their basic municipal services (police, fire, trash, snow removal…)? To begin with, the basic start of combining of the eight County offices would be a major step forward for good, responsive government for the residents of the City of St. Louis. Moving away from patronage and to a full civil service system will better serve all residents. Taxpayers understand the truth that patronage serves the purposes of political machines, not good government.

While it may sound disjointed to say that adding a layer of government would streamline government, that is exactly what would happen in the long run if the City re-entered St. Louis County and the two entities worked together to better serve all 1.3 million residents of a combined county. Lower property taxes for County residents, fewer government employees with better civil service protections, reduced power of political machines, more intergovernmental cooperation…these are the baseline effects of St. Louis City re-entering St. Louis County. We hope this happens and we look forward to being a part of the debate.

November 09, 2006

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 02, 2006

Black Elected Officials

to meet on November 11.

The meeting being convened by Congressman Clay, Alderman Carter, and Committeeman Washington to discuss among other things the 5th Senatorial District race.

(We reference this meeting in the issue out on the streets right now.)

October 25, 2006

Going on right now...

The City has begun installation of the entry/exit gates for City Hall's Tucker eastside circular drive. You will only get in and out and be able to park with a special pass.

Currently, the driveway is blocked with heavy planters on the north and south sides of the steps into City Hall to prevent drive-thru traffic. Each of the parking places is assigned to an elected official, staff, or department head. Reserved parking signs have not deterred others from using the spaces, resulting in the writing of tickets and towing.

The current set-up, however, does not prevent general vehicle traffic from entering and exiting the circular driveway for delivery/pick-up of persons and goods. Persons assigned parking often find themselves blocked from entering/exiting their spots.

The purpose of blocking general vehicle traffic is said to be a matter of public safety. The gates will enhance building security, eliminate vehicles unsafely backing-out onto Tucker, and reduce strain on City Hall's Tucker side infrastructure.

The circular drive suffers from a century of motor vehicle traffic, weight it was never built to support. When City Hall IV was opened in 1898 or 1904 (take your pick), there were far more hitching posts for horses and wagons than parking spaces. The only parking spaces for horseless carriages at City Hall were located on the circular drive and were for the Mayor, House of Delegates President, City Council President, and a few others.

October 11, 2006

Reed Announcement

Sources tell ACC to look for an offical announcement from Lewis Reed within the week - specifically, a previously-scheduled October 18 wine-tasting / fundraiser at the home of Gate District president, Steve Zeiger.

October 04, 2006

Waiting

As of today, both Jim Shrewsbury and Lewis Reed have people waiting in line to file. Shrewsbury's person is in front of Reed's. (Filing doesn't begin until Nov 27.)

September 22, 2006

ACORN shake-up

Ken McCoy and John Cross are gone.

More later this weekend...

September 21, 2006

President Reed?

6th Ward Alderman Eyes City-Wide Race

Lewis Reed is exploring a run for president of the Board of Alderman. The Democratic primary will be held next spring and Jim Shrewsbury, the incumbent, is expected to run for re-election.

Lewis Reed, an alderman of Ward 6 which includes Lafayette Square and Tower Grove East among its neighborhoods, running for president has a number of significant implications for local African American politics. Currently, African Americans, despite comprising a majority of the city’s population, hold only twelve of the the twenty-eight seats on the Board of Alderman.

Neighborhood scuttlebutt has two possible replacements for Reed’s aldermanic seat: committeeman Patrick Cacchione and Christian Saller, an active resident with expertise in urban planning. Both are white. Assuming all other things remain as they are, the African American representation on the Board of Aldermen would drop to eleven seats. Before redistricting African Americans held thirteen seats on the Board of Aldermen.

However, if Reed were to become president of the Board, African American would hold two of the three seats on the powerful Board of Estimate and Apportionment.

Shrewsbury has positioned himself as a counter-balance to Mayor Slay on a number of initiatives – for example, the Forest Park lease – but has avoided outright warfare with the sitting mayor.

Reed, meanwhile is probably second only to Mike McMillan, in his ability to point to a large number of specific development projects in his ward that he was responsible for deftly shepherding through city process.

Part of the electoral mathematics on which Reed may be counting, is his ability to win both north side and central corridor voters. Shrewsbury’s victory over Lyda Krewson was delivered via by strong turn-out in his south side base, but also a fair amount of north side support. If Reed is able to pre-empt that north side support and win the central corridor, the race would become a squeaker.

March 08, 2006

On their own terms

One theme the Democrats wanted attendees to take away from Missouri Senate candidate Claire McCaskill's fundraiser last Friday was that the Democrats are gearing up to take the fight to the Republicans. However, Sen. Barack Obama, D-IL, warned that Democrats shouldn't look at recent Republican success as a sign they should co-opt their tactics.

Obama believes his party can win on the issues; if they focus on explaining their vision for the country they will prevail without the divisive tactics.

Obama and McCaskill took a moment before the luncheon to answer some questions about the Democrats strategy for the 2006 campaign.

"If we tell a story; why we are Democrats, what it means to fight for the little guy, what it means to expand opportunity and include more people in the bounty of the country, then we’ll get attention," said Obama.

Republican tactics, Obama said, are designed to divide the voters and pull a fifty plus one vicotry. Obama pointed to bills on flag burning, gay marriage and estate taxes (often referred to as "death taxes" by Republicans) Senate Republicans are planning to introduce in coming weeks as examples of wedge issues designed to increase turnout in select areas of their base.

Rather than comment on McCaskill's opponent, Sen. Jim Talent (R), Obama preferred to focus on what McCaskill would bring to the Senate. The two got to know each other last year when McCaskill was deciding whether to run for the Senate. He said she represented her constituents well in the Missouri House, was very effective as the Jackson County Prosecutor and protected the fiscal interests of the state as State Auditor.

Continue reading "On their own terms"

March 03, 2006

Civilian Review Board

According to sources, the Board of Aldermen will pass a civilian review board this morning. The plan has been modified. It would divide the city’s 28 wards into 7 districts. Each alderman within each district would nominate one candidate creating a pool of four nominees for each seat. The mayor would then choose board members, one from each district.

One sticking point had been whether family members of police officers would be allowed to serve on the board. A compromise was reached on this point also.

One person familiar with the situation said that they believe that they have 18 votes for passage, including the entire black caucus - 12 votes.

UPDATE: Just talked to two aldermen - things looking shakier now. One says that Kennedy might not bring the bill this morning. Says he still has the votes, but the Police are lobbying hard against, making folks nervous. More time could help build consensus. The other says it's still on.

We'll see...

January 12, 2006

Standing in Line

Tipster says that... down at the Board of Elections:

Greg Daly has someone waiting in line for him - to file for Collector of Revenue.
And, Mike McMillan has someone waiting in line for him - to file for License Collector.

And Mariano Favazza has someone waiting in line to file for re-election.

UPDATE: Greg's mother is his place-holder. And he is running for Collector of Revenue.

November 02, 2005

Another recall in the works?

Our premier 5th ward source reports that residents there received a letter in their mailbox from April Ford Griffin informing residents that a recall effort has been started against her for purely "personal and spiteful" reasons. The letter went out of its away to state (underlined and in bold) that she has buried the hatchet with Rep. Rodney Hubbard and fully supports his efforts. Among the projects listed that April was lauding as a sign of her success was Carr Square Phase II. Carr Square TMC has long wanted to build additional affordable ownership units on some of the vacant land around the complex, but the project has gone no where over the past couple years.

The scuttlebutt is the recall is being launched by opponents of the Cochran HOPE VI plan, currently underway by the Housing Authority. Former Cochran tenant leader (and current St. Charles resident) Berthea Gilkey lead a protest against the project a couple weeks ago at the project's groundbreaking.

Over at the Fix, Jake reports on Florida's efforts to curb the recall fever.

October 04, 2005

Mitchell Behind Bars

Dustin Mitchell, Mark Rice's campaign manager, was sitting behind bars in St. Louis County today when he spoke to ACC reporter Christine Stroer. Mitchell was arrested for theft, forgery, driving while license was revoked and one other charge (something about a failure to properly affix something). His bail was set at $10,000. Furthermore Stroer determined that the City of St. Louis also wants Mitchell for three other charges.

October 03, 2005

Conway loses patience with Commerce

Alderman Steve Conway has decided to initiate the blighting process to force Commerce Bank to do something with its vast and empty parking lot on South Grand. For years Commerce has sat on this completely underutilized and critical piece of property while the business district 's frustration has boiled.

August 25, 2005

As official as it's going to get before it's official.

McCaskill is telling her statewide colleagues that she is running for U.S. Senate. Announcement around Labor Day.

August 15, 2005

Smith addresses Address-gate

Political junkies have been a-jitter since last week about the address on Jeff Smith's campaign filings that show him living near, well actually in, the Botanical Gardens. Smith says that there was mix-up and the amended filing will show his correct address - 1929 Alfred.

August 09, 2005

City Extends Benefits to Domestic Partners of Employees

Under the leadership of Richard Frank and with the encouragement of Mayor Slay, St. Louis City has begun offering its employees domestic partnership benefits. The change went into effect July 1 and gives same-sex partners as well as others living in committed, but unmarried relationships, and their children the right to medical, dental and insurance benefits. Enrollees must sign a Affadavit of Domestic Partnership.

Critics of extending such benefits have often cited costs as a barrier. However, the City reports that the change will not add any costs to its medical benefits plan.

The action did not require aldermanic approval and went into effect largely unnoticed. But it is important because it shows that the City is taking meaningful steps to promote itself as a hospitable and progressive community despite a state government which has recently been hostile to gays.

July 15, 2005

Jeff Smith's quarter

Said to be coming in around $40,000 raised, $38,000 on hand.

June 12, 2005

Storch will run for 4th Senate District

State Representative Rachel Storch will run to replace Pat Dougherty in the 4th Senate District. Right now that race is shaping up to also include Yaphett El-Amin and Fred Kratky.

April 19, 2005

McCaskill, Carnahan, Nixon huddling

They are meeting right now in Robin Carnahan's campaign office down on Laclede's Landing.

The topic of discussion: a recent poll by the Democratic National Party that showed McCaskill within the margin of error of Talent.

If McCaskill runs for Senate, that means she gives up the Auditor spot in 06.

While she has a strong funding base of support from her gubernatorial campaign, Senate races are qualitatively different than state-wide even though they draw on the same voters. Senate races draw national money. Therefore, the backing of the National Committee which did the poll and expected stalwart support from Emily's List and others could make the race more attractive to her.

Finally, it completely recasts McCaskill. From the selfish ambitious ouster of a sitting Governor who cared more about her career than the state party in 04, to a selfless, charge up the hill, take one for the team leader.

Will it happen?

We'll see, but it certainly looks like a better bet than Chuck Graham.

February 10, 2005

The Mayor met Julia

At the Winters home last night.

February 08, 2005

Syphilis Outbreak in St. Louis

In the first three weeks of 2005, twenty-five cases of Syphilis have been reported in the St. Louis area. Health officials have determined that five of those cases were previously reported, leaving the possibility that twenty are new cases. The national goal for Syphilis is .4 new cases per 100,000 people. That would amount to one or two new cases a year for a population the size of St. Louis city.

Although numbers of this size point to an outbreak of syphilis in St. Louis city, that conclusion is not certain. One expert familiar with the data said that similar spikes have occurred in the past and did not result in a large scale outbreak. Thus the data raises serious concerns, but officials are trying to avoid jumping to conclusions until they have more data. Still, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services did issue a Syphilis Health Alert for the St. Louis area on January 27.

The predominant demographic is Men having Sex with Men, or MSMs, as this population is classified in the sexually transmitted disease lexicon.

Joy Steele, executive director of St. Louis Effort for AIDS, and other public health experts have hypothesized that two large events in the gay community – Spanksgiving and Hibearnation – may have contributed the recent rise. The speculation is that the sources of the infection were among the many people from across the country attending the events.

The outbreak is a set-back for St. Louis City which has been trying to eliminate syphilis through concentrated efforts over the last several years. St. Louis City has taken its lead from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who initiated a National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the United States in 1998 when national levels dropped to historic lows. At that time St. Louis City ranked 20th in the nation in annual number of new syphilis cases, and was one of 28 counties that accounted for 50% of all new U.S. cases. Efforts to reduce new cases have included increasing testing levels and raising awareness of disease prevalence among high-risk populations like MSMs and African Americans.

During last weekend’s Mardi Gras, the Health Department was handing out “Syphilis Alert” flyers with their packets of health information. The flyer did not mention the recent rise in cases. It did urge testing.

January 12, 2005

Mohn signs on with Patterson campaign

Former 3rd CD candidate Corey Mohn will become the treasurer for Steve Patterson's insurgent 25th ward aldermanic campaign against incumbent Dorothy Kirner.

November 08, 2004

Watching Missouri from the DNC Headquarters

The new issue is at the printers. We ran out of space in this last issue for all of our content. So here is a piece by Larry Handlin we couldn't fit in about his experience watching election returns. (Note to Handlin fans: The new issue does have a different piece by Handlin.)

Watching Missouri from the DNC Headquarters
by Larry Handlin

After raising money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee I won a chance to watch the elections from the internet strategy office for the DCCC on election day. Given early November is a rather miserable time in St. Louis for me due to allergies I chucked plans to work around town and headed east.

The War Room as it is called isn’t nearly as glamorous as it sounds, but it did contain a smart group of folks who developed one of the most effective web strategies during the campaign cycle and Joe Trippi’s team used on the Dean race was there working on the race.

After some sight seeing we settled down in the office to watch the returns come in and let folks know what we were hearing from around the country. Talking to people involved in Get Out the Vote efforts in St. Louis and St. Louis County, I knew there were huge numbers of voters at polling places and that turnout was through the roof. Dale Fisher barely had time to talk as he was being dispatched to pick up voters.

The question was whether evangelical radio which was all Bush all the time for the last few months was also motivating enough Republican voters to get to the polls as well. In retrospect, we know that effort was incredibly successful, but the Democratic effort was quite impressive as well.

Early polling started to come in and all the sources available to us indicated a Kerry lead. Much has been made of these numbers being ‘wrong’, but they weren’t. They just hadn’t been analyzed in terms of relative turnout and so they weren’t fully representative of the voters. Networks later take the numbers and then analyze them and perform some basic manipulations so they fit the turnout. Not having time to run through those, everyone took them for what they were and got back to talking to people and checking sources for what was going on out there.

The first sign of trouble was an e-mail that Russ Carnahan’s campaign thought that Federer would get no more than 46% of the vote. In a district with a wide Democratic advantage this made everyone look around at each other and wonder what the hell happened. Federer ended up with 45% of the vote. Bekki Cook’s people were reported to be panicked, but no one could figure out why.

As soon as polling closed and St. Louis County results came in, it was clear that Charlie Dooley had won with a 5% gap that couldn’t be closed in the afternoon. Of course, I was so busy that a friend had to e-mail me the explanation because I had not even thought through the implications.

That was a momentary boost. Then we started to notice huge turnouts in Florida, where one wouldn’t expect huge turnouts including Brevard County, which includes Cape Kennedy and lots of ex-military. That number told us that Florida was a lot closer than anyone expected.

November 07, 2004

Democratic Strength in City - by Ward

The usual disclaimer, I should have mentioned yesterday: These numbers come from unofficial results, and my work with them involves a fair amount of scribbling, eye-balling, and rounding. So don't live and die by these numbers.

Okay...

Ward 1
Democratic Straight Ticket 75%
Kerry 97%
Farmer 94%
McCaskill 95%
Robin Carnahan 95%

Ward 2
Democratic Straight Ticket 70.8%
Kerry 93%
Farmer 91%
McCaskill 91%
Robin Carnahan 93%

Ward 3
Democratic Straight Ticket 76.5%
Kerry 96%
Farmer 93%
McCaskill 93%
Robin Carnahan 94%

Ward 4
Democratic Straight Ticket 72.6%
Kerry 96%
Farmer 94%
McCaskill 93%
Robin Carnahan 94%

Ward 5
Democratic Straight Ticket 71.2%
Kerry 93%
Farmer 90%
McCaskill 90%
Robin Carnahan 90%

Ward 6
Democratic Straight Ticket 51.2%
Kerry 85%
Farmer 83%
McCaskill 83%
Robin Carnahan 83%
Russ Carnahan 79%

Ward 7
Democratic Straight Ticket 47.2%
Kerry 82%
Farmer 79%
McCaskill 78%
Robin Carnahan 79%
Russ Carnahan 74%

Ward 8
Democratic Straight Ticket 45.3%
Kerry 82%
Farmer 79%
McCaskill 79%
Robin Carnahan 80%
Russ Carnahan 75%

Ward 9
Democratic Straight Ticket 51%
Kerry 80%
Farmer 78%
McCaskill 76%
Robin Carnahan 78%
Russ Carnahan 73%

Ward 10
Democratic Straight Ticket 36.8%
Kerry 70%
Farmer 67%
McCaskill 68%
Robin Carnahan 69%
Russ Carnahan 60%

Ward 11
Democratic Straight Ticket 40.4%
Kerry 70%
Farmer 67%
McCaskill 65%
Robin Carnahan 68%
Russ Carnahan 58%

Ward 12
Democratic Straight Ticket 25.1 %
Kerry 56%
Farmer 55%
McCaskill 56%
Robin Carnahan 58%
Russ Carnahan 47%

Ward 13
Democratic Straight Ticket 31.7%
Kerry 65%
Farmer 63%
McCaskill 63%
Robin Carnahan 64%
Russ Carnahan 55%

Ward 14
Democratic Straight Ticket 36.5 %
Kerry 68%
Farmer 65%
McCaskill 66%
Robin Carnahan 69%
Russ Carnahan 59%

Ward 15
Democratic Straight Ticket 42.9%
Kerry 80%
Farmer 77%
McCaskill 76%
Robin Carnahan 78%
Russ Carnahan 72%

Ward 16
Democratic Straight Ticket 21.1%
Kerry 53%
Farmer 50%
McCaskill 54%
Robin Carnahan 53%
Russ Carnahan 44%

Ward 17
Democratic Straight Ticket 51.5%
Kerry 84%
Farmer 81%
McCaskill 81%
Robin Carnahan 83%
Russ Carnahan 86%

Ward 18
Democratic Straight Ticket 72.2%
Kerry 95%
Farmer 92%
McCaskill 92%
Robin Carnahan 93%

Ward 19
Democratic Straight Ticket 61.7%
Kerry 85%
Farmer 82%
McCaskill 83%
Robin Carnahan 84%
Russ Carnahan 86%

Ward 20
Democratic Straight Ticket 63.9%
Kerry 87%
Farmer 83%
McCaskill 82%
Robin Carnahan 85%

Ward 21
Democratic Straight Ticket 74.5%
Kerry 97%
Farmer 95%
McCaskill 94%
Robin Carnahan 95%

Ward 22
Democratic Straight Ticket 79.4%
Kerry 97%
Farmer 95%
McCaskill 95%
Robin Carnahan 95%

Ward 23
Democratic Straight Ticket 24.9%
Kerry 58%
Farmer 56%
McCaskill 57%
Robin Carnahan 59%
Russ Carnahan 50%

Ward 24
Democratic Straight Ticket 29.6%
Kerry 67%
Farmer 64%
McCaskill 63%
Robin Carnahan 66%
Russ Carnahan 57%

Ward 25
Democratic Straight Ticket 50.7%
Kerry 77%
Farmer 76%
McCaskill 74%
Robin Carnahan 77%
Russ Carnahan 70%

Ward 26
Democratic Straight Ticket 69.3%
Kerry 93%
Farmer 91%
McCaskill 91%
Robin Carnahan 92%

Ward 27
Democratic Straight Ticket 76.8%
Kerry 97%
Farmer 94%
McCaskill 94%
Robin Carnahan 94%

Ward 28
Democratic Straight Ticket 35.9%
Kerry 77%
Farmer 74%
McCaskill 76%
Robin Carnahan 75%
Russ Carnahan 64%

November 01, 2004

From an old political hand

He writes:

"I'm in Kansas City working for Claire -- helping with the message stuff.

"We're feelling a bit of a breeze at our back in Claire's direction but it looks to be awfully close. With Kerry and Bush, who the hell knows? (Nobody). If continued bad news for Bush beyond the control of either campaign continues through the weekend (like the Halliburton investigation, missing explosives, lower than anticipated GNP growth, etc.), it might give Kerry the boost he needs. Then we've gotta turn out all those people we've registered in the past six months."

Farmer hits Democratic haunt

REPORT: Nancy Farmer was out early pressing the flesh at the South City Diner around 7:50 am this morning.

Yes for Charter Reform Election Party

"The Charter Reform Watch Party at the Tap Room (7:00pm--?, upstairs). The same beer, snacks and friendly faces you might find at another election-night gathering, but without all the the-future-of-the planet-is-riding-on-this angst."

I guess it will be limited to the future-of-the-city angst.

Kerry call from up-state NY

REPORT: St. Louisans receiving out-of-state phone-calls urging Kerry supporters to help GOTV tomorrow. The last minute push seems to be coming from other places as well as from here, perhaps due to the fact that the Kerry team moved more resources out weeks ago.

Election Night Parties

Democratic Parties

The Establishment Party: Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington, St. Louis.

The Kids' Party: Rocket Bar, 2100 Locust, $1, 18+ until midnight / 21+ after, doors at 8 p.m. Presented by the League of Independent (Pissed Off) Voters, this throw down features an all-star DJ lineup including Anisto, Trackstar, Espi and a special appearance by Mike the 2600 King, who will be back in town from Minneapolis.

The Un-Party: There will be a lot of parties going on Election Night. If you want to be in a bunch of wonderful people who are tired, excited, loud, and some of whom will be inebriated, you'll find lots of places to be that night. But if you'd like to spend Election Night in a quieter atmosphere, surrounded by friends and allies, you may want to come to an "Un-Party" instead. We'll gather for a potluck dinner at 7:30 p.m. After dinner, we'll periodically check the vote totals (perhaps once or twice per hour), but we'll also sing, share favorite readings that speak of our hopes and visions for the future, and maybe play some games like dominoes or zonk (a dice game that some also know by the name of "greedy" or "farkle"). RSVP to jmo4rep@juno.com if you plan to attend. Bring to share: 1) a potluck dish, and 2) a poem, scripture passage, or brief reading that has spiritually fed you on your journey.

Republican Parties

The Establishment Party: The Frontec Hilton.

Report: Highway Dept Removing Signs

The age-old practice of putting campaign signs all over the place (public space for example) is reportedly being fought by highway dept. An eye-witness emailed us that they are out removing campaign signs along highway 40.

A shift to Kerry?

Latest polls show OH, PA and FL heading Democratic. According to electoral-vote.com.

We begin our ear-to-the-ground, hand-on-the-pulse, street-level election coverage today

There should be pretty often updates here for the next 48 hours. ACC friends, tipsters and spies are encouraged to email their electioneering observations, or post in the comments section.

We'll try to capture the mood, momentum and flavor of this election.

go vote,
dave.

October 21, 2004

That Billboard

Billboard was paid for by GRC Capital Resource Management, LLC.

October 13, 2004

Kerry Pullout II

A little more information: Kerry actually only had about 60 people on the ground, not the 100 I suggested yesterday. My mistake. They will keep some people here to answer phones, maintain some facade of activity.

However, there were expectations of a major ($700,000 - $800,000) GOTV effort from the DNC which will not occur.

That hurts all the Democrats on the ballot.

October 11, 2004

Adios Kerry

The word on the street is that the Kerry decided today to pull out of Missouri. Most of the 100 or so Kerry campaign workers will be gone by the end of the week. Many to Ohio and other swing states.

A well-placed Democratic Party operative calls the move "short-sighted particularly in light of the potential to develop a top-notch farm team of state-wide office-holders. I'm not sure if the national party is aware of how hard Missouri activists have worked to register new voters," referring to ACT's 120,000 newly registered voters.

August 10, 2004

Jeff Smith takes job with McCaskill

Jeff Smith has joined the McCaskill campaign as senior political advisor.

August 04, 2004

Holy Cattle

what a night.

July 16, 2004

Behrendt and Plackemeier file class action lawsuit over Century demolition, seek $43 million in damages.

On July 14, Marcia Behrendt and Roger Plackemeier filed a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and a class of all property owners in downtown St. Louis in an area bounded by 18th Street, Market, Memorial Drive and Cole.

The suit claims that the demolition of the Century Building will "irreparably damage the historic and aesthetic beauty of downtown St. Louis and its emerging residential and commercial neighborhood."

According to the suit, the "demolition of the Century Building to make way for an unnecessary and financially risky 1,000 car garage, when the downtown neighborhood is already flooded with underutilized parking garages and surface lots, will diminish the value of Plaintiff's properties and other property owners similarly situated."

The suit lists ten defendants including DESCO, DFC and the City of St. Louis. They are seeking $43 million in damages.

June 29, 2004

Mark Smith fundraising going well

Word from within Mark Smith's campaign puts with June quarter (ending tomorrow) as his best yet. His previous high quarter was $53,800. As of his April filing, Smith had $102,000 on-hand. Therefore an rough guesstimate, assuming some increase in expenses, would put Smith at $140-160,000 on-hand at the end of this quarter.

Mark Smith's campaign says that they will be spending money on television ads. Carnahan and Stoll are also expected to be on the air. Whether Barry and Jeff Smith will do television is unclear at this time.

June 18, 2004

Metropolis steering committee shuffle

Scott Goessling, formerly Metropolis' membership chair, was named president in the wake of Reid's resignation (see below). Jennifer Estes, the recently installed social chair, was "promoted" to membership chair.

June 17, 2004

8th ward endorsements

Governor - Holden
Lt Governor - Cook
59th - Jeanette Mott Oxford
3rd CD - Carnahan

June 07, 2004

26th ward endorsement for 64th district

26th ward endorsement for 64th District representative has gone to Rachel Storch.

April 27, 2004

McLeod resigns.

Bill McLeod, director of the St. Louis City's Personnel Department, has resigned, sources tell the Arch City Chronicle.

McLeod joined city government just last week from Los Angeles where he was Human Resources Director. His departure is the latest in a string of resignations at City Hall. Ron Hearst resigned as head of the Public Service Board in April. Dr. Hugh Stallworth resigned as director of the City Health Department in February.

April 08, 2004

Jeff Smith, 3rd CD candidate, has strong quarter

Continuing his string of positive surprises, Jeff Smith, candidate for 3rd Congressional District, will report over $90,000 raised in the latest quarter (January 1 – March 31). This fundraising filing will cement Smith’s place in the top half of the crowded ten-candidate field. The Arch City Chronicle is forecasting only two other candidates to show this level of fund-raising – Russ Carnahan and Steve Stoll. Smith is well-positioned to hit the $250,000 threshold necessary to run television commercials and conduct critical voter contact and turn-out efforts over the large geographic area of the district. Again, the only other candidates besides Carnahan and Stoll who can possibly reach that level are Mark Smith and Joan Barry, both of whom will need to show strong quarters to fulfill that potential.

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