Overland city government: truth stranger then fiction

We've Moved

2007-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

In order to provide better links to information and, thus, a better blogger experience, this blog has moved to

http://ovcc2.blogspot.com/

Change your bookmarks, favorites, etc.

Trends in Lies

2007-09-01T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. We are here to point out the latest trends in Overland lies, half-truths and misstatements. This week's trend goes to those who want to blame MBC (and MBC alone) for their personal property tax rates.

Enough with blaming MBC for Overland's personal property tax rates! The council vote went down 5-2, so she was just one of five in that arena. In reality, we the voters of Overland have voted what the maximum levy rate will be. (Something about "when you point a finger, three more are pointing back at you" seems fitting here.) The council cannot work outside those parameters that the voters have put in place.
If you are going to blame MBC for the personal property tax rates then you must also credit her for lowering of the levy for real property. You really can't have it both ways.
It's almost reminiscent of ORTian logic. Then again, some of these folks have bitten from the poison apple of Schneider promises. Speaking of which, why are they not blaming Schneider for this? After all, it was one of the first things passed during his administration?

What's in a Name?

2007-09-01T03:56:00.001-07:00

Am I the only one who sees the irony in someone who uses the handle "uareidiots" that then goes to spout off the biggest batch of BS in recent OVCC history? Excerpts from his comments:

uareidiots said...
Conlon certainly showed her true colors. Conlon fought for that tax increase which we all know is only going to benefit the school district and probably not even them much. ...Goodbyecc I agree with you 100 percent, but I am not a good public speaker, but I will certainly applaud you.

1) Many others have already pointed out that Overland tax rates has little-to-nothing to do with the either the Ritenour or University City School Districts.

2) You quote Goodbyecc who we have also proven he/she is full of crap with their $380 increase claim. (The difference for mine is $2.32, so pardon me if I don't buy that $380 figure.)

3) You are not only not a good public speaker but a BS writer. Don't come here with lies, half-truths and mis-statements. You may think we are idiots, but that is just your reflection in the mirror.

How far up Schneider's butt is Tim Jones?

2007-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the ad being discussed, since I know some will not receive their Localite until later in the week.

Keep commenting.

"Special" meeting tonight

2007-08-27T10:17:00.001-07:00

I would post the link to the agenda, but the city did not post it on the website. (Wasn't part of the Sunshine Law case against Purzner that the city was ordered to post agendas of all city council meetings on the website?)

Doesn't seem like much is planned, but that is usually when the "sneak in" stuff. So, be there or be watching it on cable on Thursday.

Owensby Consistently Proves That He is an Idiot

2007-08-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

A little bored last night and, once again, turned on the ever entertaining Overland City Council Meeting on Channel 18. I must say that Owensby is consistent. Consistent on harassing the police chief, showing his idiocy as well as showing his ass.

First on showing his idiocy. When the bill regarding the investment policy is brought up, Owesby chimes in that he will vote against this because he feels that investing in the stock market is too risky.
He is told that investing in the stock market is not allowed in this investment policy.
Owensby provides "stats" on stock market performance.
He is told that the city will invest in things like US T-Notes and T-Bills.
Owensby talks about his Scudder Mutual Fund that lost money this year and says he doesn't want the city risking their money.
Umm...again, no mutual funds.
T-Bills and T-Notes are about the safest investment there is out there. The only risk is that you have tied yourself to an interest rate when interest rates might rise. Then again, you lock in an interest rates when they might lower. However, never in the 225+ years of the US Government have they not paid back the principle on their debt.
Nevermind that all of this was addressed in the workshop meetings, too.

Next on harassing the police chief. He once again asks about an ongoing investigation, the chief AGAIN answers that it is an ongoing investigation on which he is not going to comment in an open meeting. Owenby presses on but then, out of nowhere, jumps to Jennings having cameras. If one wasn't suffering from whiplash from the suddent change of topics, one would wonder what was Owensby's point. The chief explains that he has seen the article, however he has not been budgetted any monies for such cameras and that cameras have never been discussed by the council (as far as purchasing).
Owensby then says there is money in the Capital Improvement accounts. The chief asks (at the same time I am thinking it) if he is being given a blank check to spend money. Owensby then accuses the chief of being fiscally irresponsible.

It all comes down to Owensby showing his ass. He will claim this is "fighting for the people", but when you make statements that show your complete and utter ignorance you only leave the people wondering why they voted for such a schmuck.

I really can't decide if Owensby has early onset dimentia (since he seems to forget every explanation provided from meeting-to-meeting) or if his just simply an asshole (for lack of a better word).

And don't scream "he is responsive to the citizens". I put that to the test this week. I phoned him on Monday to see how long it would take for him to get back with me. It's Friday afternoon and I am still waiting.

Impeach Owensby!!!!

Town Hall Meetings and Workshops

2007-08-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

In the last post, someone commented that Schneider was wanting the following schedule for city meetings.

1st Monday Town Hall Meeting

2nd Monday Regular Scheduled City Council Meeting

3rd Monday Workshop Meeting

4th Monday Regular Scheduled City Council Meeting

What is the purpose of the Town Hall Meeting? Don't we already have time allotted to address our elected officials during the regularly scheduled city council meeting? Perhaps Schneider wishes to eliminate citizens' comments and defer them to the Town Hall Meeting.

I also thought that the purpose of Workshop Meetings was to hash out and debate the pros and cons of various bills, so that the actual city council meeting runs more smoothly. If you only "workshop" once, will everything for the next TWO meetings be brought out in ONE workshop?

This is concerning only because of events at the last meeting. Two bills seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Now if Paul and Stuckey were still on the board, these would have passed and we would later ask what they were about and received an "I don't know." Wisely, the council moved to table the bills to be discussed at a workshop. I just see more of these shenanigans if we only have one "workshop" for every other council meeting. Regardless of how good a bill may (or may not) be, this is just a waste of everyone's time.

Likewise, if citizens comments are being eliminated in favor of a Town Hall Meeting. We may be unable to comment if we do not know exactly what issues will be addressed in the following weeks.

That said, I am open to any means of truly listening to the citizens and getting their valid input. Though, with Schneider, I doubt that this is actually the case.

Please note City Council Special Meeting on Monday

2007-08-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Monday
August 27
A day that will live in infamy.
The city of Overland was suddenly and deliberately taken back 30 years.

Okay, enough hyperbole.

Just a reminder that there is a special council meeting on Monday. The primary objective is to set the tax rates, (yawn) which is done every August. (We couldn't do that at the 8/13 meeting?)

Also scheduled is the induction and reception for Mike Schneider (double yawn).

The only thing that might be exciting is to come and see if he has the chutzpah to nominate Les Dills to fill the open Ward 4 seat. (Personally, I am in favor of More Dills *wink*.)

A Few More Questions After Watching the 8/13 Meeting?

2007-08-17T07:22:00.001-07:00

Watched a bit of the video on Sailor's blog and then saw more on Channel 18 last night. This left me with a few more questions:

1) Why is Owensby doing his best impression of Boomhauer from King of the Hill?

2) During the "dog ordinance," why didn't anyone bring up practical things like mail, UPS, FedEx deliveries that cannot happen if a dog is loose in the front yard?

3) If Herman didn't know anything about the pension bills in advance, who did?

4) Who did bring these bill for consideration?

5) For that matter, who is allowed to bring bills for consideration? Is it just limited to elected and appointed officials? City employees, too? Or, could every day SuzyCitizen like me bring a bill?

6) Jim Schmidt had a valid point during citizens comments about e-mail addys. This is 2007 and the fact that we are so behind the curve on something like this is outrageous. The thing is that if someone had an e-mail addy like Ward2a@overlandmo.org, this could carry on to future office holders (and thus be easier for the citizens). Why isn't this being done?

7) And to tie two of my quesitons together, why can't we have copies of the bills/proposed ordinances posted online at the same time as the agenda? That isn't rocket science. They obviously have a PDF distiller, so the move to this shouldn't be too hard. We can easily track bills in Jeff City and should have the same opportunity on the local level.

Jonesing for Pension Changes

2007-08-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

What up with Ward 4 Council Member Jones?
At Monday's meeting, it was recommended that they table both pension bills so that they could be further discussed and reviewed in a workshop meeting. Ward 4 Council Member Tim Jones was the only member to vote against moving this matter to a workshop.

Even if one was 100% behind these bills, why wouldn't they want further review and study of a financial matter--one that might have long term consequences?

Why does Jones want to rush these bills through the city council?

Perhaps he is tired of all the posts about Keller showing her lack of experience and thought he could top her with this move?

Police Chief Salaries

2007-08-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

File this under another Suburban Journal "Too Little Too Late". Remember about this time last year when Queen Ann was claiming that she did a study and found that our police chief was being paid way too much and submitted a budget to reduce his salary?

Today, along comes the Journal with a story comparing Chief salaries. It looks like Ann was wrong (surprise, surprise) and his in right in the middle of other North County municipalities. And when you compare for population, it seems we might be under paying him. For example, St. John with a population of 1/3 of Overland's, pays their chief about 10K more.

Really, the only question is why didn't the Journal do an article like this when it was an issue in Overland?

Election results and What is Wrong with Dills?

2007-08-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

According to the St. Louis Election board, the election results have been certified. If you wanted to skip the meeting before, you will definitely want to attend to see Herr Schnieder sworn in.

In a related thing, ORT Contrarian e-mailed some interesting information. However, instead of repeating it here, it is posted on his blog.

I would assume if Schneider is sworn in, he will be appointing Dills. I guess when Schneider said that Dills was "his kind of man", he really meant in the tax sense of the word.

Meeting on Monday

2007-08-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

There will be a city council meeting on Monday. The agenda is posted online here.

Now, if we could work on having them post copies of all the bills/proposed ordinances, we could really be an informed electorate.

Dance puppet dance...

2007-08-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

It reminded me of the episode of the Simpsons where Bart saw a lever that he knew when he pulled it would dump him back into trouble and danger and yet he still pulled it, while commenting that he couldn't help himself. Overland voters went to the polls and pulled the lever to contine the downward slide into the gutter that Overland has been on for years. More cronyism, more backroom deals and more of the status quo. But at least now you can see exactly who really runs overland. Simply follow the money and find out who is going to be telling the band what to play as their hired mayor dances. What tunes will the Dody's, the Paul's and the Munsch's call for? Will the Ortmann family call for a funeral dirge? Cogg should change it's name to Citizens of Overland for Graft and Greed. But I can't just blame them. Afterall they just endorsed and presented the candiate. The citizens of Overland were the ones that left their houses and went to the polls.

Makes me really glad I live in south city now.

Election

2007-08-08T05:01:00.001-07:00

When looking at the results of the election, the one thing that jumps out is that no one candidate received a majority. Or, more people did NOT vote for the winner than did. It would be hard for any elected official to rule when it seems those odds are stacked against him.

However, I think things will calm down a bit for Overland. This is despite many Keller supporters yesterday saying "you can just recall him." But, I don't think there will be a cause for a recall. I think this because I believe Mike will do nothing for the city. Nothing positive or negative. It will be more of the status quo, where Overland goes downhill just ever-so-slightly that it is not discernible at any given moment (but definitely can be seen when looking through years at a time).

Yes, things will be more calm. The meetings will run more smoothly and this is what the majority of the people do want (myself included). However, I don't think that the desire for calm overrides the desire to make sure some of the "ways of the past" are stopped. At this point, too many people are paying attention. Most, if not all, of the shenanigans should stop.

The council should immediately begin work on the search for a city administrator. They should resist any attempt to weaken this position. Only those who desire power for themselves and their cronies would want to weaken the CA's duties. This might be our first "fight" after the election. We must tell our council members that we will not tolerate any weakening of this position.

Our city council, where the real decisions are made, will be the key to changing this city. We must work with them to make sure that progress is being made, that Overland moves forward.

We Can Elect a Leader or a Follower

2007-08-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

The day is here and Overland voters are faced with a choice. However, the choice should be very clear.

Mary Beth Conlon has proven herself a leader. She has chaired election initiatives, taken the lead on the city administrator creation and search, as well as holding leadership positions in local organizations.

MT Schneider, while a joiner, is not a leader. He has admitted in his "snacks and facts" (or was that "snacks and fax"?) that he would seek the advise of Bob Dody and Phil Paul. That is not a leader, but a follower. Or, perhaps, a puppet.

Keller lacks experience and original ideas. The one thing she has brought to the city council table was right out of the ORTian playbook. That's not leadership, but giving us what we voted out of office in April.

Overland is at a crossroads. We must elect a person who can bring about the promise of Overland. We have the chance to elect a true leader who has a plan as well as the education and experience to enact her plan. The choice is yours, but a vote for Mary Beth Conlon is a vote for leadership, progress, and

What if they held a parade and nobody came?!

2007-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read in the comments here or on Sailor's blog here, MT Schneider is having a parade today that will wind through about 40 streets of our fair city. A few things have yet to be mentioned about this:

With a lack of notice, will the traffic disruption caused by such a parade actually lose votes for MT Schneider?
It seems to be that any parade (throughout the metro area) is given plenty of notice so that folks can plan their day appropriately and not be stuck in such traffic.

What if they held a parade and nobody came?
Temps are forecasted to be around 99 degrees at parade time. Do they think folks will be outdoors? Perhaps the only people who will see this parade are Conlon's campaign workers who will be out delivering flyers. Which leads to...

Do noise ordinances get waived for parades?
Since everyone will be inside, escaping the heat, either noone will see this parade or the contigent will be going through our neighborhoods with horns blaring. I see this as more votes lost, especially if it is right in the middle of the Cards' game.

On an orange air quality day, does it make sense for all this senseless driving?
On days where levels are forecasted to be Orange or Red, above 100 AQI, the American Lung Association and the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership issue an Air Quality Alert. This could include health advisories for citizens or susceptible individuals to limit certain activities and potential restrictions on industrial activities. During air quality alerts, we ask both businesses and people in St. Louis to modify their behaviors so we can reduce our emissions that lead to ozone air pollution.
Which leads me to...

Have you ever seen so many Buicks in one parade?
Perhaps they are a corporate sponsor. ;)

With nothing to gain by this, one wonder's why Schneider would even think about doing such an action. Oh wait, I know why. I can smell it in the air. That smell in the air----that's not teen spirit, but the desperation of Schneider, Dody, Munsch, et al.
Considering that this fiasco is starting at Ortmann's, can we consider this the funeral procession of MT Schneider's campaign?

MT Schneider: I support business, just not local business

2007-08-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

According to MT Schneider's latest campaign finance filing, he bought his yard signs from Jennings Printing. However, an investigations of their website reflects that Jennings Printing doesn't do that kind of printing.

A further investigation of the union bug on the signs is, however, very telling. The signs have a bug that states "Signs & Allied Trades No. 1 Local 802". This is for a Gill Signs in Kansas!.

I'm not saying you have to get your signs from Marky Mark, but why wouldn't you buy your signs from one of the many shops in our metro area? (You know, those people who are more likely to spend their paychecks in Overland, not Overland Park)

Can you really run on a "bring business to town" platform when you take your own campaign business out of state?

And why the ruse through Jennings Printing? Did Jull call in a favor to get these at a reduced price for Schneider?

And is such a reduced price worth the political damage of not being able to "think local, shop local"?

Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe

2007-08-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

MT Schneider is funnelling his lawyer fees through his campaign committee. In the June 30 report, he shows two payments dated 6/8 and 6/22 totalling $2405.50. On the 8-day-before report, he shows a payment of $5262.66 on 7/26. The total comes to $7668.05.

Are his campaign donors aware that they are not contributing to the campaign but paying for his legal woes?

Is it even legal to run these fees through his campaign committee?

Let's go to the Missouri Ethics Commission for their opinion.Here's some legal opinions from their webiste:

95.01.101 -- 1 CAMPAIGN FUNDS CANNOT BE USED FOR PERSONAL USE. IT MUST BE SHOWN THAT PAYMENTS FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION WERE USED IN THE HOLDING OF A POLITICAL OFFICE.

Or this may be shown as related. Although this isn't a recall petition, it was a petition to have someone removed from ballot (as opposed to a recall having them removed from office).
97.11.107 -- 5 DEFENSE COSTS IN RECALL PETITION NOT "ORDINARY AND NECESSARY EXPENSE" AND, THEREFORE, NOT PERMITTED USE OF CONTRIBUTION.

Who Will Schneider F**k Over If He Wins

2007-08-02T11:43:00.001-07:00

Seeing this picture post on OverlandChat had me thinking. Especially when you combine that with the fact that the ORT-Felon-ian Fetsch is pulling around the "I'm not an old white man, I'm yellow" sign for Herr Schneider.

MT Schneider is chumming up to both the ORTians and the Dody-ites (for lack of better words to call these factions). We know he can't keep both sides happy since there desires are diametrically opposed. We all assume that he is making promises (that won't be kept) to the ORTians just to get elected.

But, what if it is the old guard that he is going to screw over? Do the Schneider supporters on either side have confidence that he is truly "their man"?

It seems to me that if you are voting for MT Schneider because you like something he said, chances are he said the exact opposite to another group or person.

If you vote MT Schneider, which MT Schneider are you going to get?

COGG--You have a Credibility Problem!

2007-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

As some have posted, COGG has a definite credibility problem.

The posters have made their case:
1) "We don't endorse candidates, but please vote for MBC or Schneider"
2) Claim a neutral stance, but COGG's treasurer is Schneider's campaign deputy treasurer

This would lead even the most innocent bystander to think that this organization isn't about "good government", but instead about getting their man in office and keeping the status quo.

It is a shame, because I think there are members of COGG that want true change. That want to move forward. There are also some "no longer members" that have quit the organization over their disappointment with the lack of progressive values of this organization.

There are some in COGG leadership that see this and have shown concerned. This timeline was handed out at the last meeting. That says to me that there are internal concerns about their own credibility.
In addition, everyone in attendance was given this survey.

Perhaps COGG should first define "Good Government". Should good government include that for every idea floated before the electorate, there should be a valid plan that can be implemented to make the idea a reality? Should good government include being above ethical questioning? Perhaps a non-cronyism pledge? That very definition of "good government" can help them find their new direction.

(And a set of by-laws and more open proceedings wouldn't hurt them either.)

Schnieder: "KISSell off Overland!"

2007-08-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

More interesting stuff on Schneider's report. One of his contributions is listed as DK Solutions. Actually, this should hav been listed as DK Governmental Solutions, a lobbying firmed fully-owned by Don Kissell, a former state representative.
For Lobbyists, the Misssouri Ethics Commission has loads of information, which can be found here.
His clientelle list is very interesting. He represents several St Charles County cities, promoting state legislation on their behalf. Do we really need to hire a lobbyist to promote pro-Overland legislation in Jeff City?
Another interesting client is American Traffic Solutions . Hmmm....could we be courted for red light cameras if (God forbid) Herr Schneider is elected?
Only time will tell, but it is an interesting donation that apparently seems to be out of nowhere.

Jeff Jull Juices-up campaign via Jennings

2007-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a field trip to Maplewood. On this exciting trip I picked up a copy of the “8-day prior” reports from the election board. More over-the-limit, soon-to-be-refunded contributions on Schneider’s report. (The rule rollback, which might be post-dated, set the limits at $325). They include:

Reliable Research $350
Munsch Outdoor Maintenance $500

And, the big winner is (drumroll please)....

Jennings Printing with an additional $1147 of in-kind contributions, bringing P&Z Commission Chair Jeff Jull total for this campaign to $4,422.00 !!

I assume refund checks will soon be in the mail.

Sorry, I don’t have copies yet to post. I might be near a scanner tonight. If so, I will scan and post them then.

Cowabunga!

2007-07-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

MT Schneider Q&A--Empty Questions, Empty Answers

2007-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Oh did I get a good laugh today when coming across MT Schneider's website. On there he has a Q&A, with some of the silliest questions I have seen.

Here are some of my random thoughts while reading.

No he didn't!! Question#3 he talks about restoring trash service. This would only be with a “big box” store at Page and Woodson. Never mind the further devastation of “downtown” and that in the same sentence he promised them tax breaks. Tell the people what they want to hear!

He continues patronizing with talks of a skateboard park downtown (Question#7). A few years ago, the battle cry of the ORT was “We want a skateboard park.” Sorry, not buying it gives “the kids something to do” line. It gives the skateboarders something to do, and by far, those kids are not in the majority.
But, that is his solution to “energize downtown”. I guess a skateboard park can be constructed where all the stores used to be after he gives tax breaks to the new “big box stores” at Page and Woodson. I think there is even a ramp already built within Overland Hardware (near the back door)--we're half-way there!

In question number two he talks about a Public Relations Board. Yes, promotional flyers is what will improve Overland’s image. Is he kidding? Or, is he that simple minded?
I have this feeling that this is just another “board” for him to appoint his cronies for political favors in this election.

In Question #6, he plans to be in constant contact with other city council members. 3 or 4 times a day! Wow, I hope that he keeps within Sunshine Law. Well, for that matter nuisance laws if he thinks daily phone calls are needed.

Question #5: I can only think this is included because he wants to throw a bone to dog lovers. I mean, who has ever one any election in Overland without the canine contingent? :)

But, the biggest threat of all is in question #4. He wants to be a full-time mayor!!! He claims he will not be a part-time mayor and says his employer supports this (I can only think to get rid of this blowhard). We don’t need a full-time mayor, especially one without the experience, education or other qualifications. We need the professional management of a city administrator.

And he has the nerve to put "different enough to make a difference" at the top. Sounds like same ol', same ol' to me.

What are your thoughts?

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign (Part II)

2007-07-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, someone posted that an address on Lackland had been reported to authorities as the poster tried to bully someone into removing their "Big Sign for Conlon." I would like to report that the "Big Sign" that was on Lackland has been removed.

And replaced with an even bigger one!!!!!!!!!

File this under "Kiss my big white...."

Give it Back, Mike!

2007-07-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

In today's Post (bottom of page 3 of Metro, I believe), there is an article updating the status of the recently overturned campaign financing legislation. According to the article, the Missouri Ethics Commission has filed a brief with the Missouri Supreme Court requesting that they rule that all over-the-limit contributions received between January 1 and last Thursday be returned to the donors.

As we have stated before, MT Schneider received an in-kind donation from the company owned by the P&Z Committee chief that is ten times what are the now the legal caps. Does MT Schnieder see the writing is one the wall? Why doesn't he just act now and avoid the court order in the future?

Give it back, Mike!

Experience vs Education

2007-07-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

I am a strong believer that sometimes actual experience can be a substitute for education. For example, if one has worked on computers, learned about programming, and proven able perhaps they should be hired for a computer programmer job regardless of their lack of a BS in Computer Science.

On the other hand, I really don' t want a doctor, lawyer, or teacher who has not had the appropriate professional studies practicing medicine, law, or education.

In Overland, we have a situation where we might look at education vs experience.

Keller has three months on the council. No education in the arena of government.

Schneider has 15 months on the council, twelve of which he did nothing and the council achieved little. Also, no education in the arena of government.

Now, you have MBC. She has the best of both worlds. More experience than both Keller and Schneider combined. A college degree in public policy. And, probably more importantly, a plan for Overland and the means/method to enact such a plan.

Why would anyone not support MBC as a candidate for mayor?
I can only think that there is something in it for them or they are voting for their buddy.

Wake up Overland. We have an opportunity to move forward. Please do not squander such opportunity.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign (Blocking out the Scenery, Breaking my Mind)

2007-07-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Someone posted a comment, which has subsequently been deleted, questioning a yard sign on the private property of an Overland resident. The comment was partnered with a threat that “city hall” would soon be citing the resident for breaking sign ordinances.

Such sign ordinances have been found unconstitutional by SCOTUS, based on a suit that happened practically in our own backyard (or front yard as may be the case with yard signs). A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court in City of Ladue v. Gilleo, agreed that residential yard signs were “a venerable means of communication that is both unique and important.” The Court explained:

“Displaying a sign from one’s own residence often carries a message quite distinct from placing the sign someplace else, or conveying the same text or picture by other means. … Residential signs are an unusually cheap and convenient form of communication. Especially for persons of modest means or limited mobility, a yard or window sign may have no practical substitute. … Even for the affluent, the added costs in money or time of taking out a newspaper advertisement, handing out leaflets on the street, or standing in front of one’s house with a handheld sign may make the difference between participating and not participating in some public debate.”

The Gilleo decision has been used to overturned many laws, not just the solid right to have them in the first place. For example, Lower courts have cited the Gilleo precedent with great success in challenging city bans on time limits surrounding political yard signs. In Curry v. Prince George’s County (1999), a federal district court in Maryland invalidated a sign ordinance that limited the posting of political campaign signs in private residences to 45 days before and up to 10 days after an election. The court wrote, “When political campaign signs are posted on private residences, they merit the same special solicitude and protection established for cause signs in City of Ladue.”

Taking another example, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled in City of Painesville Building Department v. Dworken & Bernstein Co. (2000) that a city law requiring the removal of political signs within 48 hours after an election is unconstitutional as applied to the posting of such signs on private property. “Although the Supreme Court has not considered the issue, the overwhelming majority of courts that have reviewed sign ordinances imposing durational limits for temporary political signs tied to a specific election date have found them to be unconstitutional,” the court wrote.

It has also been used to overturn laws regarding the quantity of signs in one’s yard. In Arlington County Republican Committee v. Arlington County (1993), a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated a county law that imposed a two-sign limit on temporary signs for each residence. The court noted that “the two-sign limit infringes on this speech by preventing homeowners from expressing support for more than two candidates when there are numerous contested elections.”

All of the above was presented to me in a Civil Liberties class taught by none other than Overland City Attorney Bob Herman. Thus, if city hall wants to “bring it on”, I think even their own lawyers would advise against it! But, if the city chooses to do so, I hope that they are an equal opportunity violator of civil liberties and cite signs from all candidates. However, when it comes down to it—the original poster is likely just full of shit and attempting to use intimidation tactics to win an election.

Sources: Supreme Court of the United States, First Amendment Center, Bob Herman’s “Civil Liberties” class

What's a P&Z Commissioner to do?

2007-07-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

According to a story in today's Post, the Missouri Supreme Court has reinstated campaign contribution limits. In addition, they have noted that the court will decide in the next few weeks whether this is retroactive to January 1. Meaning, that candidates may have to give back any contributions over the limits.

Thus, as of today the contribution limits are $325 per person, per candidate, per election cycle. And, a certain campaign contribution from Jeff Jull, P&Z Board chair, to M.T. Schnieder is ten times those limits.

What's a candidate to do? If the court decides this is retroactive, will he have to pay Jennings Printing for their services offered?

And what's a P&Z Commissioner to do? They can't just take away a person's method to buy influence, right?!

OBA Candidate Forum

2007-07-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

This morning the OBA had a candidate forum for the three mayoral candidates. Conlon and Schneider were both in attendance. Peggy "No Show" Keller could not be bothered.

The OBA had put together a list of questions. Most of them were, of course, related to business and economic development.

Sailor has the video posted on his blog. Here are my thoughts:

1) Starting at 7:30, it was way too early for me to think straight.

2) In a question about Overland's strengths and weaknesses, Schneider states something about Overland's best quality as being "Twenty minutes from where you want to go." (12:52) I think that speaks volumes. MBC seems to have plans to make Overland the place to go, not just the place to live.
Instead of looking at Overland as twenty minutes from where you want to go, why doesn't Schneider look at it as it only takes the rest of St. Louis twenty minutes to get here.

3) On questions on how to develop overland's tax base, Schneider was all over the map. MBC seemed to have realize that the more incentives you give to draw those big box retailers (such as TIFs and tax abatements) the more you hurt the small business base in Overland.

4) The third question for the candidates was for them to list their top 3 priorities for Overland, if elected. Schneider's answer was "Fast, Fun & Friendly".
"What a Schmuck" is all I could think.
I mention this because it was somewhat typical of Schneider's answers during the forum. They lacked substance and real answers. I am amazed that anyone is supporting this candidate who doesn't even seem to be able to list his top 3 concerns for Overland.

5) Everything is "his". The company he works for he refers to as "his". He said if elected mayor he would meet with "his council members"

6) Can one really run a government entity like a business? (5:28) Schneider has said as much in both the Lions and the OBA debate. Is Overland now going to be run for profit? Or for the citizens?

7) There were two back-to-back question on the working relationship between city hall and the OBA. Schneider starts by saying that elected officials should be making every effort to attend OBA meetings. That, after all, it is only once a month and they should be making the effort. A minute or so later he is saying how tough it is for him to make the 7:30 meeting since "his" shop opens at 7:00 and tells the OBA they should be having their meetings in the evening. (One of them "family friendly" policies, huh?!)

8) In Schneider's closing statements, he states "if you don't know where you been, you can't know where you're gonna go" (40:18). I find that an amazing endorsement for MBC, who has actually been here the last few decades and has first hand experience about where we have been, along with plans to lead us forward.

Shame! Shame! Shame on the Journal

2007-07-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Shame! Shame! Shame on the Journal for such one-sided coverage of the Overland Mayoral debate.

Really, Lester Dills is who they interview? Didn't in the debate Schneider say that was his hand-picked replacement?

And why interview Keller about the debate if she can't bother to show up?

And a committment to "discuss" an upgrade by a commissioner of a partially funded system that has no room for growth in our area (Metro) hardly merits a mention. It is a false promise that cannot be fulfilled with our current lack of funding for Metro bus service.

Update: I should have mentioned (as well as recommended) that Journal has a feature that allows readers to post comments to articles, letters to the editor, etc. I am sure they won't allow anything that is out of line, but I don't feel it is out of line to question their objectivity or perhaps just laziness of their reporters.
It is at the bottom of each article, letter, editorial, etc.

Why does Jeffrey R Jull want Schneider to be mayor so badly?

2007-07-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

According to MoEthic Commission reports filed with the County Election Board, Schneider's biggest contributor to the campaign (to the tune of a $3275.00 in kind donation) was Jennings Printing. The Secretary of State shows that President and lone member of the Board of Directors of this corporation is Jeffrey R. Jull.

Perusing the City of Overland's website, there is a Jeff Jull listed as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Is this a conflict of interest on the part of the P&Z board?

When you think about how his donation totals almost 3/4 of the remaining cash donations, it makes you wonder why?

What motivates someone to the point of such a large contribution in such a small city mayoral race?

Why do the Schneiders hate the Community Fire District and Ritenour Schools?

2007-07-16T10:43:00.001-07:00

Was just verifying that Schneider's middle initial was "T" (going to use some play on the words MT/empty), and came across something peculiar. I thought the best place to look this up would be the database from St. Louis County. Upon further inspection of his personal property tax record (you know, the one "paid under protest"), I noticed that the payment only covered his car.

Where are the back taxes on her car?
Is she claiming she didn't live here then, just him?

I mean she really can't claim "didn't know" after her husband was forced to pay. I realize she is not the candidate, but they are one household and legally bound through marriage (including binding in tax laws). It all makes me ask:

Why do the Schneiders hate fire fighters, teachers, public parks, public libraries, school children...? You know, all those institutions supported by property taxes.

Midland Valley Estates the bain of Overland?!

2007-07-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just saw a news report on Channel 4 that detailed some teenage hijinx in regards to some missing campaign signs (both Conlon and Schneider) in Midland Valley Estates (MVE). As part of the story, they showed a street along MVE that had no signs, where one would assume the culprits had hit. However, along with the empty yards they showed a driveway with two trashcans that also had trash bags lying outside the cans.

Doesn't city ordinance say that trash must be in the can?
Should we call our city council members to complain that MVE is making the rest of Overland "look bad"?
Perhaps they are the source of the rat problems elsewhere?

*wink*

Schneider: "I don't know nothing 'bout birthin' no cities" (Debate)

2007-07-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have a ton of notes from the debate to go through. However, this struck me as funny and I thought I would post this first.

In the opening comments, Schneider states "I know nothing but sales" and I immediately thought this includes that he does not know how to run a city. He then verifies my thoughts when he continues, saying "I know nothing about business operations. I think Overland needs to be run like a business." (5:35)

Well, if you don't know anything about business operations, why would you run a city via that method?

Note: On all debate posts that I make, the time in the red parenthesis is the time of the candidate statement on Sailor's video. In addition, all posts will have the 0711Debate label which will allow you to pull those posts out from all the other misc OVCC items.

The Big Bad Debate and Drinking Games

2007-07-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Overland Sailor recorded last night's debate. I assume he will post it on his blog soon. I will wait for detailed comments until then, so those who were not in attendance can keep up.

I was a bit irritated with his "grant fairy" comment. He had plenty of programs he was trying to rally around, but never clued us in on how he was going to fund any of those programs. Perhaps, that "grant fairy" might put us on the road to such programs. But, in reality, he realizes he knows nothing about city grants or city funding and thus chose to belittle the concept of getting "FREE FEDERAL MONEY". (All apologies to Matthew Lesko.)

Overall, MBC ran circles around Schneider. He obviously didn't know the basics of city government and it showed! He even admitted "All he knows is business". (See opening remarks)

Debate Bonus:
For those who imbibe, we did invent a drinking game that you can play while watching the video. Everytime Schneider mentions the term Ward Warriors (or makes reference to "his program") take a drink.
Caution: Hide the keys, because one might be over the legal limit within 30 minutes of the debate.

Updated to include a direct post to Sailor's blog entry with the debate video.

"I can't be bother with such frivolity as taxes"--Mike Schneider

2007-07-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Have you been to your mailbox yet? We all received a set of delusions from Herr Schneider regarding the petition. He deemed to call it "frivilous". I don't know--the end result was that he generated some tax revenue by paying his taxes (although "under protest"). We would have never gotten those funds if not for the petition.

I love how he outlines how honest and trustworthy he is in the letter. I would show you a copy, but I spit my Kool-Aid out all over it when reading this portion.

Again, he does a good job of outlining MBC's plan for Overland.

Be There or Be Square!

2007-07-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is the big candidate's forum. Here are the details:

Who: The mayoral candidates and you!
What: debate/forum
Where: Lion's hall on Lackland (at Simms)
When: Wednesday, July 11 at 7 PM
How: How could you not show up?!

Prepare your questions that the LWV can ask of all candidates. Make 'em good, not the lame "How do you feel about annexing Elmwood Park" that a certain race-baiting stock selling Ritenour School Board member asked a while back! Of course, the answers were funny. Sellers and Knode both said "Well, I don't think you can just annex a park." Okay, that's making me laugh even now.

For those of you who are truly civic minded--and with a lot of free time on your hands--there is also the City Council meeting on Monday. No agenda on the website, as of this morning.

A/P, A/R experience is not apparent

2007-07-06T06:23:00.001-07:00

Last night I watched the city council meeting on cable. I was very surprised at the debate over the budget, specifically the misc. items.
From what I understand it was explained to both Keller and Owensby in the workshop meetings that the misc. items are to cover unexpected expenses and/or items where we have unknown costs. A lifelong bookkeeper I know who attended the meeting, told me she just rolled her eyes at the Ward 3 council members lack of savvy over a budget, "Of course you have to pad these types of things as it is better to make allowance for the unexpected than go bankrupt over them."

Now, Keller claims experience in Account Receivable and Accounts Payble. Heck, she's been married 20+ years, right. All of this should be known by someone with that type of work experience and/or has created a household budget.

Ice Cream Social or Political Rally

2007-07-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, the city sponsored a not-very-well-publicized ice cream social. The lack of publicity was evident in that only ONE council person seemed to be aware of the event.
Guess who?
Mikey-mike was well-informed and on-hand with a bunch of his supporters, with the supporters wearing Mikey campaign materials.

This goes beyond to informing the other two candidates for mayor. Even the Mayor Pro-tem, as well as council members from Wards 1, 2, and 3 were not informed of the function.

Shades of Purznerites during the power outages.

The question of the day: Should the city fund such an event or should Schneider pay for this out of campaign funds?

Comparitive Campaign Lit: Keller

2007-07-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Whew! I am finally having time to post my thoughts on Keller's ad from this month's Localite. So much to say, so much to say--I guess I better get started.

She has three bullet points, Determination, Dedication, and Vision for the Future. She then expounds on Determination and Dedication. No further word on that vision for the future.

9 years work experience! Oh boy! I had 9 years of work experience before I could legally drink!

Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable experience? Is she running for mayor or city treasurer? Like New Girl has said, don't we all have this experience when we pay our bills, buy stuff for our homes, and get a job to pay for all of the bills and purchases?

The "platform" is the most telling (or lack of telling):

She speaks of returning services back to the residents. Oh no--not the same ol' trash story!
Takes time to slam the other two candidates as part of her platform. I can only take this to mean she plans to bring such negativity into the office of the mayor. (Note: this is NOT a platform item! Probably better under the "about myself" which is a weak area for her.)
A balanced budget that stops wasteful spending. Hmmm...isn't by law the budget balanced each and every year? And, what exactly is the wasteful spending? If she continues to parrot Owensby I can only assume this to mean she would eliminate the police department in favor of the County and reduce spending in public works.
"To give the residents a voice on how your heard earned tax dollars will be spent....". I can only assume this is linked to her proposal to put the Wild Acres/Seminary Property sale on the ballot. It also reminds me of Knode's desire to put the trash issue on the ballot. Our city council and mayor are elected to make budgetary decisions, including purchasing property and paying for services. Why should we vote for someone who cannot make the tough decisions on budgeting, etc?

The thing that has me the most weary is the "full-time mayor" promise (threat?). We've seen that before, most recently in Purzner's campaign literature. Sadly, no mention or endorsement of a full-time City Administrator. You know, a professional that knows what she/he is doing!

Overall opinion: Very ORTian!

Comparative Lit--Campaign Lit, that is!

2007-06-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

In today's class we will learn about analyzing, as well as ethical aspects, of campaign literature. Let's compare two pieces of literature in the upcoming Mayoral election.

First, a letter sent in early June by the campaign of Mary Beth Conlon. Notice phrases like "proven track record of success" and the platform on the left of the letter. Anyone who has heard her speak since first running for city council in 2004 knows her dedication to obtaining grants and a committment to developing the Woodson Business District.

Next, an advertisement in the July Localite paid for by Mike Schneider's campaign. He, too, uses the phrase "track record of success" along with bullet points that practically mirror Conlon's campaign.

Now, I'm all for good ideas being used. But, I am also for giving credit where credit is due. After watching Schneider's two public forums, it was apparent that this guy didn't know the difference between community and economic development and thought Grant was the last name of that Lou guy on the mary Tyler Moore show.

Wedge: Not Trivial Pursuit, Not the Intersection of Midland/Woodson/Milton

2007-06-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

According to a story in today's Post, Schneider is claiming that MBC's petition has put a wedge between the two. Is he saying he cannot do his job on the City Council because of his bitterness?
Or perhaps, he is saying that this is a wedge issue, defined as a sharply divisive political issue.

Since when is paying your taxes a "wedge issue"?

Schneider is also saying that we have heard only "part of the story". Well, we are listening and waiting for--as Paul Harvey would put it--"the rest of the story".

Was this the June 25 surprise?

2007-06-27T05:05:00.001-07:00

Remember a while back, when Keller promised to have her big reveal at the June 25 city council meeting. (Covered on Sailor's blog and in comments here ). A self-proclaimed campaign worker for Keller explained that "At the June 25 meeting you may have a better understanding of her ideas".

Oh yeah. We have a much better understanding that Keller is fully-entrenched in ORT issues. (If there was any doubt.)

This Minnesota Thing

2007-06-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

The more I think about this Minnesota thing the more questions I have.

According to the Post-Dispatch's articles of yesterday and today (as well as reported on KMOV-TV), Schneider's attorney is claiming that he paid the taxes in Minnesota.

Schneider's attorney, Thomas Blumenthal, argued that a Minnesota corporation that Schneider had owned before returning to Missouri had properly paid the taxes.

When did he pay those taxes?
Were they paid in Missouri or Minnesota? (I can only think it was Missouri since the lawyer referred to "properly" paying the taxes.)
Why wasn't a personal property tax receipt provided at the hearing as proof? Because, surely if such was done at the beginning of the proceedings they hearing would have been adjourned.

Ruling in Case

2007-06-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

The judge handed down his motion in Conlon v Schneider. Basically his stance was that since Schneider was not 'officially' (though technically) in arrearage on May 22 (the filing deadline), the petition was dismissed.

Sigh...

Here is a copy of the Order and Judgment handed down today.

Don't be mistaken about this ruling. The judge clearly ruled because Schneider's tax evasion scheme had NOT BEEN CAUGHT by the May 22 filing deadline, then he could not be removed for that reason.

MBC's Platform

2007-06-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Was surfing the big waves of the Word Wide Web today and noticed an update on MBC's mayoral campaign website. She has added a page that includes her campaign platform. I recommend reading it now, before you hear some of the points come (incoherently) from Schneider's mouth next month.

Also, might I recommend that you visit the "donation" page, too.

Something interest in the Post

2007-06-24T06:45:00.001-07:00

Today's post has a small blip in their Law & Order section on Friday's hearing. I found the last paragraph particular interesting.

Schneider's attorney, Thomas Blumenthal, argued that a Minnesota corporation that Schneider had owned before returning to Missouri had properly paid the taxes. If Schneider owes Missouri taxes, Blumenthal added, the delinquency was the result of a clerical error by the St. Louis County Collector of Revenue's office.

I attened the entire hearing. Never was any evidence brought forth that Schneider's corporation had paid the Missouri taxes that were due.
Perhaps, Blumenthal is implying that the taxes were paid in Minnesota. If so, that would be an odd tactic because:
1) The vehicles were primarily in Missouri and any Minnesota tax is a moot point.
2) Minnesota does NOT have personal property taxes. (Which makes you think the vehicles were never registered before April 2006 to avoid paying such taxes.)

I'm Just a Company Man, part 2

2007-06-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

I hate to leave a previous point just dangling. So, this post is a follow-up to our previous post, “I’m Just a Company Man”

As stated previously, Schneider had claimed that any vehicles in question were owned by the Lakewood Party Supplies. However, the hearing yesterday revealed that the primary vehicle being considered were jointly owned by Lakewood and Michael T Schneider. Now, the government doesn’t consider a corporation legally different than an individual. So, this registration wouldn’t be much different if the vehicle was jointly owned by Schneider and his cousin Mary Lou.

Since there was joint ownership, there was joint liability. Thus, the collector of revenue can go after either party.

Now, why wouldn’t the county go after Lakewood? Of course, this is because it no longer exists. According to my check with the Minnesota Secretary of State (where the company was incorporated), Lakewood has not filed any of the required corporate paperwork since 2004.

This just further raises the question on why the vehicles were not licensed here until 2006. The lawyer provided documentation that the vehicle was garaged and primarily used in the State of Missouri since 2005.

Thus the plaintiff’s lawyer fully proved that Schneider is rightly and fully responsible for any back taxes. Those taxes had not been paid. Schneider should be removed from the ballot.

Break the Law, Run for Mayor

2007-06-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just back from the field trip to Clayton. The petitioner put on a pretty good case. Here is what was presented in court (some of these facts we already knew):

1) Schneider did not register his vehicles in the State of Missouri until April 2006. If he became a resident on/before April 2005, he is in violation of the law that states one must register a vehicle in 30 days.

2) On the Coll of Revenue database, it shows that a verbal statement was provided that Schneider moved here in February 2006. However, there is nothing that shows who gave that statement.

3) After research done by the St. Louis County Collector of Revenue's office, Schneider was provided a tax bill that included interest and penalties dating back to January 1, 2007.

The Defense:

1) Schneider didn't know and wasn't aware of the tax and licensing laws.

2) Schneider actually did not receive the bill for arrears until this week. So, he wasn't officially in arrears on May 22 (the filing deadline for this election).

3) Schneider submitted payment for this arrearage and marked it "paid in protest."

Questions for Class Discussion

1) Is ignorance of the law a valid defense?

2) Do we want a mayor who isn't aware of the most basic tax and licensing laws?

3) Is the fact that you were not "caught" by the filing deadline a valid defense to stay on the ballot?

4) Why didn't Schneider plate his cars until 2006 if he lived here in 2005?

5) Do we want a mayor who claims to want to increase tax revenues but does everything to evade paying his own (and then when he pays it is "paid in protest") ?

Stay tuned kids. The judge will rule on Monday (6/25) at 9 AM.

More Facts, Still No Snacks

2007-06-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Miss Jackson is calling class back in session. Before our field trip to Clayton tomorrow, I have provided a copy of the petition for pre-reading.

The following is a copy of the petition that was filed with the Circuit Court. (Aren't you glad that I saved you the trip to Clayton to pick up this information yourself?)

Petition Conlon v Schneider

Facts, but no Snacks

2007-06-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks Gravy for all of the related news in regards to the residency requirements and staying on the ballot.

For those interested in the actual hearing itself on the petition filed in Circuit Court, that will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday (6/22). I think it will be beneficial to hear the facts firsthand and urge everyone to come out and see for themselves.

Updated 11:15 AM: This will be held in the Division 9 courtroom.

Fundraisers?!

2007-06-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

In regards to historical markers, FineWine wrote: "Unless we can acquire a 100% grant to pay for the markers or have fund raisers."

While I agree that we should go after grant money where ever and whenever possible, I have to question the fundraisers. Aren't sales taxes, etc the government version of a fundraiser. Or did you think we should have bake sales?

I'm just not sure it is quite above board for our government to be holding fundraisers. (Of course, some folks might find a trivia night to pay for programs a little more palatable than taxes, but isn't it all a wash?!)

Rollin' on Tolen

2007-06-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

ALL OF THE ITEMS CONTAINED WITHIN WERE PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AND POSTED ON THIS BLOG IN MAY 2006!

Pardon me. But I just don't buy any excuses or explanations of any of Tolen's associates, friends, etc of the "I didn't know." (Especially since these accusations have previously been made regarding Tolen.)

Others have pointed out that Tolen was hand-picked by Brown to be the "attorney for the city council" out in St. Charles. Now, this was a bogus, made-up position where the sole purpose was to object to how the city's official attorney was advising the city.
This appointment was made but there was no way to pay him as it was not an official position. Tolen subsequently sued the city for "back pay" and at the same time said that under no circumstance could his reasons for leaving the US Attorney's office be mentioned.

Well, that raised a flag for me (why it didn't for Purzner, et al is beyond me) and I investiaged.

One of the associated charges with Tolen's dismissal was perjury in relation to a crime committed by a sibling. He was also charged with using the resources of the government in order to help with the defense of the bank robbery. He called all of these charges "minor". Hmmm...an office of the court calling perjury minor. Details are here.

It didn't take much of search to come up with the following:

Allegations of sexual misconduct
In the course of the bank robbery investigation, Fuhr interviewed Michael Buthe. (Def. App. 34, 127, 385 dep. pp. 162-63.) Buthe stated to Fuhr that Buthe met Eric Tolen at Sherwood Forest Camp when Buthe was 11 years old and Tolen was serving as a counselor. (Def. App. 34,134.) From about 1987 until 1990, Buthe lived with Tolen. (Def. App. 34, 279 dep. p. 174.) Missouri Division of Family Services ("DFS") records show that in early 1990, after Buthe complained to DFS about his situation with Tolen (including possible sexual abuse), Buthe was in the custody of juvenile authorities for several months. (Def. App. 34,127, 139-42.) Buthe returned to live with Tolen later in 1990, and continued to live with Tolen until about 1993. (Def. App. 34, 279 dep. p. 174.)On February 18, 1997, Fuhr took a videotaped statement from Buthe, in which Buthe stated: (a) that Tolen had [**21] engaged in sexual activity with him while [*14] he lived with Tolen; (b) that Buthe had found child pornography in Tolen's possession; and (c) that Buthe had recanted his report of child abuse to DFS at Tolen's urging. (Def. App. 34-35, 134-35, 386 dep. pp. 166-67.) Fuhr made the contents of Buthe's statement known to Dowd, and Dowd viewed the videotape. (Def. App. 35, 207 dep. p. 94, 389 dep. p. 177.)The FBI advised Detective Guinn of the St. Louis County Police Department of Buthe's allegations of sexual abuse by Tolen. (Def. App. 35, 386-87 dep. pp. 168-70, 402-417.) Dowd was later provided a report describing contacts that St. Louis County detectives had with several boys who associated with Tolen. Dowd concluded that the detectives believed that Tolen was sexually abusing children. (Def. App. 35, 209 dep. pp. 103-04.) On April 11, 1997, Tolen was interviewed by agents of the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Justice. During the interview, Tolen was asked to discuss the investigation of allegations of child sexual abuse by the St. Louis County Police Department. Tolen "took the Fifth," and declined to answer. (Def. App. 35-36, 281 dep. pp. 182-83,342.) [**22]

Somethings to think about today

2007-06-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Onelayer's and Sailor's comments had me thinking about this Schneider situation further, and I had the following questions:

1) Does it matter if false statements to the department of revenue are made in writing or orally? Especially if such false statements result in a tax waiver.

2) Does it matter if a husband or wife makes false statement? Isn't one's actions binding on the other in such matters, especially if a tax waiver resulted from such a false statement?

Schneider: “I’m just a company man”

2007-06-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

According to Sailor’s blog, Schneider is claiming that any and all vehicles in question were owned by his previous company, Lakewood Party Sales.

However, even if they were owned by the company in Minnesota, the vehicles should still be registered in the state of Missouri. The law is pretty clear on this (excerpted from RSMo chapter 137):

Corporate property, where taxed.
137.095. 1. ..every general or business corporation having or owning tangible personal property on the first day of January in each year, which is situated in any other county than the one in which the corporation is located, shall make return to the assessor of the county or township where the property is situated, in the same manner as other tangible personal property is required by law to be returned…shall be assessed for tax purposes in the county in which the motor vehicles are based.
2. For the purposes of subsection 1 of this section, the term "based" means the place where the vehicle is most frequently dispatched, garaged, serviced, maintained, operated or otherwise controlled, except that leased passenger vehicles shall be assessed at the residence of the driver or, if the residence of the driver is unknown, at the location of the lessee.

One would assume that these cars are primarily garaged and controlled from Overland, if Schneider was the resident he claimed to be at that time. Thus, Schneider’s company (that he fully owned and operated) was delinquent in their taxes, if not the man himself.

Schneider further told Sailor that he did everything “correctly to the best of my ability”. This doesn’t speak well for his ability and I, for one, am questioning his ability to be our mayor.

No Substance Schneider

2007-06-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Post-Dispatch had an interesting article this morning on the “Schneider off the ballot” suit. In that, the reporter actually gets in touch with Schneider to have him answer the charges brought forth in the suit.

Here is his answer:

"I was hoping we would have had a very professional race for mayor of Overland but it doesn't seem like my wishes are going to come true at this point in time," he said.

That's right. If you have no justification for your behavior, then by all means, question the professionalism of the one who points out your wrong doings.

There is no explanation/excuse for the charges brought forth. Schneider does not address the accusations at all. As the old gal used to say “Where’s the Beef?”

Of course, who needs substance when you can be so malleable?

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

2007-06-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have seen the story as covered by Channel 4. If not, the coverage can be found here.

Yesterday, a suit was filed to remove Schneider from the ballot for mayor in the August election. Here is the background of the story.

Schneider has yet to pay property taxes as a resident of Missouri. Upon further investigation, he declared to the St Louis County Department of Revenue that he did not become a resident of Missouri until February 2006. If this is true, he would have received a waiver for the first year and expect to pay for 2007. These waivers are completely normal for the first year of residency.

Yet, if he became a resident in February 2006 he is not qualified to be on a ballot.

According to City Ordinance Section 110.130, the qualifications to run for City Council include that one is to be a resident of Overland for one year at the time of the election (April 2006). If he, truly became a resident of Missouri in February 2006 that means he was only a resident for two months, not a full year.

According to City Ordinance Section 110.010 and RSMo section 77.230, the qualifications to run for Mayor include that one is to be a resident of Overland for two years at the time of the election. Again, if he truly became a resident of Missouri in February 2006 then he does not meet the residency requirement. Thus, since he does not meet the residency requirement, he should be removed from the ballot.

Now, it could be that he was a resident prior to February 2006. If so, that means he is not paid up-to-date on his personal property taxes. As required by RSMo section 115.342, one must be fully paid for their taxes to appear on a ballot. At the time of filing, he signed an affidavit with the following wording:

AFFIRMATION OF TAX PAYMENTS:
I hereby declare under penalties of perjury that I am not currently aware of any delinquency in the filing or payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence, as stated on the declaration of candidacy, or that I am a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state, other than those taxes which may be in dispute.
.............................. Candidate's Signature
.............................. Printed Name of Candidate."

Thus if he became a resident prior to February 2006, he is not fully paid on his taxes and should be removed from the ballot.

Either way you look at it, Schneider should be removed from the ballot.

Discuss Amoungst Yourselves..........

2007-06-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

Say It Aint So said...: Been a real long time since I posted. After the recall I figured I had given my two cents worth on it and that was enough of my time.

Over the last few weeks I was approached by a COGG member with a well scripted hack job regarding the Mayor's race.

I didn't say anything I just listened. It seemed as if it had been memorized and told many times before. To me the attempt to deceive is the same as a lie. He lost my respect.

It was a very convuluted story I was told "he was Frank Munch's candidate". As if that would impress me.

Why in the hell does Munsch need a horse in this race? Wasn't he run out of town just like Brown?

I also was told Mary Beth Conlan refused to meet with the COGG's attorney who was also Dody and Stuckey's personal attorney.

To me why would she? I'm glad she didn't. Who cares what the COGGS attorney's think about who they want to be the Mayor of Overland? Are those attorneys residents of Overland? No they are not.

If anybody should be ashamed of themselves about splitting this vote up it is the COGG.

For what its worth here is what I think. The COGG and its members are not what they pretend to be.

Citizens of Good Government is a front. COGG is really a political click, a personal group of the old political people who want to take charge of city hall again.

Citizen's of Good Government are basing this Mayors race on settling a score, on personal grudges, and on a person's gender and not on the real issues and who is the most qualified person to be our next Mayor.

Why did the councilman from ward 4 become the chosen one for them? Because they can "control" him that's why.

That sums it up about this race and it says a lot about what the Citizens for Good Government are actually all about

THEMSELVES

Farewell Great Citizen

2007-05-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! One of our finest residents is leaving town. Goodbye John Doe and a huge thanks for providing this forum.

And on that note, I leave you with the following:

I'm so glad we had this time together

Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.

Seems we just get started and before you know it

Comes the time we have to say, “So long".

Overland Peace Corps.

2007-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

With summer now officially underway, we are a little more than two months away from Overland's mayoral election. We don't seem to have much news floating about as stake holders jockey for how they will position themselves. We all see that Mary Beth Conlon is by far the most qualified candidate. Previous opponents I have spoken to are running a bit low on reasons not to vote for her. I have yet to find a person that actually believes Mike Schneider to be a superior candidate or possible Mayor.

With Schneider's Dody led coalition coming in third during the most recent mayoral election, astute political observers wonder where his campaign's extreme confidence comes from. Schneider will need to earn far more than four votes if Dody's gang is to once again exchange high-fives over the Mayor's desk. They may be under the questionable assumption that the recall margin is theirs.

What is certain is that out of the three candidates, Schneider has the weakest hand. So much so, I wonder his motivation in running. Does he actually think that he is going to peal enough Conlon or Purzner/Keller voters away to earn a winning plurality. Seems sort of a reach.

Finally, can anyone volunteer a progress update on Overland's friends helping friends program. I have my shovel ready.

Note to Kenny Owensby: Stop living off the public trough. No more hand-outs for the under employed. Get your own phone and stop wearing that disguise.

So long farewell, auf weidersehen goodnight

2007-05-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm glad... to go.... I cannot tell a lie

My wife and I have signed the paperwork, crossed the t's and dotted the i's. As of Thursday the 31st we will be proudly able to say we are not citizens of the filthy third. We are leaving Overland. Will we move back? Who knows? The biggest determining factor will be what happens in the next two to three years. I don't like what I see because I don't see Overland keeping up with the surrounding communities. I have lived in this city since I was born with the exception of the years I served in the army. I have watched petty bickering and infighting cause this city to slide into stagnation. It amazes me how vicously people are fighting for control of Overland. Reminds me of watching the nature channel and seeing a pack of hyenas descend upon the rotted festering bloated antelope corpse after the lions have already had their fill and moved off to find new prey. And I promise everyone, especially Donna Dills the countess of asses that I will not be sticking my nose back into Overland city business. I was tempted to pretend my last name was Dills or Purzner and not change my voting address until after the August election. But I realized, why stoop to ORTian levels. I am leaving, I no longer have to worry about Owensby and his wig and Keller and her 250+ IQ. Mark Brown can spend all the money he wants trying to rule this town and I'll sit back and laugh.

See ya, wouldn't want to be ya...
Paul LaBelle

The Patron Saint of FINESWINE

2007-05-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

What's the difference between Conlon's Mayoral run and Keller's given their recent successful campaigns for the Council?

One keen difference between Conlon and Keller is that Conlon has always said she would run for Mayor again and never represented otherwise. Conlon voters wanted her to win the council seat held by ORT Representative Tom Sellers and new she would run for Mayor again at first opportunity.

Keller, under the other hand, constantly railed against Purzner's opposition on the Council for not filling the empty Wort 3 seat vacated by Purzner. Two months later she files to run for Mayor thus opening the possibility of another empty Wort 3 seat.

Again, what has changed for Ms. Keller?

PS: Yowza, yowza, yowza, FineSwine poking fun at someones' Saint Hood mistake. This dingbat can barely string a coherent sentence together and makes more grade school grammatical errors than any poster in Virtual Overland. Just God awful stupid, what else can you say about her. And the community was to rely on her for Civil Defense. Good grief, what planet are we on?

Isn't there a certain Freudian irony in FINEWINE, self-exposed racist, pointing out the Saint Hood mistake. I bet all of FINEWINE's favorite Saints wear white hoods.

Stop, stop! Please, I can't take anymore!

2007-05-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Oh...I just haven't been able to stop laughing over the Peggy Keller running for mayor thing. Some have nailed it on the head--25 days experience--but let's look at that angle. I attended the last city council meeting and Keller had trouble following the agenda. If she can't follow the agenda as a participant, how is she going to do it as the leader.
Her experience is zilch.
Her record at meetings is pitiful. (Really, she should sit on Owensby's shoulder if she just wants to parrot all he says.)
Why would anyone (in their right mind) vote for her?!
It's not like she overwhelmingly won the worrisom Wort 3. 51.73% does not a mandate make in your own ward--let alone the entire city.
For someone who claims a genius IQ, this isn't a very smart move on her part.

Now, let's settle on a nickname.
I like Ol'160.
I was also thinking AJ or Ann, JR for those that want to type it out.
Any other ideas?

Grappling for Relevance: Kenny Employs the Two-Finger Manifesto

2007-05-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the only reps on the Council wanting a forensic audit are both from Ward 3? The answer lies in the prime motivating factor driving ORTian "Overland Watch" type politics. The ORT has been built on the Two-Finger Manifesto which states that the goal of ORT reps is not moving the City forward by dealing with "real issues". The ORT is only interested in obstructing the government. Its leader, Kenny Blowensme, is only happy when he gets to stick two fingers so far up your ass that you are incapable of getting anything meaningful accomplished.

Kenny Blowensme is searching for relevance. Rather than earning relevance through addressing the "real issues", Kenny's default position is to infer scandal at every turn. Now Kenny thinks we need an official forensic audit so that he can get to the bottom of whatever imaginary scandal he has cooked-up in his little mind.

Kenny Blowensme hasn't learned anything from the Junior Alderman now joining him on the council. You would think that a genius could offer Kenny a little reason. But she seems to be one of those Evil Geniuses we hear about. How could a genius think Kenny Blowensme offered anything but the Two-Finger Manifesto?

Principle of Parsimony

2007-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

The simplest workable theories are also the best and most useful.

The Latest Excuse

2007-04-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the fine ORT lying tradition, we bring you the latest excuse/coverup/lie regarding the inconsistencies of postings by certain ORTian.

people post, then people don't post, they give their user name and pass word to
someone else.

Hmm....
Why would someone give someone else their username and password when new ones can be easily established? And don't cry to me when your credibility is in the crapper if/when you let people freely use your identity. This akin to crying foul to the credit card company for charges your kid put on the credit card you handed them.

If your name (albeit chat board username) is that invaluable to you, please continue this practice. We will continue to point out the inconsistencies (lies) in your posts. After all, if your name is that invaluable why would you care if we trash it?!

Frankly, I don't believe this at all. It is just another excuse for their lies which we readily correct. It's like an episode of To Tell the Truth. "Will the real Carol Sparkes please stand up?"

The Canonization of Carol Sparkes

2007-04-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, please. Blue Eyes can't possibly be serious. He/she posts "abusive" language and then 3 hours later asks us to stop the abuse? Are you kidding? Or, perhaps I should say "You first."

I have never made a personal attack on anyone on Overland Chat. I have rebutted their lies and pointed out discrepancies in their logic. Unfortunately, Blue Eyes/Fine Wine/Music Note/Pickles/DannyInsp can NOT say the same.

I find it ironic that someone needs to point out Carol's good works. It is so something she would do herself!! If what you say is true, that is great. HOWEVER, it is not an excuse to let her lies, half-truths, and deceits against out city to go on unanswered.

In the past, when we let such things go. Subsequently, we got the reign of Queen Ann. One of the goals of this blog is to never let that to happen again. (Another goal, being outright silliness that will get one through the day.)

Thus, as long as the participants on Overland Chat continue to post lies, half-truths, and deceits, I will be here to point out such discrepancies. (Saintly behaviour notwithstanding.)

Now back to our regularly scheduled Ass Counting program, already in progress…

2007-04-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

The folks on OverlandChat love to stir up false controversy. Take last weeks “New Car for Chief?” postings. Well, contrary to their theory, the Chief’s regular city car was back in place yesterday afternoon. He would like to thank Donna Dill, Carol Sparkes, and DannyInfector for their concern while his car was undergoing some routine maintenance.

As we have said before, we will not allow your lies and half-truths to continue.

NEXT!!!

CAROL SPARKS IS A DEPLORABLE PERSON

2007-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I had seen every fraud possible from Carol Sparks but pretending to be ignorant of the Virginia Tech tragedy in order to ask herself another rhetorical question.

Pretending to be a veteran in order to continue playing her sick game of multiple personality posters was pitiful enough, but now to bring the horrible events in Virginia into her twisted campaign of lies and hate is beyond contempt.

If Carol Sparks had any shame she should be feeling it now. But she isn't because I now believe she is the socio-path next door that all should shun, avoid and fear.

(No offense Mike, Call em as I see em.)

Past Baggage?

2007-04-18T04:46:00.001-07:00

According to the Post article, Schneider is running because we need "someone who doesn't have any past baggage."

Exactly how is baggage defined?

Is baggage defined as just sitting there and letting Purzner destroy the city while O'Connell and May stood up against Ann?

Conversely, is it defined as a long-term commitment to the city and the ability to overcome obstacles and temporary defeats to do what is best for the city?

Is this just a quote to gloss over Schneider’s short-term residency?

Lines Forming Now

2007-04-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

The following appears on a pop-up menu on the City of Overland's website.

PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF OVERLAND
Residents desiring to file for the office of the unexpired term of Mayor in the August 7, 2007 Election, may do so in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 9119 Lackland Rd. between the hours of 8:00 a.m.and 5:00 p.m. beginning April 24, 2007 and ending May 22, 2007. Candidates must complete a Declaration of Candidacy and shall pay the $50 filing fee for Mayor at the time of Filing.
Posted April 16, 2007

I certainly hope this isn't putting the cart before the horse considering the council has not voted to put the measure on the ballot in August.
HOWEVER...

This must be on the August ballot. We have lost an entire year (and probably went backward 5 years) during the Purzner regime. To attract businesses, as well as home buyers, to our city we must look as if we have a strong and permanent leader. To attract a well-qualified city administrator, we must look as if we have a strong and permanent leader.

I certainly hope that this is voted into reality at Monday's CC meeting.

Sybil Defense: The Carol Sparks Method

2007-04-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

I really do apologize to the board.

Saying Carol Sparks' "modes operandi" is getting a little old would be an understatement. Carol Sparks has spent the majority of the past year spreading Overland Watch type lies, Overland Watch type innuendo and endless rhetorical gimmicks on OverlandChat through her now well documented set of personalities. Every persona agrees with every other persona in their love of all things ORT. Every persona is just as tedious as Carol Sparks in their self-loathing jealousy for Chief Herron and Alderman O'Connell, I guess.

But that is not all, Carol Sparks even goes so far has to have conversations with herself over the course of months. Honestly people, she has conversations,...... with herself. The only people I know, that have full conversations with themselves are also known to have significant psychological disorders, pathologies and ailments.

I never thought Carol Sparks was actually a lying authoritarian loon that she portrays on OverlandChat. You know, with a "wink-and-a-nod" or a "tongue-in-the-cheek" if you will. That was Carol's little contribution to the ORT. I had thought she was playing "inside baseball".
After reading the conversation she had with herself in regard to the incomplete Cozad development plan, I have had a change of heart.

I asked Carol Spark's second-son, Mike, if he could explain why his second-mother conducted on-line conversations with herself using multiple personas? I hoped Mike could shed some like on Carol's behavior. I am not sure if Mike indulged my inquiry. The only response I have received from Carol Sparks' second-son Mike is a warning to not make my postings personal. Well ok, but I am generally curious why someone would "post-with-themselves" nearly every day of the year. I thought Mike's privileged position with Carol Sparks could provide some insight.

Which brings me to my conclusion. Is Carol Sparks truly crazy or is she getting paid by the ORT to continue this most ridiculous charade? I believe she is being paid because nobody would be so patently disingenuous as Carol Sparks insists on demonstrating daily.

I would like to get the board's thoughts. Is Carol Sparks simply nuts or is her pathetic attempts to lie, cheat and steal the ORT back into relevance a function of her not being qualified to be Overland's top civil defender? I say paid. She needs to fill the income short-fall from losing her place as one of the "good-old-boys".

Discuss.

Open Response to Carol Sparkes

2007-04-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, people in hell want ice water and I guess you will be there soon enough to serve them. Before you pack, here is a reply to some of your statements: (Carol's word in red)

where do you come off saying congratulations on the recall win is not enough.

1. Where do I come off? Where do you come off thinking that your lies, deceits, and half-truths can be glossed over by posting the words "congratulations"? You cannot continue to poke someone in the eye and not expect them to react.

“I WANT' you to know that one day you will see what really happen in the recall.

2. Enough of the cryptic messages. SPIT IT OUT! DON'T HOLD BACK! If you have information or accusation about "what really happened in the recall" let us know. I'm from Missouri. You have to SHOW ME.

I WANT TO KNOW HOW COME THIS COUNCIL COULD HOLD A MEETING LAST WEEK, BUT FOR A YEAR THEY HELD THINGS BACK FOR THE TAX PAYERS.

3. Good question! Why couldn't they hold a civil meeting that followed RROR? What was the missing element on Monday? Why it was Queen Ann. Please don't put blame on the actual people who could make a meeting work. Proper blame would be at the woman who couldn't run the meeting in the first place.

I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE FOUR MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WOULD NEVER GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT DID SO LAST MONDAY

4. This again goes back to Queen Ann. She had no grasp of Sunshine Law. Purzner wanted to go into executive session for everything! I seem to remember Ann wanted to go into Executive Session to hammer out the Cozad deal (illegal!). The "four members of the council" showed that they were for open government and would not allow Purzner, Knode, Sellers, and Owesnby run government from behind closed doors.
In addition, you are comparing apples and oranges. The fact that Executive Session occurred or did not is irrelevant. What is relevant is WHAT WAS TO BE DISCUSSED. And if that is not the same, you cannot compare the two.

I WANT TO KNOW IF THE RESIDENTS OF OVERLAND REALIZE THE MONEY WE SPENT ON THE CITY ATTORNEY SITTING IN MEETINGS THAT WERE GOING NO WHERE.

5. Money was also spent on a city clerk, city council members, Chief of Police as well as additional police officers. And, don't forget we also spent money on a useless mayor.

I WANT TO KNOW WHEN THESE STUPID GAMES FOR THE MINORITY OF THE RESIDENTS IS GOING TO CHANGE AND WHEN WILL THERE BE AN AGENDA FOR US TO FOLLOW.

6. I am not sure what you mean here. What are "the stupid games of the minority"? I can only infer that you mean the ORT since they have and will always be a minority in Overland. The majority spoke on Tuesday, April 3.

I am also not sure what you mean by "an agenda for us to follow". After Monday's meeting we are moving somewhat in the right direction. We are restarting the CA hiring process. The election results hearten me to think that these are people who want to make sure the back-room and nepotism riddled politics of the past do not return. A CA should lead to better HR decisions. Professional management will allow us to get those job descriptions in place (based on real qualifications, not the qualifications of the person we want to hire! we agree on that).
But, first we need to get the election results certified and the newly elected council members in place.

I WANT YOU TO LISTEN TO YOURSELF AND THEN ASK YOURSELF "AM I REALLY HELPING OUR CITY MOVE ON?"

7. Again, I can rebuke your statement AND provide ideas to move the city forward at the same time. I would actually be doing a disservice to my city if I allowed the ORTian lies, deceits, and half-truths to go on without exposing them as such.

Your age group is and always has been the 'ME, ME, ME, I,I, I. I WANT, I WANT, I WANT, generation.

8. Wow! I bet you stand on your front porch when Iveland lets out everyday and yell at the kids to get out of your yard!
Aren't you a bit intolerant to collectively lump everyone of an age-group into one category? Don't you have kids in my generation? Is that what you say about them?
And, I would hardly judge your entire generation by you and Donna! You both are two of the most "I, I, I" people I have ever encountered. How many times have we been regaled by your stories about how great are your good works? Some of us can do "good works" without having to let the world know.

I want an apology for Donna and Carol.
9. For what?! Please detail the reasons why.
Do you want us to apologize that we called you on your lies, deceits, and half-truths?

Congratualtions--Bah, Aplogies--Yes!

2007-04-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

I know some folks like to go on and on about how they have congratulated those who supported the recall of the mayor and the return of common sense to government after the April 3 election. However, itsa gonna taka lotta more than that!

I want apologies!

I want apologies for The Overland Watch. Not only was it a waste of valuable natural resources, it was intentionally crafted to be deceiving. The name of the publisher was misspelled and the address of the paper was a non-existent PO Box.

Speaking of non-existent addresses...

I want apologies for the mail that was distributed at the same time the recall petition was initiated. Not only were scare tactics used--a common ORT tactic--but again a false address. When you add in the misstatement from the OPD, it is reprehensible.

I want apologies for the last minute campaigning that painted the COGG (which I am NOT a member) as a dishonest, immoral, and "millionaire-driven" organization. Not to mention the "old biddies" statement. This was a purely citizen-driven movement. Beyond rebuke. This is what we need more of in Overland--citizen participation. Or, at minimum, observation.

I want apologies for all of the lies, mistruths, and distortions presented in the Localite, OverlandChat, as well as Purzner and Knode's websites. You couldn't posssibly believe the stuff you were saying and the way that you skewed what was happening in our city, could you?

Dirty Politics in Overland NO MORE!!!!

Some folks (Donna Dill, Carol Sparkes, et al) have posted that we need to move forward and at the same time they promote the ORTian agenda of lies and deceit. I hate to inform folks, but I can do two (or three or four) things at once. Multi-tasking is not a new concept. I can forward ideas about how government should be run at the same time that I reject and rebuff your lies, mistruths and distortions!!!

Perhaps, instead of pointing the "moving forward" finger at us, they should review Kmode's message on his website.

One More Lie for the Road

2007-04-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

It was most appropriate for Chief Herron to be charged by Mayor Con to spread what we hope to be her final lie in office. Mayor Con called in sick leaving her three blind mice on the counsel to fend for themselves. We shouldn't expect any reconciliation from the ORT. No contrition offered for their acts of bad faith.

Who are those people that are picketing in support of recalling May? They are extremely ill mannered folks who can't seem to make it more than ten minutes without running for the door to stuff a fag in their mouths. I had one of them follow me to my car when leaving the meeting. They were trying to be discreet by unsuccessfully hiding behind vehicles. I don't think there is a passenger vehicle large enough to hide their ass from sticking out in plain view. I lost them by time I hit the sidewalk. Or I should say I didn't hear the wheezing of pursuit any longer. When my pursuer caught up with me she wheezed a question, "which way did he go". I told her, "he went that way".

What a foul disagreeable group they are. I am honestly not certain they posses the literary skill set to properly word a petition; nor determine identity. In fact I saw their list. You are going to need more than Dicky and Wanton Kmode's signature in order to get the attention of the election board. I am taking wagers at 8:1 that these folks never even get close to submitting a petition. Who is going to represent them, Doogie Rudman?

But really, who are these folks and what is their point?

Finally, business gets done...

2007-04-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

6PM Channel 2 reports that complaining of laryngitis Mayor Purzner (I assume through a representative who could speak) has called in sick and will not attend her last full meeting of her tenure as mayor of Overland.

6:30
Jerry May recall picketers are outside the community center. I approach one of them and ask what criminal activities has Jerry May been accused or convicted, what has he done illegal. They cannot give me an answer. They just keep repeating that he is breaking the law and not doing his duties. I respond that that is why we have elections and if they feel that he is not doing his job then they need to vote him out in a year. They then change the subject and start throwing about accusations about Bob Dody and the Overland Wild acres buildings. I respond that, that has no bearing on the current situation and Dody is no longer mayor. They then ask if I know who built the community center and I tell them that it was charter cable as part of the monopoly deal with the city. I am still trying to figure out what Wild Acres and the Munsch Community center have to do with criminal activities alleged by the picketers

7PM
Jerry May as president pro tem of the board gavels the meeting to order. The motion from March 12th is heard. Knode and Owensby once again show a complete lack of knowledge as to what is covered by the sunshine law and what is required to be handled in executive session. The votes are counted and the motion passes. The rescinded promotions are reinstated.
The March 12th meeting is finally adjourned.

Citizen comments are heard and with the exception of some guy named Dan who doesn't understand that you go to the public works department not the city council with complaints about code enforcement they are relatively peaceful. Dan is asked repeatedly to step away from the Dias and when he doesn't relinquish the microphone at the end of his time a police officer moves towards him. Dan then goes and sits back with the ORT crowd.

The April 9th meeting is called to order and in the course of the evening the TIF request for the property next to QT on Page is once again tabled and Chuck Boone is reappointed as director of Public works.

The meeting then goes to executive session so that the council can meet and talk with the two new prospects for the council. The three ORT members vote against the executive session and then refuse to leave the gymnasium to go to the executive session. When the council returns from executive session the vote to hire the two new police officers is called and Ownesby initially votes no but when they poll the vote and Knode votes yes Owensby decides to switch his vote. The two new officers are hired. The motion was then made to adjourn and seconded and the two knodes marched out in defeat.

In Memorial

2007-04-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

The OVCC Blog is dedicating today's moment of posting silence to mark the end of Ann Purzner's reign as Overland Mayor as well as the end of Dicky Kmode and Tom "The Thinker" Seller's political careers. Please respect their passing by observing the moment of posting silence. Thanks for the memories.

24 Hours Later

2007-04-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a glorious day it has been in Overland. My confidence in my hometown has been fully restored. Well, maybe not fully. (What up, Ward 3?!)

Now that it appears we will be able to begin to move forward, what would you like to see addressed by the council in the next few months.

My wish list includes:

City Administrator
Human Resource organization (job descriptions for every position and hiring the most qualified person for that position)
Rehiring and/or repromoting those who have been fired, laid off, or demoted by the past mayor.
Working on getting good businesses into Overland

I think with the first one, we will be well on our way to accomplishing the rest of those goals. And, if we can get in tax generating businesses maybe we can work on those other "not as important" goals such as pools and city-paid trash--but we are far, far away from there financially. I am sure there are other things I will think of later.

What would you like to see as the new council's direction in the next few months?

And, no, un-annexing Ward 3 does not count!

ELECTION RESULTS

2007-04-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

ELECTION SUMMARY
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS RUN DATE:04/03/07
CITY OF OVERLAND RUN TIME:11:28 PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2007
VOTES PERCENT PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 13) . . . . . 13 100.00 REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 10,049
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 4,383
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 43.62

COUNCILMAN OVERLAND WARD 1 (VOTE FOR ) 1 (WITH 4 OF 4 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
EEDIE CUMINALE. . . . . . . . . 626 64.21
RICH KNODE . . . . . . . . . . 341 34.97
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 8 .82

COUNCILMAN OVERLAND WARD 2 (VOTE FOR ) 1 (WITH 3 OF 3 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
MARY BETH CONLON . . . . . . . . 947 78.26
TOM SELLERS. . . . . . . . . . 258 21.32
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 5 .41

COUNCILMAN OVERLAND WARD 3 (VOTE FOR ) 1
(WITH 2 OF 2 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
MICHAEL OAKES . . . . . . . . . 432 48.16
PEGGY KELLER . . . . . . . . . 464 51.73
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1 .11

COUNCILMAN OVERLAND WARD 4 (VOTE FOR ) 1 (WITH 4 OF 4 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
TIM JONES . . . . . . . . . . 907 77.99
SHERRY KARR. . . . . . . . . . 254 21.84
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 2 .17

PROPOSITION A - CITY OF OVERLAND * * RECALL OF MAYOR * * (VOTE FOR ) 1 (WITH 13 OF 13 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,167 73.02
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,170 26.98

http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/elections/ERESULTS/el0407/M059.HTM

We would like to congratulate all the winners of yesterdays races.
Guess the mayor's estimate of 10 people against her was a little off the mark, 3157 people to be exact...

VOTE

2007-04-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday April 3rd. So get out today and vote. And keep an eye out for any shenanigans by the ORt and its supporters.
ORT supporters are already claiming voter fraud on their website...
The Election
Posted by Sweetpickles on April 3, 2007, 7:45 am User logged in as: Sweetpickles
I just got back home after voting, it felt so good to push the NO button to recall Ann. It was a wonderful feeling.
This is not Music Note.

Sweetpickles aka Donna Dills is a Maryland Heights citizen. She is either delusional and thought she was voting to retain the mayor. A liar and didn't vote to in the mayoral recall at all. A criminal and voting illegally in Overland's election. Or a combination of all of the above.

Remember if you see unethical behavior by the mayor or her supporters contact the MO ethics commission at
http://www.moethics.mo.gov
and the st Louis county election board. 314- 615-1800
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/Elections/

Hypocrisy!

2007-04-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Much of the ORT propaganda being circulated this weekend contains verbiage about how the citizens of Overland were denied their "constitutional rights" to vote for city-paid trash. The budget is part of the day-to-day operations of the city and should be voted upon by our representatives. But, don't let me steal the ORT Contrarian's thunder.

The hypocrisy is that multiple times Knode, Owensby, and Sellers voted against putting the recall on the ballot. They disregarded state law and the obvious will of the people (not pretend will of the people) in putting this on the ballot after more than the required number of signatures were gathered.

The city council correctly voted down an ambiguous city-paid trash on the ballot ordinance. Doesn't the law state that all ballot measures must spell out their costs? Yet, no costs were provided. It would be fiscally irresponsible to put such an item on the ballot and it was worded. Now, who is looking out for your tax dollars?

Media Bias and Media Consultants

2007-04-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

The latest ORTian accusations revolve around the media coverage Overland is receiving.
Ann Purzner's mailing to most of Overland (I hope to scan and post it by tomorrow) accused Bob Herman and company of hiring media consultants with the sole purpose of making Ann look bad. Why would they need to hire media consultants?! The ORT does a good job on its own of making Ann look bad.

Added to this is that the chat recently said the Post was biased because they reported that the state legislature is considering legislation that was driven by Queen Ann's faux nursing credentials. I re-read the article and it appears that Norm Parrish reported the facts in a straight-forward manner. Where is the bias? Wait—they have problems with facts, don’t they?

Localite Informal Poll

2007-04-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Time for a new post and I was curious about the following.

I have yet to receive my April Localite. It seems some of you received your copies weeks ago. I have spoke with people on all sides of Overland and it seems like only 2 or 3 neighborhoods have received them.

It seems at election time they always come out early, which has me questioning why so many have not received them yet.

Have you received your April Localite yet?

Today's Reading Assignments

2007-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Gather round kiddies, cause we have a heavy reading load for today.

First, up, the wonderful Norm Parrish reports in today's Post that Queen Ann will have some legislation in her honor is his article titled "Purzner's nursing claims leads to proposed state measure". It can found online, here (Please do not post the ENTRIE article here).

One can only assume that the state legislature can start working on other legislation befitting Overland's Year of Terror. Perhaps, something about stiffer penalties for knowlingly and wantingly violating open government laws.
Your assignment: What other legilsation can be created to assure no other Missourian has to live through a Queen Ann?

Next reading assignment is a related reading in the vein of false occupations---the latest Owensby mailing. It begins with his claims of being a teacher, but is so full of falsehoods that it will eventually require it's own post. However, I have scanned this and posted it online here.
Your assignment: Find at least 3 lies, any additional gets extra credit.

Owensby has been running up his city-paid cell phone?

2007-03-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today, WinoBlueGoat posted:

Posted by FINE WINE on March 30, 2007, 12:11 am,

…Mr. Oakes came to my door, the point I didn't care for was his issue was more about the Mayor then himself. Never try to sell yourself by downing another person. The mayor is one issue,I needed to hear about Mr. Oakes intentions for the city of Overland.

One can only assume Fine Wine lives in Ward 3 as Mr. Oakes doesn’t really have time to campaign outside his ward. When you tie this to another post of WinoGoat’s she accuses her council member of running up his cell phone bill, yet not returning any calls.

On Wednesday, it posted:

Posted by FINE WINE on March 28, 2007, 6:00 pm,

Whatever happens I still would like answers to my questions. Not in one year have I been able to find the truth or even a lie, we should know the city is in bad shape when you can't find your councilman, can't reach him by phone, and yet he runs up a humongous bill on the city cell phone.Yet no body at city halls knows squat.

Thus, one can extrapolate that Owensby is too busy stealing his neighbor’s trash to return phone calls. In addition, he has a rather large city cell phone bill. And nobody at city hall will address the issue because they are scare of the wrath of Queen Ann.

I really don’t see what other story it can be. Maybe Carol Sparkes is up to her typical lies and innuendo by stating things like “you can’t find your councilman” if her council person isn’t the one in question. At best, El Sparko is disingenuous. Maybe she just upset that if Owenby can run up such a bill why doesn't she still have her city-paid made-up job of Civil Defense Dog.

Donna Dill--your pants are on fire!!

2007-03-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!
Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!

You know, if you just don't lie, it is much easier to keep your story straight. I know it just burns Donna Dill that some of us have excellent memories and can/will/do call her on her lies.

Exhibit#1

Posted by Sweetpickles on March 28, 2007
Your correct, you are not a member of the ORT, because there is no group called ORT, it is a name that was made up to sound like a group and only referred to a couple of times by the person who made it up. This bad dark sided bunch of crazy people have made a big deal out of it and now it is a popular name. So if you'd like to join a figment of THEIR imagination, by all means, go ahead.

In the past, she bragged that she was the one who came up with the ORT name. So, she is referring to herself when she says "only referred to a couple of times by the person who made it up." Really, talking about yourself in third person is so mental.

Exhibit#2

The following was left on my door a while back.
http://www.suzanne-jackson.com/OP/ORT/Ward4.pdf
I posted it on the net the day it came. It clearly states "Paid for by the Overland Recovery Team" and provides Owensby's home number as a reference.

The good news is that, after next Tuesday, the ORT will only be a part of Overland History. Then MusicFineWinoGoat can muse upon the "good ol' days of the ORT' on her next walk down memory lane.

up to old tricks

2007-03-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

The ORT is feeling the water around their ankles as the ship continues to sink. And they are pulling out their usual bag of tricks and lies.
1) Wanda Knode's signs. Fear mongering at it's best. Scare people into retaining a mayor that is not working for the city by telling them that a recall vote is a vote for tax increases. But alas it is true. If we get rid of the current mayor then new businesses and new prosperity will come to overland and our property value will increase and yes we will have higher personal property taxes. So not exactly a lie but definitely not the truth.
2) Finger pointing. I logged on to the other website and surprise surprise, the ORT is bringing up the criminal record of family members of COGG supported council persons. Come now spydog, don't you know the saying about glass houses? Or do I need to re-post your illustrious background? Do we need to re-post Eric Tolen's credentials? Do we need to remind everyone of Mark Brown and Mayor Purzner's connections to a convicted child pornographer? Do we need to do a little digging into the criminal background of current council candidates that are supported by the ORT?
3) Disjointed ramblings filled with insults, Piss Pot Pete who is one of spydogs alter-egos is back and writing. All I can really say is please keep it up. When people go to the other website and see the kind of hate filled bile that issues forth from the mouths of ORT supporters it just makes them dislike the ORT even more. Every time Piss Pot Pete makes a fat joke or thinly veiled homophobic reference he shows the caliber of people that make up the ORT.
4) Illegal campaigning. Knode has placed signs in the median of Midland. This is a county road. It does fall under county ordinance. these signs are illegal. Will Piss Pot Pete/ Spydog/ JF be towing his illegal "paid for by Piss Pot Pete" sign again? campaign signs must include the name of the person or organization that paid for them and the treasurer. It is illegal to use pseudonyms on political signs.
5) Intimidation. Ken Owensby is back on the campaign trail and out threatening the citizens of our fair burb. It got so bad that some of my friends had to step in and separate him from a citizen who was refusing Owensby the right to put a retain Purzner sign in his yard. I know of at least two of my neighbors who have told Owensby that if he comes on their property again they will have him arrested for trespass.

But on the positive side there is only 7 days til April 3rd and election day. As you drive through Overland you will see a LOT of signs supporting COGG and its mission to recall mayor purzner. But as the saying goes, signs don't vote. We may have the momentum but if we don't get to the polling place we may be in for a bad surprise on the 4th. So make sure and get out and vote.

Where they lie is where they stand.

2007-03-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

FINEWINE,

Thank you for your redundant attempt to avoid responsibility for falsely labeling me as a bigot. This is the usual ORT method. You ask them a question and rather than simply answering the question they will provide some irrelevant information and then congratulate each other on the accomplishment.

As you dodged responsibility for your Overland Watch style journalism before, you provide an answer heavy on definition but light on credibility. No where in your "response" do you provide any evidence of bigoted behavior or sentiments generated by me. Same old ORT. Same old Overland Watch politics. Same old failures.

FINEWINE/BLUEEYES/MUSICNOTE plays the smear card. I play the evidence card. She plays the no need to rsvp card. I play the evidence card. They play the cannot collect card. I play the please contact me at gravycranedurham@hotmail.com card to receive payment. They play the "he is lying" card. I play the trying to pay-off losing a bet card. They play the "can't coordinate all three so can't individually contact me" card. I play the jointly and severally card. Any one of you may contact me to collect individually. I wouldn't dream of giving MUSICNOTE's money to FINEWINE for safe-keeping.

They could play the apology card. I would then play the accept apology card. I don't know if self-awareness, humility and integrity are part of FINWINE's Christian sensibilities. FINEWINE is still babbling on about me not showing up at the Manderin House as evidence of something I am not sure.

The problem is folks, FINEWINE, BLUEEYES and MUSICNOTE are the same person and she doesn't have the personal integrity to admit to her dishonesty.

Finally, I, as opposed to the ORT, am not accustom to distributing cash to individuals at polling places. MUSICNOTE and Donna Dills are used to getting their "cash settlement" from Downstown Brown at election time. They hang at the polls. They hand Downstown a hand-bill, Downstown hands them a sack of nickles.

Money laundering is outside of my experience ladies. I believe in above board, transparent accounting, therefore meeting you behind the dumpster at your local polling place is not really my style.

To gather your winnings please contact gravycranedurham@hotmail.com to make arrangements.

You Two Are Incapable of Honesty, Even in Victory

2007-03-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

1. Yes I set the time and place.

2. No you did not RSVP and in turn publicly smeared me as a bigot. Lie hide avoid lie.

3. I had forgotten about my Great Aunts Birthday Party when I extended the invitation in which none of your replied. The date of her birthday party, not her birthday MORONS, her birthday party, does not occur on the same day for 90 years. I mean you two are really fucking stupid. Don't pardon my English.

With family out of town, our family functions are always on the weekends so that everyone can make the journey. The depths of your stupidity has yet to find a bottom and may be infinite. Deduction, induction and reason lie outside of your experience.

Now pay attention liars.

4. As a result of mistakenly making conflicting plans, I have acknowledged over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again that

YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.
YOU HAVE WON THE BET, YOU GET THE MONEY.

5. Why I didn't stop by:

I WAS NOT LOCATED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI ON THE DATE IN QUESTION REGARDLESS OF ANY PHONE CALLS MAY OR MAY NOT BELIEVE OCCURRED. I DID NOT CALL THE MANDARIN HOUSE ON SATURDAY AND THE HOSTESS THEREFORE DID NOT TELL ME THAT THREE WALRUSES WERE OCCUPYING THE DINING ROOM.

6. What is demeaning about a mailbox, fire-hydrant, hostess or buddha, I don't really know. I am sure it has something to do with a grade school rhetorical question your lethargic sensibilities crafted. No wonder your kids all turned out the way they did.

7. In order to receive your winnings you have to make arrangements with me to pick-up your money. I could care less about wire-transfer, I was trying to make it convenient for you to collect. I don't trade in identity theft. That is Jay Fetch's department. Do you liars not know Jay anymore? He runs your Overland Chat.

I guess if you are going to falsely claim that you cannot collect, I could throw the money in an envelope and toss it down on any number of street corners and I am sure one of you will be by to pick it up. I would rather give it directly to you. Wait, don't people in your career have a representative that collects money for your services. Should I give it directly to him?

8. If you want to debate issues, let us make plans to do so. I challenge you to a one-on-one, mano-a-whatever, Overland issues virtual debate.

Shall we negotiate the rules or will you cower in the true ORT-ian tradition?

EDITORIAL: Purzner wears out her welcome at city hall

2007-03-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

reprinted from the 03/20/2007 issue of the Overland -St Ann Journal
http://overland-stannjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/03/20/opinions/sj2tn20070320-0321flo_editorial_1_1.ii1.txt

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 6:32 PM CDT
"You don't think I'm a witch, do you?"
Overland Mayor Ann Purzner posed the question in jest last week during a meeting with the North County Journal's editorial board to explain why she shouldn't be recalled from office on April 3. Although tongue-in-cheek, the remark reveals Purzner's perspective on the recall - that she's been miscast as the villain in the long-running soap opera of Overland politics. She insists she has the city's best interest at heart, and that her opponents are misguided, uninformed or spiteful. Clearly, she feels persecuted.

But Proposition A, the ballot measure that asks whether she should be removed from office, isn't personal. The question before voters on April 3 is not whether she's a good person - even some of her detractors will acknowledge that much - it is whether she has been, and can be, an effective leader for Overland.

The answer to that question has become clear during the tumultuous 11 months Purzner has occupied the mayor's office: She's not the person for the job.

Purzner proved herself to be a divisive, destructive presence from the moment she took office - literally. She began her administration by taking legal action to be sworn into office earlier than she was scheduled to in order to block action on a redevelopment project she didn't agree with. Her objection to the proposed project? That it wouldn't include retail, even though an earlier poll of several developers had shown no interest in retail development at the site.
In the months since then, she has tried to oust appointed officials without a vote of the city council, something that, in the case of Police Chief Jim Herron, a St. Louis County judge ruled was beyond the scope of her authority to do. Her refusal to hold council meetings in a setting large enough to accommodate all the residents who wanted to attend was found to be a violation of Missouri's Sunshine Law.

Purzner has walked out of meetings when things weren't going her way, and she has attempted to stifle public comments when the tide of public opinion was rising against her.

Since Purzner has taken office, the council has become bitterly divided between her supporters and her opponents. While one could argue that the ensuing lack of action on key issues is the result of her opponents' roadblocks, it is ultimately Purzner's responsibility to ensure that the city council functions. But she has done little, if anything, to try to mend rifts or find common ground. She has no control over council meetings that inevitably disintegrate into chaos, and at times she seems to lack an understanding of basic council procedures.

Purzner's lack of leadership abilities also is evident in the city's continuing stagnation. When asked by the Journal's editorial board what she had accomplished during her tenure, Purzner was able to cite just two examples: putting city employees into positions they're qualified for, and plans for a business complex that will include Beech-Nut's home office. One wonders what she could have achieved had she tried to unite city leaders under the common goal of doing what's best for Overland.

Had Purzner been willing to admit she'd made mistakes, a case could be made that she deserves another chance. But her refusal to accept any responsibility for Overland's volatile political situation is troubling. She blames the court ruling against her in the Herron case on the judge's supposed close friendship with Overland's city attorney. She characterizes the atmosphere at council meetings as being akin to "The Jerry Springer Show," yet she seems to believe she's powerless to stop it.

Ann Purzner may genuinely care about Overland's residents, but she lacks the basic skills and knowledge to translate her concern into constructive action. If anything, Purzner's legacy likely will be that of vitriolic discourse, factionalism and mistrust.

On April 3, Overland residents should vote yes on Proposition A.

Editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board of the North County Journal

http://overland-stannjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/03/20/opinions/sj2tn20070320-0321flo_editorial_1_1.ii1.txt

Sheri Karr Chose Not to Answer Questions From Citizens

2007-03-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

I recommend that anyone that reads the vacuous charges and bold face lies spread by Music Note, Blue Eyes and FINEWINE to read the questions and posts involving Ms. Karr's visit to the OVCC. You will easily see that she was treated fairly. Regardless of her level of intelligence, Sheri Karr supports the type of politics characterized by the Overland Watch.

No one who posts on the OVCC has ever littered your yards and mailboxes with anything more or less an Overland Watch. The method of the Overland Chat and the ORT is to make a public charge against someone. Then hiding from their comments as if they didn't make the comments. I don't know if these claims are imagined by the ORT or they are premeditated attempts to obfuscate the real issues with false issues.

Although the cases of lie, hide, avoid, lie method are too numerous to count. Please feel free to take a moment to read either site. You will come to see that people who post here do not make charges or claims against their political opponent and then hide from the consequences.

MUSIC NOTE, BLUEEYES, FINEWINE charged me with being a bigot. Probably the most offenses of their fraudulent discourse. They provide no evidence, incident, testimony or account of my so-called bigoted behavior. I have ask her several times to respond to her charge and have been met with silence in regard to the query while simultaneously receiving another post of unfounded charges.

Sheri Karr and anyone else is welcome to post on the OVCC. What you are not welcome to do, as is standard practice on Overland Chat, is make a charge against a person or idea without defending your charge to those who have a good faith curiosity. There is no lying and hiding here. The "name calling" and more satirical posting are simply a function of being lied to by the ORT/Overland Chat, defending against the false charges to then be met with another false charge.

After a while you realize that your opponents are only interested in lying and not interested in defending their positions within the market place for ideas.

Uhhhh, Dumb, Dumber, Dumberer, Dumbererer and Dumberererest

2007-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to make this any more simple for each of you. Bear63114, MUSICNOTE, FINEWINE and BLUEEYES need to contact me when responding to a challenge or attempt to collect winnings. I am not like Mark Brown and Mayor Con and therefore have no experience in laundering money. In order to meet for dinner or pay-off a bet, you need to respond so that I know its on. You know on the bottom of wedding invitations there are those letters R.S.V.P. I am no Mister Manners, but I believe that means the invitee is to respond directly to the inviter in regards to their plans to attend the appointment or not. If you don't make proper arrangements, how can I give you the money?

It sort of like those hillbilly weddings yawl have Sweaty, except in our case we use paper, pen, computer messaging rather than one of those hollers across the hollow you may be more attune with. "I"MA COMIN PAW!"

Sweaty acts like she has something to do with the four of you collecting your winnings. I only promised Sweaty one dinner. She has been salivating for over a week. Sweaty is more fired-up about a free plate of Mayor Con's Chicken than MUSICWINEEYESBEAR are about each getting $5,000.00. Pavlov's Pickle they call her around these parts.

I never said that I won the bet or that you lost the bet. I said I was visiting my Great Aunt on her 93rd birthday thus I was unable to make it to the Mandarin House. See that is an honest answer where the claim resembles the facts. According to Mauler, none of you were there. It is his mall, I think he would know. But, I will take your word for it and pay-off the bet. But dammit you morons, pay attention, you need to contact me so that I can give you the money.

There is little reason to discuss your ramblings posted on the OVERLAND CHAT because they need to take some sort of structure and bear a likeness to reality. So if anyone of you, any combination of you or all of you want your Manderin House Challenge winnings, you need to contact me. My goodness. "Stupid is as stupid does Forest"

For FINEWINE

"I can't remember a post by MN saying anything negative about the Chief of Police, she has said that he does try to keep order but the residents have no respect for him and it shows."

MUSICNOTE must have posted those comments before you moved here. Remember MN is the ancient scribe of Overland politics. With you moving here, what couple months ago, there are volumes of MusicNote's wit and wisdom you have missed. Music Note is to Ann Purzner and the ORT as Arther Schlesinger was to John Kennedy and Camalot.

Sweaty and Note, Sitting in a Tree, L_Y_Y_I_I_N_G!

2007-03-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the Wikipedia copy and paste definition of the word bigot. That is great. Doesn't quite address the reasons you are obsessing over bigotry in relation to me. Rather than answering the question by posting another juvenile rhetorical question. I ask again, why are you smearing me with the term bigot? Step away from the mirror and your photo album and see if you still want to falsely claim I am a bigot. Maybe the urge to generate self-loathing lies and empty responses will subside if all images of yourself are removed from your field of view. Come on Donna, you can be truthful. Your not on the stand or anything so why not try working with the truth.

Worth a try?

When you are losing the argument, it's best just to change the topic

2007-03-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Was driving around our fair city yesterday. I saw some new Purzner supporters signs. I won't even comment too much on how they are yellow with red print--making them confusing to those that COGG put out.

However, these signs state "No Tax Increase". As if Prop A was a bond issue. It is a recall issue. I assume this is what one does when faced with a losing battle--change the issue. Voting Yes on Prop A will not raise your taxes. In fact, if we keep Queen Ann in office we will have to eliminate services and/or raise taxes in light of the never-ending streams of lawsuits that go hand-in-hand with the mayor's actions.

This "no tax increase" is just more of the same scare the Seniors tactics the ORT uses in all their campaigns. They know they cannot win on the argument of her record over the last 12 months thus they debase themselves to this methodology. It is an insult to voters to even put out such signs.

Up next....Marky Mark is busy printing signs that say "Keep the Trash, Keep the Mayor".

Sorry, hard to respond to every lie when little comes from her mouth

2007-03-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

MUSIC NOTE et al.

Why did you call me a bigot?

Is that some sort of Freudian Self-Loathing sneaking out of your id? Is this a standard smear or do you have evidence for your charge of bigotry? Of course you don't, as you never do when called out for making unsubstantiated charges, accusations or good ole' fashion lie.

Remember the old saying, "Opinions are like a-holes and everybody in the ORT is one."

Lies, Lies and Sweaty Thighs

2007-03-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

To Music Note and the assorted group of characters your are posting under these day; in order to pick-up your winnings you will need to contact me directly so that I may tender a check, Federal Reserve Notes or collect information to wire transfer your winnings to you. I am explaining this to you for my own satisfaction as I know you will continue to lie and pretend I did not make good on my offer.

(See folks, that is what I mean when I say the Purzners, Knodes, Sellers, Karrs and Blowesnmes of the world are incapable of a straight forward honest discourse. The funniest thing is that there are reasonable answers that would not get you in trouble with Mark. All Karr had to say was $10.00 a sign, whether right or wrong because I didn't ask her what she paid for her signs, I asked her what Mark's Quick Printing charges for signs. She could have answered the question without disclosing anything about her campaign. That would be a sophisticated type of politics, the anti-thesis of the ORT School of Politics and Campaigning. No, rather than be sophisticated, she immediately played the most popular of the ORTian disingenuous rhetorical cards, "none of your business, buster, your biased". Come on.

Boss Tweed had a sign hanging behind his desk. The sign contained a short message that defined his almost life-long string political successes, "Don't Make No Waves, Don't Back No Losers." The Boss Tweed creed if you will was the source of my question to Ms. Karr. I don't know how any sane person could look at the performance of Ann Purzner and her ORTian supporters over the past year without seeing that the ORT only makes waves and is replete with losers.

You know like losing every court case, appeal, motion or appearance. Or, lets say the Mayor enacted a policy that drew the ire of the top prosecutor in St. Louis County because it was a violation of the law. Or, hearing this four time County-wide elected prosecuting attorney say directly into the news camera, "Ann Purzner has zero credibility". Or, let us say as a result of Mayor Purzner's sole personnel decisions, Overland was facing several law suits from employees and former employees that she is in the process of losing. See, that type of record is not the type of record that I believe leads to long-term political success. But, yes it is true that free-agents and fans still love their Cubs, people continue to follow the Blues, the Arizona Cardinals have a sold-out stadium and Ms. Karr has decided to "make a difference" the Purzner-Owensby way. To each there own.)

Sorry back to Music Note, so if you want your money please contact me at gravycranedurham@hotmail.com to schedule a time for you to come by the Gravy Boat and get your money.

In closing let me also offer something Music Note has been missing for some time and the source of her relentless disinformation campaign against Chief Herron. I understand that you, Music Note, used to be on the Overland dole with some bs title like Emergency and Disaster Response Readiness Liason. At some time in the past this function was taken away from you and given to Chief Herron when it was learned that by doing so, a portion of his salary would be picked-up by a grant from Uncle Sugar Well no wonder you will lie on a full-time basis, you no longer get to sponge of your neighbors taxes. Well, I will help you out although I know it won't shut you up. Get in touch with me. Make an appointment. And we will transfer the funds.

No comments necessary. Please continue to use the previous post by SuzyJax to carry-on the conversation.

Election just a little over two weeks away!

2007-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where has the time gone? Can you believe the muni elections are almost upon us? I am sure in those next few weeks we can look forward to many pieces of "interesting" mail from those opposing the deserved recall of Queen Ann.

The recall issue is important. We need to talk to our friends, neighbors, and the person in line next to us in the grocery store about how important it is to recall Ann and begin down the road to getting our city back on track. If that person seems to have bought the ORT propaganda and tell you "She done nothing wrong", you can use arguments from Ten Reasons to Recall found online.

As important as the recall issue is, the city council elections are just as, if not more, important because they will determine the direction post-recall election. I urge each of you to read Sailor's piece on Overland Examiner about the debate. He has also provided footage for you to see the Q and A sesssion, as well as opening and closing statements.

If that doesn't answer all of your questions, I urge you to call each candidate in your ward. Be direct and ask your questions. If they choose not to answer, sound unfamiliar with Overland happenings, or are disrespectful, perhaps you should consider NOT voting for that person.

Are endorsements important? Sure they are. I believe you can tell a lot from a candidate by who gives them an endorsement. And, if you question an endorsement or contribution, ask that candidate about that. For example, if a candidate receives funds from a developer you might wonder 1) does that developer have any pending deals in Overland and 2) was that money or endorsement requested or just come out of the blue. (I know a lot of firms and companies send $$$ to all candidates, trying to cover their bases.)

ORT in violation of law AGAIN

2007-03-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I checked the st Louis county code regarding political signs:

Political Campaign Signs
The St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance (Section 1003.168D.5.3) permits political campaign signs without a building permit in any zoning district subject to the following:
No permit from St. Louis County is required.
Political campaign signs may announce the candidates seeking public political office and other pertinent data.
Maximum size of any one sign: 8 sq. ft.
Maximum total sign area for all signs combined: 16 sq. ft. total for each lot or each dwelling unit.
Sign(s) shall be erected on private property only.
Signs(s) may not be placed in the public right of way, including sidewalk area and street area
Signs(s) shall be removed within 7 days after the election for which they were made.
These are the regulations set forth by St. Louis County. Some subdivisions may have additional deed restrictions.
Please visit Temporary Signs for information on permitted temporary signs in St. Louis County.
© St. Louis County Government 41 South Central, Clayton, Missouri 63105 Terms of Use Privacy Policy

according to Overland Ordinance the sidewalk area is determined to be:
SECTION 100.030: HOW CODE DESIGNATED AND CITED
The ordinances embraced in the following Chapters and Sections shall constitute and be designated the "The Municipal Code of the City of Overland," and may be so cited. (Code 1961 §1-1; CC 1976 §1-1)
SIDEWALK: The word "sidewalk" shall mean any portion of a street between the curbline and the adjacent property line, intended for the use of pedestrians, excluding parkways.

When you see the retain Purzner signs and the signs for various ORT candidates between the street and the property line they are violating st Louis county ordinance. Maybe we should contact Mr McCulloch's office http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/pa/ and inform him of this violation of St Louis county ordinance. And maybe we should contact the St Louis County board of elections http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/Elections/ and let them know of this violation of St Louis County law.