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Saturday, July 23, 2005
AMERICAN LEGION GIVES MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS
St. Charles American Legion Post 312 presented its annual American Legion Meritorious Service Awards this week. The awards were presented to the St. Charles Sheriff’s Department, St. Charles Police Department and the St. Charles Fire Department. This is the first year someone from the fire department has been honored. Accepting the first award for St. Charles Fire Department is recipient Captain Gary Bird. Pictured in the top photo is presenter Larry Dufour, Captain Gary Bird and Fire Chief Ernie Rhodes.Receiving honors for the St. Charles County Sheriffs Department was Deputy Gary Schmitt, who has only been with the department for two years. Those in the middle photo are from left to right; Lieutenant Terry Martchnick, Sheriff Tom Neer, Deputy Gary Schmitt, presenter Larry DuFour and Lieutenant Dean Iwarin. Those receiving awards for the Police Department were Detective Richard Tiemann, Sergeant Doug Middleton and Police Officer George Hayden. Pictured in the bottom photo from left to right are Police Chief Tim Swope, Detective Bill Wilcox who accepted the award for Detective Tiemann, Police Officer George Hayden, Sergeant Doug Middleton and Law and Order Chairman for the American Legion, Larry DuFour.
First Capitol News Photos by Lynndi Lockenour
County Fair Kicks Off Tuesday - 15 Candidates Vie For Miss St. Charles County
Lynndi Lockenour
The fair isn’t far off and as the fun-filled days approach, many can already smell the funnel cakes and cotton candy. Festivities begin Tuesday with one of several main attractions, The Queen Coronation. Though the actual judging is conducted the previous Saturday, only the committee knows who will be crowned Tuesday evening.
This year 15 girls between the ages of 17 and 22 will vie for the title of Miss St. Charles County. Debbie Lloyd, coordinator for the pageant, said this year she had 10 people on the waiting list to compete. “We do a preliminary meeting where we give the girls the rules and regulations,” she said. “And if for some reason they cannot compete, then we use someone from the waiting list.”
Businesses from around the county donate money to be given as prizes. This year’s largest donor is Lindenwood University, offering the winner a $9,600 renewable scholarship and a $2400 Work and Learn scholarship. (Those amounts could be set to change). Lloyd said these scholarships are new to the contest. “Usually the winner gets $500, which they could choose to use for college and a $1,000 savings bond,” she said.
The queens begin activities in the first weeks of June and conclude the competition with the announcement of the winner Tuesday night. Debbie said each week between those dates the girls spend one day doing an activity together. This year the activities included: miniature golf, an ice cream social, swimming party, participating in O’Fallon’s Fourth of July parade, attending a Rascals game and making an appearance on Show Me St. Louis.
The girls are judged on four categories including: talent, personality, portfolio and personal appearance. Prior to the judging, contestants’ summit a portfolio, which Lloyd said is similar to a resume, for the judges to review. Each contestant also attends a six-minute interview with the judges where she must dress in business attire. “For some of these girls this is the first time they’ve ever had to do anything like this,” she said.
This year six of the contestants competed in last year’s contest and Lloyd said even a few of the girls have competed in what she calls “real pageants.” “We try not to make it stressful,” she said. “We just want the girls to have fun and enjoy spending time together.
The panel of judges consists of four people. Lloyd said she tries to avoid choosing the same judges every year since several of the girls might compete in the competition more than once. She also said two of this year’s judges are male, which is a change-up from previous years. “I thought the girls might not want male judges,” she said, “but they were excited about it. Lloyd said sometimes the men are more critical than women. “Sometimes they think of questions that women wouldn’t,” she said. The girls do not receive their questions before hand nor does Lloyd know what the judges will ask. “The only thing we tell them is not to judge the girls based on if they are involved in 4-H or FFA,” she said. “That’s not what the contest is about.”
This year Miss Missouri will be emceeing the Queen Coronation. Those girls who placed in the top five in the talent portion of the competition will perform Tuesday night as well. Also, the girls are required to learn a group dance, which they will also perform for the audience. “We are just hoping it won’t be extremely hot,” Lloyd said. “With the girls dancing and performing their talents I don’t want them to have to worry about the heat.” The Queen Coronation will take place Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. in the Entertainment Center.
Besides the Queen Coronation, there are other activities available all week to suit everyone. Treasurer of the Fair Board for nine years, Mary Ann Vehige said one attraction, which draws the largest number of people, is the demolition derby on Saturday. “People seem to like that a lot,” she said. The race begins at 7 p.m.
Other crowd pleasers include the rodeo on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 8 p.m., tuck and tractor pulls, Ugly Pick-Up Contest and live music. Admission for the fair events is as follows: season passes cost $22 before July 25 and $25 after July 25. Daily pass prices are $8 for adults Tuesday-Thursday and $10 for adults Friday and Saturday. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $5 and those under age six are free. Senior Citizens tickets are $5 as well. All ticket prices include rides, entertainment and parking. For more information on fair events and information call 636-327-6949.
The fair isn’t far off and as the fun-filled days approach, many can already smell the funnel cakes and cotton candy. Festivities begin Tuesday with one of several main attractions, The Queen Coronation. Though the actual judging is conducted the previous Saturday, only the committee knows who will be crowned Tuesday evening.
This year 15 girls between the ages of 17 and 22 will vie for the title of Miss St. Charles County. Debbie Lloyd, coordinator for the pageant, said this year she had 10 people on the waiting list to compete. “We do a preliminary meeting where we give the girls the rules and regulations,” she said. “And if for some reason they cannot compete, then we use someone from the waiting list.”
Businesses from around the county donate money to be given as prizes. This year’s largest donor is Lindenwood University, offering the winner a $9,600 renewable scholarship and a $2400 Work and Learn scholarship. (Those amounts could be set to change). Lloyd said these scholarships are new to the contest. “Usually the winner gets $500, which they could choose to use for college and a $1,000 savings bond,” she said.
The queens begin activities in the first weeks of June and conclude the competition with the announcement of the winner Tuesday night. Debbie said each week between those dates the girls spend one day doing an activity together. This year the activities included: miniature golf, an ice cream social, swimming party, participating in O’Fallon’s Fourth of July parade, attending a Rascals game and making an appearance on Show Me St. Louis.
The girls are judged on four categories including: talent, personality, portfolio and personal appearance. Prior to the judging, contestants’ summit a portfolio, which Lloyd said is similar to a resume, for the judges to review. Each contestant also attends a six-minute interview with the judges where she must dress in business attire. “For some of these girls this is the first time they’ve ever had to do anything like this,” she said.
This year six of the contestants competed in last year’s contest and Lloyd said even a few of the girls have competed in what she calls “real pageants.” “We try not to make it stressful,” she said. “We just want the girls to have fun and enjoy spending time together.
The panel of judges consists of four people. Lloyd said she tries to avoid choosing the same judges every year since several of the girls might compete in the competition more than once. She also said two of this year’s judges are male, which is a change-up from previous years. “I thought the girls might not want male judges,” she said, “but they were excited about it. Lloyd said sometimes the men are more critical than women. “Sometimes they think of questions that women wouldn’t,” she said. The girls do not receive their questions before hand nor does Lloyd know what the judges will ask. “The only thing we tell them is not to judge the girls based on if they are involved in 4-H or FFA,” she said. “That’s not what the contest is about.”
This year Miss Missouri will be emceeing the Queen Coronation. Those girls who placed in the top five in the talent portion of the competition will perform Tuesday night as well. Also, the girls are required to learn a group dance, which they will also perform for the audience. “We are just hoping it won’t be extremely hot,” Lloyd said. “With the girls dancing and performing their talents I don’t want them to have to worry about the heat.” The Queen Coronation will take place Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. in the Entertainment Center.
Besides the Queen Coronation, there are other activities available all week to suit everyone. Treasurer of the Fair Board for nine years, Mary Ann Vehige said one attraction, which draws the largest number of people, is the demolition derby on Saturday. “People seem to like that a lot,” she said. The race begins at 7 p.m.
Other crowd pleasers include the rodeo on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 8 p.m., tuck and tractor pulls, Ugly Pick-Up Contest and live music. Admission for the fair events is as follows: season passes cost $22 before July 25 and $25 after July 25. Daily pass prices are $8 for adults Tuesday-Thursday and $10 for adults Friday and Saturday. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $5 and those under age six are free. Senior Citizens tickets are $5 as well. All ticket prices include rides, entertainment and parking. For more information on fair events and information call 636-327-6949.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT KICK OFF PARTY
St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope talking with St. Charles City Councilman Ward 8, John Gieseke at the National Night Out Kick-Off party. The kick-off party was held Wednesday evening at the St. Charles Police Headquarters. National Night out will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd. The City Council meeting for that evening will be rescheduled.
First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
COMPLAINTS ABOUT WELLER’S LANGUAGE
We have had several calls complaining about the language Councilman Mike Weller was using at the Council meeting Tuesday evening. One caller said she would expect such language in a bar but not in the Council Chambers. Especially since the meeting was being broadcast into homes in St. Charles. Another man said if his grandson used that type of language he would wash his mouth out with soap. Another caller told us she was watching the meeting with her children and was disgusted with Weller’s mouth.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Council meeting lasted until after midnight and they were only able to complete about half of the agenda. The Consent agenda and introduction of new bills were held over and will be considered at a special council meeting to be held Tuesday evening.
It was an interesting meeting to watch.
Allan Williams was hired as City Administrator in December of 2004. Since he assumed command, members of the City Council have made many requests for information. They let Williams know Tuesday evening of their displeasure. Most of the information and items they requested were never made available to them. The Council requested a monthly check register several months ago but have never received one. Councilwoman Dottie Greer wanted a list of all outstanding invoices 14 days or more overdue. She was given several excuses on why this could not be done. Questions were raised regarding William’s contract and when he becomes eligible for health insurance for life even if his cotract is terminated.
BASS PRO IS LOOKING FOR A NEW LOCATION
Our source at Bass Pro has told us to ignore what the Mayor is saying about Bass Pro. Our source said the founder, Johnny Morris has placed Greater Missouri Builders (Their St. Charles landlord) on notice that they are displeased and are reviewing their options. Our source tells us that Bass Pro is displeased with the parking. Even though they seem to be heading towards a $40 million year they do not have enough parking. When Greater Missouri Builders built the strip center on the West end of the parking lot many of the parking spaces previously used by Bass Pro were eliminated. GMB were supposed to demolish more of the existing center than they have. It appears the first choice of Bass Pro is to relocate to the St. Louis Mills Shopping Center along Highway 370 in Hazelwood. There is plenty of parking and Bass Pro has several stores in Mills Centers in other areas of the country. Our source also says they will reduce the St. Charles Bass Pro to a warehouse store and operate it until their lease runs out.
MAYOR’S BODYGUARD
Our source at the police department told us Mayor York had a police bodyguard drive her to Venice, Illinois so she could attend the swearing in of a new police chief. We reported the use of overtime police officers acting as her bodyguard costs the taxpayers approximately $45 an hour. On Council meeting nights the bodyguard walks her from her car to her office and waits outside her door until she is ready to enter the Council Chambers. After escorting her to the Council Chambers the bodyguard sits there until she wants to leave and then walks her back to her office or to her vehicle. After the Council meetings the Mayor usually goes to one of the bars on Main Street but evidently feels the bars are safe because she goes without her bodyguard. Hmmmmmmmm.
MAYOR’S TOP COP?
Talking about the Mayor. Her, “TOP COP”, former police sergeant Tommy Mayer had a hearing today appealing his firing, allegedly for ordering City Administrator Allan Williams to the ground at gun point. The attorneys representing the City agreed to open the hearing to the press. However, the attorneys representing Mayer refused to allow the press to attend. Wonder what they are trying to keep the public from knowing. Wouldn’t you think if everything was as they say, they would want the public to know what was being discussed?
We have had several calls complaining about the language Councilman Mike Weller was using at the Council meeting Tuesday evening. One caller said she would expect such language in a bar but not in the Council Chambers. Especially since the meeting was being broadcast into homes in St. Charles. Another man said if his grandson used that type of language he would wash his mouth out with soap. Another caller told us she was watching the meeting with her children and was disgusted with Weller’s mouth.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Council meeting lasted until after midnight and they were only able to complete about half of the agenda. The Consent agenda and introduction of new bills were held over and will be considered at a special council meeting to be held Tuesday evening.
It was an interesting meeting to watch.
Allan Williams was hired as City Administrator in December of 2004. Since he assumed command, members of the City Council have made many requests for information. They let Williams know Tuesday evening of their displeasure. Most of the information and items they requested were never made available to them. The Council requested a monthly check register several months ago but have never received one. Councilwoman Dottie Greer wanted a list of all outstanding invoices 14 days or more overdue. She was given several excuses on why this could not be done. Questions were raised regarding William’s contract and when he becomes eligible for health insurance for life even if his cotract is terminated.
BASS PRO IS LOOKING FOR A NEW LOCATION
Our source at Bass Pro has told us to ignore what the Mayor is saying about Bass Pro. Our source said the founder, Johnny Morris has placed Greater Missouri Builders (Their St. Charles landlord) on notice that they are displeased and are reviewing their options. Our source tells us that Bass Pro is displeased with the parking. Even though they seem to be heading towards a $40 million year they do not have enough parking. When Greater Missouri Builders built the strip center on the West end of the parking lot many of the parking spaces previously used by Bass Pro were eliminated. GMB were supposed to demolish more of the existing center than they have. It appears the first choice of Bass Pro is to relocate to the St. Louis Mills Shopping Center along Highway 370 in Hazelwood. There is plenty of parking and Bass Pro has several stores in Mills Centers in other areas of the country. Our source also says they will reduce the St. Charles Bass Pro to a warehouse store and operate it until their lease runs out.
MAYOR’S BODYGUARD
Our source at the police department told us Mayor York had a police bodyguard drive her to Venice, Illinois so she could attend the swearing in of a new police chief. We reported the use of overtime police officers acting as her bodyguard costs the taxpayers approximately $45 an hour. On Council meeting nights the bodyguard walks her from her car to her office and waits outside her door until she is ready to enter the Council Chambers. After escorting her to the Council Chambers the bodyguard sits there until she wants to leave and then walks her back to her office or to her vehicle. After the Council meetings the Mayor usually goes to one of the bars on Main Street but evidently feels the bars are safe because she goes without her bodyguard. Hmmmmmmmm.
MAYOR’S TOP COP?
Talking about the Mayor. Her, “TOP COP”, former police sergeant Tommy Mayer had a hearing today appealing his firing, allegedly for ordering City Administrator Allan Williams to the ground at gun point. The attorneys representing the City agreed to open the hearing to the press. However, the attorneys representing Mayer refused to allow the press to attend. Wonder what they are trying to keep the public from knowing. Wouldn’t you think if everything was as they say, they would want the public to know what was being discussed?
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
An Open Letter To Residents of Heritage and Heritage Trails
Monday April 18, 2005, Heritage Residents Association had their yearly election of officers. Carl Maus, the past president and also the president of Citizens for Responsible Community, ran a slate of candidates to try and take over your association and your treasury. The people of HRA seen through this attempt and soundly defeated the Maus cronies.
The residents of Heritage Trails held a separate election at the same time on April 18. Not knowing Mr. Maus or his eight-year history of poor business judgements that has cost HA hundreds of thousands of dollars, elected him as their representative. Now, he is under investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission for alleged money laundering. The charge is for transferring money from HRA to CFRC a 10 thousand dollar check issued by the developer to HRA.
Now that Heritage Trails is nearly complete the County will soon return the developers money which they have held to make sure the development was built to their standards. County standards lack a lot to be desired, for example the retention pond. Maus as president of the HRA board should have negotiated with the developer to rip-rap the pond banks, sod the banks to residents property lines, install a sprinkler system, and planted bushes, trees and flowerbeds. This leaves Heritage Trails with a seventy five to one hundred thousand dollar bill to pay.
Maus’s latest fiasco, with the help of board member Paul Hoynacki, has been to try to stop the issuing of insurance for Heritage & Heritage Trails.The board had found a major insurance company that would have saved over five thousand dollars annually in premium expense. Maus told the new agent that he planned to sue the association in the near future and the insurance company should be aware of this potential liability.
Maus is extremely bitter and has decided to leave his political sign on Heritage and Gettysburg Landing (pictured above) for everyone to see since the April 18, 2005 election. The sign was recently damaged, Maus has been asked to remove the sign, however he continues to leave this eyesore in place. If you do not feel this man is childish, please drive by, look at the sign and remember you elected him. Take a look at Carl Maus. Who does he remind you of?
A Upset Heritage Resident
Dear Friends:
The economy is still staggering along. A very good friend of O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry has lost his job. This man and his wife are really great people who openly volunteer to help whenever we have a need. They are both very active in the Girl Scouts and provide a wonderful example of love and caring to these girls. The girls have helped with many projects at O.A.S.I.S. and are always willing to do more.
His last day of work is at the end of this month. His place of work is closing down and moving to the South because they can pay these workers less than half of what workers get here. His background includes over 20 years working in the following areas. Warehouseman - certified forklift Driver, loading and unloading, kept records for stock location, and, other warehousing functions. He has worked for, Nordyne, McKesson, Venture, and Mid America Poolquip. He worked for Bob Evan’s for almost six years working his way up to Assistant Manager responsible for opening and closing, staffing, balancing safe receipts, stocking bills, hiring/firing, daily reports, improving exterior landscape, and, ordering supplies. He is an excellent cook and would love to serve as a cook. Also worked for a glass company doing machine setups and operation. This is a real opportunity for us to practice our concern for our fellow volunteer, husband, father, and wonderful citizen of our community. Please ask around — check with friends in these business areas, put something in your bulletin, do whatever you can to help some really good people. If you get a line on something please call me at 636-978-6341 or e-mail me at tjrodewald@aol.com
Thank you in advance for your help.
Terry Rodewald
Monday April 18, 2005, Heritage Residents Association had their yearly election of officers. Carl Maus, the past president and also the president of Citizens for Responsible Community, ran a slate of candidates to try and take over your association and your treasury. The people of HRA seen through this attempt and soundly defeated the Maus cronies.
The residents of Heritage Trails held a separate election at the same time on April 18. Not knowing Mr. Maus or his eight-year history of poor business judgements that has cost HA hundreds of thousands of dollars, elected him as their representative. Now, he is under investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission for alleged money laundering. The charge is for transferring money from HRA to CFRC a 10 thousand dollar check issued by the developer to HRA.
Now that Heritage Trails is nearly complete the County will soon return the developers money which they have held to make sure the development was built to their standards. County standards lack a lot to be desired, for example the retention pond. Maus as president of the HRA board should have negotiated with the developer to rip-rap the pond banks, sod the banks to residents property lines, install a sprinkler system, and planted bushes, trees and flowerbeds. This leaves Heritage Trails with a seventy five to one hundred thousand dollar bill to pay.
Maus’s latest fiasco, with the help of board member Paul Hoynacki, has been to try to stop the issuing of insurance for Heritage & Heritage Trails.The board had found a major insurance company that would have saved over five thousand dollars annually in premium expense. Maus told the new agent that he planned to sue the association in the near future and the insurance company should be aware of this potential liability.
Maus is extremely bitter and has decided to leave his political sign on Heritage and Gettysburg Landing (pictured above) for everyone to see since the April 18, 2005 election. The sign was recently damaged, Maus has been asked to remove the sign, however he continues to leave this eyesore in place. If you do not feel this man is childish, please drive by, look at the sign and remember you elected him. Take a look at Carl Maus. Who does he remind you of?
A Upset Heritage Resident
Dear Friends:
The economy is still staggering along. A very good friend of O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry has lost his job. This man and his wife are really great people who openly volunteer to help whenever we have a need. They are both very active in the Girl Scouts and provide a wonderful example of love and caring to these girls. The girls have helped with many projects at O.A.S.I.S. and are always willing to do more.
His last day of work is at the end of this month. His place of work is closing down and moving to the South because they can pay these workers less than half of what workers get here. His background includes over 20 years working in the following areas. Warehouseman - certified forklift Driver, loading and unloading, kept records for stock location, and, other warehousing functions. He has worked for, Nordyne, McKesson, Venture, and Mid America Poolquip. He worked for Bob Evan’s for almost six years working his way up to Assistant Manager responsible for opening and closing, staffing, balancing safe receipts, stocking bills, hiring/firing, daily reports, improving exterior landscape, and, ordering supplies. He is an excellent cook and would love to serve as a cook. Also worked for a glass company doing machine setups and operation. This is a real opportunity for us to practice our concern for our fellow volunteer, husband, father, and wonderful citizen of our community. Please ask around — check with friends in these business areas, put something in your bulletin, do whatever you can to help some really good people. If you get a line on something please call me at 636-978-6341 or e-mail me at tjrodewald@aol.com
Thank you in advance for your help.
Terry Rodewald
THE CITY DESK - City Council President Rory Riddler
It’s Blues Versus Greens
As Trash Talk Heats Up
It seemed like a good idea at the time. A simple plan to improve the appearance of our community and give something back to the taxpayers. Just the kind of good idea that turns around and bites you.
I’m talking about the looming debate over the City providing uniform roll-away trash carts.
On the plus side, it solves the problem of disappearing lids. Flip top lids would reduce the number of animals getting in the trash and strewing it around streets and alleys. Sometimes they are so littered it looks like Bourbon Street the day after Mardi Gras, complete with hung over squirrels and a racoon still yelling for beads.
Uniform carts would get rid of some of the beat up older cans that accumulate and provide a much nicer streetscape when driving around town. They hold three times as much, so you wouldn’t need to put out as many trash cans. The City also has a big problem getting some rental properties to keep any trash cans and we then have to cite them for putting trash out in bags. This would solve that problem by having the cart stay with the property and not the tenant.
Besides, they would be provided free, saving those who now lease them $24 a year and giving everyone a cart that would cost them around $60 if they went to purchase one on their own. Who could argue with getting a free roll-away cart? That’s when the e-mails started to arrive.
Some people acted like we were trying to give them a “free” pony. It won’t fit in our garage. I won’t be able to push it. People will steal them. The only complaint I didn’t hear was that it would cost too much to feed them. The size and weight issues were easily answered. The companies offer three different sizes and those who generated less trash or had limited space to store a cart could ask for the smaller size.
E-mails from those wanting the carts brought to light a somewhat unexpected area of contention...”What’s your favorite color?” In ancient Rome the most popular spectator sport wasn’t going to the bloody gladiatorial contests in the Colosseum, it was going to the chariot races in the Circus Maximus.
Just as we follow our modern professional sports teams, citizens of the Roman Empire followed, cheered and placed bets on the four main chariot teams known by their colors...the Blues, the Greens, the Reds and the Yellows. As it turns out, the two most popular teams were the Blues and the Greens.
It seems the citizens of our fine community have something in common with the citizens of ancient Rome. We are split down the middle when it comes to a color preference in trash carts. They are the TRUE BLUES and the EVER GREENS and they would sooner throw their neighbors to the lions than give in on such a weighty mater of principle. Oh, and did I mention we also have to decide whether to hot stamp on the containers the historic City Seal (with the image of a river boat) or the modern City Logo you see on police cars and city vehicles.
At the last City Council Work Session we heard presentations from the two giants of the roll-away cart industry. I learned more about roll-away trash carts than anyone has a right to know. I learned about their “ground hugging” design to resist being blown over in a windstorm. I learned about the percent of UV (ultra violet) protection each possessed to guard against becoming brittle over time. Much like George Hamilton. Each injection molded plastic ridge and indentation was computer modeled for strength and durability.
I am now thoroughly convinced that the United States leads the world in garbage container technology. In fact, I suspect that if the Earth were ever invaded by an alien civilization, they would immediately surrender to us upon learning of our superior knowledge in this field.
While the money is in the budget, I can’t predict with certainty that new trash containers will be coming to an alley near you. Some people are worried that the carts will lead to once a week garbage collection even though that is not under consideration at this time and I personally prefer twice per week. Others are upset that the new carts wouldn’t come with once per week trash and thus a lower rate. The Mayor might veto the expenditure, thus avoiding altogether the politically dangerous waters of revealing if she is a TRUE BLUE or EVER GREEN.
What I’ve learned is that suggesting the community could benefit from new and uniform trash containers is much like the man who points out a new dress to his wife. He just wasn’t expecting to hear, “Why, what’s wrong with the one I’ve got on?”
Anyone want a free pony?
THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR - Alex Spencer
Recently, Randa Hayes made headlines when Gov. Matt Blunt asker her to resign from her post as Missouri’s Director of Business and Trade because the Democrats had revealed that she had in her youth pled guilty to stealing money from her college sorority.
In St. Charles, Randa Hayes is publicly known as the wife of St. Peters Alderman David Hayes. But in Missouri state Republican politics, Randa Hayes was acknowledged as a top notch political operative with strong grass-roots organizational skills, an accomplished fund-raising touch, and keen killer instincts.
And from all reports, she was someone many feared to cross, as she had a vindictive side. She worked on an assortment of campaigns in a variety of capacities. But in the end, her contribution to the party was that she was an insider who could be counted on to accomplish almost any task needed, including many tasks that the candidates would not like to acknowledge needed to be done. Sort of a Dark Knight of the Political Right.
Now before the Democrats get all high and mighty, it should be noted that they have such operatives on their side as well. In fact, Roy Temple, the democrats top-operative at the moment, was the one who organized the media attack on Randa Hayes.
The whole thing is a little like the old cold-war where both sides had spies doing their dirty work. The spooks believed in their side’s cause, but the methods each side’s operatives employed were essentially the same. And neither side’s leaders liked to admit they used such clandestine operatives. Politicos, like spies, work in the shadows. If they end up in the media, they did something wrong.
As the Columbia Tribune noted in a recent column, Randa Hayes appointment to the position as Missouri’s Director of Business and Trade, however, made perfect sense to insiders because that post is also in charge of the Hawthorn Foundation, which is a private foundation that raises money to fund the Governor’s trips outside the state. Again, both the Democrats and Republicans have been using the Hawthorn Foundation for this purpose for decades, so there is nothing unusual in it, but neither side likes to talk about it. Putting a political operative with significant fund-raising skills in charge of the office made sense.
The Columbia Tribune column also expressed what political insiders on both sides suspect: Randa Hayes would have told the Governor's office about her prior misdemeanor conviction, but the Governor’s office decided to appoint her anyway because skilled operatives are rare. And if a scandal broke, he could count on an experienced operative like Randa Hayes to take the fall.
Now the Governor’s office says they didn’t know and that they just missed the information in the background check. Frankly, I am not sure that crying incompetence was the way to go in this scandal. I think the Governor might have done better to say that they knew the facts, considered them, and decided that a ten year old misdemeanor conviction from college did not justify removal from office for someone who spent the next decade doing a great job. But Governor Blunt has not had an easy time dealing with the media and likely thought he could cut and run and the media frenzy would only last a day or two.
For that to happen, they had to know that Randa Hayes would do exactly what she did do-disappear. Randa Hayes never talked to the press, other than the prepared resignation letter. In a media frenzy like this, where the media’s real target is the sitting Governor, every reporter would have been offering to put her on T.V. to “Tell her side of the story.” Regular people, when attacked like this in the media, want to talk to try and clear their name. Politicos fade back into the shadows to keep the media from having anything new to run. In the insider’s vernacular, Randa Hayes “Fell on her sword” for the boos just like a good soldier is supposed to do.
What the Governor could not have predicted was that the St. Charles County Republican Committee leaders would decide to attack their own sitting Republican Governor. In politics, you expect the other party to launch an attack when they have a chance. But Republican Central Committee Chairman Tom Kuypers and Vice-chairman Brandi Pedersen each called the media to pound on the Governor’s selection of Randa Hayes.
Tom Kuypers, who is better known locally for losing to Rory Riddler, literally called the Post-Dispatch to say “I told you so” to Governor Matt Blunt. This kept the whole thing in the media for another couple days and Jo Manies at the Post had a field day talking about how the Republican party in St. Charles was imploding. And a week after the story had died, Brandi Pederson went to a St. Peters Board meeting to attack Randa Hayes, thus putting the whole story about the Governor back in the St. Charles papers.
Short of actually calling Jay Nixon and volunteering for his expected campaign against Matt Blunt in 2008, it is hard to imagine what more these two “Republicans” can do against their own Governor. The Democrats recently won a surprise St. Charles victory with County councilman Joe McCullough winning a seat in a Republican district. With party leaders like this, the Democrats are likely to make further inroads in the Republican stronghold of St. Charles County in 2006.
As for Randa Hayes, everyone needs to remember that good political operatives are a little like vampires. First, they should both avoid the light of day. So Randa Hayes should return to the shadows. Second, they are both hard to kill. Just like David Barkledge, Garrett Lott, or other Republican operatives before her who became p art of a scandal, come 2006 Randa Hayes will be running the shadowy side of some Republicans campaign as a “consultant.”
In St. Charles, Randa Hayes is publicly known as the wife of St. Peters Alderman David Hayes. But in Missouri state Republican politics, Randa Hayes was acknowledged as a top notch political operative with strong grass-roots organizational skills, an accomplished fund-raising touch, and keen killer instincts.
And from all reports, she was someone many feared to cross, as she had a vindictive side. She worked on an assortment of campaigns in a variety of capacities. But in the end, her contribution to the party was that she was an insider who could be counted on to accomplish almost any task needed, including many tasks that the candidates would not like to acknowledge needed to be done. Sort of a Dark Knight of the Political Right.
Now before the Democrats get all high and mighty, it should be noted that they have such operatives on their side as well. In fact, Roy Temple, the democrats top-operative at the moment, was the one who organized the media attack on Randa Hayes.
The whole thing is a little like the old cold-war where both sides had spies doing their dirty work. The spooks believed in their side’s cause, but the methods each side’s operatives employed were essentially the same. And neither side’s leaders liked to admit they used such clandestine operatives. Politicos, like spies, work in the shadows. If they end up in the media, they did something wrong.
As the Columbia Tribune noted in a recent column, Randa Hayes appointment to the position as Missouri’s Director of Business and Trade, however, made perfect sense to insiders because that post is also in charge of the Hawthorn Foundation, which is a private foundation that raises money to fund the Governor’s trips outside the state. Again, both the Democrats and Republicans have been using the Hawthorn Foundation for this purpose for decades, so there is nothing unusual in it, but neither side likes to talk about it. Putting a political operative with significant fund-raising skills in charge of the office made sense.
The Columbia Tribune column also expressed what political insiders on both sides suspect: Randa Hayes would have told the Governor's office about her prior misdemeanor conviction, but the Governor’s office decided to appoint her anyway because skilled operatives are rare. And if a scandal broke, he could count on an experienced operative like Randa Hayes to take the fall.
Now the Governor’s office says they didn’t know and that they just missed the information in the background check. Frankly, I am not sure that crying incompetence was the way to go in this scandal. I think the Governor might have done better to say that they knew the facts, considered them, and decided that a ten year old misdemeanor conviction from college did not justify removal from office for someone who spent the next decade doing a great job. But Governor Blunt has not had an easy time dealing with the media and likely thought he could cut and run and the media frenzy would only last a day or two.
For that to happen, they had to know that Randa Hayes would do exactly what she did do-disappear. Randa Hayes never talked to the press, other than the prepared resignation letter. In a media frenzy like this, where the media’s real target is the sitting Governor, every reporter would have been offering to put her on T.V. to “Tell her side of the story.” Regular people, when attacked like this in the media, want to talk to try and clear their name. Politicos fade back into the shadows to keep the media from having anything new to run. In the insider’s vernacular, Randa Hayes “Fell on her sword” for the boos just like a good soldier is supposed to do.
What the Governor could not have predicted was that the St. Charles County Republican Committee leaders would decide to attack their own sitting Republican Governor. In politics, you expect the other party to launch an attack when they have a chance. But Republican Central Committee Chairman Tom Kuypers and Vice-chairman Brandi Pedersen each called the media to pound on the Governor’s selection of Randa Hayes.
Tom Kuypers, who is better known locally for losing to Rory Riddler, literally called the Post-Dispatch to say “I told you so” to Governor Matt Blunt. This kept the whole thing in the media for another couple days and Jo Manies at the Post had a field day talking about how the Republican party in St. Charles was imploding. And a week after the story had died, Brandi Pederson went to a St. Peters Board meeting to attack Randa Hayes, thus putting the whole story about the Governor back in the St. Charles papers.
Short of actually calling Jay Nixon and volunteering for his expected campaign against Matt Blunt in 2008, it is hard to imagine what more these two “Republicans” can do against their own Governor. The Democrats recently won a surprise St. Charles victory with County councilman Joe McCullough winning a seat in a Republican district. With party leaders like this, the Democrats are likely to make further inroads in the Republican stronghold of St. Charles County in 2006.
As for Randa Hayes, everyone needs to remember that good political operatives are a little like vampires. First, they should both avoid the light of day. So Randa Hayes should return to the shadows. Second, they are both hard to kill. Just like David Barkledge, Garrett Lott, or other Republican operatives before her who became p art of a scandal, come 2006 Randa Hayes will be running the shadowy side of some Republicans campaign as a “consultant.”
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