Arch City Chronicle News

Slay Calls For Mokwa's Resignation

Matthew — 2008-07-25T09:22:02-04:00

On his website, MayorSlay.com, Mayor Francis Slay cites the investigation into the potential misuse of impounded cars as his reason for asking the Chief of Police to step down.

"The department�s task of public safety is a vital one for our neighborhoods. St. Louis needs a fully focused department � and police chief � now."

The growing investigation into shady deals involving impounded vehicles, the Saint Louis Police Department and the tow company which handles towing for the city has drawn in the Chief Joe Mokwa by way of his daughter.�

She and her former husband, a police officer, were some of those accused of "borrowing" cars from the impound and getting below-market deals on purchases.

I have been wondering since the first mention that Mokwa

AG Records: Brown was Deputy Chief Counsel

Dave — 2008-07-24T12:32:28-04:00

I sunshined the AG's Office, and they delivered this document which shows Steve Brown's promotion to Deputy Chief Counsel according to a memo from Jay Nixon.

A spokesperson for Stacey Newman's campaign called and reasserted arguments from comments section of the last post (JR's) that the words "Eastern Region" on Brown's business card undermines his claim to have been a Deputy Chief Counsel. That's a retreat from their mailed lit piece which said Brown gave himself the title. However, the promotion memo again supports Brown's resume as it simply states Deputy Chief Counsel.

Newman's campaign, by the way, says that their erroneous information came by calling the local district office, where they spoke to an unidentified woman, "whoever answered the phone."

Barklage May Be Looking for a Driver

Dave — 2008-07-24T11:27:05-04:00

KC's Prime Buzz says Republican consultant is in court fighting for his licence.

The St. Louis American Endorses �

Dave — 2008-07-24T10:39:34-04:00

Here are the American's endorsements.

Jamilah Nasheed in 60th District.

Tishaura Jones in 63rd District.

Don Calloway in 71st District.

Maria Chappelle-Nadal in 72nd District.

Rodney Hubbard in 5th Senatorial District.

Campaigns Go Negative, Lie to Voters

Dave — 2008-07-23T16:45:17-04:00

In 64th District, Mike Roberts Jr. has mailed this piece accusing Rep. Rachel Storch of voting against healthcare.

In truth, she voted against the Republican budgets which cut healthcare funding.

And in the 73rd District, Stacey Newman claims that Steve Brown made up his title of

Deputy Chief Counsel.

Which, again, is not true.

VJVL Community Empowerment Festival

Dave — 2008-07-23T10:35:07-04:00

FREE Citywide 8^th Annual

Community Empowerment Festival

Sponsored by Vashon/JeffVanderLou Initiative

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008 11:00 AM � 4 PM

Location: Chambers Park (between Franklin and Compton) 19^th Ward

Attendance: 2,000-2,500 people*

Purpose: To create an environment that is entertaining and fun, yet offers essential information and screening on health, financial, and job opportunities/resources to benefit the community, particularly targeting senior citizens and children.

To create job opportunity matches with entry level and qualified hard to reach candidates

Chair: Marlene Davis, Alderman, Ward 19; Michael McMillan, Chrm Bd of Directors, VJVL Initiative

Event Attractions & Highlights: (partial list)

SPECIAL UNVEILING

Live Entertainment Job Recruitment

Go Carts Free Food and Beverage

Ferris Wheel Attendance Prizes

Free Gifts Basketball Demonstration

Free Candy Land Free Swimming

Boxing & Martial Arts Exhibition Corvette Show

St. Louis Science Center YES Voter Registration

Missouri History Society Exhibit Health Screenings

Logan Indy Race Car Exhibition Corvette Club Display

Go Carts Science Center: YES

Over sized Inflatable Fun 4 Kids Petting Zoo

Historic Aircraft Display SLPS Historic Teens Portrayals

Free Ice Cream Parlors St. Louis Police & Fire Departments

Recycling & Demonstrations

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (314) 371-8585; WWW.JVLINITIATIVE.COM

Republicans Split On Ethanol

Matthew — 2008-07-22T01:24:11-04:00

The two challengers in the Republican Gubernatorial primary are drawing a line in the corn field.

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman wants to repeal the ethanol mandate enacted in January of this year. Her opponent, Rep. Kenny Hulshof, wants to retain the mandate. Hulshof raises corn, the primary source of 95% of U.S. ethanol, for several generations.

The mandate requires that all gasoline in Missouri be made of a 10% ethanol blend when its price is equal to or less than gasoline.

"[Hulshof] contends it helps hold down the price of gas and reduces the nation's dependency on foreign oil.
�

Steelman contends the mandated use of the corn-based fuel is driving up the cost of human food, livestock feed and even of gasoline itself."

That the role of renewable fuels is becoming a major issue in a Republican primary alone says how far the energy debate has come. Certainly there is a self-interested political aspect to this; farmers vote and no one supports "foreign oil" dependancy.�

Yet even if ethanol rides in on a political float, it represents the growing seriousness with which people are taking alternative energy sources.

While studies�(pdf) have shown that ethanol production now represents a net energy gain, Steelman's point illustrates the poor choice of corn as its principle source.

Cellulosic ethanol, President G. W. Bush's "switchgrass", is the real ethanol machine, generating over 340% of the energy invested in producing it. Contrast that with corn's 30-70%. The technology, however, is immature and will need more investment if it is to reach production levels.

Despite the seemingly strange decision to divert a food source to generating a gasoline substitute, most corn in this country is controlled and grown by large conglomerates. They are also�unsurprisingly�major lobbyists.�

It's not necessarily fair to imply nefarious dealings and money, of course. A natural political windfall�think "family farms" not Con Agra�and a massive pre-existing infrastructure make corn the first, if not the best, choice.

Barring some major revolution in personal transportation or Manhattan Project-style effort to change the country, the internal combustion engine is going to be with us for some time; eating up oil and pumping out pollution as it goes. In that case, any effort that both reduces oil dependency and pollution is welcome.�

Nixon and Republicans Take Different Tacks On Health Care

Matthew — 2008-07-21T16:48:06-04:00

A story by AP writer David Lieb notes that health care issues have exited stage left in the Republican race for the gubernatorial nomination, while Nixon continues to make health care, particular restoring the Medicaid cuts, a centerpiece of his campaign.

While Nixon's focus does appear to eclipse his Republican colleagues interest, the GOP hasn't entirely abandoned the field, but you'll have to wait till after the August primary to find out where they stand.

Both candidates for the Republican nomination, State Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Rep. Kenny Hulshoff, assure the public they will explain their plans for dealing with health care�after one of them wins the nomination.

The story points out that the candidates' choice to downplay or highlight health care is politically pragmatic. Among likely Republican voters, health care concerns poll lower than standard issues like taxes and spending; while among likely Democratic voters, it is the dominant issue (Research 2000 poll, July 14).

Yet the same poll shows that among all voters, health care tops the list of important topics with 15%. Education funding and the economy follow closely with 14% each.

While the Republicans' decision to downplay health care may help them save energy to put into red-meat Republican issues, their decision leaves the field open for Nixon to stake out a leading position. It may even give him the edge he needs.�

The issue is dominant among Democrats, and top among all voters. Closely following health care are issues like the economy and education which voters are increasingly turning to Democrats to solve.�

Add in a general trend away from the Republican party and Nixon's own favorable poll numbers and it could mean that the Governor's Mansion is Nixon's to lose.

Page Launches New Website

Dave — 2008-07-21T14:14:37-04:00

http://www.sampage.com/

Wright-Jones Get Planned Parenthood Endorsement

Dave — 2008-07-18T11:07:30-04:00

Here's the press release:

On Wednesday night the political arm of Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Advocates, joined NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC in voting to endorse Rep. Robin Wright-Jones.

�Now that Planned Parenthood Advocates have joined NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC with their endorsement, both major reproductive rights organizations have endorsed my candidacy for the 5^th Senatorial district. This sends a strong message to 5^th district voters that I am the candidate that will be there for choice,� said Rep. Wright-Jones

This endorsement is just the most recent in an overwhelming list of progressive organizations and individuals to endorse Rep. Wright-Jones for the 5^th State Senate Seat.

Others include:

Missouri AFL-CIO, Missouri NEA, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Sen. Maida Coleman, AFT Local 420, PROMO, Missouri State Teachers Association, ACORN PAC, The United Auto Workers CAP, NARAL, SEIU Missouri/Kansas State Council, The Hon. Ronnie White, ERA PAC, St. Louis City Labor Club, The Missouri Women�s Political Caucus, Rep. Jeanette Mott-Oxford, UFCW Local 88, CWA City Legislative Club, Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition, and many more.

Smith's Basketball Tournament This Weekend

Dave — 2008-07-17T13:35:11-04:00

Senator Jeff Smith to Hold 3rd Annual

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

ST. LOUIS � On Saturday, July 19, 2008, Senator Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis) will host and play in his third annual 3-on-3

Basketball Tournament in Fairground Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be comprised of

four age divisions- 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, and 17 and up. Entry is free and all participants will receive free T-shirts

and school supplies, with winners receiving prizes ranging from new bicycles from Big Shark Bicycle Company to

Six Flags tickets.

Accompanying the tournament will be a community fair featuring a local DJ, free food, free giveaways, and local non-profit

organizations offering services including a blood drive, vision, cholesterol, and STD screenings, childcare information,

and voter registration.

�The tournament has always been a success,� said Senator Jeff Smith. �Each year, we bring more programs and

organizations to the community so that everyone who participates can take advantage of the many services offered

throughout the area � and have a lot of fun too.�

WHAT: Jeff Smith's 3rd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

WHEN: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10 AM-4 PM

WHERE: Fairground Park basketball courts (Southern end of park)

Fair and Natural Bridge

St. Louis, MO 63107

WHO: Senator Jeff Smith and other elected officials

Organizations including: the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment, American Red Cross, NAACP, City Health

Department, City Fire Department, Reach Out to Read, Childcare Resource and Referral Program, Missouri Optometric

Association, and many more.

Hubbard gets Wahby

Dave — 2008-07-17T12:30:36-04:00

Here's the press release:

(St. Louis) � Today, Brian Wahby announced his endorsement of Rodney Hubbard�s campaign for state senate. Wahby, the chair of the Saint Louis City Democratic Party praised Hubbard, calling him, �an accomplished legislator committed to improving the lives of people in Saint Louis and throughout Missouri.�

�Hubbard is the only candidate that has real record of legislative accomplishments,� said Wahby. �His commitment to the Democratic Party and its principle of putting the interests of people over special interests is exceptional. Democrats have a clear choice � Rodney Hubbard is the progressive candidate for Senator with the experience, vision and courage to effectively represent us in the Missouri Senate.�

82nd District

Dave — 2008-07-17T11:42:14-04:00

82nd District - This is the seat that Rep. Sam Page is vacating to run for Lt. Gov. It's expected to be competitive in November.

Republicans have a primary: Terry Frank (here is his website) and Frank Plescia (here is his). Terry Frank only raised $2,350 this quarter bringing his total on-hand to $4,868. Plescia reported a strong quarter raising $33,975. He now has $26,474 on-hand.

Democrats have only one candidate, Jill Schupp (here is her website). Schupp had another solid quarter, raising $21,546, spending quite a bit ($24,158) and finishing with $28,125 on-hand.

Nixon's First TV Ad

Dave — 2008-07-16T09:50:30-04:00

Wachovia Watch

Matthew — 2008-07-15T22:48:52-04:00

The acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by InBev this week brought to mind the buyout of another major company that St. Louis embraced as its own, A.G. Edwards.

The $7 billion purchase by Wachovia Corp. occurred just over a year ago.

Wachovia has again made news with notice that its financial future may be grinding against the shoals.

Although it bounced back in the afternoon, Wachovia's stock hit a 17-year low on word that an Oppenheimer & Co analyst downgraded the company's rating.

Wachovia is one of the latest institutions to take it on the chin as the rah-rah heady days of the credit bubble collapses around the investors and lenders who once fattened themselves on what seemed to be an endless line of credit.�

Several institutions have failed in the wake of the collapse, most recently, the bank Indymac Bank was seized by the government last Friday after it announced it couldn't pay off what it owed its depositors.�

The administration also announced it would back up the teetering mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which hold trillions of dollars in mortgages between them.�

Despite assurances from the administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Company, the image of thousands of customers lined up to withdraw their money from the failed bank should hopefully break through the veil that seems to exist between the reality of the financial Frankenstein created over the last decade and the rosy future perpetuated by the business world and its friends in politics.

The U.S. economy has been incredibly resilient and it has survived quite a beating, that said analysts are predicting that the troubles won't wrap up any time soon.

As home prices continue to decline and loan defaults mount, federal regulators are bracing for dozens of American banks to fail over the next year.

Slay Has Huge Quarter - Again

Dave — 2008-07-15T15:49:10-04:00

Still without an opponent in next year's primary, Mayor Slay raised $310,924 last quarter. He now has $857,933 cash on-hand.

Some More Quarters

Dave — 2008-07-15T11:22:09-04:00

In 13-SD (St. Charles), Sen. Tim Green, freed from a primary challenge, has stopped raising serious money. He only raised $4,125. And he�s started spending it. He made $21,550 in contributions. Most of that ($15k) went to the 13^th Senatorial Legislative Committee.

In 82-RD (St. Louis County, Sam Page for LG), Frank Plescia (R) raised $33,975. No legislative committees, and really only a smattering of lobbyists and government relations people. It looks like a fair amount of family, and friends. It�s hard to put $34k together that way, but Plescia did. His biggest expense was to the Keller Group ($6k). He now has $26,474 on-hand. The Democratic candidate, Jill Schupp, had another solid quarter, raising $21,546, spending quite a bit ($24,158) and finishing with $28,125 on-hand.

In 91-RD (St. Louis County, Fares termed), Randy Jotte (R) raised $7,220 and has $27,166 on-hand. On the Dem side, Jeanne Kirkton (D) raised $22,481, only spent $1,642 and has $51,474 on-hand. Kirkton is clearly one hard-working candidate who�s not taking anything for granted.

In 100-RD (St. Louis County), Nick Haul (R) is the Republican challenging incumbent Rep. Sue Schoemehl. Haul raised $820 and now has $561 on-hand. Schoemehl is safe.

106-RD (Perryville), Rep. Steven Tilley (R) raised $55,705. It looks as if he received $325 from all 100 Rex Sinquefield PACs though I didn�t count them up so he may have missed one or two. Tilley now has $42,572 on-hand.

Parker Heads to Court

Dave — 2008-07-15T07:40:41-04:00

Former state representative Sherman Parker has a date in court today. His estranged wife has sought an order of protection against him. Parker is the head of the Missouri Republican Party's Missouri Spectrum, an outreach effort to African American voters.

Zweifel Hits Homer

Dave — 2008-07-14T21:08:13-04:00

Heck of a fundraising quarter. Here's the press release:

ST. LOUIS - State Rep. Clint Zweifel, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, filed his fundraising report for the 2nd quarter of 2008. Rep. Zweifel raised $233,444.82 between April 1 and June 30, bringing his total for the primary campaign to $393,836.79.

"Democrats are responding to our message of fiscal competence and using the state treasurer's office to voice our values on the issues of the day," Zweifel said. "In just four months we have raised upwards of $400,000 from 609 contributors."

During the second quarter, 42 percent of Zweifel's contributions came from individuals giving under $100.

"I stood up to Governor Blunt when he kicked 200,000 Missourians off of Medicaid and raided our student loan agency," Zweifel said. "As your state treasurer, I will stand up for our values: economic opportunity, high-quality education, retirement security and health care access."

About Clint Zweifel
Clint Zweifel was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002. He is a leader in the House on state finances where he serves as the ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee and the Special Committee on Tax Reform. Clint led Democratic policy strategy and developed real solutions to help Missouri families. He also chaired the Missouri House Democratic Campaign Committee in 2006, when Democrats made the largest net gain in seats since 1978. Clint was named the 2008 Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition.

Endorsements
Clint's endorsements include Congressman Lacy Clay, former Governor Roger Wilson, former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell, State Senators Joan Bray, Rita Days, Jeff Smith, and Victor Callahan, State Representatives John Burnett, Jason Grill, Jason Holsman, Paul LeVota, Jonas Hughes, Beth Low, Jenee Lowe, Kate Meiners, Luke Scavuzzo, Trent Skaggs, Mike Talboy, Martin Rucker, Ed Wildberger, Maria Chapelle-Nadal, Mike Corcoran, Bruce Darrough, Mike Daus, Tony George, Joe Fallert, Mike Frame, Esther Haywood, Ted Hoskins, Rodney Hubbard, Sam Komo, Michele Kratky, Al Liese, Tim Meadows, Jamilah Nasheed, Jeff Roorda, Sue Schoemehl, Mike Spreng, Rachel Storch, Tom Villa, Gina Walsh, Pat Yaeger and Jake Zimmerman. Clint has also been endorsed by numerous organizations, wards and townships including Change to Win, the Missouri AFL-CIO, Missouri FOP, Missouri NEA, ADVOCATES PAC, PROMO PAC, La Raza Kansas City Political Club, and Jackson County's Committee for County Progress.

Vines Bros in Today's NYTimes

Dave — 2008-07-13T10:03:49-04:00

The St. Louis-themed shirts that Jeff Vines and his identical twin, Randy, make are not for tourists. They sport neighborhood references and inside jokes unintelligible to those not from here. Some easily offend, displaying profanity and raunchy innuendo. But to the Vines brothers, their edginess is part of their mission for St. Louis � a place many of their friends from high school fled � to rehabilitate its image from the inside out and, ultimately, to make future generations want to stay.