Fire on 1124 Bayard!

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Labor Day, 2008 around 1pm there was a fire on 1124 Bayard, just north of Fountain Park in Saint Louis. It was an abandoned home. The firefighter's busted their ass on this day off!!

Questionnaires asnwered for the 67th

So as you might have noticed in a post down below- We have a race here for Missouri State House Rep. South Central STL City. I sent out a questionnaire to the candidates. The primary election is next Tuesday, August 5th. There are no Republicans running for this seat.

I got responses from three candidates. Chad Beffa, Mike Colona and Joan Landmann. The other active candidate Rob Stelzer called and when it gets here, I will add it on. *Check Below Stelzer has been ADDED*

I will go in reverse alphabetical by last name, because alphabetical never benefited me. And there is no time to wait, so here it is:

Rob Stelzer

What are your thoughts on undocumented immigrants? Illegal Aliens? Is there a difference in the definition between the two?
Most of us have ancestors who came from abroad. Immigration is a defining characteristic of our Nation. We need to recognize this and be willing to have compassion for those who have sacrificed and taken risks to get here to make a better life for their families. Another defining characteristic of our Nation is the 'rule of law'. We need to have an immigration policy; we have federal laws and regulations in place (not always necessarily just); these laws need to be heeded; if we don't like the laws then we need to change via our democratic process. So, there is a balancing that goes on here. Balancing and discretion goes on everyday in government, court rooms etc. I think that terminology should be used, which is respectful and least offensive. There are no easy answers here; much of the work done (not all) by such 'undocumented immigrants' is undesirable to others. The market demand will always be there no matter what. The dream for people to come to a land with opportunity will always exist as well. We need to show our true colors and fairly and justly deal with these people.

Should Saint Louis City Police Department/State Police assist the Federal Agencies on "roundups" of undocumented workers? Would you support legislation that would bar city or state law enforcement from assisting Federal agencies in "roundups"?
Our City and State police do not need to be involved in roundups; as a practical matter, there are just not that many undocumented workers here in Missouri. Moreover, legally speaking, since it is a federal power, and since we do have federal law enforcement in this area, our City and State tax dollars and resources should be spent more wisely, e.g. in fighting real crime here in our City, educating our children, providing affordable healthcare, funding parks, protecting our environment, building infrastructure.

What do you believe are the best assets in the 67th?
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways": Tower Grove Park, Bevo Mill, South Grand shops and restaurants, Morganford strip, Utah Place ... We truly have the most diverse, in tact urban neighborhood(s) in the entire City. The architecture, greenery and street life make the 67th truly unique. I grew up right here in our District and this is the most exciting urban environment I have witnessed in a long time. I am excited about this upswing/revival. And I am committed to it: I not only live right here on the West side of Tower Grove Park, but I also by have my new bar-restaurant (on the Morganford strip) and my law practice (Chippewa) right here in the 67th District as well.

Would you support legislation to make Missouri smoke free state wide?
If we are going to do it then let's do it State wide. Let's put it to all of us (i.e. a referendum)! There is a health risk involved in second hand smoke. When it comes to public buildings and basic private services such as doctors offices etc., it is much easier to see we need a State-wide ban. When it comes to bars and restaurants, the question of freedom and choice comes more into play; people can always choose to support those establishments which are smoke-free, and there are many of them now. On the other hand, there is the issue of the health of the employees. There is a significant move in the last decade across the country and the world to go smoke-free and the results and feed-back are positive. There is always the opportunity for people to smoke outside, in any event. My bar on Morganford is smoke free.

Why have we failed in the past to retain young people in Saint Louis/ Missouri? What can we do to change this?
We need to improve the quality of education in the City as well as the image we have. One element of this improvement will be reinstituting a stronger element of the 'neighborhood' school. This will allow children and parents to become more actively involved in the neighborhood and Community. The result of this will be unbelievable for the ensuing stabilization and vivaciousness. Young people are attracted to bustling urban areas with good and proximate educational opportunities for their children (or soon-to-be children), with local shops, Laundromats, bars, day-care, recreational opportunities etc. on every street corner. This is more of a local leadership issue than perhaps a State-legislature issue; with that said, I plan on being a full time State Rep who is active in Jeff City and here at home in St. Louis. We can also make the City more attractive for employers, so that logistically more people can be enticed to remain in (or relocate to) the City. I just met a young professional couple yesterday evening in the Tower Grove South area as I was canvassing with my father; they told us they were moving out to the County because their jobs required them to drive to Chesterfield everyday. I was truly saddened to see this

What can be done to improve economic opportunity in Saint Louis/ Missouri? And for young people?
The City in theory should already be attractive to companies. It is relatively inexpensive to relocate here. Again, City economic development is more of a local issue than a State-wide issue, so I would my office as State Rep to get involved with local elected officials, most of whom I have been endorsed by, to make sure that we are doing every thing possible (including marketing) to attract businesses. On the State-wide level, long term, we can invest more in education (grade school, high school and college); we can set up programs at our State universities here in Missouri so that kids are earning degrees in areas relevant to the modern economy and job market; we cannot and should not force students to take certain degree-programs but we could offer incentives to those who take course work in such programs. As a state, we could also begin to implement laws and policies which are cohesive and which are moving us in one direction – e.g. we could label ourselves as the environmentally conscious state or the state which implemented a state wide program for health insurance etc.), and then market this. We also have unbelievable state parks; but how many young people from around the country know about this?!

How can we increase tax revenues in our city/state?
If we can increase the quality of urban life (see above, e.g. better education opportunities for children, lower crime, more small businesses) then we can attract companies and young people, which will increase the tax base in several ways, e.g. sales tax, more aggregate revenue from property tax and personal property tax, more corporate tax. Just giving away corporate tax abatements is wayward and short sighted. Companies relocate for many reasons, we don't need to give away our taxes in order to attract companies; generous tax percentages can entice and bring in funds at the same time.

What can we do to save money in our state budget?
The bottom line is that if our leaders always had the best interests of the society (i.e. Missouri as a whole) at heart, then most of the waste would not occur. There are literally dozens of ways to save money. We need to elect leaders who will not cater to special interests. This is not easy, as many elected officials are primarily interested in getting re-elected and in their future after politics. I am not one of these people and never will be. Money should be spent which helps the common good, period – the 'common good' being vaguely defined as that which is most beneficial to most Missourians from a long-term perspective. Furthermore, if we would all get more involved and become more informed, we could elect honest people; we don't have to blindly follow the rhetoric of big money politics.

What are your thoughts on biofuels? Corn being used as biofuel? Government subsides that drive corn as a biofuel?
Unfortunately, as is all too often the case, there is 'pork' and special interests involved in government policies and not the simple common good. First of all, over 2/3 of our oil comes from right here in North America. So, the scare tactics that our oil supply will be shut off completely by the middle-east is exaggerated. We should have been weaning ourselves off of oil long ago (see above 'special interests') anyway. Bio-fuels are a part of the solution; as is wind energy etc. Corn (or even soybeans), as a main staple of food around the world, most probably is not the ideal ingredient to use for biofuels, especially when one considers that there are other types of agricultural material (e.g. sugar cane) that are more efficient and are not as directly involved in nourishing Missouri, the USA or the world.


Do you support charter reform in the city of Saint Louis?
With all due respect, the question is a bit general in its nature. But I will take a stab at it: I think that local control of local services, government, money/taxes, education, police etc. is a good thing. On the other hand, again, we need to do what works best for us on the whole and not be ideologically driven which might make us change things just for the emotional sake of changing. The saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" goes a long way here.

Do you support the merging of the city and county? Would you support statewide legislation mandating the merger?
Merging the two has both advantages (e.g. efficiency, unity) and disadvantages (e.g. a lessening of our own identity here in the City and even less control of things than we have now). This question should not be determined at the State level. City-wide and County-wide referendums should be used. If both want it then we should do it, otherwise not. Personally, I think that (long term) such a merger would benefit both the County and the City; on the other hand, I am not willing to blame our pressing problems (as a City and a metro area) on the fact that we are separate counties.

Do you support any change in Missouri's transportation policies? If so, what change would you like to see?
I think the Metro-link has been an awesome and long-needed asset to our Community. Who would have thought 20 years ago as we were all growing up here in South City that one day we would have non-bus mass transit once in again in our City. We were famous for street cars; short sighted special interests ended this cultural and social jewel we had. I will push for more of these mass transit lines, especially one right here in South City. This is the sort of infrastructure that will entice companies, small business and new people into the City and help retain those we have.

As for a State-wide perspective, I would initiate legislation that addresses urban/sub-urban sprawl. The anti-societal, environmentally unfriendly and expensive (new roads, new schools, new corporate tax abatements) decisions made by a few selfish and greedy people should not be allowed to drag us down as a City, metro area or State.. Other cities, states and countries do a much better job of regulating urban sprawl. Those that want to keep moving further and further out should (first of all) not be allowed to do it at their own will and (secondly) if they do go ahead then they should be the ones paying for it – but of course if all 'externalities' were included in the costs to do this most of them would never build as it would be cost prohibitive. There is plenty of empty/available residential, industrial and office space in the urban and suburban core; there is no need for this mindless, thoughtless, clear-cutting (of forests) type of behavior.

What sort of business/personal recycling policies would you like to see the state become involved in?
We must make recycling easier for people and find a way (whether public ally funded or privately funded) for home-pick-up recycling to be free of charge. We could also have the State become active in encouraging more commercial use of recycled products so that at home our recycled bottles/paper/cans have a value and then can be picked up for free. One other thing: there is no reason why we could not implement a State wide (if not national) policy mandating that, for example, all plastic products and packaging must be recyclable. Most are at this point anyway. It is the wave of the future; there is no reason why Missouri cannot be a leader.

What are a few things a citizen of the 67th can do bridge the racial divide in this city?
The key word here in this question is "citizen"; what can all of us do, not just government or elected officials. This question can and should be answered by everyone reading this blog site and not just the four candidates. What I do is simply ignore the color of skin or ethnic origin. Am I perfect? No. Do stereotypes swirl around my head sometimes? Yes. As they do with most everyone. We get bombarded with this stuff by the media. I refuse to let it affect me. I meet each person I encounter as an individual, whether they be Asian, Bosnian, Albanian, African American, Italian, Croatian, Jamaican, German, Polish, Iranian etc. (just to name a few heritages I have encountered going door-to-door this summer). If we all did this, problem solved. The same goes for other types of prejudice. C'mon let's not only get with the times here in St. Louis, let's be innovaters.

What are your thoughts on the public funding of ballparks? Downtown parking garages? Stadiums? Hotels?
Economically speaking there is a not-so-simple calculation that can be made. Will the revenues brought in by such venture be more than the cost of publicly supporting it. Often we won't know this for years down the road no matter how good the intentions were of the initial calculation (which aren't always so 'good intentioned' by the way). There are other factors too: The cultural richness and sense of community which sports teams provide for St. Louis. Professional sports are out of hand though; when baseball and football players make millions of dollars every year, it is hard for me to justify such financial subsidization of the professional corporate sports culture. Somewhere somebody needs to take a stand. Hundred-dollar hockey tickets and $9 beers are out of whack and out of touch with the realities of the general population.

What is your thought on the use of TIFs? Would you support change? What change?
Once again, there is no easy answer there. Unfortunately we as a City must compete with other cities in Missouri and Illinois. Tax abatements and TIFs seem to be the current form of competition of choice. If we are going to give them then we need to make them moderate and we need to make sure we are not being taken advantage of by big corporations. We would probably be better off by enticing (with TIFs) small businesses that have a vested interest in the community rather than big corporations.

What are your thoughts on the Blairmount wholesale purchasing of properties?
Once again, a selfish short sighted self interest is allowed to take place under the guise of something that helps society. Revitalizing neighborhoods is of course a good thing. Saving our architecture, culture, and even our bricks is a very good thing. It is not too difficult to figure out and implement policies whereby this can be done in a way most beneficial to our Community. We need to elect honest, dedicated unselfish, community-based leaders to make sure our best interests our protected. This is why I am running for State Rep. and no other reason.

Joan Landmann

What are your thoughts on undocumented immigrants? Illegal Aliens? Is there a difference in the definition between the two?
Illegal Aliens is a nebulous term. We do need to have policies in place that identify who is in this country and for what purpose they are here. The current system for identifying people who are here from other countries is very complicated and status is defined in a variety of ways. The number of truly undocumented individuals in the state of Missouri is actually quite low. We need to recognize that many people from other countries are here legally, instead of automatically assuming that they are not.

Should Saint Louis City Police Department/State Police assist the Federal Agencies on "roundups" of undocumented workers? Would you support legislation that would bar city or state law enforcement from assisting Federal agencies in "roundups"?
I hesitate to make a blanket response on potential legislation. I have to idea what your version of this legislation would be, therefore don't feel I can respond appropriately.

What do you believe are the best assets in the 67th?
Our diversity and focus on social issues that benefit the greater population as a whole.

Would you support legislation to make Missouri smoke free state wide?
Absolutely. It has been proven that second hand smoke is a serious health issue, especially for employees in professions such as yours. People shouldn't be forced to deal with health problems because of someone else's choices.

Why have we failed in the past to retain young people in Saint Louis/ Missouri? What can we do to change this?
We need to give them the economic and cultural incentive to want to stay in St. Louis/Missouri.

What can be done to improve economic opportunity in Saint Louis/ Missouri? And for young people?
We can look at opportunities to invest in emerging technologies that are of interest to the younger population graduating from colleges now and over the next decade.

How can we increase tax revenues in our city/state?
Eliminating corporate giveaways would be a huge boost to tax revenues. And, we need to make sure everyone is paying their fair share.

What can we do to save money in our state budget?
We need to make sure we are spending money in the right places and for the right reasons. Just like any budget it is about setting priorities and spending within our means.

What are your thoughts on biofuels? Corn being used as biofuel? Government subsides that drive corn as a biofuel?
We do need to explore other sources of energy, however I think we can find sources other than our food supply. Using corn as a fuel source only drives up the price of food, which in the long run is no benefit.

Do you support charter reform in the city of Saint Louis?
I am always supportive of taking a look at the current state of how we operate as a city, and determining if there might be a better, more efficient way to operate. I am not in favor of wholesale reform for the sake of reform. Just as business practices evolve over time, so should practices of how our city operates.

Do you support the merging of the city and county? Would you support statewide legislation mandating the merger?
Yes, combining resources between city and county would be more efficient for government and for the citizens.

Do you support any change in Missouri's transportation policies? If so, what change would you like to see?
We need to focus on moving more people through mass transit systems, rather than individually on our roadways. We also need to make accommodations for commuters using other forms of transportation, such as bicycles and scooters, on our roadways.

What sort of business/personal recycling policies would you like to see the state become involved in?
We need to simplify the recycling process so that individuals and businesses can participate in a program that benefits everyone. Our current system in the city is ineffective and many residents have expressed their displeasure in the difficulty of participating in the program. The more difficult it is to recycle, the less people will recycle.

What are a few things a citizen of the 67th can do bridge the racial divide in this city?
Tolerance and understanding of those who may have different beliefs, backgrounds and life experiences.

What are your thoughts on the public funding of ballparks? Downtown parking garages? Stadiums? Hotels?
While these types of businesses do bring jobs and money into the economy of St. Louis, we need to make sure that the public funding isn't being given away without some incentive in the end for providing the funding. Something that costs without payback is of no benefit to the citizens of this city.

What is your thought on the use of TIFs? Would you support change? What change?
Not unlike Eminent Domain, TIFs have an appropriate place in our development, but should be used judiciously and on a very limited basis.

What are your thoughts on the Blairmount wholesale purchasing of properties?
Legislation created for the benefit of one person is bad legislation.

Mike Colona

What are your thoughts on undocumented immigrants? Illegal Aliens? Is there a difference in the definition between the two?
I believe this is a red herring that is made a bigger problem by continued state intervention. Immigrants have improved our neighborhoods and added to our tax base. By RECOGNIZING immigrants who are not actually "citizens" = we bring them out of the underground economy and allow them to be contributing to social security, medicare etc.

Should Saint Louis City Police Department/State Police assist the Federal Agencies on "roundups" of undocumented workers? Would you support legislation that would bar city or state law enforcement from assisting Federal agencies in "roundups"?
I do not think our police or highway patrol should be burdened with "round ups" of undocumented workers. This takes valuable time and resources away from out state and local law enforcement agencies. I'd rather have them chasing violent criminals than rounding up undocumented workers.

What do you believe are the best assets in the 67th?
Best assets of the 67th = diversity diversity diversity - in population, housing, business - Tower Grove Park (and I'd like to include the Botanical Garden!)

Would you support legislation to make Missouri smoke free state wide?
After the process of committee hearings, investigation, testimony etc - I believe I could support a form of smoke free legislation

Why have we failed in the past to retain young people in Saint Louis/Missouri? What can we do to change this?
We can keep young people in the city by engaging them in their neighborhoods & institutions (schools & government). Opening our arms/extending our tent to allow everyone the opportunity to take a personal stake in our city - We need to shore up the schools and continue to attract quality jobs to the city

What can be done to improve economic opportunity in Saint Louis/Missouri? And for young people?
Improving economic opportunity = keeping the incentives we now have to attract business; making our city government easier to work with from a small business perspective; and having our elected leaders aggressively seek out developers, businesses etc to come into our neighborhoods and improve our standard of living & create quality jobs that pay over minimum wage and offer benefits

How can we increase tax revenues in our city/state?
We can increase tax revenue by growing our economy - I'd also like to review our tax system to see if all segments of society are paying their fair share of taxes

What can we do to save money in our state budget?
Save money in budget - it's kind of hard to answer this one - I could speculate on where I think there is waste - but it would only be speculation

What are your thoughts on biofuels? Corn being used as biofuel? Government subsides that drive corn as a biofuel?
well, we have seen every day food staples SKYROCKET in price because of these bio fuels mandates - driven by a hope of releasing us from foreign oil dependency - I think the reality is we need to focus on alternative renewable energy sources and step back from our "corn bio fuels" mandates.... it only seems to be hurting people, not helping

Do you support charter reform in the city of Saint Louis?
I'd support some form of charter reform to eliminate duplication of services and save taxpayers money

Do you support the merging of the city and county? Would you support statewide legislation mandating the merger?
I am not sure I'd support a statewide mandate merging the city and county - this is a local issue that should be decided by the residents of the two jurisdictions

Do you support any change in Missouri's transportation policies? If so, what change would you like to see?
Transportation reform - our policies need to be REGIONAL - a greater focus on Metro - specifically a new Metro link station at Tower Grove Park

What sort of business/personal recycling policies would you like to see the state become involved in?
I'd like to see a bottle and can deposit law on the books

What are a few things a citizen of the 67th can do bridge the racial divide in this city? Bridging the racial divide = breaking down stereotypes - just like my campaign is doing - courting support from the north side with Rep. Jameelah Nasheed and from the south side with rep. Mike Vogt. Sen. Smith has done this with his basket ball tourney - bringing everyone together to work on a common goal

What are your thoughts on the public funding of ballparks? Downtown parking garages? Stadiums? Hotels?
We need to be very careful on public funding of what I'd consider "private" ventures - evaluate the increased revenue/taxes the project would generate for the city with the finance breaks they receive from the city. Public financing has been out of control - other options should be evaluated (for example - the parking garages the city builds are financed by bond sales) I don't want to engage in corporate welfare to the disadvantage of everyday citizens.

What is your thought on the use of TIFs? Would you support change? What change? TIF'S CAN be good if used properly. Unfortunately, we have too many examples of failed TIF's (St Louis Marketplace at McCcausland & Manchester) The goal is not to drive families out of their homes to increase business revenues but give business an incentive to bring QUALITY jobs to our city - jobs that pay over minimum wage and provide benefits - TIF's need to be researched before granted to see if whatever is being proposed is actually viable.

What are your thoughts on the Blairmount wholesale purchasing of properties?
I take it you mean the Land Assemblage Tax Credit Program? The idea is a good one - revitalizing a neighborhood - but I disagree with the way it has been implemented. It has not been a good deal for the City or the people who live in that area.

Chad Beffa

What are your thoughts on undocumented immigrants? Illegal Aliens?
Is there a difference in the definition between the two?
Sure there is a difference. One term is used to draw fear and hate into the minds of the people, and the other is used to describe the situation. I view the undocumented worker as the real situation.

People want to blame the companies for using "illegal immigrants" as cheap labor. In my mind, the only reason they are "cheap" is because they are undocumented and don't have a "right" to be here.

As soon as there is a legitimate process that allows for migrant working conditions, the wages will increase. The migrant will be willing to participate in the process because they will realize a better financial future for their families. It is after this legitimate process of documenting migrant workers and providing them a path to citizenship, we will be able to separate the worker from the "criminal" who is truly here illegally. Please note, this must be an open border process or it will not work as there will still be a need for undocumented workers since the labor would be cheaper.

Should Saint Louis City Police Department/State Police assist the
Federal Agencies on "roundups" of undocumented workers? Would you
support legislation that would bar city or state law enforcement from
assisting Federal agencies in "roundups"?
The St. Louis City Police Department does not have enough resources to do its own job correctly. They should absolutely not be helping to round up the migrant worker. If a crime is committed and that person is a documented or undocumented person, I do think steps for deportation should be considered.

I think "roundups" are a waste of money and resources. I would support legislation that would bar this activity. Please realize this is a federal issue, and I think imposing federal mandates on the states that are not in the interest of national security should be avoided at all costs.

What do you believe are the best assets in the 67th?
The best assets we have in the 67th District are; the extremely diverse population, Tower Grove Park, Kingshighway, Grand Avenue, and the location to major highways. When I was a child, there was a Famous and Barr at the corner of Chippewa and Kingshighway, corner stores at every other corner, retail along Chippewa, and very few shuttered businesses. I want to take advantage of our location, stop offering big box development the tax abatement and tax financing, attract residents to the district, and take advantage of our location to the highways.

Would you support legislation to make Missouri smoke free state wide?
I know you are a smoke free restaurant, and my children have terrible allergies that are worse when around cigarette smoke. I support Smoke Free St. Louis because I personally wish no public smoking would be allowed in St. Louis and believe in rewarding the businesses that have made a conscious decision to be healthier and more family friendly.

That said, I would support legislation that puts the question on the ballot and allow the people to choose. I am a firm believer in the democratic process and believe it needs to be a state wide ballot initiative. Again, if it is selectively done, it will only seek to hinder the business of a few.

Why have we failed in the past to retain young people in Saint Louis/
Missouri? What can we do to change this?
When you say past, I am assuming you are including white flight or urban sprawl into the mix. I believe we have failed because St. Louis has failed to invest in the infrastructure that young families seek. I think this is an urban trend to concentrate on downtown building and big box development that has worked to help perpetuate the problem.

We can change this by investing in the things young people and families are looking for. Better parks maintained regularly with services people want are one quick example. I think much of the success in the 67th district is owed directly to Tower Grove Park and The Garden. Updated and clean neighborhood schools with after school sports and family activities would be another example. Contrast the North part of the 67th with the South and you will see where the successful populations are gathering- around parks, green space, and the elementary school that ranks top five in the state.

What can be done to improve economic opportunity in Saint Louis/
Missouri? And for young people?
Improving economic opportunity in St. Louis I am assuming is bringing more jobs to the area. The opportunities are actually there for businesses. Everything a business needs for relocating is available in St. Louis. We need to figure out why a company chooses to pay 50% more to rent in Clayton as compared to St. Louis. We have plenty of cheap land available, we have high unemployment so labor would be relatively cheap as well, and we have many existing buildings ready for rehab or to just move in.

I think St. Louis needs to invest properly to attract the businesses here. If there are not vibrant neighborhoods and a continued perception of high crime, and failing schools, businesses will not move here unless they are handed 200 million in tax incentives which helps to bankrupt the city in the short run with no guarantee they will not leave in 20 years when their tax abatement expires anyway. For businesses, I think lowering the real estate taxes after curbing the abatement would be a wise choice to keep them flourishing.

To increase economic opportunity for young people I would take advantage of one resource we have an abundance of- cheap property. I would be offering low interest loans to people who move into the city and properly rehab a home. This allows for the savings to be in loan fees and interest and not tax abatements that deprive the city of the money they need for services and schools. Imagine offering a 3% 30 year fixed interest loan to home buyers. Imagine a 2% rate for businesses to re invest and relocate. Powerful stuff! Building personal wealth is one way out of poverty, and home buying is a very good start. To increase jobs, you must increase the number of businesses which I outlined a couple of ideas for you previously.

How can we increase tax revenues in our city/state?
First, STOP GIVING THEM AWAY. Half of the real property value in the entire city is now abated according to Comptroller Darlene Green. This is unacceptable. Stop buying stadiums and ballparks. Second, more residents and businesses mean more revenue. There is no way to increase tax revenue with our current population without raising taxes. I think I gave a few things already to bring business and residents to St. Louis.

For Missouri, we need to offer incentives that other states do not have. I would first offer a state negotiated rate for health insurance to any Missourian. This would ensure the largest possible pool and the lowest possible premium. The premiums could be paid through pre tax payroll deductions for even more savings. I think this would draw business to Missouri. Health insurance is the major fulcrum for many contracts that tips the balance in negotiating. Imagine taking that hassle away. Second, we could offer low interest loans to existing and relocating businesses that the private market can not compete with- drawing businesses to Missouri. Third, we can offer tax incentives to manufacturing and career industry that brings real jobs into the state. Notice I reserve the tax incentives to a last step and only to businesses that actually benefit Missourians.

What can we do to save money in our state budget?
The first part of the budget that could be looked at is the personal accounts of the legislators for mailing and printing services. This contact is really being used to prop the legislator up for re-election. We could save millions if we communicated via email for those who have it and stopped printing the blue book state manuals for constituents. We could eliminate the DESE slush fund for Kent King, putting millions back into the education budget. Again, stop chasing or tails after false promises of jobs and tax revenue.

What are your thoughts on biofuels? Corn being used as biofuel?
Government subsides that drive corn as a biofuel?
I support bio fuels, and I think this is one part of lessening our dependence on foreign oil- which drives our foreign policy. I do not support corn being used for bio fuels since there are other products which yield far more per bushel than corn. For instance, sugar cane yields ten times more per bushel of corn, and sea grass yields one hundred times more energy than corn per bushel. Corn ethanol is an inefficient process that was trumpeted to get US farmers on board and increase the grain prices.

Do you support charter reform in the city of Saint Louis?
Charter reform I am assuming is local control of city services and mayoral appointees. I do not support this type of reform because I believe the people deserve to elect their representatives.

Do you support the merging of the city and county? Would you support
statewide legislation mandating the merger?
I do not support merging the city and county for two simple reasons. First, our voice in the city would be lessened because of the larger numbers in the county. And two, we would lose what little identity we have.

The only legislation I would ever support is a ballot initiative where both the city and county vote for the merger, and if it failed on either side, no merger would take place- even though I would actively work against it. But, I am a supporter of the people's voice.

Do you support any change in Missouri's transportation policies? If
so, what change would you like to see?
Missouri has a transportation policy? Close a major outlet and inlet for construction before you have widened the other main artery and then close both of them. We need to overhaul MODOT.

We should be concentrating on metrolink and other rail lines. I would like to see public transportation not become a hybrid and truly become public and free to use. More tax dollars I know, but I think it would attract more residents and more tax dollars.

What sort of business/personal recycling policies would you like to
see the state become involved in?
I think this is a local issue as there are too many scenarios state wide to mandate recycling policies. I wish the state would give a tax credit for those who participate in recycling to offset their payments or develop more recycling facilities. I know for a fact the mandated recycling program in St. Louis County is being abused because there is no oversight. To implement something and then have no oversight only breeds corruption and inefficiency.

What are a few things a citizen of the 67th can do bridge the racial
divide in this city?
Vote Francis Slay out of office. Send their children to public schools. Stop being racist. A racial divide only exists when it is convenient for one side or the other to be there. As the only white student in many of my classes at Harris Stowe, I never felt a racial divide. Division is done for convenience.
Racial division sells papers. Racial division keeps the Archdiocese schools open. Racial division keeps the select few in power. Racial division exists in the mind. An individual must free their mind that there is any difference because of skin color and realize the true division exists economically. It is just a simple fact that the economic division in St. Louis, Missouri, and America exist much along racial lines. Equal rights for African Americans were not fully implemented until the 70's. 40 years is not long enough to economically equalize a race.


What are your thoughts on the public funding of ballparks? Downtown
parking garages? Stadiums? Hotels?
As previously mentioned, I am against tax breaks for these types of developments- especially ballparks and stadiums where $100 million dollar payrolls are paid.

What is your thought on the use of TIFs? Would you support change?
What change?
TIF money is loaning the projected tax revenues to a development in order to get the project built. However, there are no guarantees for the city if the company goes bankrupt or moves, but there are frequently guarantees like rents for the TIFFED project- like Kingshighway & Chippewa. In addition, they charge the consumers who visit these shopping centers additional percentages when shopping there. This makes the highest taxing city in Missouri that much higher.
I would definitely support change. No TIF to any large big box retail and service developments. If there is a market for the service or product, then the retailer or provider will come- no need to entice them.

The first change I would regulate is tying the TIF only to developments that truly benefit the citizens if the city and state. I would even go as far as the voters must approve any TIF over a certain amount of money.

What are your thoughts on the Blairmount wholesale purchasing of
properties?
It is funny you phrased it as Blairmont since so many people phrase it as the McKee Land Assemblage Credit- shows you know your stuff. What McKee is doing is controlling the market by essentially creating or dictating the value of it. The properties are allowed to deteriorate while the neighbors are forced to suffer even further and drive there property values into the ground. In a business perspective, the plan is brilliant- Walmart esque even. The properties are purchased either through private sale with no value left, short sale with very little cost involved, or through the crooked LRA.

Video of the Obama Royale!

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Here is the video of installation of the painted Shepherd Fairey designs on the side of the Royale. We interview Richard Rodriguez, the creator/painter of the pieces that are now on the side of the Royale.

Here is the invite once again to Saturday's party:



Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis invite you to the unveiling party for three Obama Campaign Billboard sized paintings on the exterior of the Royale Food and Spirits Saturday July 19th from 4p-10pm.

Richard Rodriguez has created a series of 9 foot by 6 foot paintings based on the print artist Shepherd Fairey's renderings of the Barack Obama presidential campaign posters: Hope, Change and Progress. See the set here.

Here is more about Shepherd Fairey from the Washington Post's article on the guerilla nature of his work:
Who knows how many do-it-yourself reproductions of Fairey's Obama have been scanned off the Internet. "I have no idea. I think a lot," says the artist, who put the image on the Web in a downloadable file. "I've seen it on stencils, fliers, shirts, Web sites, places we had nothing to do with." Copyright infringement? No, no, no. "This is exactly what I wanted to happen." This isn't a limited-edition print. It's unlimited. He charged $25 to $45 for the first runs of 950 posters, to pay for the printing of the all the rest, which were free. Fairey says he hasn't made a dime off Obama nor does he think he has unfairly glommed onto the candidate.

Richard Rodriguez created these paintings "to do my small part to get Obama elected president...."

What: Obama Royale!
Where: The Royale Food and Spirits
3132 South Kingshighway
Saint Louis, MO 63139
www.theroyale.com
314-772-3600
When: Saturday July 19 4pm-10pm

Welcome to the STL-Google Maps

You can check out any address in the city and see a high res 360 pic of the street. It is pretty sweet. You gotta love the rich street life of the STL.

So for example, go to google and punch in:
2013 Arsenal St, St Louis, MO 63118, USA

Check the picture on the google map. It is always a beautiful and active day in the STL.

Mansion Motel

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I love seeing what had once been. I love to walk the massive ornate brick structures of what had once been the largest brewery in the US and to get up close to see the old wooden brick streets. Or walking up on the catwalk under the wooden roof and looking at the original spotlights in the old Arena thinking of all of the decades of shows and games the lights illuminated. Picking up the old photos of newborns scattered on the floor of City Hospital and thinking of how many lives that place brought in to Saint Louis.

I have started taking video on these tours. I wish I had started doing this years ago. My fellow cohort Agent Akita and I have started a group called the UEU314, the Urban Exploration Unit 314.

The location of this particular installment is the Mansion Motel in North Saint Louis near North Grand and Broadway. It was a notorious motel that rented out hourly rates. The motel ceased operation about a month prior to the shoot. When the Mansion Motel was in full operation the economy and activity of the neighborhood was dramatically different. The streets were full of creepers, presumed drug dealers, prostitutes and sketchy characters all around. Prior to this tour, I had only driven by the building as I was checking out the state various neighborhoods of Saint Louis. It was easy to tell that this joint was bad news.

Now that the motel has been abandoned, the area is quiet. So Agent Akita and I went through to see what was left of this stain of an operation.

Keep in mind as you watch the video:
I am an amateur and this video in particular is a very, very raw production. I was also in a highly dangerous place for the first time, so video was my secondary concern, our personal safety was the priority. So I was holding the camera as an afterthought, and in my other hand my fist was clenched with a flashlight ready to knock. The shots are plenty shaky using primarily my left hand, sweeping and out of focus. The lighting is terrible and I used a high power flashlight which did not help in the dark rooms. If I wasn't so wound up everything would have been much steadier. The vid is about 11 minutes long, most of which is one long cut. I like the full raw effect.

The interior smelled awful. There was clearly squatting going on in the place, but we had not found any residents in when we were there. Upon entering a spot like this we make noise and announce we are there "with the city" so we don't surprise anyone and get into any complicated situations. In the beginning of the video you can see reasons why I was concerned about safety by the crowbar, hatchet and knife scattered at the base of the stairs. The rooms were in various states of disorder with toilets ripped up out of the floor and walls knocked out. There were clear signs of active drug use with a burnt out spoon, bag of powder and plenty of other suspicious and nasty items.

This particular place was not "a what had once been great", but a sad and desperate reality of what exists in our town. I prefer to tour places of greatness, but in the light of greatness sometimes there is a nasty underside, and this is the den of that place.

I will let the video tell the rest of the story. Enjoy.

Music on piece:
Perry Como with Magic Moments
MIA with Paper Planes
Clarence Greenwood with Pablo Picasso
Rolling Stones with Sympathy for the Devil

thumbnail cover photo by Agent Akita

Upcoming edits of the Armor Meat Packing Plant and the Washburne Trade School will be forthcoming.

Poetry

So I got an email from a friend giving me a heads up about a poem. He told me all about the poem for there was a personal connection. The poem was about me. Although I didn't get to hear the actual poem, this poem got me thinking back to when I first discovered poetry.

My first introduction to public poetry was back in the winter of 89 over at a bar in Benton Park. My friend Jim and I had a car and were properly credentialed so we went to Benton Park to get a drink and see some poetry at this mysterious bar. I remember getting carded and walking into the place. It was surreal. It was new and had a reputation. And it delivered. It was visually amazing. And then we bought two drinks and listened to this guy scream up on the stage. I am pretty sure it was Paul Stewart. He would slowly walk through the house swaying back and forth like Frankenstein. He would shout "PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES!!!!" over and over. And it was all done in a sing song manner. The poet seemed so distressed and slightly deranged. But it was fun/funny. He was shouting about peanut butter sandwiches, which is my favorite food. I liked it, but I didn't go back to that bar in Benton Park or any poetry night for a few years, instead opting to test my credentials at Kennedy's to slam dance to the Nukes, the Urge and Sinister Dane. That was more my thing.

Now my full introduction of public poetry was a few years later in the early 90s. I used to work at Mangia Italiano. That was a trip. It was a few owners ago. I worked for Doc and the fantastic Micci. It was a trip on the raw and homey South Grand in those days. Micci usually walked around with her bird, Claudia, on her shoulder. Claudia was cool too. She would hide the bird in a cabinet every time the health inspector would come by. I worked poetry night, so that meant I sold a lot of ice teas with no dinners and everyone was allowed to go up and say whatever they wanted to. That was something else.

Bob and Sherri hosted most of the poetry nights. This was before they opened the Way Out Club. It was quite fun having them host those evenings with that crowd. Bob would get up every once in a while and riff. He pretty much does it on KDHX now with his always pleasing Barroom Bob segments between Collateral Damage and Topic A. I don't know if it would fit in to everyone's interpretation of poetry, but I would say that a lot of things that are said on poetry nights would not be defined as poetry by many. I have a pretty loose interpretation of poetry after being subjected to a weekly dose of poetry over a few years. I had gone up to say a few things, oh, maybe two or three times at those readings. I think I have only done it once since. I don't particularly care for public speaking and my spoken content is very mediocre and pretty boring, but Bob would coax me to do it so I always felt better about it. I would speak usually at the end of the night when no one was paying any more attention or way early when no one was there.

I have some interesting stories about the poetry nights at Mangia. I will save those for later.

But what about this personal poem?

So apparently there was a poem about me at the Get Born poetry readings over at Duff's. Oh, I feel special. The poem was written and performed by a former busser that worked here at the Royale. We had hosted the Get Born readings once. I can only imagine what was said. Seriously. I don't know if it was recorded or published. I am honored that I have been the subject of public poetry. I am actually amazed someone would spend time writing a poem and then reciting the poem in public. Maybe they will do a series. That would be sad. And a little creepy.

It is poetry after all.

P.S.

Apparently Get Born is having a reading tonight, March 3, over at Mangia Italiano, 3145 South Grand.

Results from the Royale Caucus

I don't have time to go into the full detail via text, but here is a fantastic video put together by Bill Streeter of Lofistl and Antonio French of Pubdef of the Caucus at the Royale. Barack Obama won the first Royale Democratic Presidential Caucus. It is a great vid, and it was a great night. Thank you to Ron Auer, Martin Casas, Lacy Clay, Alvin Reid, Dave Drebes, Bob Holden, Steve Gregali, Antonio French, Bill Streeter, Brian Wahby, the crew at the Royale and many more who helped and participated.

halo...tightens...screws loose

The Akita filled in today on the Underworld on KDHX and played an array of music from 1981 to 2007 with a heavy local bent. Downright historic. The man is an archivist of Saint Louis music history for the last 30 years.  You can listen to the show online by listening here. He should have done a Great American Music piece.

And on such weekend of reunions this brings back a flood of memories.

Listening earlier today I heard the Urge, Sinister Dane, Fragile Porcelain Mice, Three Merry Widows, The Eyes, I think the Ded Bugs and more. I love Sinister Dane, Fragile, MU330, Tuff Nutz, Small Ball Paul, the Unconscious, the Nukes and such. Some of the tunes were not my favorite, but I absolutely loved hearing the tunes today. Oh, there was such a rivalry between the genres of local music back then. The punk rockers vs the "country drunkards in the basement." And back in the day I used to slam dance quite regularly. I was a roughneck.

Speaking of slam dancing, doing my research I found this very funny clip that is now posted youtube from a Sinister Dane show back 1994 at Mississippi Nights. About 40 seconds into the video you can see my flat topped, 21 year old fat ass stage diving with a green NYC logo T-shirt that I picked up at CMJ and a pair of combat boots I picked up on the military surplus store Belmont west of Clark. I am sure that I was likely launching Dwight Carter up in the pit at that Sinister Dane show. Roughneck!!

And in this season of past memories, it was a total flood at last night's Fishbone concert at City Museum. It was an interesting crowd- mostly 30 something. I would say I was probably right in the middle on the age, maybe a bit young. Most of the people there were a few years ahead of me, but I was usually the youngest in the room back then. The house was all rock and rollers. There were a few early 20s, but very few. I don't think the kids know who Fishbone is anymore. Either way, it was a super cool crowd with faces that I remember from mosh pits, waiting in line outside of shows, as patrons at the Side Door, in bands, doorguys, bartenders and parties. The crowd was mostly the scene of 1227, Kennedy's, Mississippi Nights and some Hi Pointe. That was so much fun. I was such a punk kid.

I had only seen Fishbone maybe five times back in the day, but STL was a second home to the band for they played here about every three months or so in the late 80s and early 90s. The show was good, a bit noisy, but the room was not made for a band. But what a beautiful room it is and smoke free!

Tonight Fragile is playing at Westport Plaza and on the 29th of December MU330 is playing at Off Broadway. And listen to the Underworld from Nov 22!

Happy Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!

Represent the STL!

I just got back from the fights at the at the SBAC. They were put on by Buddy Shaw and had crews in from Cincy, Columbia and all over the STL. Demetrius was on the fight card, and he scored a win against Cherokee Rec. I saw Bruce, Derron, their mother Sharonda and Coach Doveed. It was good to see them. We hada great crew at our ringside table- Rich, Tony, Ron, Jane, Lou and James. At the fights I saw this fantastic haircut on this fine young Saint Louisan named Taylor. What a wonderful little patriot. We need to have more tough tykes like this sporting this hair do on our streets! Anyone sporting an arch haircut gets a free drink(sodas for kids) at the Royale for the month of October!