Brian Stevenson chose not to file for his East side seat, not surprising to many. He recently succeeded in gaining approval for the building of his new home on NW 74th Street (BTW he has a lot for sale if you desire). It was a treacherous journey indeed. Stitching together 3 fishing lots, then applying for a variance, despite not having re-platted the lot, his request for a variance was denied by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Next stop was a request to replat the lots via the Planning Commission, which gained a positive recommendation to the Board of Aldermen...which failed to pass for approval. Enter the lawyers, another vote by the BOA, and replat approved. (There was also a lot line dispute with a neighbor that went to court but apparently settled without further action).
Following?
But wait, there is more.
Every May, Board appointments/approvals are usually made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor nominates, Board approves. There were two no votes at the time of the first Stevenson variance request, Bob Shinogle and me. Since that vote, Shinogle moved off the lake, and I was not reappointed to the BZA after ten years despite my request to the Mayor and the President of the BZA for reappointment. The two no votes were gone...and Bill McGovern was nominated and appointed to the BZA. You wouldn't know this but McGovern gave a glowing recommendation for approval at the first BZA hearing for Stevenson when supporters could voice support. There was no doubt how the new Board member would vote. So, two no votes gone, one yes added, variance approved. Odious? You decide.
It was very likely Stevenson would have faced an opponent for re-election (as you know now that is a fact). Surely he felt the sting of losing his first race for alderman, maybe he just wasn't into another contested race which would have been competitive. Besides, he achieved what he wanted in regards to his lots and house.
So as he heads into the sunset we bid him adieu. A lackluster alderman, who certainly has not provided any kind of leadership as Mayor Pro Tem, especially in light of the lack of communication ongoing between the Mayor and the Board. I am sure Mayor Botbyl is not happy to see him go. One less FOB (Friend of Botbyl).
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3 comments:
I am not sure how this happened, other than to say no one was looking. If local news had picked this up it would have been embarrassing. Another example of an elected official taking advantage of his position. Good riddance.
With a few exceptions city government has operated pretty much without observation.
Thanks Mike for telling it like it is. Once the fix was in Stevenson bailed - - this proves what the guy cared about all along. Another sleazy hack who worked the system from the inside. He may be cleared to construct his new lake front property but he will have to live in a community that now mostly despises the guy.
Worth less than worthless.
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