The Boss is Back!

Tanya Finn just mentioned to me former Mayor Jerry Bos (yes that is how he spells his name) has formally endorsed Tanya in her re-election bid for the East Ward.  That might jerk some heads on the East side?.  Tanya asked me if I wanted a copy of the document for proof...nah.  Now if you are in the Botbyl/Stevenson/Surma camp and don't believe it, give Tanya a call.  She is happy to share a copy with you.

Being Present

"80% of success is showing up"
Woody Allen

Question from the Candidates Forum

How much time will you spend in the office? (referring to City Hall)

Botbyl-8:30 to Noon on Friday and by appointment.

York-I am self employed, I will be in the office almost every day.

The Mayor is the chief administrative officer of the City and direct reports include the Chief of Police, Public Works Director and City Clerk.  While Gary, George and Gwen do good work, no organization thrives on autopilot.  Could the water bill problems been averted with a little more oversight and quality control?  Perhaps.  Is 3.5 hours a week enough to be present.  Pat almost sounded defiant when he gave his answer to the question, maybe a little defensive.  

BTW, the Mayor makes a whopping $600 a month, aldermen $100.  If you divide that by hours spent on City business we are talking real 3rd world wages.

Look I know it is tough to work full time, take care of home stuff and be an elected official.  I decided not to run for re-election as alderman because I started a new job with extensive travel. Something had to give, and I knew I could not give my best shot for the City.  Showing up was just not good enough.

The Star-Reader Beware

KC Star March 30 Election Guide

You will see an entire page in the Guide allotted to the Weatherby Lake election next week.  I thought the comments attributed to Alan York seemed a bit odd, so I called Mr York to confirm.  Yipes!  What he submitted to the Star and what was published are quite different (I imagine other candidates experienced the same issues...if you are a candidate and want me to publish your entire response to questions I will post what you sent, unedited)

 Why are you running?

The current Mayor is not providing sound mid-west oriented leadership for our Lake Community.  I have been approached by many unhappy residents asking me to put my name on the ballot.

What do you like about how things are going now?

Nothing.  The current Mayor has divided the Board of Aldermen.  He refuses to listen to members of the Board of Aldermen and the public If they have ideas and input that does not agree with him.  The City totally dropped the ball concerning the new flood plain maps from FEMA - costing the community over $20,000.  He failed to provide leadership during the implementation of the new radio read water meters, causing our citizens to receive 2 incorrect bi-monthly water bills. 

What would you like to change?

I will be a full-time Mayor - the current Mayor is only available on some Fridays.  I will lead the monthly Board of Aldermen meetings in a professional and respectful manner.  I will update the City's long-term plan.  Using my MBA in Finance and strong knowledge of the City's budget, I will produce budgets that reflect the wants and needs of our community.

Probably the most interesting edit was York's answer to the second question.  Nothing? and then nothing.  As you can see there is "something".

Where There is Smoke...There are Mirrors

Recent Candidates Forum
Question (to Botbyl and York)
What are your best accomplishments?

• Botbyl - Long Range Planning, we have completed infrastructure projects we have set
• York - MBA in Finance, understanding city finances, working well with the aldermen, communicating, being available

Allow me to extend infrastructure to IT infrastructure...

How can you keep up with the operation of City Government?  WWW is one option...as long as it has fresh and accurate information.
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/default.aspx

I have mentioned during Public Comments at Board meetings the need for maintenance of the City's web site as it is the only practical opportunity to gain information about the City.  Mayor Botbyl early on in his administration pledged to do so.  After two years how is he doing?  Currently on the City website:

• Holidays listed-2015
• Airport Information Committee, disbanded years ago, still listed
• Entrance Advisory Group (EAG) financials and minutes not updated since 2013
• Park Board Directors terms expiring in 2015
• Planning Commission terms expiring in 2015
• Historical Committee terms expiring 2015

Long Range Planning.  The only formal LRP documents are posted on the city web site.  As you can see the documents are either out of date or not updated. I pointed this out to the Mayor and Board during Public Comments at this months meeting.  No response and still posted as of 3/29/

• 5 Year Sewer Plan July 2010
• 5 Year Water Plan February 2010
• 5 Year Road Plan September 2011

What might count as Long Range is the EAG...Look under Documents, then Entrance Committee.  The project took official launch in February 2009 and still is not finished, much to the chagrin of folks in the West Ward Gulag.  7 years.  And we thought the Barry Road project took a long time.

"Continued Responsible Leadership"

Headline from the Botbyl campaign information

You manage things, you lead people, that is a quote from the late Admiral Grace Hopper.  The Mayor of a class IV city in Missouri has to do both to be successful.  If you have read Botbyl's flyer you would probably say he has done both, right? You be the judge.

Curious how the flyer has 14 "I/My" and 0 "we".  You would think his accomplishments happened at the snap of his fingers.  Fact of the matter is, the Board has the ultimate power in the City, leaving the mayor to vote when there are procedural tie votes.  I think it is fair to say Mr Botbyl cannot be mistaken for the Great Communicator.  I have observed information discussed at BOA meetings that was not in the aldermen's meeting packets.  Frustrating, because I have been there.

He says he has saved you (taxpayers) $650,881.25.  You might ask exactly how his math brought him to this conclusion?  While you are at it, you might ask Pat when this retiring of debt began, it certainly wasn't with Botbyl.

His administration had one audit.  Did he initiate any improvements or processes from his predecessor?  No.

It goes on and on, a litany of "significant accomplishments".  Almost funny, "Continued our crack sealing and road repair throughout the city".  Who was the Mayor when the machine was purchased and the program started?  York.  Who was the Mayor that initiated the "Radio Read Water Meters"?  York (Bos halted the program once he took office).  "Managed the new housing boom"  What?  I think the President of the KC Fed (WL citizen Esther George) gets a little credit here.  The City issues the permits, inspects the buildings.  Ironically one of the biggest problems in West Ridge has been the lax performance when it comes to builders policing trash/erosion control/parking.  Who was the biggest voice on the Board complaining about lack of enforcement?  Not the Mayor.  East Ward Alderman Finn (as you know, West Ridge is on the West) brought up the issue many times to what seemed to be a tone deaf administration.

"Open Issues"
There are no I or My in this section, no, he refers to "the city" in regards to the FEMA disaster and "City Hall" referring to the Water Billing Error.  You might recall the letter to citizens informing them of  the FEMA snafu was signed "The City Staff".  Pat assures you "the city continues to monitor" while the WLIC has taken the bull by the horns.  When the letter was sent pointing out the water meter problem, it was signed " The Water Department".  Who is the chief administrative officer of the City.  Who should be leading the City?  Who is responsible? Yes, you are right.  The Mayor is responsible.

Brian's Song...and Dance

Apologies to Brian Piccolo.

You may not have been on a cc list of an email sent by Brian to Don Coleman sent on Wednesday, March 16th, apparently in response to an email sent by Don endorsing Tanya Finn.  I imagine Don's endorsement of Finn did not sit well with Brian as this is in opposition to his hand picked candidate, De Surma.  So we have a sitting alderman (Stevenson) actively campaigning against his fellow alderman (Finn) all because of his issues with gaining access to what he wanted to do with his property, which in the end, he has achieved.

Rather than recount the entire email (18 paragraphs, plus a lengthy summary) I recommend you contact Brian, I am sure he would be happy to provide you copy,  In the meantime, some quotes and observations:

"I frankly AGREE with what you say about Ms Finn in general"  (no emphasis added by me, I assume Don had positive things to say about Finn)

"As well frankly, we have to stand accountable for putting the City in Chaos and at financial risk"  (It is up for discussion exactly who is causing the Chaos and financial risk)

"The way it works here in WL and in other places, the Planning Commission (PC) is charged with "doing the real work".  (I think he is trying to insinuate the Board of Aldermen, BOA, are a rubber stamp to Boards and Commissions, my opinion nothing could be further from the truth.  All members of boards and commissions are appointed volunteers, aldermen are elected.  I expect alderman to do the "heavy lifting" as well because they are the final authority.  Aldermen can and should either attend the commission meetings or read the transcripts.  I did both as an alderman.  I was a long standing member of the Planning Commission, I always expected the aldermen to do the "heavy lifting" as well.

As long as Brian has been on the BOA apparently he still does not understand how things work.  He is confused by a vote that brings an item to table versus a vote on the issue itself...they are different.

"Don, as you may remember, in the audience that evening of the BOA was former Mayor York.  He jumped up out of his seat in joy, indicating that he absolutely agreed with the No Votes.  Interesting I think."  (As far as I know, York did not attend the meeting.  I understand Mr York has asked for a retraction and apology from Brian, which has not happened as far as I know...strange, to not only remember someone who wasn't there and jumping for joy?)

Towards the end Brian mentions "Mayor Boss" (does he really not know it was Bos?)  "Mayor Boss brought our city back together after a difficult time under Mayor York"  This is a clear indication of how Brian either does not understand or does not know the history of WL.  If he did he would know the years leading up to York's election, caused enormous problems which were addressed by York and set the table for Jerry.  Jerry's Audit committee confirmed this.  Ask Brian.

Welcome to the Blog

My stats have jumped the last two days, I assume some of you are newcomers to the blog.  A little about me.  I have served on the Board of Aldermen at Weatherby Lake, elected by my peers as President of the Board twice.  I have served as a member of the Planning Commission and currently serve on the Board of Zoning Adjustment.  I have attended many of the monthly Board of Aldermen meetings over the past fourteen years.  Additionally I have attended meetings of the Northland Mayors Council, the South Platte Ambulance District, the Platte County Commissioners meetings.  I have completed the Missouri Municipal League New Officials Course.  The point of all of this is not to impress, far from it.  The observations and comments I make on the blog are a reflection of my experiences here at Weatherby Lake.  The archives of the blog go back a bit so indulge if you must.  You will find this nowhere else.  And of course, for me, it is all on the record.  Most people comment anonymously, it is what it is.  Anyway, enjoy.

Mike

Finn vs Stevenson on the East Ward

And you thought this was a battle of Finn vs Surma?  Nope.  Check out the code words in the Surma campaign material.  "honest representation" and "compliance with legal requirements".  You might wonder what that is all about?  Political payback or worse from Mr Stevenson for the many misdeeds of Ms Finn, beginning with his election loss to her in 2008. He was attempting to join his sister who was already the other East Ward alderman at that time.  Add the Planning Commission vote on his property (Finn voted NO) there is no wonder he is gunning for revenge in the form of a surrogate (Ms Surma)  Had she not used all the veiled language aimed at Finn I might have bought the fact she was just an interested citizen wanting to contribute to community.  The most vocal critic of Finn/Clark has been Stevenson's brother in law, who just happens to live across the Park from Surma.  Add the additional sin by Ms Finn of not favoring golf carts on city streets, avidly pursued by the Whites.  Delightful?  Do not cross the Stevenson cabal, it can get ugly.  Maybe these are the "new and fresh" ideas Ms Surma mentioned she would bring to the Board.

On a positive note, Ms Finn has been a tireless worker on your behalf, both at the City and WLIC.  This has been going on for a long time, well before my move to WL in 1999.  There would be no 4th of July Fireworks without her.  You would still be dragging your recycling to a center somewhere instead of the curbside recycling she championed to bring to the City.  She has attended the New Officials seminar in Jeff City...unlike others who chose not to take the time.  Is Tanya Dedicated?  Is she Dependable (she was quite sick last BOA meeting but attended anyway)?  Devoted?  My response is without a doubt.  I would highly recommend voting for the re-election of Tanya Finn.  Sorry, a vote for Ms Surma is a vote for Stevenson and he is already on the Board.  Until next election that is enough.  

Litigation Lake

You may, or may not be familiar with the label pasted on WL in years past for a number of reasons.  One well deserved reason, in my opinion, was the fierce pursuit of those who might contaminate the watershed...the WLIC had some high profile cases and/or threats of suits to protect the lake.  Another round of legal situations, again involving WLIC, was caused by a former citizen, aptly nick named Perry Mason.  He caused quite a bit of havoc whether it be representing himself or hiring counsel as a disruptive force in the community.  He was, again, in my opinion, a very disruptive element in the community.  Many in WL had a big sigh of relief when Perry headed of into the sunset (actually I think he headed east).  In any event it was a fairly ugly chapter in the community.

Fast forward to the present time.  There is an interesting situation involving an alderman, his pursuit of WL property, a Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing, a Planning Commission hearing, a Board vote, the threat of litigation to the alderman, a reconsideration of the original vote by the Board, and a property dispute, currently in the courts involving the property.

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/caseFileSearch.do
CASE 15AE-CV02435

Throw in the brother in law of the alderman lecturing the two aldermen, during a Board meeting (Finn/Clark) who voted against the original recommendation of the Planning Commission, citing the Constitution (although a number of sources claim the brother in law is not an eligible voter).  If you attended the Forum you will recall two questions that seemed odd..."Do you swear to uphold the ordinances?" and "How many ordinances will you break"...fairly ridiculous questions, spawned, I would assume by the aggrieved alderman's crew.  Perry Mason, alive and well.  Benefit for the community=zero.  Personal gain?  You make the call.

BTW.  No laws were broken posting this blog...nor were any laws broken by said aldermen.  Opinions were given and decisions were made.  The illegal insinuations are just that, insinuations.  Voters beware.

Steve

Very few people at WL have served the community like Steve Clark.  He has represented both sides of the lake as alderman.  He has been on important commissions like the Planning Commission.   He has been a long serving volunteer for the WLIC.    I first got to know Steve when I was West Ward Alderman and he represented the East.  It was a very turbulent time.  The presiding mayor resigned and left office.  The Board was already struggling with multiple problems left behind by the mayor who bailed and then a new Mayor was voted in.  As it quickly became apparent Mayor Henderson was not up to the task.  Although I didn't always agree with Steve, he would always take a position and make it known.  No politics, no games, no fear, just the best interest of the City.  Steve always comes prepared for Board meetings, doing his homework, asking pointed questions, especially when it comes to Public works and Public Safety.  He is a fiscal conservative, understanding the city's financial viability is fragile based on our past history and limited access to funds.

What you might not know since 2002 there have been two residents who have consistently attended Board Of Aldermen meetings.  #1 is Kathy Birmingham (I think she is a saint and should have a statue in Birmingham Park) followed by me (not a saint, but oh well).  My observation over the past 14 years is Steve has always put the City first (Ms Finn is the same).  He puts in an inordinate amount of time to insure the City continues to serve the citizens.  The notion or suggestion for term limits is laughable, (I for example ran unopposed) when the City has at its disposal the experience of Steve Clark.  Not a knock against Red, but being a businessman doesn't necessarily prepare a person for the rigors of running a municipality.  Steve has proven he can serve, he can lead ( he served as Mayor Pro Tem, elected by his fellow aldermen) in your best interest, not beholden to anyone who might have a single selfish interest.

Red

I have never met Red, I did attend the Candidates Forum where he answered the questions submitted.

(About the Forum - Candidates, as well as the audience, were able to submit questions prior to the beginning of the forum.  Questions were picked out randomly and the candidates responded to each question in a rotation decided by a draw at the beginning of the forum.)

One of his primary pitches to the crowd and in his materials is his business experience and acumen. While helpful the challenges of navigating the various aspects of  a governmental budget, spending, city codes, state law, Sunshine Act, county regulations, EPA, the list goes on and on, is daunting (I can tell you from my experience as a businessman turned alderman it is mind blowing) The training wheels for a new alderman will be on for some time, some in my opinion/observation never come off.  (If you attended meetings with any regularity since 2002 you might come to the same conclusion)

Question- Why do you want to be alderman
McLaughlin-Been working 80% outside of WL, now is spending 80% @ WL
Clark-Knows the community, knows the City and City Staff

Should WL have term limits?
M-Yes, 2 2yr terms
C-No, too many contests already uncontested

How would you create a long range plan?
M-That is in my wheelhouse, I would have a 10-15 plan and discuss every week
C-We create an annual budget, maintenance of city infrastructure is a big deal

Any consideration for sidewalks on Eastside Drive?
M-We have to be creative, take a look at it again
C-It has already been thoroughly reviewed and rejected, traffic calming ideas to slow down traffic would be a better idea

Can we get a swim team for WL?
M-We need to be creative
C-Actually coached a swim team, but you really need a pool which makes it very difficult

There were also two questions regarding Alderman Stevenson's property issues, although not readily apparent to many of the eligible voters in the audience...more about that later

Things Aren't Always As They Seem

"There's more than you could ever know
Behind the scenes"

            Francesca Battistelli,  My Paper Heart

First glance, the upcoming WL election appears rather benign, two new hopefuls trying their first shot at becoming an Alderman on each side of the lake and an incumbent Mayor running for re-election.  Nothing unusual there, right?  If  you were a WL outsider that is what you see.  But, my friends, there is more, much more.  Political intrigue. Political payback.  Legal threats, some might say legal bullying.  A property dispute with a neighbor.  A BZA ( Board of Zoning Adjustment) Hearing.  A Planning Commission Hearing. A Board of Aldermen vote.  A re-vote on the same issue.  A potential confrontation with the WLIC.  An Alderman (Stevenson) not up for re-election right in the middle of it all.  His brother in-law, lecturing the Board regarding the Constitution, and then demanding the resignation of two of the Board members...Finn and Clark.  The Mayor, openly supportive of Stevenson.  A City Attorney providing legal advice to an Alderman in a questionable situation, at best.  Confused?  Don't be.  There is more.

But I digress.

Tomorrow a look at the West Ward Alderman race.

Spring Has Sprung

If you logged into to the blog tonight...you are one of the most loyal blogites.  In any event...I am back, 11 months since the last post.  As I picked up my papers this morning I was greeted by the the snowflakes of Spring, what the heck?

So much to say, and so little time to say it...before the April election.  Let's get this out of the way right up front.  I am supporting:

York for Mayor

Clark for West Ward

Finn for East Ward (Yes I know I live on the West, but for a number of reasons, which I will detail why, you on the East should vote for her.)

I will start with a look at the candidates for the Alderman races this week.  Did you attend the Candidates Forum a few Sundays ago?  Not a huge crowd, safe to say a small minority of eligible voters attended.  I did attend and will give you a recap of what I saw and heard and my comments.

I know many readers may have fallen off the wagon of the blog...and there are newbies out there who have not been exposed.  Do me a favor?  Forward the URL to friends and neighbors

As always I welcome your comments, I do not "edit" comments.  It would be great if you would use your name, but alas, very few do (I think I have had 5 comments with names).