Bada Bing!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bada_Bing

Tony Soprano would have been proud.  Politics can be rough and tough, and small town politics are not exempt.  My personal experience with payback New Jersey style came in the form of a letter from Mayor Botbyl "thanking" me for my service after a decade on the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).  The Thank You meant "you're fired".  Although no reason was given for not appointing me to another term, the true reason was abundantly clear.  While a member of the BZA I had the audacity to vote against a request by then Alderman Stevenson for a variance to build a home that did not meet the building code for setbacks.  Bada Boom!  Bill McGovern was placed on the BZA as a replacement...turns out McGovern gave a glowing endorsement during public comments at the variance request the first time around (if you don't believe me you can get a transcript of the hearing).

So, when another request for variance by Stevenson made the BZA, McGovern voted aye and eventually Stevenson got what he wanted.  You might ask, gee, that is cozy, almost not ethical?  Nah, nothing personal, strictly business...or maybe in this case, nothing business, strictly personal?

Last Friday (23rd) McGovern filed for Alderman on the East Side as a write in candidate.  His campaign flyer cites "Member of Board of Zoning Adjustment".  His campaign slogan?  "You won't have to hire a lawyer to get me to do the "right thing"  Well said by the pal of Stevenson and Botbyl.  You don't have to go to NJ, or watch the Sopranos...just pay attention to what is going on in WL.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7zkd0kRS4

Botbyl's DreamTeam

or the city's Nightmare...

Bill McGovern's East Side last minute add to Botbyl's hope of having two votes on the BOA...and a return to power once again...

Except that scenario leads to the current train wreck of City government.  Would you really want that?

To answer the Comment on my last post...

Simply connect the dots...

Botbyl...Stevenson...McGovern

or

McGovern...Stevenson...Botbyl

Come back at 4PM for more perspective.

Code Red

The Mayor, as one of his duties as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City, is responsible for the compliance with  City Codes, building, nuisance and all things that keep order in the City.  The Chief of Police and the Director of Public Works are the primary individuals who implement compliance.

There has been a consistent rumble from the Aldermen the past three years regarding problems, especially in West Ridge, with trash, lack of proper runoff mitigation, mud on the streets, lack of toilets, etc.  Alderman Finn brought these issues up during Aldermen Comments at BOA meetings numerous times.  Aldermen Richmond and Clark as well.

I know it can be uncomfortable to confront residents, residents to be or their agents.  Nobody wants to be the bad guy...but...enforcement of City Codes is there for a reason...to make our community safe and maintain standards that all should adhere.  Why would Botbyl be soft on code enforcement?  Good question.

Oh, and are you aware of the building fiasco that has been ongoing (2+years) in Blakewood?  How could that happen? (neighbors have been asking that question for some time).

I did witness an interesting situation during a BOA meeting in the summer of 2016.  A couple, residents on Westside Drive, appeared a second time before the BOA to complain about water and mud that was continuing to flow across the street on to their property after rain storms.  This was coming from a home under construction across the street.  Their next door neighbor attended as well to complain about the lack of action.  This shouldn't happen.

Alderman Clark finally took the initiative on lagging citations, working with a Police officer to identify and ticket offenders.  It is pretty simple really.  It just takes someone at the top to make it a priority.  And that someone should be the Mayor. 

"Loud and angry"...

Draft minutes, Board of Aldermen meeting, November 8, 2017.

"Clark moved and seconded by Richmond to approve the minutes of October 17th and 23rd Budget work session.  Discussion followed with Alderman Clark submitting the amended minutes of the October 17th work session.  Mayor commented that Alderman Clark assessment that he was "loud and angry" was incorrect, and that he was being firm.  Vote was called to accept the October 17th minutes and accept the October 23rd minutes as presented.  Ayes Clark, Richmond, Footer and Finn.  Motion carried unanimously."

(I added red highlights.)

Amended minutes.
"Mayor Patrick Botbyl did not properly open the meeting nor was the clerk directed to call the roll.
Aldermen present:  Clark, Richmond, Footer and Finn.

The Mayor began the meeting by addressing the Board in a loud and angry manner for their lack of appreciation for his and staffs' efforts in compiling the annual budget in years past.  Negative comments to such were heard from Clark, Richmond and Finn."

Amended minutes obtained through a Freedom Of Information request.

No members of the public were present for the October 17th work session.  Just the Mayor, the BOA, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and Chief of Police.  I can tell you based on conversations with a few of the aldermen, "firm" is not a word they would use to characterize Botbyl's behavior.  In the end, it may have been one of the key events in convincing the aldermen Botbyl must go.

"Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation."
William Arthur Wood

Secret Comittee

Responding to a Comment from yesterday's post regarding the selection of the Police Chief.
"Botbyl selected the new chief without consulting any Aldermen"

My response to that statement is that it depends...depends on how you define "selected".  Ultimately the Mayor submits a name for confirmation, and hire, of the new Chief of Police by the Board of Aldermen during closed session.  So technically, I guess you can say they (BOA) were involved.  However, if you define "selected" as the process running up to that session, I would tell you the Aldermen were very much left in the dark.

Right after last years City election, Clark, at the April BOA meeting, brought up the urgency of beginning the selection process to hire a new Chief. Gary had made it known he was retiring at the end of the year.  Botbyl made it very clear in response to Clark's comment that he was going to be in charge of he process and timetable.  Botbyl established a Selection Committee but did not make the names available to the BOA.  He refused Clark' suggestion to include an Alderman.  It wasn't until two meetings later that Botbyl grudgingly revealed the names of the Committee members, all from law enforcement.  Considering the fact this was probably the most important appointment in the last 40 plus years, you would have thought a citizen or two on this Committee would have been important let alone an Alderman?  A "nationwide" search was begun, we do know that a salary range was not included in the ad(s) that went out (odd?).

We do know that prior to the closed session hiring meeting, the Aldermen had no idea how many candidates had responded, or how the candidates were vetted, no resumes were provided to the Aldermen prior to the session.  We do not know if any officers on the WL force were considered.  The process was owned by Botbyl, Chief McMullin and the Committee.

Do you think Botbyl's hardball approach to the process and disdaining collaboration with the BOA was a problem?  Another example where leadership was absent...and in its place it was My Way or the Highway.

"What we've got here...

is failure to communicate."  From the movie Cool Hand Luke

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=What+we+have+here+is+a+failure+to+communicate#id=1&vid=3a02e9e6b724bbcb77d76a9e81071378&action=click

Imagine you are an alderman and you find out about an incident regarding an escaped prisoner from a WL police officer in the Kansas City Star...not from the Mayor...who of course knew, as well as the Chief of Police.

Imagine you are an alderman and find out about an accident that involved a Public Works vehicle which included damage to a private residence...from a staff person, days later, not from the Mayor...who knew of course, as well as the Chief of Police. 

Both of these incidents were at the end of 2016, but diagnostic of  a problem facing the aldermen, lack of communication from the Mayor.  The attitude I perceived based on the Mayor's behavior...I'm Mayor...you are not.  Alderman Clark voiced his concerns, at BOA meetings, a number of times concerning this issue.  Comments obviously fell on deaf ears.  And there is more. 

My observations during BOA meetings are that Botbyl is often abrasive, aggressive and belligerent.  

So, imagine you are an alderman faced with the potential of Botbyl being elected to another term?  What would you do?  

"Why would we want to change mayors now?" Part II

Consider this, from Botbyl's "Continued Responsible Leadership" flyer, under "Major Objectives over my next term" :

• "Conduct road evaluation of all streets"...Ask Pat how many streets have been paved in the last four years as Mayor?...if you walk/bike/drive our streets you don't have to be an engineer to know that we are facing a huge amount of paving...why have we waited and when he begins where will the $ come from?  Don't let him fool you by saying we had to wait for completion of the new sewage pump/lift stations.
• "Begin and complete work to install new pump stations"  This project has been on the books for years and when/if it starts will have nothing to do with Botbyl or WL.  This is a KCMO project...it does involve WLIC and the land swap for construction sites, the City of WL is basically on the sidelines.  Your Mayor will attend the ribbon cutting, if/when the project is completed.
• "Install new alternate water line"  This refers to the potential hook up of our water system to Water District #6 as a back up (across from City Hall).  Another long discussed project dragging along, a direct responsibility of the Mayor.  Alderman Clark, frustrated by the lack of action, volunteered to contact the Water District himself, hoping to jump start the City into action.
• "Power wash and paint touch up for water tower"  A regularly scheduled maintenance event.
• "Participate in 2020 Census conducted by MARC and Platte County"  Yikes.

I wrote a post last year this time about "kicking the can down the road" when it comes to paving City streets...here we are, another year and the condition of the roads has deteriorated even more after the hard winter.  How are the roads in front of your house?

Why would you want to change mayors now?  Time for a change.

"Why would we want to change mayor's now?"

A good question, really at the heart of the matter for this election.  This quote in an email from Pat Botbyl to "Dear Friends" and, as he says, is a question residents have been asking him.

Why change?  If you the resident want the status quo, ie, Botbyl for Mayor, you will get

• Someone who is clearly self absorbed (did you see his 2017 Accomplishments?).
• Is loath to give credit where credit is due, Aldermen or staff
• During BOA meetings insists on interrupting/commenting during the Aldermen's Comments portion of the meetings.
• Antagonistic and belligerent towards the elected Aldermen
• Fails to exhibit leadership at a time it is sorely needed in the City.  

Maybe you do want a New Jersey style politician to lead this City, "My Way or the Highway"?  Botbyl fails to understand Weatherby Lake is a Class IV city in Missouri...often called a weak mayor form of government, it really does need the collaboration of the aldermen and mayor to be effective.  After Stevenson left the Board Botbyl lost control...and votes of the BOA, and became increasingly belligerent...not terribly smart from my perspective.

I do agree with Pat on one thing, believe it or not.  "Signs don't vote" referring to yard signs. 

One thing I encourage you not to do is, as Botbyl says "Let's get a big showing of Botbyl supporters"  at the Ice Breaker.  Let's keep politics out of social events.  Give it a rest and enjoy the beer.

Me, Myself and I

You may have received campaign materials from Mayor Pat Botbyl, either by mail, email or both (I must not be on his A list because I received neither).  Some loyal WLAISI readers provided both for my inspection.  A couple of observations, maybe you noticed this too.  Botbyl loves the word "I" but somehow the words "alderman" or "staff" are not part of his vocabulary when elaborating on his accomplishments.  He did make one mention of a "very professional staff of employees" one time in his long list of 2017 accomplishments.

Word Count-"Dear Friends and Neighbors" Botbyl Campaign Letter and Flyer

21- "I" words
8- "me,mine, my" words

A little over the top?  You be the judge.  He takes credit for all things Weatherby Lake, with the exception of the solar eclipse.  What is missing?  Not one mention of the Aldermen or Board of Aldermen.  Odd.  Why is that?  But wait, there is more.  Not only does he not mention the aldermen but he takes credit for an initiative, the elimination of long term bonds that was begun by former Mayor Jerry Boss...none of this could have taken place without the vote of the BOA...but how would you know this?  You wouldn't, unless you went to BOA meetings or read the minutes.  Same with the levy reductions...the Mayor doesn't vote for that (unless there is a tie) and in fact there never has been an opportunity for the Mayor to vote on this...

The Washington Post does fact checks on political statements, awarding "Pinocchios" from one to four based on stretching the truth to whoppers...Sorry Pat, I think the WaPo would give you 4 Pinocchios on this one.

 Obviously there is a disconnect between the Mayor and the BOA, allow me to give you my observations in upcoming posts.

Unanimous, Part II

In addition to all the current WL Aldermen, all of the former WL Mayors have endorsed Steve Clark as well.  (Bos/York/Kendrick/Maxwell/Mikulic) (Someone mentioned all living former Mayors...I opted too leave out "living" in that we are not in Chicago).

My take is these endorsements are not necessarily just a rebuttal of Botbyl's candidacy but more of  a positive sentiment of Clark's ability to lead the City.  These former Mayors account for a lot of history at Weatherby Lake and are familiar with Steve over the years.

Jerry Bos' endorsement is worth examining.  You might recall Botbyl was handpicked by Bos to take Jerry's place as Jerry headed for the sunset in FL.  Botbyl won the Mayoral race against York for his first term.  Two years ago, Bos endorsed Finn and Clark, surprising many because Surma on the East and Red McLaughlin on the West were clearly aligned with Botbyl, Bos' former chosen one.  Finn and Clark won the races for Alderman. Which leads us to last years Alderman races.

Timeout.

Okay, I know this is a bit tedious, especially if you are relatively new to WL.  The point is Botbyl steadily lost control of his agenda and the BOA after he was elected to a second term.

 Last years election saw Richmond in a close race re-elected on the West and newcomer Rick Footer, defeat Surma on the East.  The Board now is made up of Clark/Finn/Richmond/Footer.  The stage is now set for a series of events that leads to this Mayoral election.

Unanimous

It is one thing to gain consensus from a governmental body, it is another for the Board of Aldermen to unanimously and publicly endorse a candidate for Mayor...even more rare for that candidate to be one of their own.

All three current Aldermen, Richmond, Finn and Footer have openly endorsed their colleague Steve Clark for Mayor.  Remarkable.  This in the face of an incumbent two term Mayor, Pat Botbyl.  There is nothing in recent WL history like it with the possible exception of the defeat of incumbent Mayor Mike Henderson in the mid 2000's.

I was asked recently by a citizen if it was risky for an alderman to openly endorse a rival candidate rather than the incumbent Mayor.  What if the Mayor wins?  I think that is the point.  The aldermen as a group have lost confidence in Botbyl and believe Steve Clark is a better alternative to lead the City the next two years.  My guess is the aldermen don't want to risk another two years of Botbyl.

Interesting don't you agree?

In coming posts I'll provide some of the reasons I think we have arrived at this point.

Botbyl vs Clark

Now and up to April 3rd I will post on various topics related to the Mayoral race.  Some of the issues have been addressed in the campaign materials provided by both candidates.  Other issues have not been mentioned, at least publicly.  I will endeavor to examine all of it.

So let's start with me.  I have always been transparent on where I stand and for those who are relatively new (or have forgotten) allow me to use this post for background.

I consider myself a "veteran observer" of WL City Hall.  I was appointed to the City Council as West Ward alderman in November 03, as a result of the resignation of Mayor Kendrick.  Alderman York, at the time, was elected Mayor by his fellow alderman, I took York's place on the board.  Mr York nominated me for Board.  I ran for re-election unopposed in 04 and served one term, elected by my peers as Mayor Pro-Tem twice.  I have served over a decade on both the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment.  Unlike almost all WL elected officials after they finish their terms, I have been a regular attendee at the monthly Board of  Aldermen (BOA) meetings over the past 12 years (and documented quite a bit on this blog).  After my term finished I have been a consistent observer at City Hall, probably to the chagrin of Mayor's Bos and Botbyl.  Clark and Tanya Finn have been long serving aldermen during these years...and the Three Amigas (3 WL women) are also regular attendees, siting in the gallery, back row.  The Mayor and the Council operate out of sight of the citizens of WL for the most part.  That isn't their choice, dear reader..that is yours/ours.  So I will do my best to fill in the gaps.

I first met Steve Clark the evening my appointment as Alderman was made official in November 03.  I did not always agree with his views on the Board (Sonoma Ridge) but I did respect the fact that he always spoke his mind, no hidden agendas, always a proponent of what he thought was best for the City.

I am voting for Steve as our next Mayor, I will elaborate on the reasons why in the coming posts.
Join me.

The Russians Are Coming?

And you think the Donald and Hillary have Russian problems?  I occasionally look at the "Stats" of the blog, haven't looked in awhile, especially country of origin for Pageviews.  Lo and hold, Comrade Vladimir (or his agents/bots/trolls) have viewed WLAISI recently...why, who knows?  Maybe all this election talk has stirred them up.  Or maybe something more sinister?  Disclaimer, I will never include a link for Russian brides on the blog...if one appears do not click!

Tomorrow:
The WL Mayoral Race.

BTW

The blog just past the 10 year mark as of 10 March, 2008...how time passes when you are having fun.  If you have the time and skip back to the beginning (just happened to be City Mayoral election time then) you will see some things have changed and others...well, not.  There have been some robust years of posting and meager years as well...a product of too much work and slight burn out.  In any event...

I'm not the kind of man
Who tends to socialize
I seem to lean on
Old familiar ways
And I ain't no fool for love songs
That whisper in my ears
Still crazy after all these years
Oh still crazy after all these years

Paul Simon

My Vote for Alderman, West Side

If you have read the blog you know I pretty much call it As I See It. This is the way I see the West Side race.  Until recently with the election of Richmond, then Footer, the Board of Aldermen (BOA) has been uniformly comprised of long term residents of the city.  Nothing wrong with that but it really doesn't represent the continuing change of demographics at WL.  I do value the historical perspectives of individuals like Steve Clark and Tanya Finn, there have been a number of times over the years when they have provided great feedback to the Mayor and other Board members...basically been there, done that.  What has been missing, to some extent, is another set of eyes/ears to question where we have been, and more importantly where we are going?

I believe Britt Carlson is the best choice for the West Side, for the City.  I like the fact he is a practicing attorney, I do think from time to time our City Attorney needs to be asked challenging questions, Britt would be a great person to do that.  I love the fact that he has a "passion" for the position.  My talk with him convinced me he is not an alderman that shows up once a month for BOA meetings then goes home.  I expect he will be an active participant in planning for the future of WL, something we are a bit behind, in my view.

On April 3rd, I am voting for Britt.

Britt Carlson

The other candidate running for West Side Alderman is Britt Carlson.  While the Hoy name might be familiar to residents who have been here at WL for a number of years, the name Britt Carlson might not ring a bell.  If you are on the WLIC Long Range Planning Committee you know him, or maybe you have met him during lake clean-up.  Britt and his wife Lori,  moved here in 2015 and are part of the changing demographic of new families to WL.  I was interested in finding out more about him and had a chance to talk with him this past weekend.

Britt is a practicing attorney with his own law practice.  He has worked as a city prosecutor (Gladstone) so is very familiar with the legal process from a city perspective.  (Note: more than a few candidates in the past have touted their background in business only to find out familiarity with Missouri statutes is very important, more important in many cases, than their business background).  Britt has both, operating his own business and interacting with cities in many different scenarios as an attorney.

This is all well and good, but what really stands out for me is the way he speaks about the opportunity to represent the West Side.  Britt says he has a "passion for city government".  He is visually animated as he talks about the role of alderman and how important the future of WL is to him and the community.  Indeed.

West Side Story (If you are an East Sider you may tune in later for the Mayoral race).

One thing guaranteed, there will be a new alderman representing the West Ward at the April Board of Alderman meeting.  The current incumbent, Steve Clark, is taking a run for WL Mayor, so one of the two men on the ballot will represent the West Side.  The question is which one?

Don Hoy has thrown his hat in the ring, he and wife Mary have lived here for 18 years.  His campaign slogan is, "Ship a Hoy to City Hall".  If that sounds familiar, it is similar to Mary's slogan in her runs for West Ward Alderman.  That might be his claim to fame, Mary's husband.  Don's flyer describes himself as "An Independent voice ready to WORK FOR YOU".  His Weatherby Lake Living Newsletter article states, "A good Alderman will truly represent the citizens and I pledge to do just that".

His list of Governmental Experience on his flyer is a little difficult to decipher, most of the citations do not have a time frame of his experience/service. Not that it is a particular problem, just what does that mean as far as serving as an alderman?
 
It is good to see citizens step up and take a shot at elective office, it is rather thankless, but very important to keep our little piece of paradise running smoothly.  We will see if West Siders Ship a Hoy to City Hall.

Register to Vote-Last Call

See my post, First Things First...
additionally, places to register by close of business this coming Wednesday.

A voter may register in person at one of the following locations by close of business this coming Wednesday.

• The office of their local election authority
• At a drivers licensing office while applying for or renewing a driver's license
• At a designated state agency while the applicant is obtaining services from the agency. Examples of state agencies providing registration applications to their clients include Division of Family Services, Military Recruitment, or WIC.
• A library

Tanya Finn

• 2012 Joe Sherman Award (WLIC)
• Board of Directors, Platte County Board of Services
• 1989 Northland Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Service to Education

Tanya is a familiar face at City meetings, often attending Court Proceedings, BZA and Planning Commission meetings.  I don't believe she has ever missed a Board of Alderman (BOA) meeting.

I have sat in the "cheap seats" (public section) of BOA meetings for the past 11 years, from my perspective, she has represented the East Side and the City well.

Tanya is married to Dick, a former WLIC president himself and has two adult sons, and two doggies.

So, even though she has no opponent, I highly recommend East Siders go to the polls and vote Tanya Finn, she is reason enough to go to the Community Center and vote.