| From our Readers |
| O'Fallon Watchdog |
Exposing Corruption, Injustices and the Truth.
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Welcome to the From Our
Readers page. This page is a
place where our readers can tell
other readers how they feel about
an issue or just share information or
an experience that you have had
with the city of O’Fallon.
Many people are uncomfortable with
public speaking or have the time to
attend a Counsel meeting much less
contain that important information
and facts to the 5 minutes your
elected officials allow you. However
the O’Fallon Watchdog feels their
voice is just as important.
The O’Fallon Watchdog reserves
the right refuse any submission.
Submissions that are accepted will
be added as time permits. In the
event we receive several
submissions concerning the same
subject we reserve the right to add
all, a few or none. The E-Mail the O’
Fallon Watchdog link has been
provided above for submissions and
please include your name and
contact information with your
submission.
Readers page. This page is a
place where our readers can tell
other readers how they feel about
an issue or just share information or
an experience that you have had
with the city of O’Fallon.
Many people are uncomfortable with
public speaking or have the time to
attend a Counsel meeting much less
contain that important information
and facts to the 5 minutes your
elected officials allow you. However
the O’Fallon Watchdog feels their
voice is just as important.
The O’Fallon Watchdog reserves
the right refuse any submission.
Submissions that are accepted will
be added as time permits. In the
event we receive several
submissions concerning the same
subject we reserve the right to add
all, a few or none. The E-Mail the O’
Fallon Watchdog link has been
provided above for submissions and
please include your name and
contact information with your
submission.
| If men were angels, no government would be necessary. JAMES MADISON, The Federalist, Feb. 6, 1788 |
O'Fallon's Shell Game Tax Increases
Lyn Schipper
Why is it that Missouri residents come out of the woodwork to vote against an increase
in cigarette taxes but don’t even flinch when their City Council votes to raise sales taxes
again and again, strip center by strip center? I lost count of how many times in the last
2 months I heard people say “I don’t smoke, but I am opposed to raising taxes on
cigarettes” the logic being if they tax cigarettes today it will be soda and chips tomorrow.
Lyn Schipper
Why is it that Missouri residents come out of the woodwork to vote against an increase
in cigarette taxes but don’t even flinch when their City Council votes to raise sales taxes
again and again, strip center by strip center? I lost count of how many times in the last
2 months I heard people say “I don’t smoke, but I am opposed to raising taxes on
cigarettes” the logic being if they tax cigarettes today it will be soda and chips tomorrow.
In O'Fallon, this could happen to you...
Lisa Markham
I never thought my family and neighbors would have to fight so hard and so long to
protect our biggest investment... our O'Fallon homes. And we would never have
expected to get more support and interest from two state and two federal agencies than
from our local officials, one of whom the three registered voters in our home voted into
office in Ward 2 in April.
But if it happened to my family and my Bramblett Hollow neighbors and it could happen
to yours too - especially now that there's a noticeable change at O'Fallon city hall. In
the case of my family and neighbors we have seen little interest in our needs and wants
-- even though we are taxpaying O'Fallon residents. If you don't believe me please
read this story which is unfortunately 100% true and I have documents and the
recorded city meetings to verify my statements and facts.
Lisa Markham
I never thought my family and neighbors would have to fight so hard and so long to
protect our biggest investment... our O'Fallon homes. And we would never have
expected to get more support and interest from two state and two federal agencies than
from our local officials, one of whom the three registered voters in our home voted into
office in Ward 2 in April.
But if it happened to my family and my Bramblett Hollow neighbors and it could happen
to yours too - especially now that there's a noticeable change at O'Fallon city hall. In
the case of my family and neighbors we have seen little interest in our needs and wants
-- even though we are taxpaying O'Fallon residents. If you don't believe me please
read this story which is unfortunately 100% true and I have documents and the
recorded city meetings to verify my statements and facts.
How things work in O'Fallon
Tom Dean
The city of O'Fallon has approved several Transportation Development Districts and
Commercial Improvement Districts which have additional sales taxes added to the basic
7.4% sales tax we all pay in the city. These districts are essentially unaccountable to the
public or any government body. They do file an abbreviated income statement with the
state auditor, but it is meaningless.
Tom Dean
The city of O'Fallon has approved several Transportation Development Districts and
Commercial Improvement Districts which have additional sales taxes added to the basic
7.4% sales tax we all pay in the city. These districts are essentially unaccountable to the
public or any government body. They do file an abbreviated income statement with the
state auditor, but it is meaningless.
Peter Signing Off
Mike Hooley
It is interesting to note that while Peter Cantwell says he is not part of the old regime, his
campaign signs are. A large number of his smaller campaign yard signs indicate he is
running for Alderman!
I just thought that was interesting!
Mike Hooley
It is interesting to note that while Peter Cantwell says he is not part of the old regime, his
campaign signs are. A large number of his smaller campaign yard signs indicate he is
running for Alderman!
I just thought that was interesting!
The Watchdog thinks its a sure SIGN
Peter is feeling the pressure when he
makes simple mistakes like this.
Note: O'Fallon has Councilmen not
Aldermen.
Peter is feeling the pressure when he
makes simple mistakes like this.
Note: O'Fallon has Councilmen not
Aldermen.
St. Peters Connections
Brandy Pedersen
I noticed Peter Cantwell received a campaign contribution from the Keeven family a very
close family who is a relation to Terry Hawkins who is running for Mayor of St. Peters.
Terry Hawkins married Patty Keeven. They are the good old boys of St. Peters . I
believe I saw that mans campaign contribution to Terry Hawkins as well.
Brandy Pedersen
I noticed Peter Cantwell received a campaign contribution from the Keeven family a very
close family who is a relation to Terry Hawkins who is running for Mayor of St. Peters.
Terry Hawkins married Patty Keeven. They are the good old boys of St. Peters . I
believe I saw that mans campaign contribution to Terry Hawkins as well.
DANGER: Local Government?
Steve Blechle
Any citizen who has run afoul of a city hall bureaucrat knows local government can be
just as dangerous to liberty as the federal government. What most people don't realize
is that local government has been growing in size, scope and power.
Local government now dwarfs the size of the national government. Starting in the
1960s, it began to surpass the size of national government and it is now roughly 50
percent larger.
Steve Blechle
Any citizen who has run afoul of a city hall bureaucrat knows local government can be
just as dangerous to liberty as the federal government. What most people don't realize
is that local government has been growing in size, scope and power.
Local government now dwarfs the size of the national government. Starting in the
1960s, it began to surpass the size of national government and it is now roughly 50
percent larger.
New Sign of the Times
Mike Hooley
Mike Hooley
The Watchdog thinks it
will be an interesting
year with Peter Cantwell
departure.
will be an interesting
year with Peter Cantwell
departure.
I think it is wrong to allow Conley to wear his Century 21 badge during televised
meetings "free advertisting"
meetings "free advertisting"
Free Advertising
Larry Schwentker
Larry Schwentker
Thanks Larry for bringing this to the Watchdog's attention. We will have to keep an
eye on this to see how often he does this. For fun maybe we will keep a score card
on this site.
eye on this to see how often he does this. For fun maybe we will keep a score card
on this site.
Watchdog Kudo's & Warning to O'Fallon Citizen's
Brandy Pedersen
I would like to give kudos’s to the watchdog for keeping an eye on what is going on in
O’Fallon and beyond. I wanted to give the folks in O’Fallon a heads up. St Peters is
considering a measure to take work sessions off of public TV. Let’s hope this will not
be a trend for the County. The argument is that citizens can attend the meeting in
person at 5:00 pm. Gee where are most of the citizens at 5:00 pm? They are on the
road commuting home from work and could not be at a 5:00 pm work session meeting
at City Hall. Maybe that is just what they want an empty house at city hall so they can
do as they please when nobody is looking! They can collect a fat paycheck and no
one will be at city hall to complain about what they are doing.
This is bad for the citizens of St. Peters . Citizens should call the Board of Alderman
and say no to this measure!
Government should be more accessible to the public not less accessible to the public!
If you could include this on the website it would be much appreciated!
Keep up the good work Watch dog!.
Brandy Pedersen
I would like to give kudos’s to the watchdog for keeping an eye on what is going on in
O’Fallon and beyond. I wanted to give the folks in O’Fallon a heads up. St Peters is
considering a measure to take work sessions off of public TV. Let’s hope this will not
be a trend for the County. The argument is that citizens can attend the meeting in
person at 5:00 pm. Gee where are most of the citizens at 5:00 pm? They are on the
road commuting home from work and could not be at a 5:00 pm work session meeting
at City Hall. Maybe that is just what they want an empty house at city hall so they can
do as they please when nobody is looking! They can collect a fat paycheck and no
one will be at city hall to complain about what they are doing.
This is bad for the citizens of St. Peters . Citizens should call the Board of Alderman
and say no to this measure!
Government should be more accessible to the public not less accessible to the public!
If you could include this on the website it would be much appreciated!
Keep up the good work Watch dog!.
Thanks for the Kudo's Brandy and thanks for the warning. It's a shame that the citizens
have to fight so hard for Open, Transparent and Honest government. Unfortunately it
seams most politicians are only looking after their own interest and not the people who
elected them. Good rule of thumb is look at who finances their campaign. Most likely that
whose interest they will be looking after.
have to fight so hard for Open, Transparent and Honest government. Unfortunately it
seams most politicians are only looking after their own interest and not the people who
elected them. Good rule of thumb is look at who finances their campaign. Most likely that
whose interest they will be looking after.
Another special election nomination meeting screwup/coverup ?
To those who care about open, honest government;
Brandy Peterson called me today to tell me about how the local Republican party,
chaired by Jon Bennett, screwed things up again. Apparently they held the recent
special election nomination meeting for Carl Bearden's old seat outside of that
district which violates state election law.
Then, apparently Rich Chrismer, the county election director, didn't certify the
nomination and told them to rehold the meeting. Apparently he finally got around to
reading the election statutes after he improperly certified last year's county council
special election nomination. Maybe I did accomplish something with my suit, Rich
Chrismer is now upholding the election laws.
But when the Republican party sent out a letter informing the committee members
of the second meeting, they announced it as just a technicality needed to confirm
the previous nominee (an aide to Gov. Blunt) and mentioned him by name. It
seems that they are more interested in pushing Governor Blunt's man than holding
legal meetings.
I respect Brandy's political courage but I feel she may rightfully be a bit
apprehensive about reporting this in the media. I think in the past she never got
the support she should have gotten from all of us. Too many times it was Brandy
standing up, often alone, speaking for openness, honesty, and doing the right
thing in local government.
Pass this on to others, the word needs to get out. Maybe we can get Republican
leaders who act more like Lincoln, FDR and Reagan instead of Tricky Dick Nixon.
Ultimately, that's the only hope for the Republican party.
Joe Cronin
To those who care about open, honest government;
Brandy Peterson called me today to tell me about how the local Republican party,
chaired by Jon Bennett, screwed things up again. Apparently they held the recent
special election nomination meeting for Carl Bearden's old seat outside of that
district which violates state election law.
Then, apparently Rich Chrismer, the county election director, didn't certify the
nomination and told them to rehold the meeting. Apparently he finally got around to
reading the election statutes after he improperly certified last year's county council
special election nomination. Maybe I did accomplish something with my suit, Rich
Chrismer is now upholding the election laws.
But when the Republican party sent out a letter informing the committee members
of the second meeting, they announced it as just a technicality needed to confirm
the previous nominee (an aide to Gov. Blunt) and mentioned him by name. It
seems that they are more interested in pushing Governor Blunt's man than holding
legal meetings.
I respect Brandy's political courage but I feel she may rightfully be a bit
apprehensive about reporting this in the media. I think in the past she never got
the support she should have gotten from all of us. Too many times it was Brandy
standing up, often alone, speaking for openness, honesty, and doing the right
thing in local government.
Pass this on to others, the word needs to get out. Maybe we can get Republican
leaders who act more like Lincoln, FDR and Reagan instead of Tricky Dick Nixon.
Ultimately, that's the only hope for the Republican party.
Joe Cronin
Jon Bennett responds
The letter submitted by Joe Cronin was as chock full of errors as his campaign for
County Council.
First of all, the 16th District Republican Legislative Committee is the committee that
held the nomination meeting, not the entire Republican Central Committee. This
committee is not chaired by me.
Secondly, the meeting was held in the county seat, which court precedent has proven
can be considered as being "in the area," although a party staffer from Jefferson
City advised the committee afterward to re-affirm the vote that had previously been
taken by the same members of the committee, but to have it in the district to assure
there could be no court challenge. While we were convinced that we could win any
court challenge, it made no sense to invite one, so the chairman of the committee
called for a second meeting. Little did we realize that the only people that would be
stirring up nonsense for the Republican Party would be those who claim to be
involved with it.
Third, Rich Chrismer, as the county election authority, has no authority over
certifying state candidates. He had no role in this process whatsoever, despite
Cronin's rambling email that he sent to the Post Dispatch. When I contacted Mr.
Chrismer about Mr. Cronin's claims that he had refused to certify the nomination, he
laughed.
Fourth, Mark Parkinson served as an aide to Senator Kit Bond, having never worked
for Governor Matt Blunt. By the way, the second meeting had Parkinson emerge as
the candidate, as well.
And fifth, had Ms. Pedersen bothered to communicate with the chairman, Fred
Henke, about the process of the meeting instead of running to the media crying foul,
she would have found that her concerns were already addressed by the chairman
prior to the media being contacted.
This looks to me like a few people simply have an axe to grind, and choose to do so
instead of merely picking up the phone and communicating internally with those with
whom they work.
My advice to you, Mr. Cronin, is to get your facts straight before you attack me, the
hard-working people on the committee on which I serve and the party that gave you
over $3,000 to try to boost your county council campaign.
How was the fishing in Alaska right before the election, by the way?
Jon Bennett, Chairman
St. Charles County Republican Central Committee
The letter submitted by Joe Cronin was as chock full of errors as his campaign for
County Council.
First of all, the 16th District Republican Legislative Committee is the committee that
held the nomination meeting, not the entire Republican Central Committee. This
committee is not chaired by me.
Secondly, the meeting was held in the county seat, which court precedent has proven
can be considered as being "in the area," although a party staffer from Jefferson
City advised the committee afterward to re-affirm the vote that had previously been
taken by the same members of the committee, but to have it in the district to assure
there could be no court challenge. While we were convinced that we could win any
court challenge, it made no sense to invite one, so the chairman of the committee
called for a second meeting. Little did we realize that the only people that would be
stirring up nonsense for the Republican Party would be those who claim to be
involved with it.
Third, Rich Chrismer, as the county election authority, has no authority over
certifying state candidates. He had no role in this process whatsoever, despite
Cronin's rambling email that he sent to the Post Dispatch. When I contacted Mr.
Chrismer about Mr. Cronin's claims that he had refused to certify the nomination, he
laughed.
Fourth, Mark Parkinson served as an aide to Senator Kit Bond, having never worked
for Governor Matt Blunt. By the way, the second meeting had Parkinson emerge as
the candidate, as well.
And fifth, had Ms. Pedersen bothered to communicate with the chairman, Fred
Henke, about the process of the meeting instead of running to the media crying foul,
she would have found that her concerns were already addressed by the chairman
prior to the media being contacted.
This looks to me like a few people simply have an axe to grind, and choose to do so
instead of merely picking up the phone and communicating internally with those with
whom they work.
My advice to you, Mr. Cronin, is to get your facts straight before you attack me, the
hard-working people on the committee on which I serve and the party that gave you
over $3,000 to try to boost your county council campaign.
How was the fishing in Alaska right before the election, by the way?
Jon Bennett, Chairman
St. Charles County Republican Central Committee
Cronin responds to Bennett
While I am encouraged that Jon Bennett reads the Watchdog, it's unfortunate that
he still just doesn't get it. As head of the County Republican Central Committee he is
expected to assume a leadership role and ensure that the party's affairs in St.
Charles County go smoothly. It's fair to say that not many Republican nomination
meetings in this county of late have gone smoothly.
Both Jon and Rich Chrismer need to spend some time reading Chapter 115 of the
Missouri Statutes. The meeting in question consisted of an nomination vote
(election) for a party nominee in a upcoming general election. As County Election
Authority, Rich Chrismer is certainly responsible that elections in the county are done
in a fair and legal manner.
And I think it's sad that Rich Chrismer would "laugh" at a legitimate concern about a
vote at a county nomination meeting for a statewide office. I know I'm not laughing at
the $2.7 million the County paid for his new offices when the County Assessor's
stated "Market Value" of the property was only $1.7 million. And why does the
Election Authority need 41,000 sq. feet of office space on 4.3 acres of ground at a
time when the election authority is shrinking the number of polling places? Maybe
Elliott Davis needs to ask him.
I am sorry that Mr. Bennett took my email as an "attack" on him and the party. And I
did personally thank the Republican Central Committee for contributing to my
campaign. That contribution was the only one I accepted in 5 races for public office.
Long ago I promised that I would not take contributions from special interests and
maybe that makes me a lousy politician. But I did win 3 of the 5 elections and did a
llot of things to improve the community I served.
Lastly, Jon you asked about the fishing in Alaska? Sorry, I was mountain goat
hunting on peaks of Kodiak Island home of one of the world's most dangerous
omnivores, the Kodiak Brown Bear. I have had many up close and personal
encounters with them in my 6 trips to Alaska. Strangely though, I find them more
amicable than you and some in the local Republican party.
Joe Cronin
While I am encouraged that Jon Bennett reads the Watchdog, it's unfortunate that
he still just doesn't get it. As head of the County Republican Central Committee he is
expected to assume a leadership role and ensure that the party's affairs in St.
Charles County go smoothly. It's fair to say that not many Republican nomination
meetings in this county of late have gone smoothly.
Both Jon and Rich Chrismer need to spend some time reading Chapter 115 of the
Missouri Statutes. The meeting in question consisted of an nomination vote
(election) for a party nominee in a upcoming general election. As County Election
Authority, Rich Chrismer is certainly responsible that elections in the county are done
in a fair and legal manner.
And I think it's sad that Rich Chrismer would "laugh" at a legitimate concern about a
vote at a county nomination meeting for a statewide office. I know I'm not laughing at
the $2.7 million the County paid for his new offices when the County Assessor's
stated "Market Value" of the property was only $1.7 million. And why does the
Election Authority need 41,000 sq. feet of office space on 4.3 acres of ground at a
time when the election authority is shrinking the number of polling places? Maybe
Elliott Davis needs to ask him.
I am sorry that Mr. Bennett took my email as an "attack" on him and the party. And I
did personally thank the Republican Central Committee for contributing to my
campaign. That contribution was the only one I accepted in 5 races for public office.
Long ago I promised that I would not take contributions from special interests and
maybe that makes me a lousy politician. But I did win 3 of the 5 elections and did a
llot of things to improve the community I served.
Lastly, Jon you asked about the fishing in Alaska? Sorry, I was mountain goat
hunting on peaks of Kodiak Island home of one of the world's most dangerous
omnivores, the Kodiak Brown Bear. I have had many up close and personal
encounters with them in my 6 trips to Alaska. Strangely though, I find them more
amicable than you and some in the local Republican party.
Joe Cronin
Bennett's final response
Mr. Cronin, it is awfully sad that you, as a former public official, have to point fingers
at everyone but yourself when it comes to the operation of a political party.
You, sir, are the one that doesn't get it.
I submit to you that Rich Chrismer is the COUNTY director of elections. He has no
authority whatsoever when it comes to state candidates. He is merely advised by the
secretary of state's office that an election is to be held, and he is responsible for
manning the polls and counting the votes. When it comes to certifying a STATE
candidate's authenticity, it is the secretary of state's office that performs this duty, not
the county election authority. This is why Mr. Chrismer and many others found your
rant particularly amusing when you stated that he had refused to certify Parkinson's
nomination for state representative.
Meanwhile, seeing as you haven't bothered to attend any meetings of the Central
Committee, I find it particularly difficult to put up with your perception of leadership
being provided. Your county central committee has been working hard to provide
resources to candidates and office holders that have never been provided in the
past. Soon we will roll out a new website, organize workers for the Feb. 5th
presidential primary, host the annual Lincoln Days dinner in late February, conduct a
campaign school for candidates and interested campaign workers, raise money and
help candidates organize for the 2008 elections, complete with a fully furnished
campaign headquarters, as well as many other projects.
As for your hunting trip, I hope you were successful. My apologies for mixing up the
message that you had gone fishing in Alaska, rather than hunting on Kodiak Island a
week or two before your own election.
I'm a bit jealous, actually, because it's a trip that many would love to take. But are
you prepared to justify the timing of it, especially after being given $3,000 in which to
run what we were assured was an "effective campaign," in which you were working
hard to be elected to the county council?
Just curious.
Jon Bennett, Chairman
St. Charles County Republican Central Committee
Mr. Cronin, it is awfully sad that you, as a former public official, have to point fingers
at everyone but yourself when it comes to the operation of a political party.
You, sir, are the one that doesn't get it.
I submit to you that Rich Chrismer is the COUNTY director of elections. He has no
authority whatsoever when it comes to state candidates. He is merely advised by the
secretary of state's office that an election is to be held, and he is responsible for
manning the polls and counting the votes. When it comes to certifying a STATE
candidate's authenticity, it is the secretary of state's office that performs this duty, not
the county election authority. This is why Mr. Chrismer and many others found your
rant particularly amusing when you stated that he had refused to certify Parkinson's
nomination for state representative.
Meanwhile, seeing as you haven't bothered to attend any meetings of the Central
Committee, I find it particularly difficult to put up with your perception of leadership
being provided. Your county central committee has been working hard to provide
resources to candidates and office holders that have never been provided in the
past. Soon we will roll out a new website, organize workers for the Feb. 5th
presidential primary, host the annual Lincoln Days dinner in late February, conduct a
campaign school for candidates and interested campaign workers, raise money and
help candidates organize for the 2008 elections, complete with a fully furnished
campaign headquarters, as well as many other projects.
As for your hunting trip, I hope you were successful. My apologies for mixing up the
message that you had gone fishing in Alaska, rather than hunting on Kodiak Island a
week or two before your own election.
I'm a bit jealous, actually, because it's a trip that many would love to take. But are
you prepared to justify the timing of it, especially after being given $3,000 in which to
run what we were assured was an "effective campaign," in which you were working
hard to be elected to the county council?
Just curious.
Jon Bennett, Chairman
St. Charles County Republican Central Committee
Pederson responds to Bennett
This is my response to the comments made by Mr. Bennett about me in the
watchdog. The proper contacts were made by me and addressed before media was
called. My only concern was to be sure the Missouri Statute’s were followed properly.
That is what I was elected to do. A committee member should not have to chase
leadership around for answers. In fact it would have been helpful to have something
in writing prior to the final vote.
Respectfully
Brandy Pedersen
This is my response to the comments made by Mr. Bennett about me in the
watchdog. The proper contacts were made by me and addressed before media was
called. My only concern was to be sure the Missouri Statute’s were followed properly.
That is what I was elected to do. A committee member should not have to chase
leadership around for answers. In fact it would have been helpful to have something
in writing prior to the final vote.
Respectfully
Brandy Pedersen
