The "pig" book, or how Government blows our money!
Please click on the header to be enlightened! I know this is not Crestwood, but as Tip O'Neal once said "all politics is local!" Not great grammar, but I doubt anyone worried about it.
Our job should we choose to accept it is to insure this sort of idiocy doesn't take root "locally!"
Tom Ford
NO. 445
Our job should we choose to accept it is to insure this sort of idiocy doesn't take root "locally!"
Tom Ford
NO. 445
posted by Crestwood Independent at 10:09
44 Comments:
Some really interesting quotes provided by Crestwood's outstanding historian, Jackie Stock!
"If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed,
if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed."
-Mark Twain
Suppose you were an idiot.? And suppose you were a member of Congress....? But then I repeat myself.
-Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
-George Bernard Shaw
A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.
-G Gordon Liddy
Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.
-James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
-Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
-P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavor s to live at the expense of everybody else.
-Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:? If it moves, tax it.? If it keeps moving, regulate it.? And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
-Ronald Reagan (1986)
I don't make jokes I just watch the government and report the facts.
-Will Rogers
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free!
-P.J. O'Rourke
In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.
-Voltaire (1764)
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
-Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
-Mark Twain (1866 )
Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it.
-Unknown
The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.
-Ronald Reagan
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings.? The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.
-Winston Churchill
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
-Mark Twain
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.
-Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
There is no distinctly Native American criminal class ... save Congress.
-Mark Twain
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
-Edward Langley, Artist (1928 - 1995)
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Thomas Jefferson
Tom Ford
Tom,
What is your plan of action for 2008 for the City of Crestwood?
I want to hear your plan.
The quotes are great but what is Jackie Stock's plan of action for the City of Crestwood for 2008?
What is Don and Faye Clark's plan of action for the City of Crestwood in 2008?
Just read the Call, MFPD is again trying to put tax DECREASE on ballot for 3rd straight year. Aren't you glad we are being given a chance to vote on reducing our taxes? Thank goodness our City Fathers saw through the scam being put forth by the Board of Directors of the MFPD when they offered us a way to cost our cost $200,000. Dodged the bullet that time didn't we?
Their plan for action to is gather all the dirt (real or otherwise) on anyone who might run against the current mayor to be used like the Roy's last Jerry Springer campaign was run. That's why Tom posted the appeal for anyone who was going to run to file soon so their background could be checked.
3:48 PM blogger: Gee, are we back to the "plan" thing? Well if we are, my plan is for Crestwood to move forward. keep Roy Robinson as Mayor, let Aldermen Miguel, Neider, Roby, and Foote continue to do the excellent job's they have been doing, and do whatever I can to make that happen!
Simple, no?
4:22PM blogger: Your right, I am waiting to see who will file against Mayor Robinson!
As we speak I have dozens of "operatives" in strategic locations with very specific orders to gather ALL the "interesting facts" they can about the other candidate and share them with my fellow citizen voters!
I would rather do this sooner than later as the cost of the "operatives, and the black helos is getting up there!
By the way, who do you have in mind?
Tom Ford
You Tom, you.
I think a satisfactory plan would be to provide city services and nothing more. We'll take care of the rest.
The position does not pay enough to be responsible for a master plan. What are you expecting? City master planning has proven to be ineffective and inefficient.
Interesting point of view if you want something to read on your next library visit:
The Best-Laid Plans: How Government Planning Harms Your Quality of Life, Your Pocketbook, and Your Future
by Randal O'Toole
Greg Roby is no longer a favorite of Tom, oh boy, there goes the mayors majority on the Board.
Who are the members of Crestwood Smart Growth Association?
Mayor Roy Robinson?
Alderman Miguel?
Alderman Foote?
Ken Bogeman?
Don Clark?
Faye Clark?
Is everyone against Alderman Roby because he is questioning the outstanding bills not posted on time?
What is really the difference between Mayor Roy Robinson and former Mayor Fagan and former Mayor Robertson?
Lawyer?
Military experience?
Fraud Investigation?
FBI background?
clubs and organizations?
Malone's?
Is Tom Ford a member of Crestwood Smart Growth Association?
Why don't you just wait and see who runs for mayor instead of running your mouth off about Roy and people who haven't yet thrown their hats in the ring?
The bottom line is the people of Crestwood will have the right and privilege of casting their vote on election day for the person they choose to be our mayor. Slamming people just shows your ignorance.
Whether you like it or don't like it, majority rules. The losers will always find something to crab about and we will hear all of the complaints right here on this blog.
So lay back and don't chime in on these speculations, inunendos and sarcastic comments. Just watch, listen and vote when the time comes.
Hold on there just a bit little girl (10:03). Who made you in charge of this blog's freedom to post what one wants? Who are you to tell posters to stop running off their mouths? What gives you the right to declare what is and isn't speculation? When did you get put at the right hand of God Himself with the power your post tries to throw around?
12:42 It was just a suggestion. No need to get all hostile about it. Speculate all you want, be sarcastic if you want. Sounds like you are all about that anyway.
And don't tell me to hold on and I am not a little girl. You got me mixed up with someone who gives a hoot.
My comments wouldn't bother you a bit unless they describe who you are. Anybody else, wouldn't be so upset.
4:22 re read your post.
8:48 AM blogger: well, no I am not a member. I do remember when Kelly Isherwood was putting that together, but I thought it was a bit silly at the time, and still do!
Tom Ford
8:40 AM blogger: the major difference is that he came in and did something! By the way, I received this from a blogger today reference the FBI comments, so I thought I would share.
"JUST FOR THE RECORD....I have in front of me ( if you need a copy )
the original, red, white & blue flyer, mailed to us, " ROY R .... FOR MAYOR "
NO WHERE does it say FBI.........................."
That should put that to rest!
Tom Ford
Tom for mayor
4:27 PM 1-3
My comment was really directed to others who have voiced their opinions under this blog subject. You re-read 12:50 PM 1/2; 8:35 AM 1/3 and 8:40 AM 1/3. If you feel that those comments are OK but mine isn't, that's just another opinion to me. You so stated how you feel. I stated how I feel. What's the problem?
5:48 It's real simple, the post's that offended you so much were asking fair questions. Your post, however, was telling those posters to shut up and to not do anything. Which now leads normal people to ask, what would have happened if the Clark's and the Crestwood Smart Growth Asso.had done what you are telling these posters to now do?
Funny, how time changes things.
9:28 PM Thanks for your response. I just made a comment, like a million others on this blog. Sorry you took exception to mine.
I apologize if I upset you.
Rather than taking offense to my comment, I wish you would have just asked me to explain what I was saying instead of assuming I was trying to step on your toes. I was only speaking in general terms and being non-specific.
Please note. To answer your questions in your comment to me: No, I do not sit at the right hand of God, but neither do you. No I am not the blogmaster and you can say what you wish when you wish, but so can I. And no I am not trying to take your rights away, thus don't try to take mine away from me.
Lastly, since you feel that you can run your mouth off as much as you so desire, then so can I.
Everybody has an opinion, and everybody doesn't have to agree with you, or me or anyone else.
PS: Please don't use the four letter word and put somebody's name with it like the last time. The blog master has already stated that he (Tom) will not tolerate it.
this is an open message to all the folks who live behind butler chev and are whining about the new and improved auto paint shop. do us all a favor and move to west county. the city needs the sales tax revenue more than it needs u.
2:51 I agree. The people who live behind Butler knew what they were getting into when they bought their homes behind commercial property.
We have heard the whining from residents for years. It's about time that they stop. It's either noise, smell re: Red Lobster who is still one of our long lasting restaurants, and any other complaint they could come up with, when new business has tried to come into Crestwood.
Residents were complaining about the potential "fish smell" coming out of Red Lobster even before they got started, and I didn't think it would ever pass the Zoning Board to get to the BOA.
The only thing they don't complain about are offices and sometimes they even complain about the cars in those parking lots.
Jim Butler has always been a good merchant and cars have always been worked on there.
I think it is a shame that people that have commercial enterprises are apprehensive about coming into Crestwood because of all the restrictions placed on them by the planning and zoning board, the board of zoning adjustment and the board of aldermen.
To comply with some of our requirements, it costs them money even before they open their doors for business.
And don't forget the landscaping. Crestwood has restrictions on that too. I hope that the city can lighten up a bit. We are no longer in a position to act superior to other communities with our restrictions. We have had that bad reputation for a long time. I hope that we realize that by being so strict, businesses are not breaking down our doors to come here.
I agree also. It is another example of the 'minority' rules. What ever happened to the majority rules?
Yup, you are right, those life long residents of Crestwood act like they are the only ones who count.
3:28 PM Some of our zoning regulations and codes should be looked over to see if they need to be updated. And there should be a wave of new input by our younger leaders when they see that our rules and regulations are not all that comprehensive and realistic.
Years ago we had some real head strong people on boards and commissions who wanted Crestwood to look like Beverly Hills. Some who were on the board felt we were holding all the cards and could superimpose their desires. Not so any more and some of these statutes and regulations are just way too over the top.
Maybe someone already has looked into this, but when I read about the Butler Chevrolet property and how people were complaining, I was very upset.
If you buy a house that has commercial on one side and residential on the other, or you live within several blocks of commercial, you should know that things change over the years and there may be things down the road that need redevelop in certain cases.
People in those residential areas should not be allowed to dictate their wishes on all development that leads to progress. I am not speaking of eminent domain but some allowances should be made to both commercial and residential occupants to reach a compromise without being unreasonable.
And the board of aldermen should at least be fair in their assessment of these issues.
5:12 p.m. January 4
"...but when I read about the Butler Chevrolet property and how people were complaining, I was very upset..."
Those residents called the aldermen and showed up at all the relevant meetings to voice their opinions - did you?
You can't hope to change or influence decisions by keeping your opinions to yourself.
Martha Duchild
I'll quit complaining about the toxic paint fumes when all the pool haters quite complaining about Crestwood Swim Club destroying their neighborhood. I'll take the pool anyday over the toxic waste. The people who bought their homes that backed up to the pool's property knew what they were getting when they bought it. The property could be developed...and it was.
8:47 and 9:02 Good points. I agree.
I would like to answer a comment on this Jim Butler issue.
Abutting property on a big highway 366/Watson Road is not the same as the Crestwood Swim Club property. Those houses are practically on top of the swim club property and it is not on a commerically travelled street where people have to make their living. But I do feel sorry for them. They have lived with that for years and nobody has helped them out.
But everybody knows that people who live around a big highway are taking a chance that the highways will be widened someday making more noise and that some day it might even be worse than that.
People behind Red Lobster fought like crazy, screaming about the fish smell. But Red Lobster has done a good job and has the longevity to prove it.
What type of commercial enterprise would you approve of going into Watson Road, a cemetery? I guess that would be OK cause a bunch of dead bodies can't create noise or a smell.
People have the right of free enterprise just as much as you have your right to live behind a highway. The line can't always be drawn your way.
If the city can approve of a liquor business, I don't see why they can't approve this one.
9:01 PM blogger: "The people who bought their homes that backed up to the pool's property knew what they were getting when they bought it. The property could be developed...and it was."
Well I really doubt they, or any of us had any idea that a private swim club would show up there, don't you?
Yes they knew it could be developed, but I am sure they thought a house at best!
I don't get the analogy here, please explain.
Tom Ford
You know, I am struck by the fact that we have so many NIMBY (not in my back yard) folks in Crestwood. Yet when the tax increase issue is brought up they scream bloody murder!
Folks, please realize that we can no longer have it both ways here! If we shun business, we pay higher taxes for the same services we now enjoy, so I say let's back the business person instead of creating road blocks for them.
If you want an eye opening experience offer to serve on a board! I was constantly amazed by the citizens that would come to a meeting and go so far as to threaten the board members if they didn't get their way! We actually had one tell us one night that he "voted" and if we didn't do the right thing we would "pay!"
I am still waiting for the "pay" part because we ALL approved it, why? Well it was the right thing to do!
If we want more businesses in Crestwood, we must shake off that cloak of demands and make it easier for a business to start here! The heck with what type of "tree" he must plant, get the business, and sooner rather than later!
Tom Ford
The events surrounding the Creston Center over 3 years ago remind me of those who now debate Jim Butler and the Crestwood Swim Club.
We would be better off today without the Creston Center and had there instead the development planned for that corner.
I would like to answer Martha Duchild's comment.
I admire Martha very much and she is not afraid to speak her mind. I am also glad that people came out to voice their opinions at the meeting regarding Butler.
Further, if I did know there was a meeting, I don't even live in that area, and would have been told so by those residents who opposed the issue that attended.
Also, like I said, I really felt that the issue would still go through given the good record of Jim Butler and yes, I was disappointed.
Hearing the outcries of the residents for over 30 years regarding anything going into the Watson Road Corridor, I feel that the residents in many cases really don't want any commercial abutting their properties even though there houses are there. Which to me means, they should have never, ever purchased a home in that area in the first place. In the end, they should know that highways are always widened, and the noise, diesel smell and every other poluntant stays in the atmosphere forever.
Some who negate this issue have nitpicked about any new business in that area, because what they really want is the peace and quiet of the country, but want it right smack dab in the middle of the biggest and only retail corridor we have. I say it is time to measure that against the fact that because of this residential outcry, and residents getting their way, many developers or business people don't even want to come into Crestwood because the city has had a bad reputation for being hard to deal with for years.
If you go back in history and read the minutes of all the boards and commissions in the city, you might also see how people who wanted to do business in Crestwood had to jump through hoops to satisfy the list of conditions. Some businesses were loosing money just waiting to get all of the conditions done including all kinds of landscaping that cost thousands of dollars.
Going back as far as 20 years ago, this city was full of aldermen who were only concerned with their constituency. We had so much money in the coffers, some on the board never thought the day would come when we were hurting for money and business. They were real good at saying no to good business opportunities. For instance, Cunetto's Restaurant went somewhere else to do business.
So, maybe I am a bad resident because I don't go to all the meetings and do everything I should do with respect to community interest, but I have lots of years under my belt in living here, and have seen and heard it all, over and over again. And I know that Jim Butler has done business with this city for longer than most and I know other businesses like Red Lobster was also chastised for the "fish" smell and other things. But they have been good business for Crestwood. And I feel that we should give Butler some consideration to the fact that they want to still be part of Crestwood.
Please understand that this is only my position and I hope nobody gets smart with me and takes me to task for it, as some on this blog have done. No I don't sit at the right hand of God as someone stated. Everybody can speak for themselves which is what I am doing.
8:17PM blogger: Excellent points!In fact I am going to start a new thread based on your missive here!
Please don't be intimidated by anyone on this blog, speak your mind, you have that right as an American citizen, and (in spite of some here) as a Crestwood resident!
Tom Ford
Think about this... the matter of homes and businesses. There are homes surrounding Reco Industrial Park and Watson Industrial Park, and all along behind businesses North and South of Watson Road and homes behind Crestwood Plaza all the way down to the former Dillards. There are homes behind Aldi and Schnucks Plazas and the new Starbucks Plaza, even Barnes and Nobel and ACE Hdwe. People all knew when they bought their homes that Watson Road, etc., had commerce.
Granted, our landscaping, signage, lighting and parking codes are strict and keep our city from looking undesirable, but we should accomodate the times and our finances and consider options. "A Little Sugar helps the medicine go down."
The issue before the board regarding Schaeffer Auto Body utiliizing Jim Butler property has some on the board feeling that it is not the best use of the space.
Also there seems to be a little problem regarding Jim Butler leaving the area with his new car dealership and using his Crestwood property for the "used car business" and an auto body shop.
If Butler decides to remove the used car business, which could happen further down the line, what would he then do with it. If he wants to enhance our corridor with used cars now, like some areas in the City of St. Louis, he most certainly wouldn't want to use it to make his Crestwood property aesthetically pleasing down the road.
I do not feel that the residents abutting the property had that much impact on the board of aldermen decision. It was this other issue.
This last post was what I consider a good reason to blog. Opinions, ideas, information. Things to stimulate action and conversation regardiing things of importance to our community. One does not have to agree necessarily, but still it is good to get input to consider. It would be nice if a major car dealer would chose the Butler site for a satellite of their business. Someone like Sinclair. Name it Route 66 ( ). Sounds like Butler might just want to farm out what they can regardless of impact rather than sell it as a package. Don't know, just wondering. Hopefully our BOA has both vision and critique oon board.
4:57 I agree. Plus we were good enough for Jim Butler's new car business for years. His leaving this area at this point in time leaves one to feel that, as always, it's all about making more money somewhere else. And I say OK fine. However,
Urban sprawl is also going west and southwest so maybe we just ain't good enough for him anymore and now he wants to cash in on a different market and wants Crestwood to sanction it. Is it a good business decision? Maybe.
However, if down the line, this "used" car deal doesn't work, and he pulls all those cars out, what are we left with? A vacant store front and an auto body shop in the back? Butler certainly isn't going to keep selling these used cars if he isn't making money. Then what about Crestwood?
After hearing this reasoning from a member of the board of aldermen, I have to agree with his point. It's a very good one.
That ground is a wonderful piece of real estate and it could be better utilized.
Right, sometimes things just have to play out. One has to just sit tight and wait. It is great property and we can hope its time will come. I am presusming Butler owns the property and would have sense to keep it in good repair knowing any future business has to be approved. Let's hope good things will come to those who wait. Our board seems to be making efforts to consider all the facts.
What I have heard on this blog for the longest time are head hunters who are ragging on the mayor and board of aldermen in the most ridiculous terms. People going over the line and making in appropriate remarks whenever they got the chance.
And now that the deadline for filing against this mayor has closed, it shows me that all of you who have a propensity to name call, and I mean pretty disgusting name calling, let their chance go by to become the new light and savior of Crestwood and get rid of this mayor....... this ......."ROACH" "VILLAN" "ETC. AND SO FORTH".
One can only assume then that you are all a bunch of sounding boards, full of fury and frothing at the mouth like you know it all, but signifying nothing.
By passing up the chance to do all the things you said this mayor did wrong, you have displayed to me a perfect example of all show and no go. The answer to my burning question has been answered.
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