Harvard U. tells liberals and Democrats to stay away from 4th. of July celebrations as they are for Republican recruiting!

I have been an American for some 70 years now and I grew up watching (and participating in some) parades and going to fireworks demonstrations from WW2 to Korea, to Viet Nam, to Iraq, and now Afghanistan, and never would I have believed this would ever happen!

Harvard is saying that liberals and Democrats should not Attend their nations Birthday party? Have we come down that low in only three years of liberal socialist thinking in the White house that we ALL can't celebrate our nations birth? My God that was the one day when we all came together in complete unison and politics was "in suspension" for the day.

I am disgusted by this despicable report, and I wish a pox upon the house of those that wrote it as well as the house that issued it!

(PLEASE CLICK ON THE HEADER FOR THE STORY!)

Tom Ford

NO. 908

'Trust but Verify," or forget about it when it's our friends?

"Alderman Duncan: Gives a speech about how she won't govern through the press. She quotes whom she says is former U.S. President Ronald Reagan: "Trust but verify."

(The Patch.)

And with that bit of wisdom from Alderman Duncan we move forward to last nights Board Of Alderman meeting where the exact opposite was recommended by Duncan, Beezley and Foote!

If you remember correctly these bastions of leadership ALL told us that we must listen to the experts, and I agree whole heartedly with them (for once.) HOWEVER at last nights meeting (transcript available on the Patch site) as "an expert" remarked that we had best do an in house audit of the Sappington House account, our three "experts" said that wasn't necessary!

Worse than that we had the City Administrator, these three, and City Attorney asking for a vote for an ordnance to possibly audit when our Finance manager stated that it was already in the works (the audit.) It seems that said ordnance has been in effect for some time now and no one (of those four) but the Finance manager knew it (thank goodness that department is up to speed!)

So all in all we have another fiasco lead by the three Alderman who would run Crestwood. Where was Alderman Pickel you say? Well he was saved by his absence this time, but the other three more than made up for his not being there.

These three reminded me of the Three Stooges skit when they were clock repair men. A customer came into their shop with a clock to be repaired and asked them if the job would be in competent hands. Curly replied, "certainly were the most incompetent people in town!"

Tom Ford

NO. 907

MEET YOUR ALDERMAN, WARD THREE ALDERMAN, PAUL DUCHILD.

(314)842-0939
pduchild@ci.crestwood.mo.us

Married to Martha Duchild, one daughter, twin sons, two (big) dogs

Employed at Edward Jones
BA in International Business - Bradley University
MBA in Finance - Webster University
Member, Our Lady of Providence Parish

"Like most communities in America, Crestwood is facing very serious economic challenges which require our city government to be fiscally prudent, just as you are with your own hard-earned income. For Crestwood to remain a viable and solvent community, elected officials and government employees must be accountable for every dollar spent, treat you and our city's business owners with respect, adhere to the rule of law, and govern with transparency."


Tom Ford

NO. 906

Meet your Alderman, Ward Three Alderman Jerry Miguel (per the City web site.)

Jerry Miguel – Ward 3


(314)849-0069
jmiguel@ci.crestwood.mo.us

I am honored to serve the People of Ward 3 and all the People of Crestwood.

The City has faced many financial challenges in the past few years. Much progress has been made; much more needs to be done. Fiscal responsibility and annually balanced budgets remain my top priorities.

That said, I recognize many other priorities and challenges, such as: street maintenance, maintaining and enhancing property values, and economic development – the Mall in particular.

I try my best to serve our residents whatever their needs may be. I try to respond to all telephone call and emails. Please feel free to call me.

Elected to Board of Aldermen in April 2004, Re-elected in 2007
Member of Economic Development Commission in 2005
President of Board of Aldermen in 2006
Member of Ways & Means Committee in 2006 & 2007
Aldermanic Rep to Planning & Zoning Commission in 2006
Aldermanic Rep to Public Works Board in 2007
Married to Judy Miguel Four Grown Children:Anne Marie, Chris, Teresa, Joe
MBA from Washington University
BS in Engineering from University of Notre Dame
Computer Professional, Retired From Anheuser-Busch
Member Our Lady of Providence Church; OLP Men’s Club
Member & Past Chairman of Metropolitan St Patrick’s Day Parade
Member & Member of Year of Notre Dame Club of St Louis
Volunteer at St Patrick Center and Habitat for Humanity Events
Hobbies Include Yoga and Computer Clubs, Duffer at Golf.


Tom Ford

NO. 905

Meet your Alderman, Ward Two Alderman, Steve Knarr (per the City site.)

Steve Knarr
(314) 348-0968

Steve Knarr has lived in Crestwood since 1992. He has three children, Julia, Alison and Kevin. He is a native of South St. Louis and currently works as the Chief Architect at BIS Frucon Engineering, a local architecture and engineering firm. He has practiced architecture for the past 30 years. His interest in serving Crestwood goes back to Mayor Pat Killoren who appointed him to his first board position.

“I believe government works best at the local level. I’ve seen Crestwood decline as the Mall has declined and I’ll work hard to help revitalize the mall and Crestwood’s tax base with it.”

Community Service:

Volunteer for Room at the Inn

Regular platelet donor for American Red Cross

United Way

Habitat for Humanity

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Civic Service:

Member, Crestwood Public Works Board: 1994-1996

Chairman, Crestwood Storm and Waste Water Committee: 1996-1998

Member, Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission: 2002-2007

2008-2011

Board of Alderman 2007-2008

Education:

Bachelor of Environmental Design, University of Kansas

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Kansas

Registered architect in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana

June 28, 2011 Board of Alderman meeting (Click here for the agenda.)

The Board of Alderman meeting scheduled for June 28, 2011 in the Aldermanic chambers starting at 7:00 PM should prove to be an interesting one. Please note that the City audit is on the agenda, and while I do not expect any controversy there it's always good to hear we passed with flying colors.

Please join your neighbors and attend the meeting as staying informed of what your City is doing is your responsibility as a citizen.

Tom Ford

NO. 904

Meet your Alderman, Ward One Alderman, Darryl Wallach (Per his Bio on the City Web Site.)

Darryl Wallach – Ward 1
(314) 968-1216
dwallach@ci.crestwood.mo.us



My wife Laurie and I have been proud Crestwood residents since 1996. We moved to Crestwood due to its centralized location and our history to this community. We have wonderful neighborhoods and residents, numerous parks, public safety departments (police and fire), and our homes are in the top-tier Lindbergh School District.

I am a graduate from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State University – Kirksville, MO) with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Professionally I have been in the insurance industry for over 20 years.

I have been the past chairman of the Crestwood Public Works Board. My wife and I have volunteered at the Humane Society of Missouri.

Our city, like many others, is facing the challenge of a declining retail sales tax base that affects the revenue stream that we relied on from our retail community. Crestwood will persevere. We will create an exciting community to work, play, live, and raise families.

For the continued well-being of Ward 1 residents and our City, I offer my service to serve and to earn your trust. If you should have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call or correspond electronically.


Tom Ford

NO. 903

Mike Anthony of the Call nails the June 14th. BOA meeting (click here for the story.)

This hard hitting editorial says it ALL about the politics of division as practiced by the Four Alderman (Duncan, Beezley, Pickel, and Foote) in Crestwood!

What some of us witnessed at that travesty of a meeting can only be summed up as despicable! I am ashamed to say that my Alderman (Chris Pickel) was not only involved, but seems to have been the catalyst for whatever reason. How else do you explain his offering an olive branch to Mayor Schlink and then hitting him over the head with it?

The time line between the Alderman (Pickel, and Foote) calling the Mayor with their rather simultaneous pick for Ward two is stunning to say the least.

Mr. Anthony at the end of his comment's reminded the readers of the Old Harry Truman saw, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen," as it pertains to some Alderman complaining about negative press. I would go one step further and remind each of them that this is what they signed on to do when they ran for Alderman! If they want constant plaudits, you signed up for the wrong job. You may well consider resigning "to spend some quality time with the family," or whatever else one says when they can't stand rejection.

I see that you have a resident in the same issue of the Call attempting to "fly top cover for you." It's nice to know that you have friends, but if they are going to do that please remind them to make sure they have a full complement of ammo before they take off.


Tom Ford

NO. 902

Meet your Alderman, Ward Four Alderman John Foote (per his Bio. on the City Web site.)

John Foote – Ward 4

(314)843-5426
jfoote@ci.crestwood.mo.us

"My wife Carol and I are long-term Crestwood residents; our children and grandchildren were raised here and attended Lindbergh Schools.

Although I’ve been a long-term Crestwood resident, it was not until a few years ago, around 2003, when my concerns about the financial direction in which the city was headed prompted me to start attending Board of Aldermen meetings and offering opinions. From that point on, I wrote newspaper articles, worked with other residents and elected officials to cut long-term debt and balance the city’s budgets.

Experience
Started at Brown Shoe Company in the Quality Control Laboratory, held departmental then plant superintendent position until becoming Brown Shoe’s General Manager over Materials Warehousing and Systems (ran materials manufacturing and warehousing units, responsible for division profit centers and operating budgets).

When shoe production shifted out of the US I worked with a consulting firm specializing in warehousing and supply systems, updating warehouses and distribution centers located in Seattle, Washington and in El Paso, Texas.

A small project for McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences led to my joining a research group in Washington University’s Physics Department Compton Labs. Highlights involved both shuttle launch of our experiments and work in recovery facilities at NASA’s Cape Kennedy. Retired after close to fifteen years but remain in contact with the labs and the people from all over the world who worked to advance our knowledge of space.

Education
Bachelor of Science Degree Washington University

Volunteer
St. Louis Science Center (10 years)."


Tom Ford

NO. 901

Meet your Alderman, Ward Two Alderman,Chris Pickel (per his Bio on the City Site.)

As below, no attacks without your signature or I will remove them.

Chris Pickel – Ward 2
(314)966-4866
cpickel@ci.crestwood.mo.us

Chris Pickel is Director – External Affairs for AT&T-Missouri. In this position, he coordinates all of AT&T’s charitable contributions in the state and works with local communities on various telecommunications issues. Previously, he was Regional Marketing Manager for Cingular wireless and was responsible for all marketing, advertising and public relations programs in Missouri and Kansas. Before joining AT&T, Mr. Pickel was Manager of Public Relations at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles.

He is a member of the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Crestwood Planning & Zoning Commission. Other organizations he has supported through volunteer activities include: American Red Cross, The United Way, FIRST Robotics, Ronald McDonald House, March of Dimes and St. Louis University High School.

A native of St. Louis, Mr. Pickel earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications from St. Louis University. He and his wife, Eileen, have three children


Tom Ford

NO. 900

Meet your Alderman, Ward Four Alderman Deborah Beezley (Per her Bio. on the City Web Site.)

Same rules apply as seen below.



Deborah Beezley – Ward 4
(314)849-0148
dbeezley@ci.crestwood.mo.us









"PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

April 1998 – present

•Director, Health Information Management, St. Anthony’s Medical Center. Also serves as HIPAA Privacy Officer and Emergency Management Officer
PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

•President/Co-owner Qual-T-Med, Inc. – Consulting Firm specializing in Healthcare Quality and Regulatory Preparedness.
•Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) (now known as The Joint Commission) – Accrediting entity for Healthcare facilities (formerly based in Chicago, Illinois; now based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois). Served as Program Manager, Department of Education and Publication. Moved to the Hospital Accreditation Program and served as Assistant Program Manager, staff representative for the Accreditation Committee – Board of Commissioners and Contributing Editor, Quality Review Bulletin, a Joint Commission publication.
•Began career as a Health Information Management staff member in two hospitals, Lincoln, Nebraska.


EDUCATION

•Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri; Degree – Bachelor of Arts, Concentration: Health Communications
•American Medical Record Association course for Medical Record Personnel, 1973 – 1974
•Accreditation by the American Health Information Management Association – 1974
•University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, College of Arts and Sciences
•NIMS Training – Courses 100, 200, 700, 800, Missouri Hospital Association, September 2006 and June 2007 (Yale New Haven Health)
•CERT Training, Crestwood, Missouri, January 2007
•Integrated Emergency Management Training, FEMA, January 2005
•Michigan State University, Train the Trainer program, July 1978


RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/APPOINTMENTS

STARRS (St. Louis Area Regional Response System)

•Member, Advisory Council (Bi-State Region)
•Member, Hospital Preparedness Committee
•Co-Chair, Hospital Amateur Radio Network Committee (HARN)
•Chair, Implementation Task Force for the Regional Healthcare Coordination Plan (Bi-State Region)
•St. Louis Medical Operation Center Duty Officer
Heartland Center, St. Louis University

•Advisor to Staff for Emergency Management Planning
Department of Health and Senior Services, State of Missouri

•Pandemic Flu Task Force Member
Missouri Health Information Management Association

•Active Member
American Health Information Management Association

•Accredited Active Member, 1974 – present
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/APPOINTMENTS – PREVIOUS

Eastern Missouri Health Information Management Association

•President, 2005
Doorways, St. Louis

•Member, Board of Directors, February 1995 – April 2000
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS

St. Louis University School of Allied Health Professionals, St. Louis, Missouri – Health Informatics and Information Management

•Adjunct Professor, Healthcare Quality, 1989 – 1990
•Clinical Site Instructor, 1989 – present
RELEVANT COMMUNITY SERVICE/ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Crestwood, Missouri

•Alderman, Ward 4
•Aldermanic Representative, Police Board and Animal Control
•Past Chairman, Welcome Wagon
Volunteer Aid to Colonel Tim Daniel, Special Advisor, Governor, State of Missouri, Homeland Security for the St. Louis Region, October 2001 – approximately 2005

St. Agatha Food Pantry Volunteer, active 1992 – 2000

Mastodon Park Art/Science Fair

•Committee Member
•Board of Directors – Treasurer, 1990 – November 1994
•Chairman, Placing Committee, 1990 – November 1994
Numerous Publications, Training Manuals, and Lectures throughout the country on Healthcare Quality, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security"


Tom Ford

NO. 899

As a service , I am presenting the Alderman from your Ward as stated by them in their Bio. on the City web site.

Each of you are invited to comment as you wish. I will enforce the rule of signing you name if the comment is extremely derogatory as you owe that much to the person your commenting on.

Mimi Duncan – Ward 1
(314)849-0898
mduncan@ci.crestwood.mo.us




"I am honored to have been given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Crestwood as Ward One alderman. My husband Tom and I have been residents of Crestwood for over 25 years and I decided to become more actively involved to preserve our neighborhoods and to be sure that the challenges of the city are met with integrity and hard work. As the old sixties mantra goes, I decided to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

I grew up in South St. Louis and graduated from St. Gabriel Grade School and Cor Jesu Academy. I have a BA from Webster University in Management and an MS in Information Systems from the University of Missouri- St. Louis.

I am a Senior Lecturer, Course Coordinator and Faculty Liaison in the Information Systems Area of the College of Business Administration at the University of Missouri -St. Louis. I teach, develop curriculum and serve on many academic committees. I am currently working with Continuing Education at UMSL to develop dual-credit courses in IT for area high schools. As a former vice president of several area banks, I have expertise in credit and commercial lending.

As a volunteer, I have served as a school board president and secretary and worked with other committees and boards. I have worked with the Girl Scouts and the schools where my children attended both in an advisory capacity and as a volunteer.

I will be responsive and will answer any inquiries in a timely manner. While elected only to a short term of office for now, I "will work diligently to earn the trust and support of my fellow Crestwood citizens.

Tom Ford

NO. 898

New Crestwood summer business in front of the Sappington Tea barn now open.

I received this email from a young entrepreneur who has opened a snow cone and special tea-ices stand in front of the Sappington Tea barn, and would like you to visit and try a snow cone.

Hi,
"I am emailing regarding getting the word out about Spoke Cones Snow Cones and Special-'Tea' Ices through the Crestwood blog. Spoke Cones is located in front of the Sappington Tea Barn right off Grants Trail. It is open Thursday thru Saturday from 11-2, but is soon expanding hours. Spoke Cones opened on June 16 and is widely frequented by bikers, walkers, and runners but is open to anyone. Spoke Cones offers a variety of snow cone flavors and flavored teas all for a price of $1. Email me with any questions. Attached is my flier."

(I could not open the flier to attach it.)


Thank you,
Mary Nauert

Please visit her and support her Crestwood business!

Tom Ford

NO. 897

Ward Two meeting and the BOA meeting of 6/14/11.

The Ward Two meeting was a success with 27 residents signing in, and at least 6 who did not sign the attendance sheet. We spent a very enjoyable 50 minutes discussing events that concern Ward Two and meeting the two candidates for Alderman.

In fact both Jackie Stock and I will be hosting a Ward Two meeting (one to two hours long) every quarter starting in September, 2011. As in last night Jackie and I will chair the meeting and BOTH Ward Two Alderman will be invited to attend the discussion to share ideas for the good of the entire ward.

Jackie and I wish to thank everyone who attended and say that we learned from your comments, and we really appreciate having the chance to meet you.


Now for the BOA meeting: Well by now most all of you have heard the outcome of the Ward Two Alderman vote. As I have stated in the past I know Steve Knarr and in no way shape or form wish him anything but success. That said have some "issues" with four of the Alderman on that Dias that can't be left unsaid.

I believe that by now I have some idea of the way of the world and the political animal that inhabits it. At least I thought I did, but last night I witnessed a sham of a mockery of the Crestwood system of epic proportions, one to rival Cecil B. De mill in his hay day!

When time came for the "Vetting" of the two candidates hardly a question was asked from the Dias. Mr. Knarr had no questions from the Dias at all, amazing as I would have thought at least Ms. Beesley and Ms. Duncan would have wanted to know the recipe for his Mothers apple pie!

And thus in spite of numerous comments from the floor the vote was taken! Four (Duncan, Beesley, Pickel, and Foote) for Mr. Knarr thus insuring his election. In case you think you have heard those names before they are the same ward healers who voted down Mr. Mosby two weeks earlier!

Once getting their COLLECTIVE way the four felt free to comment on themselves. Mr. Foote hauled a brief case up in front of himself and pulled out a copy of a letter to the editor that he, himself had written! Mr. Pickel did a really great impression of President Richard Nixon by attempting to insure us that everything was above board during the selection process. Ms. Beesley, if she said anything I couldn't hear it as she seemed to be in seclusion behind Mr. Foote and his brief case. In fact she pretty much stayed out of sight for all of the meeting that I saw.

Now we come to our Board president, Ms, Duncan. In a word, WOW! How does one rise to the office of Board president when they have to ask for a clarification from Mr. Golterman of what the political sub-divisions such as TDD, CID, TIF are and who is on the boards so she can vote for it? I always thought there was ample time for homework prior to the meeting, guess I was wrong.

Not to be outdone by that question she launched into a lack luster rebuke of (pick someone) when she said she would never Govern in the media! With that statement I am prepared to fully agree as to do that would require a full and complete knowledge of the subject a hand.

So thus endeth the Tuesday night at the forum for another two weeks. Do yourself a favor and come to the next meeting, trust me it's well worth you time, and unlike a De Mill flick, it's free!

Tom Ford

NO. 896

Agenda for the 6:00 PM Ward Two meeting, 6/14/11.

After conferring with Ms. Jackie Stock we have decided to place the following items on the agenda for the meeting.

1. Alderman Representative for Ward Two:

We will be discussing an idea for the selection of OUR Alderman

We will introduce current candidates for the position.

We will allow very brief questions of the candidates (one question please.)


2. Sappington square CID for Pulaski Bank:

Do we see a need to shore up the banks failed loan?

Is it in Crestwood's best interest to have a 9.42% tax rate at those stores?


We only have 50 Minutes to get this done, so as you can see we must keep to schedule. It is our intention to call he topics and moderate questions and answers so we may finish in time.

No food or drink will be allowed in the chambers (Crestwood rules) and civility and decorum are the order of the day.

Please do not move or disrupt your chairs as the BOA meeting will start at 7:00 PM Sharp.

Please join us for the BOA meeting so OUR comments may be heard by the entire Board.

Tom Ford

NO. 895

NEW WAY TO LOG ONTO THE SUNSET HILLS CRESTWOOD PATCH

Now it is no longer necessary to look up the patch's web site, you can log on from here! Please note that I have added a link to the Right hand column for your convenience.

Just click on that link and your there.

Tom Ford

NO. 894

Announcing a Ward Two meeting set for 6:00 PM, June 14th, 2011 at City Hall (Board of Alderman chambers.)

Ladies and Gentlemen of Ward Two, Crestwood, MO. There will be a meeting of Ward Two residents on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 starting a 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM prior to the Board of Alderman meeting at 7:00 PM (same room.)

The meeting will follow a list of questions that are pertinent to Ward Two, and Alderman Chris Pickel is invited (I called his house and emailed him today) to attend to discuss our unique issues. As you can see time will be tight so there will be no questions allowed from the audience unless you advise us prior to the meeting night via email to tford60@earthlink.net.

We have some 'housekeeping" items on the agenda already, so please do not wait too long to send me your questions and we will make every effort to include them.

The meeting moderators will be Ms. Jackie Stock, and I (Alderman Pickel may respond but will not be part of the moderators or take questions not on the agenda due to time constraints.)

If you wish to know why certain things have been done as they were, now is a great time to ask. Ms. Stock and I will be presenting an idea that I believe you may find to have quite a bit of Merit, so please make every effort to attend and then stay for the Board meeting.


Tom Ford

NO. 893

The "will of the people" means NOTHING in Crestwood! (Please click here for the editorial by Mr. Mike Anthony.)

AMAZING, or is it? As Mr. Anthony points out the "four horsemen of the ridiculous" have shown their true colors (a tax and spend agenda) by voting down the appointment of Mr. Doug Mosby to the Ward Two Alderman seat.

The why is obvious, simply because 65% of the Crestwood voters rejected their boy for mayor! In other words we "serfs" licked all the red off their candy, and their not happy!

We have all heard the lame excuses by Ms. Beesley and Ms. Duncan as to why Mr. Mosby "just wasn't right for Crestwood," but do you for one second believe them?

I recently heard that Mr. Pickel said he voted no because he received "two" calls from constituents who were not in agreement with Mr. Mosby's stand on TIF's or TDD's. Wow, these two phantom "anonymous" persons read Mr. Mosby's mind before he even got to the meeting? In the Navy we had two words that summed that up perfectly, "BRAVO SIERRA!"

There are a string of adjectives that come to mind when I contemplate these four, but none of them are fit to print here, so I shall not, but I will say that disgust is the least of my feelings for any of them!


Tom Ford

NO. 892