Please read the responses to the Call Newspapers questionnaire by Messrs. Nieder and Tenneson (click here.)
Well if this dosen't tell the Ward Four folks all they need to know about who is the most qualified to be their Alderman for the next three years, I don't know what will.
Please click on the header for the replies from the Call.
Tom Ford
NO. 1006
Please click on the header for the replies from the Call.
Tom Ford
NO. 1006
posted by Crestwood Independent at 16:09
72 Comments:
thought it was a good article as well.
Mr. Tenneyson must have graduated from the school of '25 words or less' I read this today and it seems he really didn't answer the questions at all just said some generic people pleaser words. Not a good sign.
I disagree. I thought he gave intelligent answers, and ones that are practical. Mr. Neider, however, didn't suprise me one bit with his answers.
Tenneson - "We need to decide if we want to reduce services or vote to provide for a temporary extension of a residential property-tax increase. I think a temporary tax increase would provide time to revitalize our retail and manufacturing base."
Temporary taxes often become permanent. Most taxes that sunset see the sun shine again. Taxes seldom go away and are seldom temporary.
Tenneson=tax=spend, simple equation.
I could not disagree more about which candidate gave "the answers that people want to hear." People love to hear that all is well and that no one needs to pay for anything. This is what I hear Mr. Neider saying. And he can probably go on to talk this way for a few years until the **** hits the fan again and we are in a huge "crisis". Hopefully the city has learned its lesson about this type of "politics"
With inflation the way it is.. and taxes increasing across the board.. the candidate that advocates a tax increase is not going to get elected.Simple as that.
8:55 AM Blogger: Well if you were to study the expenditures as I have you would see that there are places to make needed cuts.
Is all OK? No it isn't but we do not need another "the sky is falling" Alderman in ward Four, were all stocked up now.
The answer to all things these days is 'toss more money at it, or "tax and spend." Sorry but that's not working out at any level, so why should we continue to do it here?
Tom Ford
Look's like they will frist have to hire a new City Administrator......
9:54 PM Blogger: It does indeed. Well if the search is on, then so be it.
Tom Ford
Why ? we have two...why do we need three on the payroll?.I wonder what Eastman's settlement was? according to the patch she's still an employee.
6:16 AM Blogger: We have two what?
It is possible Ms. Eastman may have left on her own as both the Mayor, and the Patch said she was not terminated.
I still suggest we wait and see.
Tom Ford
She had a contract and she is an Attorney....Plus the Major said there is a 'personnel matter pending'.. What do you think?. I think this will cost us.
FROM THE CALL
Do you support the performance of City Administrator Petree Eastman?
Stadter said, "I think Petree Eastman is a very sharp and talented city administrator and that we're lucky to have her. After listening to many Board of Aldermen meeting recordings, I have some concerns that we are not taking her recommendations as often as we should. I'm not sure what the thought process is with hiring someone of her caliber and then nitpicking every suggestion she makes."
Trueblood said, "Ms. Eastman is new in her position. But she is not new to the position of city administrator; she has held similar jobs in other communities. So I am very surprised that she either chooses to ignore or does not know that she, as Crestwood's city administrator, answers to the aldermen of Crestwood. Crestwood's city administrator is accountable to an individual alderman or to the board as a whole. Their requests to the city administrator are the same as those from a supervisor to an employee."
Of the two above candidates do you beleive has a stronger understanding of how our Charter Govt. works?
Listens to tapes of meetings, but doesn't attend meetings?
"we're lucky to have her (Eastman)"
"nitpicking every suggestion she (Eastman) makes."
I wonder what Stadter and Trueblood would answer now to the question?
If Stadter and Tenneson are elected, how big of a yard sign am I allowed to have when it comes time to say VOTE NO on their proposed tax increase? Unbelievable that they really think tax and spend is the answer. Even worse is the number of people supporting their position. The citizens of Crestwood need to open their eyes and see that the good old days are long gone and it's time to cut back, significantly.
Fiscally liberal vs conservative .
The conservatives need to vote for Nieder and Trueblood if they want to operate this city as a business not a charity.
The swimming pool, Sappington House, etc. need to support themselves.
2:50 No sir I feel you are wrong about taxes.
It's time that the Crestwood residents, realize it is time for them to pay their "fair" share to assist the city that has given them many years with one of the lowest tax rates in the County.
While other cities' taxes were going up, Crestwood's portion shown on your tax bill was not.
If you were to put the tax rates of all the large cities in St. Louis County and compare their rates to Crestwood's, you would see it in black and white. And I don't mean a tax with a provision on it for (x) many years. I mean a straight forward tax. If you did your comparisions, you will find out that those cities you mention on the blog which some people feel are so wonderful like Kirkwood or Webster all pay more tax than Crestwood.
Now it is pay back time and you and others in Crestwood have been so spoiled - while taxes were going up for everything else including the Lindbergh School District, - Crestwood's tax was very low. (Look and see the breakdown on your tax bill).
Now that we are in a bad position here as well as in our nation - the only thing you and others do is bellyache because your taxes might go up. If "Joe Blow" from Cocamo comes to Crestwood and is running for alderman or mayor against someone more formadable, but "Joe Blow" says - "no new taxes" - you and your co-supporters who are usually smarter than average, live in a nice house, in a clean and safe community, has some good education - would vote Joe Blow IN - why? Because you don't want any new taxes.
Well what are you going to do then when the snow flies and your streets aren't plowed, or when you house catches on fire - waiting for the fire district instead of Crestwood to respond???? Sure let all the dang pot holes stay until they are big enough to drive a Mac Truck through them. At Least Your Taxes Will Be Low!!!! Tell me how much did you pay in the store for a can of beans 10 years ago and how much do you pay now? Everything goes up - Where have you been?
To me, it is sickening to think that all the people in Crestwood amisdt all the other problems we have, can't see how lucky we have been until now. All you want to do is play the blame game on this mayor or that alderman, etc.
If so, then - I say - well good for you - and if your wish comes true and we don't have a tax increase - then you and yours can humbly prostrate yourselves to St. Louis County and the County Council and see how far you get asking them for the special privilege of no taxes. And if and when it happens, you can cry and scream and yell all you so desire cause nobody is going to listen or pay attention to what you say - cause you won't be in Crestwood anymore!
Sandy,
Let's sum this up in two sentences.
You are saying we are insufficiently taxed.
OR
We are under taxed.
Please explain to me how you reached this conclusion.
Sandy
Please read the following:
Sales Taxes
The City’s General, Capital Improvement and Park & Stormwater Funds received $545,302 in sales tax revenue in March 2012. Actual collections represent $186,316, or 51.9% more than the budgeted monthly amount of $358,985.
On a YTD basis, the City has received $1,663,511 in sales tax revenue. Actual collections represent an increase of 7.8%, or $120,157 more than the three months budgeted sales tax revenue of $1,543,353.
For the first three months of 2011, the City received sales tax revenue of $1,520,539. Comparing this to 2012, sales tax revenues show an increase of approximately 9.4%, or $142,972.
City staff will continue to monitor sales tax revenues throughout the year and will discuss with the Mayor and Board any budgetary revisions that need to be addressed.
Proposition “S”
Since its passage, the City has collected $3,114,209 in Proposition “S” revenues and has made related debt payments of $3,162,160. As of February 29, 2012, debt payment expenditures exceed revenues by $47,951.
Greg Kremer
Finance Officer
City of Crestwood
(314) 729-4792
Spare us the speach regarding pay back time.
OK Greg - You have a problem with me? Sorry about that and I truly mean it.
I merely expressed my feelings and as I understand the rules - that is what this blog is for.
I didn't realize that by saying tax increase, or payback time, I would upset you to the point where you felt you needed to give me stats. It is really unfair of you to judge me by a few words, Greg. At least give me the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I have a reason for saying them that you didn't put into your mathmatical equasion.
You are the one with the credentials and the degree. I am only giving my opinion as a long-time resident. Am I not allowed that privilege?
Maybe if you had been around here for the last 30 years you would know why I use the words "payback".
Did I say anything against you or your job? No! But you feel I should be denied the right to speak about what I know? Giving me your stats tells me nothing except that you are a very good Finance Officer; you deal in numbers and I deal in words which are facts. I guess we are poles apart.
Greg, with all due respect to you and your job, I have learned a lot in over 30 years about the people in this town. The first thing is, as long as residents feel that the city fathers will not raise taxes at all, forever, and ever - you have their vote. If you even mention the word tax, it could cause you to be put in jail where they are concerned. So come and get me, because it is my view however stupid you may think it is, that some type of increase is needed. And had you read all my words in my comment, you would know why.
If you feel that the city of crestwood can make it by a few layoffs and a few changes, have at it! You are the number guy, not me.
But, I never, ever said anything to discredit you or your figures or how you do your job. So why you have to be so disconcerting with me, I cannot understand or do anything about. If you feel that we can sustain this City without a tax increase, I respectfully disagree. Let's leave it at that.
Hey 8:46 - Boy I think I got myself in a heep of trouble - you, plus the Finance Officer!!!!!
"insufficiently taxed" "under taxed"????? Makes me think you must be a "lawyer". Makes me feel like I am on the witness stand!
First of all, I am sorry I lost my temper but I get tired of people who think "tax" is really a four letter word.
I love Crestwood and I feel we have great people living here. I don't want to make you or anyone angry.
So, here is what I mean:
As you should know - if you follow the market - commodities, etc. Prices on everything have gone up. When this happens, at many businesses, personnel are given cost-of-living raises for that reason.
As I understand it especially from this blog, that Crestwood is having a problem with their budget. Then I hear about all the problems and people who may or may not loose their jobs because of cutbacks in the city departments.
I have compared what Crestwood residents pay in taxes to the city with what other municipalities tax rate is. The tax rate in Crestwood is much lower than many cities in St. Louis County.
I am of the understand that the city also has to scale back by what I have read on this blog and much discussion has taken place about people getting laid off, and personnel reductions. There have also been discussions including that possibly some day we may loose our police and fire departments.
If after everything is said and done, this city cannot sustain itself, I feel that a tax increase would be a viable solution.
But now - on this blog - here comes - the finance officer - who seems to feel that I need to look at his budget figures.
So, you tell me - am I crazy? Maybe I am not hearing or getting all of the information I need - but if the city is seriously considering dismantling the fire and police departments, after scaling down personnel to pratically nothing - I feel a tax increase would be necessary and I would be in favor of it.
So that's it!!!! Thank you, don't be angry, and I am sorry if I angered you.
11:53 PM Blogger: Sandy, first of all I really don't think that was Greg (look at the post time) responding to you, but rather a "cut and paste" from the latest budget meeting by ?
Second, I don't think anyone is mad at you but we do need to look at an austerity program before we look at a tax increase.
In years gone by we granted them (9 in 10 years,) they blew the money like there was no tomorrow. Now, before I send one more dime up there I want to see a few of the "tax and spend" boys and girls replaced in this coming election with more fiscally responsible people.
Tom Ford
Sandy
Cool your heels. Get your feelings off your sleeves.
I just posted the information that is available off the city web site.
All this gloom and doom is white noise ( wasted energy)
designed by the pro tax increase people to scare you. As long as you continue to remain scared open your wallet and let the money flow.
The pro tax increase people always use the tactic of creating a catastrophic scene to justify taking more money from you. It is part of the play book used by the liberals to justify the objective of spending your money on their projects. Stop buying the nonsense sold to you.
Be an informed consumer. The scare tactic fails when facts are revealed.
Eliminate John Foote (pro tax liberal who has been preaching gloom and doom for six years) and Dan Tennessen (a John Foote disciple).
6:06 AM Blogger: Exactly my friend What we need are fiscal conservatives on the Board who will stop the ridiculous spending.
What spending you say? Well how about a take home car (minus any Crestwood markings) for the Public Works director?A car that cost us a bundle last year in gasoline, plus insurance and maintenance costs.
The least the City can and MUST do is to place the proper identification on the vehicle as it is on the animal control, Police, Fire, and dump trucks!
I am sick and tired of the "free ride" the Director is getting at the expense of ALL of us. It's time to use that City vehicle for the City and not free rides to ?
Perhaps if the vehicle was marked "City of Crestwood, Public Works Department," it wouldn't be so attractive to drive other than to work and City events as it should be!
Tom Ford
Maybe one of the four detectives we employ..(for a city of 11,000..) that can't find a crack house with out the aid of a tip from Saint Louis County
can find some of the other excessive expenditures in the City...
Are you suggesting we should reduce the quantity of detectives on staff?
There is no need for 4 full time detectives, plus a lieutenant to "supervise" them. Also, why do we need a Deputy Chief and a Chief? Crestwood Police has way too many "Chiefs" and not enough Indians. Also, why do you never see a supervisor (above a sgt.) Patrolling the streets. Surely they could cover a beat sometimes. We need supervisors who are willing to do whatever needs to be done to best serve the city's needs. The Police needs to be run more efficiently.
8:42 AM Blogger: "that can't find a crack house with out the aid of a tip from Saint Louis County."
First of all it was a Meth lab, not a crack house. Secondly, if there are no complaints from neighbors what would you have the Police do, come in and check every house for?
Now as to how it was discovered, the county drug team gained knowledge of it on a completely separate investigation and notified us as is NORMAL in Police work.
Please understand how these things work before you blame our police for something they did right.
Tom Ford
There was a report of excessive trash in the yard..if there had been some coordination between inspection services and the police ( like what to 'look for' kind of training).. it might have been solved sooner.
Thanks for your help. I know how the city spent money years ago - I was there. I understand and appreciate your input. Anonymous who put the budget on this blog should have had the integrity to sign his name rather than make me think it was the finance person. To that person-you deceive and you hide your identity. Not very upstanding of you! I should have known.
Sandy.
No deception was intended but was your perception. I presented the facts as the city publishes them and you call that deception. I left the city officers name on the document because it is his work not mine and the information is available. I am tired of reading opinions without facts. I am tired of the soap box. The soap box accomplishes nothing.
So which is it?
Do you still believe we are insuficiently taxed or under taxed?
9:32 AM Blogger: Correct except for the fact that code enforcement is rarely on the street, ergo, no contact with Police.
I believe the code enforcement department needs a bit of a revamp to help prevent this from happening again.
You may or may not know that the code enforcement officer is also the Sappington House person who lives there rent free plus $100.00 per month. This 'double duty" has cut into the time available to do code enforcement, so......
These should be separated and the Sappington House position given to a senior citizen who needs the free rent and the $100.00 stipend, then code enforcement can get back to the job at hand.
Tom Ford
Hey Pal - I may not be as smart as you and I may be a little slow; I may not go where the "elite meet" as you probably do; but I still have my opinions. However, I no longer will share them with you as you are so much higher on the intellectual scale, I cannot reach you. Further, I have said all I will say on this heading. You want to debate the issue - I don't. I merely gave my opinion and you didn't like it so why continue on this journey.
Sandy
Like Tennessen, if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen.
Tennessen committed to a debate and then did not appear. I cannot respect or vote for a person who will not live by his commitments.
Sandy, let the facts prevail. Do not get angry.
I am not as wise as you.
I do not meet with elite.
I do not know how you concluded these observations from my post.
Well I guess I don't do well in the heat, so I will leave the kitchen.
And as far as a debate - I would never debate anyone. However, I do feel knowledgeable enough to have an opinion. But mine is based on things I have learned after working for the City a long time. Therefore,it may not corrolate to things that occur in Crestwood in the course of events happening today.
I don't loose my cool all the time but I really felt pushed in a corner regarding my opinion on taxes. My opinions are mostly gauged by past knowledge and what I have seen working for the city.
But to have an outright debate - count me out.
To argue the tax issue is useless because I know the word Tax is as bad as cursing to some residents.
I will have faith in those who go forward taking an oath to diligently pursue what is for the City's common good. That is my fondest wish.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sandy
I was dissapointed when you became angry. It was never my intention to upset you but merely to present a set of facts for you to consider.
Thank you and I appreciate it because I hate it when people get upset with me. I honestly try to keep a good rapport with everyone. But if I feel like I am being pushed, I can really get my Italian going - trouble is, I get so upset because I loose my temper - that I can't sleep so I only end up hurting myself.
Thanks again for your nice comment - I really do appreiate it more than you know.
4;18 PM Blogger: Sandy, and 'anonymous.' Thank goodness the war is over, for a while there I thought you might be trading racehorse heads! (Think Godfather movie.)
Tom Ford
I just wish everyone would focus on maintaining what we have, not on firing people and closing things down. The mall is coming, eventually, and we've hung on this long. I hate the idea of putting anyone out of work.
The board obviously could care less about putting people out of work. Our city fired a dedicated police officer with 4 young children 12 days before Christmas. I watched his wife beg the board to look into the matter and they refused.
If a tax increase is passed, what do you think will be the first thing the Board of Aldermen will do:
A) Put money into street repairs?
B) Replace aging equipment?
C) Increase salaries?
11.05. It's costing the city big bucks to keep the last City Administrator on the payroll until that matter is resolved...Please don't say they dont have a heart...
When they do fire her do you think they will fight giving her Unemployment or does she not have enough children to support?..No she'll be alright Christmas is passed...she'll get it.
11:L05 AM Blogger: By he rules set forth in the Charter the BOA cannot look into any personnel matter until the Civil Service Board has completed their investigation!
To my knowledge the Civil Service Board has done nothing to date (with the full Board in attendance) ergo no BOA investigation can (or should) be done. Still think Robinson's house cleaning was a good idea?
The Board may have it's faults but in this case this isn't one of them. Don't think that's right? Well call City Attorney Rob Golterman (Yes Danno we do have one on staff now) for the full report.
Tom Ford
Sounds like a good way of starving someone out to me.
8:56 PM Blogger: Give up the drama queen roll and stick to the facts, please!
Tom Ford
Tom, your post of 5:43 PM, March 26, 2012...are your referring to the police officer or the recently terminated city administrator? I got lost (not the first time! yikes!) in the thread.
9:44 PM Blogger: The City Administrator was not terminated, she apparently resigned.
The poster suggested the Police Officer was being "starved out," and to that remark, I object.
Tom Ford
Tom, Your objection is duly noted.
Due to the fact that there as been no hearing (15 weeks) officer Kuhn is unable to pursue a career in Police enforcement ( a field for which he has spent most of his working life)....Pending Legal hearings tend to put a damper on your prospects of employment in your field.
Due to the fact that that Crestwood City has fought his Unemployment
and due to the fact that there is 20 million unemployed at this time Officer Kuhn and his family are seeing some "lean Times"
Though 'lean Times' can not be construed as starvation I challenge you to provide for four small children whilst fighting the injustice he has suffered.
I object to the city of Crestwood and it's inabilty to perform the simplist of tasks in an expidisious manner
I await your answer.
I guess.. no hearing ...equels no facts.
Tom- I know you have chosen to "stay out of it". But, what happen to Officer Kuhn was wrong. Our City and our Officers (including your son) deserve better. Since his termination Officer Kuhn has been blackmailed and his family harassed. If you or anyone else would like to know what the "facts" of this situation I suggest you contact Officer Kuhn.
The officer was blackmailed? As in, "do this or I'll kill your family" kind of blackmail? I find that either scary or unlikely, I can't decide which.
6:44 AM Blogger: My answer is simple, contact the chairperson of the Civil Service Board and ask her why the hearings have not been done, if you need to know go to the source.
Tom Ford
9:30 AM Blogger: I have no intention of contacting the officer or the City. It's in the system and that's all WE need to know until and when the full facts are known, and were told the TRUTH.
Tom Ford
This Blog will not become a sounding board for whatever people think they know about the Police officer. Any future comments will be deleted here, so don't bother spending the time.
This case will not be tried on this Blog, if you want to make comments find another venue, or go to the Civil Service Board meeting and complain!
Tom Ford
Good idea when is it.. by the way?
3:53 PM Blogger: The Civil Service Board is set for April 4, 2012 at 7:00PM in the BOA chambers as far as I know. Please check the City web site (if you can navigate it, its not all that user friendly,) in case that changes for what ever reason.
Tom Ford
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Date 04/04/2012
Type P&Z Commission
Category Planning & Zoning
Time 7:00 p.m.
Location Board of Aldermen Chambers
Attachments Planning & Zoning Agenda 04-04-2012
Planning & Zoning Public Hearing 04-04-2012
is this it?
Looks like a conflict to me.
4:31 PM Blogger: It may have been shifted to day time, or a different day, that's why I suggested you check it.
Tom Ford
Having watched our elected officials in action last night at the BOA meeting I now fully understand why Crestwood is and will remain forever a good place to leave...for younger people and a bad place to start a business..and that will never change.
please elaborate on what you mean, Mr. Ford.
9:01 Blogger: Elaborate about what? I see nothing to elaborate on.
Tom Ford
6:40 am blogger.
So what happened? Please explain. Was it a circus or what?u
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/crestwood-city-administrator-leaves-post-officials-mum-on-why/article_8d1110ea-7923-11e1-8323-001a4bcf6878.html
5.34 bloggr ..lots of restless citizenry shaking pitchforks,,the 'mayoral head in the sand' , technique is just not working as a viable tactic....and the alderman must just be there for the attendance pay....
7:56 PM Blogger: You want to try to extend some clarity to those sentences?
Tom Ford
No Tom I don t thin k I will..
"...the alderman must just be there for the attendance pay"
LOL! That's been the case with some aldermen here throughout the years!
One alderwoman used to tell people she didn't make enough money to do a lot of work for the city. Another used to read his trade magazines while up on the dais. Another used to tell constituents they were wrong and went out of his way to do so. Another alderman gave arrogance a new meaning. And another used to preach on and on and on and on about the various facets of each ordinance considered but ultimately, he would vote with the group.
Sadly, these people did not realize their function was to be representatives and servants of the people.
Today, the same situation exists, but in different circumstances. It would appear that some aldermen feel their role is to only represent the Crestwood City employee.
6:40 AM, March 28, 2012
Crestwood was always a difficult place for business. You need a sign change? Good luck. You want to have an outdoor sale? You'll have to jump through hoops. I've seen business people with ideas and plans actually get scolded at the dais!!! All those years of anti-business treatment have caught up to us. Some years ago, I asked a vendor I know why he didn't locate in Crestwood. He laughed at me and said I knew the answer.
But...if you're a developer and want a tax subsidy...WELCOME!!! We'll give you whatever you want!
We've gone from one extreme to the other - anti-business to pro-developer.
9:21 PM Blogger: Thought so.
Tom Ford
Reading the STL article looks like another 'settlement' is in the works.
I wonder how that's represented in the budget?.Eastman is an attorney so I'm pretty sure a check will be cut.
Best buy closings...I wonder how well 'our Best Buy' does for business?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-buy-cut-costs-open-132515482.html
Well the election is over and Mr. Teneson has prevailed. We congratulate him on his win, but wish to remind him of the old Chinese saying, "Be careful of what you wish for."
Tom Ford
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