A controversial proposal to license St. Louis County landlords has been placed on indefinite hold by its sponsor, who claims critics misunderstand the intent of the measure.
In temporarily withdrawing the legislation, Councilman Mike O’Mara, 4th District, emphasized that the licensing would be aimed at rental property owners who failed to meet housing code benchmarks.
“Nobody would be evicted from a home,” O’Mara promised.
The councilman delivered the remarks after opponents for a second straight week blasted an ordinance they contend will trample the rights of individual homeowners.
The critics Tuesday evening invoked the Founding Fathers (Samuel Adams), the U.S. Constitution (the Fourth Amendment prohibiting unlawful searches and seizures) and totalitarianism (“a dictatorship telling us who can stay in our home)” in arguing against the bill.
One speaker even envisioned the measure turning county government into a “plantation owner or a sharecropper.”
Another worried the ordinance would discourage out-of-town relatives from staying at his home on an annual summer trip to visit the St. Louis Zoo and other local attractions.
“If this bill becomes law, our niece and nephew will not be happy with you,” he warned the council.
O’Mara assured the opponents that bolstering the ranks of code enforcement officers while providing the county with a means to track problem landlords was the primary purpose of the legislation.
The rental license would not impose a fee on rental property owners. But yet-to-be-determined fines would be imposed on for failure to obtain the license.
“It’s a shame that we have a few bad pennies but we had to address (the problem) because (some landlords) know how to circumvent the system,” O’Mara said.
O’Mara promised to meet with factions opposing the bill before it is reintroduced.
He offered no timetable for returning the measure to the council agenda. After the meeting, critics expressed relief that the legislation had not moved forward but regret that it may be resurrected.
“I wish he’d just killed it,” said Cathy Armbruster of Lemay. “This ordinance has too many holes in it — it’s like Swiss cheese.”
Showing posts with label Mike O'Mara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike O'Mara. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Dooley Rekindles Friction Among Fellow Party Members on Council
Less than a month into the New Year and budget, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley swung the budget ax and cut 26 full-time county jobs last week. The parks and public works departments bore the brunt of the job cuts; 20 jobs lost in the parks department and six lost in public works. There was also one employee let go in the revenue department, but, according to a credible source, political hire Mike Temporiti (son of John Temporiti, Dooley’s campaign manager), was spared, thus holding on to his $70,000 per year job.
In addition to the job cuts announced last week, Dooley’s other cuts call for:
the closing of the county’s three pools two weeks earlier this year (August 1)
reducing park maintenance, including trash pickup and restroom cleaning
eliminating some capital equipment costs, such as trucks, tractors, and mowers
eliminating capital projects, including replacing the playground at Bee Tree Park, a boat ramp and restroom renovations at Creve Coeur Park, and window, roof, and restroom work at Jefferson Barracks Park
The job cuts are the result of three months of bickering and in-fighting between the county executive and his fellow Democratic-controlled council members, which began at a council meeting on Halloween night of last year in which Dooley presented the council with his plan to eliminate what he claimed to be a $10 million budget gap. At that time, Dooley proposed and threatened to close and/or sell more than 20 county parks and lay off 173 employees, mostly in the parks department. In addition, he threatened to close the West County Satellite Office, as well as drastically curtail snow plowing on residential streets.
The council resisted to Dooley’s threats and the public was outraged to the point that they packed the council chambers late last fall in a two and a half hour public hearing to voice their opinions about the proposed park closings and/or threats to sell them. Later, Dooley admitted that he mishandled the budget issue and reached a truce with then council chair Steve Stenger (D-South County, 6th District). With Dooley’s actions of last week, the rift has re-kindled. Mike O’Mara (D-Florissant, 4th District), the new council chair for this year, who played a key role in stewarding the truce between Dooley and the council, reacted angrily to the news of Dooley’s layoffs. O’Mara said, “Charlie and I had an agreement that there would not be any layoffs this year, and he broke it. His promise was part of my sell to my fellow council members. I don’t know what happened since last month, but now I’ve lost my trust with my council members.” Dooley denied that he made any such promise to O’Mara. Dooley said, “I told Mike whatever we could do with that budget, we’d do. It’s unfortunate, but we can’t work within that budget without making some layoffs.”
O’Mara’s concern is that the layoffs will jeopardize a $100 million bond issue that the council recently approved to be on the ballot on April 3 to build a new Family Courts building. O’Mara said, “You think things have finally settled down, and we get this courts building on the ballot, and now a wrench gets thrown in the works again. We’re going to lose the trust of the citizens over this.”
Former council chair Stenger contends that Dooley should have first fired the eight Democratic campaign workers who got county jobs last year while a hiring freeze was in place. With regard to the parks and public works employees who were let go, Stenger said, “Our parks and public works employees bring a real and measurable value to taxpayers. But these political hires are just being carried on the payroll until the next election.” By the way, the next election is in November of 2014 and there has been speculation that Stenger may bid for the county’s top job. Dooley’s response to Stenger’s comments was that he had not considered firing the political appointees. Dooley said, “I’m not going to pit one group of employees against another. It’s never fair for any employee to be laid off who hasn’t done anything wrong, but the constraints are what they are.”
To listen to the comments from Dooley and Stenger, click on the link below to the Mark Reardon Show on KMOX Radio, entitled, “St. Louis County Council Chair Steve Stenger on County Executive Charlie Dooley laying off 27 county employees due to budget cuts.” Dooley’s comments assert that the cuts were necessary, while Stneger contends they were not, nor does Stenger understand the rationale for the cuts just three weeks into the new budget year.
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2012/01/26/the-mark-reardon-show-attorney-general-candidate-county-budget-cuts-arizona-standoff-your-money-your-values-your-vote-busch-brewing/
At present, it appears that Dooley has but two allies left remaining among the seven members on the council. They are: Hazel Erby, (D-University City, 1st District) and Kathleen Kelly Burkett (D, Overland, 2nd District). Dooley’s long time ally, Mike O’Mara, shifted his allegiance last fall to former council chair Stenger when Dooley initiated his budget cut proposals and threats. Note that this is the first time there has been a major rift between the council and the county executive when members of both entities are of the same political party and maintain a majority on the council.
In addition to the job cuts announced last week, Dooley’s other cuts call for:
the closing of the county’s three pools two weeks earlier this year (August 1)
reducing park maintenance, including trash pickup and restroom cleaning
eliminating some capital equipment costs, such as trucks, tractors, and mowers
eliminating capital projects, including replacing the playground at Bee Tree Park, a boat ramp and restroom renovations at Creve Coeur Park, and window, roof, and restroom work at Jefferson Barracks Park
The job cuts are the result of three months of bickering and in-fighting between the county executive and his fellow Democratic-controlled council members, which began at a council meeting on Halloween night of last year in which Dooley presented the council with his plan to eliminate what he claimed to be a $10 million budget gap. At that time, Dooley proposed and threatened to close and/or sell more than 20 county parks and lay off 173 employees, mostly in the parks department. In addition, he threatened to close the West County Satellite Office, as well as drastically curtail snow plowing on residential streets.
The council resisted to Dooley’s threats and the public was outraged to the point that they packed the council chambers late last fall in a two and a half hour public hearing to voice their opinions about the proposed park closings and/or threats to sell them. Later, Dooley admitted that he mishandled the budget issue and reached a truce with then council chair Steve Stenger (D-South County, 6th District). With Dooley’s actions of last week, the rift has re-kindled. Mike O’Mara (D-Florissant, 4th District), the new council chair for this year, who played a key role in stewarding the truce between Dooley and the council, reacted angrily to the news of Dooley’s layoffs. O’Mara said, “Charlie and I had an agreement that there would not be any layoffs this year, and he broke it. His promise was part of my sell to my fellow council members. I don’t know what happened since last month, but now I’ve lost my trust with my council members.” Dooley denied that he made any such promise to O’Mara. Dooley said, “I told Mike whatever we could do with that budget, we’d do. It’s unfortunate, but we can’t work within that budget without making some layoffs.”
O’Mara’s concern is that the layoffs will jeopardize a $100 million bond issue that the council recently approved to be on the ballot on April 3 to build a new Family Courts building. O’Mara said, “You think things have finally settled down, and we get this courts building on the ballot, and now a wrench gets thrown in the works again. We’re going to lose the trust of the citizens over this.”
Former council chair Stenger contends that Dooley should have first fired the eight Democratic campaign workers who got county jobs last year while a hiring freeze was in place. With regard to the parks and public works employees who were let go, Stenger said, “Our parks and public works employees bring a real and measurable value to taxpayers. But these political hires are just being carried on the payroll until the next election.” By the way, the next election is in November of 2014 and there has been speculation that Stenger may bid for the county’s top job. Dooley’s response to Stenger’s comments was that he had not considered firing the political appointees. Dooley said, “I’m not going to pit one group of employees against another. It’s never fair for any employee to be laid off who hasn’t done anything wrong, but the constraints are what they are.”
To listen to the comments from Dooley and Stenger, click on the link below to the Mark Reardon Show on KMOX Radio, entitled, “St. Louis County Council Chair Steve Stenger on County Executive Charlie Dooley laying off 27 county employees due to budget cuts.” Dooley’s comments assert that the cuts were necessary, while Stneger contends they were not, nor does Stenger understand the rationale for the cuts just three weeks into the new budget year.
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2012/01/26/the-mark-reardon-show-attorney-general-candidate-county-budget-cuts-arizona-standoff-your-money-your-values-your-vote-busch-brewing/
At present, it appears that Dooley has but two allies left remaining among the seven members on the council. They are: Hazel Erby, (D-University City, 1st District) and Kathleen Kelly Burkett (D, Overland, 2nd District). Dooley’s long time ally, Mike O’Mara, shifted his allegiance last fall to former council chair Stenger when Dooley initiated his budget cut proposals and threats. Note that this is the first time there has been a major rift between the council and the county executive when members of both entities are of the same political party and maintain a majority on the council.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Budget ax falls in St. Louis County
The budget ax that has been hovering for three months over St. Louis County government has finally come down, on the Parks and Public Works departments.
County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said Wednesday that he was laying off 20 full-time employees in the Parks Department and six in Public Works.
County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said Wednesday that he was laying off 20 full-time employees in the Parks Department and six in Public Works.Other cuts will include closing the county's three public swimming pools two weeks earlier this summer.
Along with reductions in maintenance work and in capital purchases and projects, the move is designed to trim about $3.6 million out of the Parks Department.
The cuts rekindle the friction between Dooley, a Democrat, and the Democratic-controlled County Council that broke out last year over the budget.
Council Chairman Mike O'Mara, who played a key role in ending the impasse in December, reacted angrily Wednesday to news of the layoffs.
"Charlie and I had an agreement that there would not be any layoffs this year, and he broke it," O'Mara, D-Florissant, said Wednesday. "His promise was part of my sell (of the budget compromise) to my fellow council members. I don't know what happened since last month, but now I've lost my trust with my council members."
Dooley denied making such a promise.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Stenger raises more than $241,000 while winning St. Louis County Council seat
According to the St. L Post Dispatch, Steve Stenger, the Democratic candidate for St. Louis County Council member from the 6th District, raised $241,320.28 in his successful bid for the seat. He defeated Councilman John Campisi, R-south St. Louis County, who was seeking a third term. (We didn't know this job paid that well)
Stenger, a lawyer living in Affton, was among candidates who filed reports on their campaign finances 30 days after the election, as state law requires.
In a reporting period between Oct. 28 and Thursday, Stenger raised $13,425. He received a donation of $2,500 from the Stone, Leyton & Gershman law firm of Clayton. The Building Trades Political Education Fund contributed as did several other skilled trades unions and Democratic Party organizations.
Stenger reported spending $214.443.37 thus far and $13,094.20 in the reporting period. Most of the money in the reporting period went to Phase 3 Inc., his campaign consultant. Stenger lent $150,000 to his campaign; the committee has repaid none of the loan.
Campisi reported raising $23,968.93 and spending $24,962.22 in this election. In a reporting period of Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, Campisi raised $6.845.65 and spent $16,150.23.
Among contributors were developers McBride and Son Management Co. and Mayer Custom Homes. Most of his spending was for printing.
In the 4th District, Councilman Mike O’Mara, D-Florissant, who won a third term reported raising $11,200 and spending $4,500 in this election. In a reporting period from Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, he raised $1,550 and spent $4,500.
O’Mara received a donation from the North County Labor Legislative Club. Most of his spending went to Roman Communications for campaign consulting.
Eugene Dokes, the Republican candidate for the seat, reported spending nothing in a reporting period from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13. Theo “Ted” Brown Sr., the Libertarian candidate, said he neither raised nor spent more than $500.
Council Chairwoman Kathleen Kelly Burkett, D-Overland, who was unopposed, said she raised $500 in this election and spent $1,798.84.
Stenger, a lawyer living in Affton, was among candidates who filed reports on their campaign finances 30 days after the election, as state law requires.
In a reporting period between Oct. 28 and Thursday, Stenger raised $13,425. He received a donation of $2,500 from the Stone, Leyton & Gershman law firm of Clayton. The Building Trades Political Education Fund contributed as did several other skilled trades unions and Democratic Party organizations.Stenger reported spending $214.443.37 thus far and $13,094.20 in the reporting period. Most of the money in the reporting period went to Phase 3 Inc., his campaign consultant. Stenger lent $150,000 to his campaign; the committee has repaid none of the loan.
Campisi reported raising $23,968.93 and spending $24,962.22 in this election. In a reporting period of Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, Campisi raised $6.845.65 and spent $16,150.23.
Among contributors were developers McBride and Son Management Co. and Mayer Custom Homes. Most of his spending was for printing.
In the 4th District, Councilman Mike O’Mara, D-Florissant, who won a third term reported raising $11,200 and spending $4,500 in this election. In a reporting period from Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, he raised $1,550 and spent $4,500.
O’Mara received a donation from the North County Labor Legislative Club. Most of his spending went to Roman Communications for campaign consulting.
Eugene Dokes, the Republican candidate for the seat, reported spending nothing in a reporting period from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13. Theo “Ted” Brown Sr., the Libertarian candidate, said he neither raised nor spent more than $500.
Council Chairwoman Kathleen Kelly Burkett, D-Overland, who was unopposed, said she raised $500 in this election and spent $1,798.84.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
County Council Continues Trash Talk; No Action On Important Issue
Trash talk replaced formal action on a controversial trash bill Tuesday night at the St. Louis County Council meeting.
Midway through, Council President Kathleen Burkett, D-Overland, called for delaying a vote on a bill to amend the county's waste code to penalize unauthorized waste haulers in the new trash districts. Such "hold" requests are usually granted without discussion.
Councilman John Campisi, R-south St. Louis County, objected to Burkett's motion. "I'd like to bring that bill up now," Campisi said. "There has got to be some closure on this." County Counselor Pat Redington interjected, "We're moving on." "There is no moving on!" replied Campisi. "I can bring up a bill if I want." Council member Barbara Fraser, D-University City, then weighed in, accusing Campisi of using the issue to gain political support.
Eventually a vote was called and Burkett's motion to hold the bill was upheld. The trash issue has generated heated debate since it was proposed two years ago. Trash districts went into full effect Oct. 1, with low-bidding haulers selected to serve them. That left haulers who were outbid angry and vowing to cross district lines to win back customers. The bill in question would fine or jail unauthorized haulers.
Later in the meeting, Fraser asked for a delay on a routine bill, this one dealing with storm sewers in Tilles Park. "I'd like to hold on the bill - as long as no one's going to challenge me on that," she said.
Campisi shot back: "As long as you don't politicize it!" The pair sparred again when Campisi introduced a resolution calling for the council to support a 6.5 percent pay raise for police officers and 14 percent for dispatchers. A crowd of 90 officers, dispatchers and supporterswere on hand.
Fraser objected, saying such a resolution was not appropriate. "It's not legal, and the illegality of it will only get us into trouble," she said.
She said the issue needed to be studied in light of the county's budget crisis. She then suggested that Campisi should have studied the trash bill before he voted in favor of an early incarnation of it in 2006.
"I am against the trash bill!" Campisi said, his voice rising." Well, you voted in favor of it," Fraser said. Campisi pointed his finger at Fraser, saying, "And you promised that you were going to vote against it and then you changed your vote!"
Councilman Mike O'Mara, D-Florissant, weighed in against Campisi. "I don't appreciate you making a political tool out of this issue to force a wedge between us and the police," he said.
Midway through, Council President Kathleen Burkett, D-Overland, called for delaying a vote on a bill to amend the county's waste code to penalize unauthorized waste haulers in the new trash districts. Such "hold" requests are usually granted without discussion.
Councilman John Campisi, R-south St. Louis County, objected to Burkett's motion. "I'd like to bring that bill up now," Campisi said. "There has got to be some closure on this." County Counselor Pat Redington interjected, "We're moving on." "There is no moving on!" replied Campisi. "I can bring up a bill if I want." Council member Barbara Fraser, D-University City, then weighed in, accusing Campisi of using the issue to gain political support.
Eventually a vote was called and Burkett's motion to hold the bill was upheld. The trash issue has generated heated debate since it was proposed two years ago. Trash districts went into full effect Oct. 1, with low-bidding haulers selected to serve them. That left haulers who were outbid angry and vowing to cross district lines to win back customers. The bill in question would fine or jail unauthorized haulers.
Later in the meeting, Fraser asked for a delay on a routine bill, this one dealing with storm sewers in Tilles Park. "I'd like to hold on the bill - as long as no one's going to challenge me on that," she said.
Campisi shot back: "As long as you don't politicize it!" The pair sparred again when Campisi introduced a resolution calling for the council to support a 6.5 percent pay raise for police officers and 14 percent for dispatchers. A crowd of 90 officers, dispatchers and supporterswere on hand.
Fraser objected, saying such a resolution was not appropriate. "It's not legal, and the illegality of it will only get us into trouble," she said.
She said the issue needed to be studied in light of the county's budget crisis. She then suggested that Campisi should have studied the trash bill before he voted in favor of an early incarnation of it in 2006.
"I am against the trash bill!" Campisi said, his voice rising." Well, you voted in favor of it," Fraser said. Campisi pointed his finger at Fraser, saying, "And you promised that you were going to vote against it and then you changed your vote!"
Councilman Mike O'Mara, D-Florissant, weighed in against Campisi. "I don't appreciate you making a political tool out of this issue to force a wedge between us and the police," he said.
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