Thursday, August 23 2018: MOScout Maps! - Cornejo Resigns - Latest McDowell Drip - Brunnert Wedding and more...
MOScout Treat: Maps, Maps, Maps
I’m giving a presentation today on the 2018 Election. In preparation, I ordered up some maps from the amazing J Miles Coleman. They show how various districts voted in 2016.
I’ve put them into a PowerPoint slideshow and uploaded it to the MOScout website. It might take a bit of time to load on your computer with all the graphics, but I think you’ll enjoy flipping through. Find it here.
The maps are from my original “Watch List.” I have a couple more in mind. If there’s a district you’d like to see, let me know.
In the PowerPoint: Senate Districts 8, 16, 22, 30, 34 and House Districts 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 31, 33, 35, 44, 47, 65, 70, 94, 97, 104, 111, 113, 114, 116, and 118.
eMailbag Dem $$$
Regarding Dems in possibly winnable districts but with little money raised--in 2010 several GOP candidates ran minimal campaigns against Dems with stronger efforts but won anyway. Same could happen this time (in reverse) if Dems put some resources in those districts as GOP did in 2010.
Cornejo Resigns
The rumors of Rep. Robert Cornejo taking an appointment came true yesterday.
Press Release: Today, Governor Parson appointed Robert Cornejo to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission and additionally designated him Chair of the Commission. Prior to his appointment, Cornejo served as a member of the Missouri House, representing St. Charles and Lincoln Counties (District 64). He was elected to his first two-year term as a State Representative in November 2012.
And
Governor Mike Parson appointed Mark Welker as the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney. Welker won the August primary election and is running unopposed for the position in the November general election.
Latest Residency Drip
Kansas City reports the latest on the Saundra McDowell residency controversy (see it here): that her she and her husband claimed to be residents of Virginia on their marriage license.
That means she legally attested to being a resident of Virginia and Kansas during the 10-year period that she was supposed to be a Missouri resident.
But
This – like yesterday’s drip – isn’t a killer, it’s just a reminder that Republicans have an unvetted statewide candidate on their hands. And that makes people nervous because they don’t know what other pieces of information will be coming out. One tipster who’s been right on this so far tells me there’s more – and it’s worse.
eMailbag
If residency wasn’t already a problem for McDowell, KANSAS!!! What Mizzou fan will overlook that….
Auditor Calls for CID Reform
Auditor Nicole Galloway issued a report yesterday (see it here) which highlights weaknesses in the state’s current laws regarding Community Improvement Districts.
From page 15: State law does not require CID boards to competitively procure construction contracts or the majority of the services paid for with public monies. Since there are no requirements to ensure the independence of the CID board, there is a higher risk of developer/property owner(s) awarding construction or service contracts to themselves or other related party contractors without allowing other non-related entities to submit proposals for the contracts. We identified numerous instances of contracts being awarded or payments being made to related parties…
Based on survey responses submitted by 396 CIDs, districts across the state are anticipating spending more than $2.2 billion in project costs. Requiring competitive procurement of construction and other services would provide assurance the lowest and best bidder was selected and would be in the public's best interest. Transportation Development Districts (TDD) are already required by state law to competitively procure construction contracts in excess of $5,000...
Tragedy Strikes Former Budget Staffer
Post-Dispatch reports that “an employee of the St. Louis County Health Department was killed when he was hit by gunfire near MetroLink station on South Grand Boulevard Tuesday night, apparently the innocent victim of a dispute that started elsewhere. The dead man was identified by police as Roth LeFebvre of the 3400 block of Winnebago Street. LeFebvre, who went by Craig LeFebvre, worked as a spokesman for the St. Louis County Health Department. He was 48… Police said a conflict involving two males started at a nearby Chipotle restaurant and continued to an area near the bus stop on the west side of Grand. One of them opened fire, hitting the other man in the face. LeFebvre, who was not involved in the dispute, was also hit, struck in the chest by a bullet.”
LaFebvre worked in Jefferson City a decade ago. He staffed several budget chairs.
Former Sen. Tim Green wrote on Facebook: Craig Lefevre served as my Chief of Staff when I was Budget Chair in the Missouri House of Representatives 2001-2002. He was a very organized, knowledgeable and compassionate public servant. He continued as a sincere public servant, working for St Louis County Government. He was an innocent victim of a senseless murder. Just a good human being taken at too young of age. He quietly assisted many people. Your were a very caring individual, Rest In Peace.
New Committees
Andrew Feagle formed a candidate committee (Committee To Elect Andrew Feagle) to run for Kansas City Council Person, District 5.
$5K+ Contributions
We Are Missouri - $25,000 from IUOE Local 94-94A-94B.
SEIU Missouri State Council PAC - $155,000 from SEIU MO/KS State Council.
Missouri Democratic State Committee - $6,250 from Citizens to Elect Charlie Norr.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Neil Swanson.
Congratulations
Tonight is the rehearsal dinner for Flotron McIntosh’s Zach Brunnert wedding. He’ll be tying the knot to Thomas Hunkins in St. Louis on Saturday. With the unforgettable former Rep. Mike Colona officiating, the venerable Kit Crancer as best man, and fellow lobbyist David McCracken as one of the groomsman, Zach has consistently proved his ability to work both sides of the aisle, however, this time he will be walking down it….