Clear the Downtown Streets, It is Time for the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball
A year ago a motorcade with flashing lights whizzed through stoplights as aldermen went from a hotel party sponsored by Anheuser-Busch to City Hall for the annual Mayor’s Ball. The story was first told in the St. Louis Business Journal by Dave Drebes of the Arch City Chronicle, expanded upon by the RFT. From the RFT story:
So was Dave Drebes, editor and publisher of the local political tabloid Arch City Chronicle. Drebes, who also writes a weekly column for the St. Louis Business Journal, referenced the soirée in the March 3 Business Journal. Noting that pomp reigns as power wanes among city lawmakers, Drebes described “whizzing through stoplights†with three (unnamed) aldermen in a motorcade from the hotel to city hall as sirens and flashing red lights attached to the caravan’s lead car helped clear a path through traffic.
Gregali, Florida and Kirner say the February 24 motorcade was orchestrated and led by the private security firm Special Services Inc. The aldermen and Drebes followed in Gregali’s Mercury minivan, with Gregali behind the wheel. The aldermen say they don’t know who else was in the procession.
Here is a bit from Drebes’ story talking about the waning power of aldermen:
So what has the job become? Visit an alderman now and you’ll most likely find a yellow legal pad — a running list of calls from constituents about the most inane and yet pressing matters — a street light that’s not working, an overflowing trash can or dumpster, an alley that needs repaving, a sidewalk that need to be reset. That is the bulk of their day.
As their stars fade, is there some outrage, some pang of despair at the lack of power? No. Some itch for rebellion, some wish to put the mayor on notice that they still matter? No.
They’re content with their place. They’re zooming through red lights on the way to the Ball.
Click here to read my story from 2006 with links to the RFT article and the Business Journal commentary by Drebes. Party safely and watch out near city hall.
I may have access to his tent during Steffen’s parade celebration. My relatives really wish it was the 80’s as they say Mardi Gras was a lot more fun before the corporations and hoosiers invaded Soulard.
Maybe the G Man would give me a ride around town next year? Steve, I’ll see if we are invited.
steve, sounds like sour grapes because you weren’t invited!
…and who are Lewis Reed’s two biggest supporters among the aldermen? You got it – Steve Gregali and Jenny “J-Flo” Florida! Yes indeed, Mr Reed. This is a “critical” election!
Hey pol junkie,
Since you sound like a Shrewsbury supporter, can you break down for us who you think his base is?
Drebes writes:
“Visit an alderman now and you’ll most likely find a yellow legal pad — a running list of calls from constituents about the most inane and yet pressing matters — a street light that’s not working, an overflowing trash can or dumpster, an alley that needs repaving, a sidewalk that need to be reset. That is the bulk of their day.”
Is that much different than the job of alderman fifty years ago? Aldermen have traditionally been advocates for their constituents. If anything, it was probably worse in the past, with alderman only providing services to their loyal supporters, and ignoring their political enemies.
Maybe that helps explain why this city is such a one-party town. If you want to get any city services, you better be a loyal party supporter.
we are not alone . . . http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/16/1631.asp
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