Please Forgive Me... 2.02.2007 | 3 Comment(s)

...for I never in my life thought I'd be linking to a Fox 2 "You Paid For It" "investigation", but 4th ward alderman O.L. Shelton's response to homeowners asking for help in the Ville is outrageous.

View the story here.

I don't even know where to begin. "Get a lawyer"? That's the advice you give your constituents, sue the City? His total dismissal of the north side residents who invested in the Ville Phillips Estates development is criminal. Just because this project was started by his predecessor he thinks he can wash his hands of the whole thing because he had nothing to do with the original development. Doesn't he have an obligation to help these taxpaying citizens? He states he has no money left to help the homeowners in Ville Phillips Estates because he's working on another housing development in his ward? Huh??? I think his priorities are screwed up. He needs to take care of the residents who currently reside in his ward.

If I was the Mayor of this burg and I happened to see this story, I'd have my ass, or one of my minions, up in the Ville talking with these people and developing a plan to help them. That's the kind of attention I believe we all deserve as City dwellers. Sure, it may be unrealistic, but it's a nice thought. I'd also have a talk with O.L. Shelton, as if it would do any good.

The total disrespect and lack of professionalism has me so freaking hacked off. I know this type of ambush journalism brings out the worst in people, but still, as a public figure you have to know how to deal with these things.

Our elected officials are City residents biggest problem, but that's not really new news, is it.

By  Urban Review, at 1:39 PM

The 4th ward is very split politically. Remember that Shelton won the seat in a special election when the prior alderman was recalled.

The project in question was started by Shelton's political enemies. While long-time factions battle it out it is the residents, the neighborhood and the city that suffers as a result.

By  Remiss63, at 12:48 AM

I saw the broadcast and thought the alderman came off as incredibly arrogant and insensitive. Suggesting that his constituents should get a lawyer is one of the worst things a "public servant" could say in response to legitimate concerns created by the city.

Playing politics by abandoning one project only to start another from scratch seems foolhardy and inappropriate.

Thank you for posting this link.

By  Anonymous, at 9:42 AM

His response is truly indicative of the "StL Attitude". Noncaring, aloof, and clear that problems in his 'hood are not his to address. Another example of nonaccountability at best.

The same attitudes are prevalent in many local and state agencies. Whether it is MoDOT, BJC, selective law enforcement, the abusive use of emminent domain, etc., the local news could be reporting on such stories daily. Most of these stories would impact more than 10 homes and would involve much larger dollar amounts.

Yes the attittude is outrageous but perfectly portrays an area in decay and decline. Eliminating this attitude means changing the power structure that is St Louis.