A Democrat leader in the state House is blasting the Blunt Administration for abuse of power in the latest chapter of the state Agriculture Director saga. Governor Blunt’s office has admitted that using the Highway Patrol last spring to investigate workplace misconduct allegations against state Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell was illegal, outside the bounds of what the patrol can and cannot do. Assistant leader of the Democrats in the state House, Representative Paul LeVota (D-Independence), says the House does have an obligation to make sure the law is being followed and that this never happens again. Blunt Administration officials point out the patrol has been allowed to do what Blunt’s people are calling similar “background checks” when vetting nominees for state offices. But LeVota says this is different and the law governing patrol investigations needs to be reviewed.As far as the original issue with Ferrell, the governor’s office has never publicly said what prompted the investigation and subsequent two-week suspension of the state Agriculture Director.
Off-Shore Betting Company Facing Charges
Don’t bet on it; whether officials with one of the biggest off-shore internet gambling companies will show up in federal court in St. Louis this afternoon to face mail and wire fraud charges. BetOnSports also is accused of illegally accepting billions of dollars in bets from United States residents. Attorneys for the company did not appear for a pre-hearing conference last week. An FBI agent working on the case says he doubts the top officials with the company will ever come back to the United States. The company has faciltieis in Costa Rica and Antigua, where United states extradition laws do not apply.
Joplin School District Opposes Further Business Tax Reilef
The Joplin School District is going on record opposed to any future tax incentives for businesses in that city unless the school board has more power in the decision-making. Tax breaks given for business development often fall most heavily on taxes that support public schools. The President of the Joplin School Board says the school district should be involved in tax incentive discussions earlier so the school board can decide on its position. School officials in Joplin say tax incentives approved by the city, with or without school district approval, are taking $1.2 milliion away from schools every year.
Mental Health Task Force Getting Down to Business
A new Web site up. Public hearings announced. The Mental Health Task Force is getting down to business. Lt. Governor Peter Kinder says the Mental Health Task Force wants to hear from Missourians as it reviews how well the state serves the mentally ill. The Missouri Department of Mental Health Web site now has a link to the Mental Health Task Force, both to explain the work of the task force and solicit public comments. Kinder urges people to use it. The Task Force also will begin public hearings this week. Thursday, the Task Force will be at the Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center in St. Louis. Friday, the Task Force crosses the state for a meeting at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center in Kansas City. Hearings are planned later for Cape Girardeau, Kirksville, Springfield and Joplin.
Related web sites:
Mental Health Task Force
Hall Of Fame Welcomes Sutter
After 12 unsuccessful tries, former Cardinals pitcher Bruce Sutter was finally inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Sunday. Sutter finished his career with 300 saves. He joins three other relief pitchers in the Hall but is the only player to be inducted after never starting a game.
During his 18-minute speech, Sutter gave plenty of thanks to almost everyone he ever came across, including his high school coaches, professional coaches, his agent, and countless teammates.
