Councilman Owensby's Ad in the Localite

Councilman Owensby paid to place a quarter page ad on page 11 of the September 2006 Localite. In this ad he claims residents likened Mayor Purzner to an "Angel of Mercy", in her work at the Community Center. He also says: "I saw not one of the critics of Mayor Ann Purzner do anything for the residents of our community."

With all due respect Councilman Owensby, if you had gone out and looked at what was going on in our community at the time (something I would expect community leaders to do) you would have seen just how many of the Mayor's critics and supporters alike were out helping their neighbors. Contrary to what you would have us believe Councilman Owensby there were many people helping their neighbors, family and friends. The volunteerism did not stop at the Community Center.

Futhermore sir, how can you take issue with the absense of several council members when you, the Mayor, and others made no effort to contact those members to let them know about that anything was being done by the city at the community center? If you want to know about all their individual efforts to help the residents of Overland, why don't you ask their neighbors?

Furthermore, you and the Mayor are the only ones who have used the number 130 in regards to the people who used the center. I even spoke to Wanda Knode, someone who had volunteered for hours and hours there herself, right after this happened. When we spoke and I mentioned that there were only 24 or so people there who could be easily taken care of at other official shelters. She agreed with me (though she said there were some residents who did not want to go to the Salivation Army shelter and the like). Looking at the pictures in your advertisement I see nearly as many volunteers as those who were being helped. Those pictures don't look like anywhere near 130 residents sir. I live in Missouri Councilman Owensby, so if you want me to believe this count of yours, you are going to have to "show me" the proof. I, like Fox 2 News, am not buying it without evidence.

Councilman Owensby, when I consider this eyewitness account, along with your recent admission in Judge Sherry's Courtroom while under oath that you added "By Order of the Mayor" to emails you sent to city employees directing to take actions that you admitted in that same court under oath, the Mayor had no knowledge of, I simply have to question the reliability of your report. Personally, I prefer to get my information from sources who are not admitted forgers and liars.

Councilman Owensby goes on to say: "Please stop and think, if another emergency such as an earthquake or other natural disaster occurs whom do you want to trust, someone who takes care of themselves first or someone who takes care of the people?" Well Mr. Owensby, I want someone who takes care of the People. That is why I support Chief Herron, our fine police officers and out great public works employees, all of whom came in as soon as the storm hit (whether they were off work or not), and immediatelywent to work to clear the streets for emergency vehicles and protect the residents of Overland, throughout the City of Overland.

I prefer that response to the Mayor calling into the City to say that Chief Herron had her authority to direct public works (though he had been already doing that for hours as is his roll being he is the City's Emergency Manager), so she could continue her fun at the Casino. If there was anyone who took care of themselves first, before the people, it was clearly Gamblin' Ann.

Mr. Owensby goes on to say we should ask the Mayor's Critics: "Where we you and what did you do when people needed you during the recent emergency?" Well Mr. Owensby, unlike you I have not desire to try to score political points or get recognition for my efforts during the recent storm. If you want to know what I and others like me did, why not get out and ask the residents. I know my neighbors will tell you all about.

For the record sir, the Overland Community Center was not the only place to find people in need. There were critics as well as supporters of the ORT working hard to help their neighbors and their families. For you to suggest that they did nothing simply because they did not come down to the Community Center cheapens and ignores all the good things done by residents across the City of Overland. How dare you ignore all of those good residents just to try to gain a vote or two.

Very self-serving attitude Councilman Owensby. Though honestly, I have come to expect nothing less. One more thing Councilman Owensby, If I want to print this article and mail it too you should I send it to Overland or O'Fallon?

As always, I am a reasonable person. So Councilman Owensby. Publish a PUBLIC APOLOGY to all the Overland residents who's tireless efforts during the storm you ignored and I will pull this article off this site. You can contact me about this via email at overlandsailor@aol.com .