Ad Check: Recall and Scare Tactics

The advertisement proceeds to attack COGG and the recall effort.

They state it is an unjustified recall because the mayor won the election, which was confirmed by the recount.
This is just trying to mix two issues. The recall effort is based on the mayor's actions since taking office. No where on the petition does it state "we are recalling her because she didn't really win the election."

They proceed to ask a series of questions that don’t directly accuse but purposefully raise suspicion. One would only use this tactic when they cannot prove what they are writing.
I personally love the "Have they told you by signing a recall petition that you could be brought into court?"

Yes, Purzner could call you into court to verify that you signed the petition as part of her effort to halt or delay the recall.
The sole purpose of that statement/question is to scare the citizens of Overland by insinuating there could be criminal charges associated with signing the recall petition.

They ask does signing the recall petition "weaken our democratic process". The better question is where in a democracy is the place for intimidation and scare tactics such as stated in this ad?

Ad Check: Wild Acres and Seminary Property

There is a paragraph in the ad that discusses the seminary property and Wild Acres park.

Here are some half-truths contained in the paragraph:

"The property at 2500 Ashby was bought by the former mayor without a vote of the people."
The mayor cannot purchase property. It can only be done with consent of the city council. This makes this a blatant lie.
Of course it was done without a vote of the people. This is why we elect representation—to make these decisions on our behalf. Perhaps the writer would prefer we change the city charter to a "town hall meeting" and make all decision by vote at these meetings.

"These buildings are in such disarray it would take millions of dollars to bring them up to code."
Okay then. It is only in disarray because of neglect. We, as a city, should make a cognizant decision that we will no longer allow such neglect. City government should work with citizen action groups such as "Friends of Wild Acres" to initiate restoration projects. Some of the work can be done by citizen volunteers. Some of the work can be paid for by grants that are probably out there for such projects.
It can be done! The fact that a developer who specializes in historic restoration is interested in the property proves that statement.

Ad Check: What makes a budget "good"?

Their "fact":
The new budget is very good and balanced budget that would restore services but May, O'Connell, and Schneider said NO!

The truth:
Stating something is "very good" is inherently subjective. It is not a fact, but an opinion.
In regards to the "balanced" budget, by state law the city's budget must be balanced. This is not much different than stating "the budget had numbers and dollar figures."

Ad Check: Dog Catcher and Employee Raises

Their "fact":
They turned down a dog catcher.

Their "fact":
They turned down cost of living raises to employees and a salary freeze that was in the new general budget.

The truth:
They did not approve the budget. The budget contained the above two items. The reason the budget was turned down is not attributable to either of the above two items.

Ad Check: Free Trash

Their "fact":
That "they" turned down the restoration of free trash in favor of hiring new police officers. In addition they state that we "have enough police officers".

The truth:
Besides not identifying who the "they" is in their statement, there is some truth in stating that some council member favored a fully staffed police department over restoring free trash. This is especially so when you factor in that Purzner, Knode, Sellers, and Owesnby will not reveal the details behind the "free trash." And the devil is in the details. Is it free landfill waste, but citizens pay for recycling? Do we pay for large item pickup?
Regarding having enough police officers, we have been short the number of officers that have been budgeted for a year or two. Purzner has stated she would like to see the city generate revenue by "selling" our dispatching services to other municipalities. To do this, we would need a full-strength dispatching section of the police department.
As far as what the public favors, most folks I have spoken with would rather have a full strength, highly effective LOCAL police department over the promise of free trash.

Ad Check: No Snow or Ice Removal

Their "fact":
That by voting down the budget, Overland is in danger of not having snow or ice removal this winter. They insinuate that we are all in danger.


The truth:
We are not working without a budget. We are working from last year's budget until one can be passed. Last year, snow and ice were removed. In the October council meeting, an ordinance was passed and approved to purchase and have delivered some salt from the City of Chesterfield.
We are NOT in imminent danger. Really, this ad should be signed by Chicken Little.

Breaking Down the Ad: Get Out Your Shovel

There is an advertisement in the November issue of the Localite with the heading of "Get your shovels and snow-boots out Folks!". It is filled with many of the half-truths and lies that proliferate the Overland Recovery Team (ORT).

Let's examine the so-called "facts" referenced in this advertisement. In order to conserve space and not have extremely long posts, each will be in it's own posting.

Perhaps his/her title's reference to "Get out shovel.." referred to the bullcrap they were about to spew forth on the citizens of Overland