Man On The Street Interview #3, Part A - Status of Courthouse Project

Published by Jimmy Oldsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

I caught up with Barry Schmelly of Hermann this morning in the parking lot at the Gasconade County Courthouse.  I asked Barry if he would consent to an interview on the subject of the status of the courthouse restoration project and expansion of county offices.  Barry generously consented to the interview.

Jimmy:  "Barry, I know you are busy, so I will try to keep this interview brief.  Thanks for your time!  You don't mind if I use this digital recording device to record our conversation, do you?"

Barry:  "No, I don't mind.  That's quite alright Jimmy!  Happy to address any questions you might have!  I do have to meet someone in about 20 minutes however."

Jimmy:  "As you know, we have been at a virtual standstill with regard to the courthouse restoration project and county office expansion project since the November election in 2008.  There was a great flurry of activity and discussion leading up to the election.  But after Prop. A (the ballot proposition to move the Gasconade County seat) failed to get the required votes to pass, we have seen very little if any activity or discussion.  What do you make of that?"

Barry:  "Well Jimmy, I'm real glad you asked!  I personally see a vacuum in county leadership at both the county government level and the business community level.  No group or individual seems willing to put forth the effort and step forward to move the "ball down the field".  The Presiding Commissioner of Gasconade County (Ron Jost) and the Associate Commissioner of the Southern District (Jerry Lairmore) appear to be stone-walling and dragging their feet on this project.  I don't know if their stone-walling and foot-dragging are intentional or if they are just plain incompetent!  Oh, they have plenty of excuses which they are quick to provide, but none of their excuses are legitimate.  They say they haven't seen the money for the project and they haven't seen a plan.  They say that now is not the time to move forward due to the economic recession and the political division within the county.  When reminded that it is their jobs as leaders of the county to find the money, develop the final scope of the project, and provide the leadership needed to bring citizens of the county together to back a solid plan, they seem dumbfounded and much offended.  The Associate Commissioner of the Northern District (Matt Penning) has tried to influence Jost and Lairmore on this issue on numerous occasions, but he is always overruled by a vote of 2-1, even on minor matters of clean-up and maintenance.  The GCCS and the Hermann Chamber of Commerce, two groups of business "leaders" and community "leaders", have acquiesced.  Seemly they have cowered, deferred to Messrs. Jost and Lairmore, and backed off from them.  For whatever reasons, these groups and the individuals who lead them have apparently decided NOT to push for progress in the county."

Jimmy:  "Wow!  You're certainly NOT pulling any punches there, Barry!"

Barry:  "No I'm not!  Frankly Jimmy, I'm fed up with Ron Jost, Jerry Lairmore, the GCCS, and the
Hermann Chamber of Commerce.  Ron Jost needs to be defeated this November.  I'm sure Larry Miskell, his Republican Primary opponent, will do a much better job.  I plan to do everything I can to support Mr. Miskell prior to the Primary Election.  I wish we could kick Lairmore out of office this November, but that will have to wait until November of 2012."

Jimmy:  "What, in your opinion, needs to be done to get the courthouse project back on track, Barry?"

Barry:  "Number 1 - Someone within the GCCS needs to step forward and reconstitute the group.  Jon Held, President of the GCCS, announced that he was throwing in the towel several months ago at a special Chamber of Commerce meeting at Hermann Hill.  Fine!  We accept your resignation, Jon!  Now, who wants to step forward and LEAD?!  Number 2 - Remove one the primary barriers to progress from his key seat in county government.  Vote Ron Jost out of office in the Primary Election or if not then, in the November General Election.  Number 3 - After Number 1 and Number 2 have been accomplished, organize an influential leadership group within the county to sit down with Southern District Associate Commissioner, Jerry Lairmore, and explain to him 'just how the cow ate the cabbage'.  Explain to him that the Game of Intimidation, Stone-Walling and Obstruction is OVER."

Jimmy:  "Wow, Barry!  You sure are blunt!"

Barry:  "You damned right I'm blunt, Jimmy!  Tell me, Jimmy, have you seen anything getting done while we've been pussy-footin' around with those who are obstructing progress on the courthouse project?"

Jimmy:  "Well, I suppose not Barry.  I haven't seen any measureable progress to speak of."

Barry:  "That's my point!  You won't see any progress either, not until we get completely NEW leadership!"

Jimmy:  "Look, Barry, I've kept you long enough.  I was wondering if we could set up a follow-up interview when you have more time?"

Barry:  "That would be fine, Jimmy.  Just give me a call, and we'll set up another date and time."

Jimmy:  "Super!  I'll be in touch.  Have a great day, Barry!  Oh, and Happy Cinco de Mayo!"

Note to readers:  I've set up the follow-up interview with Mr. Schmelly, and we've scheduled it for this Friday, May 7th.  Please look for that interview to be posted by Friday evening.

Jimmy Oldsun
NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor
http://www.hermannhearsay.blogspot.com/

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