Will Donald Trump Visit Wentzville? Heather Hussey Wins Mrs. Missouri America Pageant

Will Donald Trump Visit Wentzville? Heather Hussey Wins Mrs. Missouri America Pageant.

Likely Not as Donald Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization Which Included Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. Additionally, Mrs. America is distinct from Miss America Which Trump Did Not Own.

The St. Louis area was well represented at the Mrs. Missouri America Pageant on Saturday night as Mrs. Wentzville, Heather Hussey, was crowned 2016 Mrs. Missouri America. The event was held last weekend in conjunction with the Mrs. Kansas America Pageant in Chillicothe, MO.  Mrs. Missouri receives an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to represent the Show Me State at the national Mrs. America Pageant August 20-27.

Required categories of competition include Interview, Evening Gown & Swimsuit. The winner of the Mrs. America Pageant will advance to the Mrs. World competition held in Incheon, South Korea September 23, October 5, 2016.

There have been two women crowned Mrs. America from the state of Missouri and both ladies were from the St Louis area. In 2003 Heidi Dinan captured the national title and in 2009 Andrea Robertson followed in her footsteps.  Roberston also went on to be named 1st runner up at the Mrs. World competition held in Vietnam that same year.

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Judge Carter Congratulates Opponent Bill Eigel on His One-Year Anniversary in the District

ST. CHARLES, MO, June 17, 2016 --

Having lived in Missouri Senate District 23 for twenty-two years, Mike Carter is well aware of all the great things SD23 has to offer. "It's an amazing place to live and a great place to raise kids. I've lived here a very long time and am proud to call it home," Carter said. Carter has also owned and operated his law firm, Carter Law Offices, in the heart of the district since 2004.

For all these reasons, Carter is happy to welcome Bill Eigel to the community with open arms. "Bill's new around here. He moved into this district very recently and I'm sure he'll grow to love it just as much as I do."

Eigel purchased his Weldon Spring home one year ago today, and some are concerned that his unfamiliarity with this particular district isn't a good thing. Like any other place, SD23 has problems unique to the district and a collective voice all its own. Many feel that someone new to the area might not be aware of the particular needs and demands of the district's constituents.

Similar concerns arose during the 2000 US Senate race in New York when Hillary Clinton purchased a house in Chappaqua, New York barely a year before the election in order to run. Clinton was labeled a carpetbagger and was accused of being opportunistic and not really caring about New Yorkers.

So how similar are Hillary and Eigel? "I don't know about that," Carter commented. "I care about the needs of the people in this district, and I know what those needs are because I live here and have gotten to know the other members of this community in my many years here. I can't speak for Mr. Eigel or what he cares about. All I can speak to is what motivates me."

"My goal is to be a true representative for this district. Someone who speaks for this community without letting personal ambition or financial incentives get in the way. That's why I'm running without any outside financial contributions. I don't want anything to get in the way of doing what I know is right for all of us. It's up to everyone else to determine Mr. Eigel's motives," Carter added.

Judge Mike Carter is a Self-Funded candidate. He is currently the Municipal Judge for the City of Wentzville, General Counsel for one of largest employers in St. Charles County, past Director of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS, and former Senior Lecturer at the University of Missouri. He has worked for the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Consumer Protection as well as Missouri's Western District Court of Appeals. Carter holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Master's Degree in Journalism from MIZZOU. He has helped lead opposition to red-light cameras in Missouri and championed the countywide ban of red-light cameras in St. Charles County. Mr. Carter is married with two children and two family dogs. His family belongs to St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville. Carter's first book is expected to be published in 2016. (MikeCarter.com) Felicia@CarterLegal.com 636-916-4040

Wentzville's Judge Carter Talks Self-Funding His Senatorial Campaign

FM Talk 97.1 Marc Cox Show

Judge Mike Carter Missouri Senate Candidate Dist. 23 Self-Funding - No Donations for Primary 

(YoutTube AUDIO)

State Senate Candidate Judge Mike Carter Self-Funding Campaign; Will Not Accept Donations for August Primary

"Everyone in St. Charles County knows that banning red-light cameras has been one of my deepest passions; however, many may not know that I've spent tens of thousands of my own dollars to see it through - luckily roughly 73% of St. Charles County voters agreed with me."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Charles Missouri, May 4, 2016

Michael E. Carter, Republican candidate for State Senate in the 23rd District of St. Charles County, said his opponents are both too entrapped in a web of special interest campaign cash to represent the taxpayers of Missouri.  "While Donald Trump has exposed the corrupting influence of special interest money in national politics, the same buying and selling of politicians goes on right here in Missouri every election.  I want voters in the Republican Primary to know that the only people I will owe are the taxpayers of St. Charles County, not millionaires and special interest groups throwing money into the political waters to watch the feeding frenzy of politicians," Carter said.

Carter announced his ZERO STRINGS ATTACHED campaign and his pledge to not accept any campaign donations of any amount for the August primary, period.  "My campaign for State Senate will be 100% self-funded.  Most politicians may talk about cutting government give-away programs and how there should be more personal responsibility and an end to the culture of entitlement, yet those same politicians go around with their own hands out.  The people and groups giving them hundreds of thousands of dollars expect them to vote a certain way and while they say their vote can't be bought, with a wink and nod they always seem to vote just the way their big donors expect them to."

"Everyone in St. Charles County knows that banning red-light cameras has been one of my deepest passions; however, many may not know that I've spent tens of thousands of my own dollars to see it through - luckily roughly 73% of St. Charles County voters agreed with me. Personal responsibility needs to begin with those running for public office.  By spending my own money, and only my own money, on this primary campaign, I'm telling the voters of the 23rd District that there are ZERO STRINGS ATTACHED to my campaign.  My only responsibility will be to them," explained Carter, adding, "Maybe if the politicians had to spend their own money for a change they would have more respect for how our tax dollars are spent, instead of using our money to pay back their big donors."

Today on the Marc Cox Show, Carter will discuss his self-funded campaign and take questions regarding Dr. and Lawyer Senator Bob Onder's Senate Joint Resolution 39 that recently failed in a house committee.

Mike Carter is currently the Municipal Judge for the City of Wentzville, General Counsel for one of largest employers in St. Charles County, past Director of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS, and former Senior Lecturer at the University of Missouri. He has worked for the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Consumer Protection as well as Missouri's Western District Court of Appeals.  Carter holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Master's Degree in Journalism from MIZZOU.  He has helped lead opposition to red-light cameras in Missouri and championed the countywide ban of red-light cameras in St. Charles County. Mr. Carter is married with two children and two family dogs. His family belongs to St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville.  Carter's first book is expected to be published in 2016. (MikeCarter.com) Mike@CarterLegal.com

                                                                                                                         

Paid for by Mike Carter

Contact:  636-916-4040

Felicia@CarterLegal.com

Rascals Partner With CarShield on Stadium Naming Rights; T.R. Hughes now CarShield Field

CarShield Field to take the place of T.R Hughes Ballpark after 17 seasons

 O’Fallon, Missouri – The River City Rascals and CarShield, a national industry leader in vehicle service contracts with headquarters in St.Peters, have formed a long-term partnership in a historic agreement to rename the Rascal's ballpark to CarShield Field.

The stadium opened in 1999 for the first season of Rascals baseball as T.R. Hughes Ballpark and has become a well-known and well-loved part of the community. Now, the Rascals are excited to enter into their eighteenth season of play with a new community-based partner dedicated to helping make improvements to the facility for current and future generations of fans.

Improvements will begin during the 2016 season with the opening of a sports bar and lounge inside the stadium, as well as a remodeled Budweiser Party Patio with new amenities. The partnership will allow the Rascals to bring world-class athletes and performers to CarShield Field during the 2016 season, including Tony La Russa, Chris Carpenter, and The Bachelor’s Chris Soules.

CarShield employs over 200 employees in St. Charles County and provides high quality aftermarket vehicle protection plans to customers nationwide. CarShield and its administrators have helped extend auto repair coverage for millions of car owners.

“The enthusiasm that CarShield has shown throughout this process was nothing short of inspirational,” Rascals President Dan Dial said. “Their passion for this partnership has been apparent throughout, and we are very confident we are bringing on a teammate who will enhance the product for our fans and our community.”

Contact Lisa Ferreira Telephone (636)240-2287 x 233 Email lferreira@rivercityrascals.com Website www.rivercityrascals.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2016 In its seventeen year history, T.R. Hughes Ballpark has been host to many major events such as a presidential rally, the Shaq vs Pujols Home Run Derby, and the MSHSAA Baseball Championships. Over 2.5 million people have visited the stadium, making it the premier destination for minor league sports in St. Louis and the surrounding area.

"We've always been huge fans of the Rascals and the ballpark. When the opportunity presented itself to help benefit the team and the community, we knew we couldn't pass it up," said Nick Hamilton, part-owner of CarShield. "The entire CarShield family is beyond excited for this partnership and looks forward to further strengthening our ties to the community."

The new CarShield Field will kick off with an outstanding opening weekend featuring an appearance by long-time Cardinals manager Tony La Russa on Saturday, May 21. Opening night is Friday, May 20 and will center around an escalating jackpot giveaway in which one lucky fan will walk away with thousands of dollars based on the number of tickets sold to the game. The weekend, presented by Mercy, will conclude with the Mega Candy Drop, where a helicopter will fly over the field after the game and drop 20,000 pieces of candy to kids age 3-12. The event is free and only requires a ticket to the game to participate.

Other exciting theme nights this season include Superhero Night on May 28, Star Wars Night on June 12, Chris Carpenter Appearance Night on June 25, Harry Potter Night on July 16, and Willie McGee Bobblehead Night on August 19. The Rascals will host twelve character appearance nights and six on-field movie nights, the most in team history. For more information on promotional and theme nights, visit www.rivercityrascals.com/schedule/2016promotions/.

To purchase tickets to any regular season Rascals game, visit http://www.rivercityrascals.com/tickets/individual/ or call the Rascals box office at (636) 240- 2287. For more information about CarShield and their products and services, visit https://carshield.com/.

The naming rights were handled by MIKE CARTER of Carter Law Offices, LLC -- http://www.CarterLegal.com

Staggering Double-Digit Victories -- Wentzville's Aldermanic and Mayoral Winners from Last Night

Last night Wentzville's aldermanic and mayoral election results rolled in like a tsunami. All Winning candidates won by staggering double-digit margins

MAYOR
Nick Guccione 58%
Chris Gard 42%

Ald. Ward 1
Robert Hussey 82%
Ellanita Miller 18 %

Ald. Ward 2
Mike Rhoades 66%
Larry Tucker 34%

Ald. Ward 3
Linda Wright  72%
J.C. Crane  28%

Mayor’s Race: Challenger Goes Negative, While Incumbent Mayor Guccione Stays Focused On The Positive

There are a lot of personal attacks in national politics these days, but the New Wentzvillian has to wonder if that is what Wentzville wants.  One thing is for certain, in this April's race for Mayor, challenger Chris Gard has been relentless in his failed attempts over the years to smear the name of Mayor Nick Guccione.

Given the New Wentzvillian's fact gathering over the past half a decade, we cannot find one instance where Mayor Nick Guccione attempted to besmirch ANY political opponent.  However, Chris Gard has formed a habit of attempting to do just that to Mayor Nick Guccione. It has really gotten old.

In fact, in his campaign literature and on his website, Gard says that if he is elected he will create a citizens committee to investigate any wrong-doing by city officials. Is this Gard's 2016 version of Senator McCarthy's Un-American Activities Committee?

As The New Wentzvillian sees it, Gard's committee would essentially amount to his own personal political revenge committee and would be used to intimidate and threaten his political enemies -- Not unlike what the Republican Party wishes they could do to Donald Trump.

Gard's biggest challenge in this election are the facts.  Mayor Guccione has done an outstanding job during his four years as Mayor and has earned another term.  The proof is all around us. Wentzville is a great hometown and by any measure our community is one of the best places to call home. Have you ever driven through a random neighborhood on a sunny day? OMG! Families, kids, neighbors everywhere!

We are a safe community where our children and grandchildren can enjoy playing in our many parks and participating in recreational opportunities.  We are also a retirement friendly community that cares about its seniors.  Under Guccione's guidance, our city has continued to honor its history and the service of our veterans, as well as our police and firefighters, who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Wentzville is also an attractive community for new business, industry and job creation.  It is why we are one of the fastest growing cities in the state.  In the year 2000 our city had a little less than 7,000 residents.  Today we have a population of around 35,000.  That is a 500% increase in just fifteen years.  That we have been able to keep up with the rate of growth is a tribute to the teamwork between Mayor Nick Guccione and the aldermen.

Wentzville is a great community made up of great residents who care about each other.  We deserve a Mayor who wants to serve for all the right reasons.  The New Wentzvillian proudly recommends Mayor Nick Guccione for re-election on Tuesday April 5th

Wentzville Voters to Decide Conflict of Interest or Infringed Rights?

Larry Tucker, Lincoln County

Current Wentzville aldermanic candidate Larry Tucker resigned as the Economic Development Director of Wentzville and then voluntarily took a job as an economic developer for Lincoln County.  He also ran last year unsuccessfully against Sonya Shryock for Alderman of Wentzville. Sonya Shryock garnered 64.79% of the votes while Larry Tucker managed 34.68%.

The potential conflict of interest between his job for Lincoln County and serving as an alderman in Wentzville was a hotly debated issue in that election.  It was likely one factor in his loss to Shryock.  Should voters be concerned about this issue?

Since then the Wentzville Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance that would prevent key employees of other governments from serving both as an elected public official in Wentzville and being employed in a managerial, supervisory and or policy-making position for county and municipal governments in St. Charles County and adjoining counties.  It doesn't bar Mr. Tucker from running, but he would have to give up his job with Lincoln County if elected.

Larry Tucker is running again, this time against Alderman Michael Rhoades.  Word is that he's also said that if he wins and isn't seated he will sue the city.

Not many people run for office promising to sue the city.  It would be unfortunate for the taxpayers of Wentzville who would end up bearing the cost of the litigation.  There is some precedent for other governmental bodies requiring that elected public officials not serve in paid governmental positions elsewhere.  For instance, one cannot remain a public high school teacher and serve even part time in Missouri's General Assembly -- ask our local State Representative Bryan Spencer about that. Yes, Rep. Spencer had to quit his teaching job to serve the people of Missouri.

In this case, the Wentzville ordinance creates a more localized avoidance of conflict.  It is worth noting that Alderman Michael Rhoades, against whom Mr. tucker is running in this election, voted against the new restriction.

Alderman Michael Rhoades Center Left

The question of whether or not there is an inherent conflict of interest comes down to the fact that members of the Board of Aldermen are often provided information on economic development leads and prospects.  If a potential business or industry were also talking to Mr. Tucker in his capacity as an economic development person for Lincoln county, there could be a conflict.  

Mr. Tucker says he would voluntarily recuse himself from such situations, but does his current employer know that may keep him from following up on or competing for potential prospects for them?  How would we know if he was gaining inside information that helped him get a jump on winning the relocation of a business or industry to Lincoln County that might otherwise have come to Wentzville?

Part of the problem is how competitive cities and counties must be with each other these days to promote themselves and to attract business and industry and good paying quality job prospects.

The issue of real or perceived conflict of interests aside, there is still the issue of whether or not it is a good decision to elect a former city employee.  Imagine if someone quit the firm or business you work for and then came back in as a boss over his fellow co-workers and supervisors.  Larry Tucker resigned as the Economic Development Director of Wentzville and voluntarily took a job as an economic developer for Lincoln County.

As we wrote in an editorial the last time Mr. Tucker ran for alderman, ex-employees have a long history of trying to get elected in the jurisdictions of their former employers.  The ex-Fire Chief of the O'Fallon Fire Protection District ran for the O'Fallon Fire Protection District Board of Directors.  While there may be a strong motivation for wanting to become the boss of your ex-boss, these situations often lead to recrimination and hostilities.

It is best not to create situations where anyone with an axe to grind gets to be the boss of their old boss or employees who they may or may not have gotten along with.  This coming Tuesday, April 5th, that is the judgment the voters are in the best position to make.

Emergency Preparedness Training Program for Adults and Teens

The City of Wentzville is offering a  four-session training program for adults and teens which focuses on emergency preparedness and topics such as fire suppression, first aid, and search and rescue.  Similar to regular Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), Teen CERT focuses on preparing citizens 12 years of age and older to help themselves, their families and neighbors in the event of a major catastrophic event such as a tornado or earthquake.

The course will be held over two weekends, Friday & Saturday, April 1 and 2 at Wentzville Holt High and April 8 and 9 at Liberty High.  Friday sessions run from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, while Saturday sessions run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.  To receive certification for the course, participants must attend all of the sessions.  The course is free and all classes will be taught by first responders and other professionals through the Mid America TEEN CERT program, which was named the No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Program and Youth Program in Missouri.

This class is open any member of the public and is great for entire families and groups.  For more information contact Meghan Aydelott, WSD Lead PLTW Teacher, at meghanaydelott@wsdr4.org, or Connor Pisczek at pisczekc@yahoo.com.

Missouri Presidential Primary Proved Every Vote Counts

By March 15^th in a normal Presidential Election Year, the presumptive nominees usually have a lock on their respective party nominations.  Super Tuesday is usually followed by (yawn) all the rest of the country getting to vote.  This year, however, Missouri votes counted in a big way, though it took to the wee hours to find out who won.  Less than ½ of one-percent seems to have separated the winners of both the Republican and Democratic races; Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.  Bernie Sanders beat Clinton in St. Charles County but lost the state narrowly.  Trump edged out Ted Cruz slightly statewide and in St. Charles, re-enforcing once again that every vote counts.

Wentzville’s Own Holt High National Merit Scholarship Finalists

The Wentzville School District announced that three Holt High School Seniors, Rachel Neff, William Rackers, and Hannah Steber, were selected as finalists for the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Selected students represent less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States.  Being selected gives them the opportunity to compete  for roughly 7,400 National Merit Scholarships which are worth more than $32 million. According to the district, Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of outstanding skills, accomplishments, and potential for their success in rigorous college studies.

To become a finalist in the competition, the semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application providing information about the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, honors and awards received.  Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT/ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Pictured left to right are Rachel Neff who plans to study biochemistry (pre-med) at the University of Missouri – Columbia, Purdue University or the University of Maryland, College Park, Hannah Steber who plans to attend Arizona State University or Washington University in St. Louis and major in molecular and cellular biology, and William Rackers  who intends to major in chemistry at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.

Trump Waters Rubio (christie endorses trump)

Trump Waters Rubio During Rally For Christie Endorsement of Trump

Some are asking whether this behavior is presidential. Note the "Hail To The Chief" music overlay.








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Judge Michael E. Carter Files For Missouri State Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. Charles Missouri, February 23, 2016 St. Charles attorney and Judge Michael Carter filed today in the Republican Primary for the 23rd District State Senate seat.  The seat is currently vacant following the departure of former State Senator Tom Dempsey. "When you look at what is going on nationally, people are sick of politics as usual.  They are fed up with hand-picked successors, political dynasties, and special interest politicians. I love going to Jefferson City, as unbelievable as that sounds I really do; but, in more ways than not it is just as broken as Washington.  The will of the people is often ignored and it can feel that no one cares about those people who should be our first priority -- the good people that work hard, pay the bills, follow the rules, and don't have time to get to the state capitol to speak for themselves," declared Carter. "My roots, my family, and my business are in this community.  I didn't move into the district to run for office.  People know that I will stand up and fight for their interests. They know I worked to ban the profiteering red light cameras in Wentzville which led the way for passage of a countywide ban.   Ask anyone who knows anything about red-light traffic cameras in the St. Louis and St. Charles county areas and they know the name Mike Carter. I started the 'ban the cam' movement for all the right reasons and I will now finish it with a statewide ban, I'm successful enough that I can't be bought and strong enough that I can't be bullied.  The big money out-state foreigners and unions have begun funding their chosen candidates," says Carter. Judge Carter said his major goals would be to:  Pass A Statewide Ban On Red-Light, Speed, and Traffic Citation Cameras Generally. End The Bureaucratic Stranglehold On State and Local Government Programs - Make Bureaucrats Re-apply for Their Jobs Every Five Years Just Like the Elected Officials They Serve. Ensure that real-world application and common sense are considered in light of Municipal Court Reform Senate Bills 5 (2015) & 572 (2016). Though Reform Was Needed and Somewhat Welcomed Statewide, Municipal Courts Are Meant to Be Localized Centers of Behavior Modification in Their Respective Communities. Stripping Courts of The Means to Exact Appropriate Impartial and Measured Justice is Not the Answer.  Pass Meaningful Ethics Reform and Put an End to The Frat House Atmosphere in Jefferson City. Make It Easier For Businesses To Flourish and Insert Business Efficiencies in Government Offices. Make It Easier To Challenge Property Tax Assessments and Other Seemingly Unilateral Governmental Rulings - Level The Playing Field In Administrative Hearings. (Carter is a 27 year REALTOR and Knows First Hand How Real Property Assessments Should Be Handled) Frequently Interact With Missouri Voters Through Direct Automated Telephonic Contact Wherein Voters Can Quickly and Easily Reveal Their Desires and Opinions About Crucial State Issues. Carter says he is also running to see if real independent ideas and speaking candidly with voters can overcome money, big name endorsements and politics as usual; culminating in an elected Senator who is beholden to no one. This very same approach put Carter on the bench in Wentzville Missouri. Michael Carter has an undergraduate degree from UMSL and both a Masters of Journalism and Juris Doctorate from Mizzou.  After passing the bar exam, he began the Carter Law Offices, LLC at Fifth Street and Boonslick in St. Charles.  Carter is now serving his second term as judge of the municipal court for the City of Wentzville.  Past experience includes having clerked for Missouri Western District Court of Appeals, serving as a Senior Fellow Clerk/PR Missouri Attorney General's Office, and doing public relations and legal research for the United States Senate.  He was also a senior lecturer at the University of Missouri for 13 years and holds a real estate broker license, served as a Director of the St. Louis Board of Realtors, is the publisher of the New Wentzvillian, and author of a coming book.  Carter and his wife have two children, a family dog and reside near Cottleville.                                                                                                                                  Paid for by Vote4Carter.com Committee, Janet Kontz Treasurer Contact:  636-916-4040 Felicia@CarterLegal.com

YOUTUBE QUOTE: Eric Greitens is the Brian Williams of the SEAL Teams."

In case you have been looking for it. Interesting Video on Missouri Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Greitens -- Fact or Fiction? 

YOUTUBE QUOTE:  ". . . Here’s the deal if anyone is still wondering: Eric Greitens is the Brian Williams of the SEAL Teams.

Instead of believing a host of bought and choreographed endorsements, ask guys who ACTUALLY served with him. We ARE those guys – WE KNOW HIM. We are the nameless, faceless silent professionals who endorse this video and believe that being a SEAL is NOT a resume bullet.

Outsiders may wonder - why take Eric to task? Why give a shit? Because “brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold.” 

Enough is enough. This conversation is over. . . ."

America In Search Of A Superhero; Explaining The Rise Of Donald Trump

Commentary

By Judge Michael Carter

Every age has its heroes.  The stories of some, like Hercules, have withstood even the test of time.  Americans have embraced the superheroes of popular culture since Superman first appeared in 1933.  Today the superheroes of comics are a mainstay of the movie industry, and we flock to see our larger-than-life heroes.  Since 2002 there have been fifty movies centered on superheroes of one sort or another.  We have an almost insatiable appetite for this genre of entertainment.

Many political pundits have attempted to explain the rise and prolonged dominance of Donald Trump on the political stage as the result of his celebrity status.  If celebrity status alone were the key to political fortune then why haven't more movie and television stars made the transition?

The answer may be that voters this year are looking for a little something more.  America is in search of a real superhero and many believe they have found him in Donald Trump.

Trump closely mirrors the movie adaptation of Marvel Comic's character Tony Stark, better known as Iron Man.  Stark is portrayed as an outspoken, brash, headstrong, single-minded, unapologetic, tough-as-nails, super wealthy celebrity, with a giant ego and playboy tendencies.  Tony Stark even puts his name in giant letters on his office tower.  Sound familiar?

Trump may not have a metallic suit that is impervious to damage, but up until the Iowa Caucus he did  seem pretty impervious to attacks from others, and even from self-inflicted damage, in his high-price designer suits.  Other Presidential candidates rolled up their sleeves, donned plaid shirts, and tried to blend into the rows of corn to prove how common they were in Iowa, but  Trump flew in wearing his signature suit and tie... the Iron Man of business.

Perhaps some of the yearning for a superhero in politics is because the enemies America faces in the world seem as sinister and powerful as the villains of our comic book fantasies:  Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and ISIS.  Bio-terrorism, chemical weapons, nuclear proliferation, fear of another recession, and even climate change threaten our way of life.

And Iron Man isn't the only superhero Donald Trump is channeling.  There is a lot of Captain America in his appeals to patriotism, his kick-in-the-front-door approach to dealing with ISIS (or is it HYDRA?), his yearning to return to a simpler time.  Some of it is the image he cultivates for his campaign, but a lot is what voters project onto him.

Heroes aren't perfect.  They often stumble before they ultimately succeed.  The story-line wouldn't be as interesting if Superman didn't have his Kryptonite, The Dark Knight - Batman wasn't borderline psychotic, and Tony Stark didn't think so highly of himself.

It seems difficult to ever imagine Marco Rubio being that larger-than-life hero, or Ted Cruz, and certainly not Jeb Bush.  They all seem more like sidekicks.  Rubio is at best Dick Grayson as Robin.

Donald Trump appeared gracious after his second-place showing in Iowa, perhaps humbled, but not broken.  Tony Stark has also fallen and had to come back many times, rebuilding his fortunes much like Donald Trump.  Will Trump come back even stronger in New Hampshire?  Will he win South Carolina?   Will Donald Trump be the superhero so many believe him to be?

The Democrats have their superhero equivalent in Bernie Sanders.  Like Spiderman's Peter Parker he seems deceptively un-heroic, but the only way to explain the seemingly boundless energy of a 74 year old man on the grueling campaign trail is a radioactive spider bite.  He certainly seems to have slowed Hillary Clinton to a crawl with some sort of sticky web.

There is, of course, a difference between being a real hero and one of fantasy.  We know there are no real superheroes.  But that doesn't stop the archetype of the superhero from being engrained in our popular culture.  It may not be at the conscience level, but I believe many Americans yearn for a political superhero to save the nation from threats both real and imagined.  To the extent a particular candidate reminds them of the characteristics they liked in the character of a superhero, the more drawn voters will be to that candidate. 

---

Mike Carter is a past Director of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS, former Senior Lecturer at the University of Missouri, current Municipal Judge for the City of Wentzville, and General Counsel for one of St. Charles County's largest employers. He has worked for the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Consumer Protection as well as Missouri's Western District Court of Appeals.  Carter holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Master's Degree in Journalism from MIZZOU.  He has helped lead opposition to red-light cameras in Missouri and championed the countywide ban of red-light cameras in St. Charles County. Mr. Carter is married with two children and a family dog. His family belongs to St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville.  Carter's first book is expected to be published this Spring. (http://www.MikeCarter.com)

Wentzville Alderwoman Wright Feels Threatened by Alderman Swanson

COPIED FROM FOX 2 BETSY BRUCE - January 28, 2016

FOX 2 NEWS WENTZVILLE, MO (KTVI) - A Wentzville alderman (Swanson) says he used the wrong word when he suggested a fellow alderman's election opponent could be "eliminated." However, that is not satisfying the alderwoman (Wright) who says she felt threatened by the phone message.

Alderwomen Linda Wright brought the issue to the forefront during a regular board meeting Wednesday night. She played the phone message from her colleague, Alderman Matt Swanson.

In the message Swanson said, "I just got a call from somebody who wants to talk to you and hopefully we can eliminate your opponent. So if you get a chance, give me a call and I think you'll be really pleased with what I have to say."

Alderwoman Wright said she was scared by the message and wondered if she would be safe and if her election opponent would be safe. She added during the Wednesday meeting, "Is there a payoff coming to someone?" She believes it is an effort to get her to stop supporting the current mayor, Nick Guccione, who is being challenged in his reelection bid.

Alderman Swanson said Thursday he meant no harm to anyone in his message. While Wright believes it was an inappropriate effort to influence her vote, Swanson thinks she is retaliating against him politically. He believes the city board should investigate Mayor Guccione. However, board members decided during a closed executive session not to do that. Wright said she believes there is no evidence the mayor did anything wrong during the selection of a new city prosecutor.

Judge Michael Carter's State Senate Bid Could Derail Best Laid Plans Of Opponent's Big Name Donors

Copied Directly from Release For Immediate Release. St. Charles Missouri. January 13, 2016 Big money donors from across the state have been lining up behind the two announced candidates in the Republican Primary for State Senate in Missouri's 23rd District. With the help of proponents of Right-to-Work, businessman Bill Eigel has been receiving large donations, including one for $50,000, in a race to try to match the fundraising head-start enjoyed by State Representative Anne Zerr. Zerr has opposed passage of Right-to-Work legislation in Missouri as did former State Senator Tom Dempsey who resigned to accept a position in the private sector. But the rush to try to tip the scales in favor of Eigel could be upset by the potential entry of local attorney and municipal judge Michael Carter. Carter has been signaling for months an interest in the position and, like Donald Trump, could self-fund his own campaign and not have to rely on the myriad special interests lining up to do battle for this open seat. Pundits believed Eigel's chances received a boost when State Representative Mark Parkinson chose to drop out of the race and throw his support to Eigel against Zerr. But the entry of another conservative, well known candidate in the race would just as quickly dim Eigel's hopes. Carter says he shares a lot of the same conservative and pro-growth positions as Eigel, but like Zerr, has actual roots in the community. "You just don't move into the state and then move into St. Charles County a year before the election because there is an open Senate seat. There are plenty of good people from St. Charles County, who know the people and the issues and aren't just looking to use our community as a stepping stone," Carter observed. Carter also said he's not excited about the influence the big donors seem to be buying. "I'm politically realistic, but would rather more local St. Charles political forces help our next State Senator as opposed to the good people of Joplin (referring to Eigel's largest contributor). I also wonder about the giant labor union forces (referring to Zerr's biggest backers). I think voters deserve and want someone who knows and will worry about what's important to the people of St. Charles County and not what candidates will owe their biggest donors. Voters want independent-minded candidates more than ever," Carter says. Carter says he is still considering whether to get in the race when filing opens in February. Contact: dixon 636-916-4040felicia@carterlegal.com Mike Carter is a past Director of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS, former Senior Lecturer at the University of Missouri, current Municipal Judge for the City of Wentzville, General Counsel for one of St. Charles County's largest employers, worked for the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Consumer Protection and Missouri's Western District Court of Appeals, holds both his Juris Doctorate and Master's Degree in Journalism from MIZZOU, he helped champion the countywide ban of red-light cameras in St. Charles County, is married with two children & family dog, and his family belongs to St. Joseph Parish Cottleville.