ROBERT LOWERY IN A SNIT
Over at The Cedars, Florissant mayor Robert Lowery, Sr., for whom I had tremendous empathy, told the columnist, “People are beating the shit out of me! (Post-Dispatch reporter) Paul Hampel told me he followed me for five days. The proposal to change our charter is a smoke screen – a Trojan horse. Just because 30-40 people don’t like me, they got Paul sold on it (an investigation).” Also there was Bob O’Loughlin, chief of LHM, who said that he will close in a month on the purchase of the Cheshire Inn and Lodge. He added, “We’ll tear down the restaurant and build a new one, that will connect with the hotel.” Other tidbits gathered there were: HBO is lensing a documentary on the Pulitzer legacy and began by shooting in the offices of the daily newspaper; Lombardo’s restaurants is opening a fourth eatery in Arnold, Mo. The columnist’s coverage took place during the 30th anniversary of the St. Louis Port Council where Michael Sacco was front ‘n center. The labor leader, prez of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO, repping 4.5 million members, said, “We’re still recruiting young people for apprentice programs. There’s almost full employment. Ship owners are replacing old tonnage and building new.” And the health care bill? “It will help a lot of our people, but there’s so much missing. People are confused and get nervous, because they don’t understand it.” With Sacco were his daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Dave Baker, principal of South Tech High School in Sunset Hills. Oddskins-bodkins! St. Louis Sheriff James W. Murphy bought a full-page ad in the program to heap kudos on the honorees – Patrick Kellett, James Murphy, Cong. Lacy Clay and Richard Kellett.


Jerry, Jerry! It’s so good to have you back! Miss your keen insight, humor and love of St. Louis.