Disappointment, Bemusement, and Sadness

State and Local Government |
By David Stokes | Read Time 1 minute

Disappointment because the innovative plan to finance our bridge repair program has been replaced. There is nobody to blame here — it is just a bad time to go for large amounts of private capital. The decision to go with bonding is an unfortunate necessity. (The above link, and other articles on the subject, at Combest.)

Bemusement because silly cases also make bad laws, to paraphrase Oliver Wendell Holmes. Is it really necessary to have Kansas City practically come to a constitutional crisis over the issue of a wife volunteering in the office? I understand the complaints against her, but this entire situation is just crazy. I am generally in favor of anything that paralyzes local and state government. Gridlock is good! But this is insane. …

Sadness because one of my best friends had a brain aneurysm yesterday, and will be taken off life support today. I commend his wonderful family for its decision to save other lives by donating Sherman’s organs. I will miss you forever, Sherman.

About the Author

David Stokes is a St. Louis native and a graduate of Saint Louis University High School and Fairfield (Conn.) University. He spent six years as a political aide at the St. Louis County Council before joining the Show-Me Institute in 2007. Stokes was a policy analyst at the Show-Me Institute from 2007 to 2016. From 2016 through 2020 he was Executive Director of Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, where he led efforts to oppose harmful floodplain developments done with abusive tax subsidies. Stokes rejoined the Institute in early 2021 as the Director of Municipal Policy. He is a past president of the University City Library Board. He served on the St. Louis County 2010 Council Redistricting Commission and was the 2012 representative to the Electoral College from Missouri’s First Congressional District. He lives in University City with his wife and their three children.

Similar Stories

Support Us

Headline to go here about the good with supporting us.

Donate
Man on Horse Charging