By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 10:39 AM
PUB DEF EXCLUSIVE Labels: 26th_Ward, Election_Board, Exclusive
With Election Day just two weeks away, things are starting to get heated in the race for 26th Ward alderman. Allegations of criminal records, unpaid taxes, and dirty politics are being thrown around as the two candidates engage in a repeat of their 2003 contest.
It was in their last race that supporters of now-incumbent Frank Williamson first alleged that his opponent, H. Lee Willis, was a convicted felon who has pleaded guilty to passing bad checks, assaulting a police officer, and burglary. Just days before the 2003 primary election, a flier saying as much was distributed throughout the ward, and Williamson went on to defeat Willis by a 32-point margin.
And now, "they're at it again," said Willis.
The same allegations — plus a potentially damaging new one — are again being thrown around in the last few weeks before E-Day. Willis' past run-ins with the law have once again become issues, as well as an issue with taxes that may threaten the validity of Willis' candidacy.
Records provided to Pub Def outline a series of arrests and charges (many of which were quickly dismissed) between 1999 and 2002 and all of which Willis sat down with Pub Def to explain.
The most serious of the charges came from an April 3, 2000 incident in which, as Willis explains, involved a bad check written months before, without his knowledge, by his then-wife.
Willis said a plain-clothed officer came to his door and began questioning his young son without identifying himself. Seeing his son outside talking with a strange man, Willis said he reacted quickly and pulled his son inside. The officer, who still had not identified himself, according to Willis, tried to push his way inside the home. Willis said he pushed back and the next thing he knew the man was telling him he was under arrest for Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest.
Willis maintains that he was never convicted and never pleaded guilty to a felony. But records obtained by Pub Def show that he did plead guilty to that bad check-writing incident, a felony, and misdemeanor Assaulting an Officer.
Regardless, Willis says it is in the past and in no way a reflection of his character. He accused his opponent of trying to distract voters from the issues.
"I think that's how they operate," said Willis. "It's just a continuation of the strong-arming [Alderman Williamson] started back in December."
Back in December, Willis alleged that Williamson had contacted several of the business owners in the ward who are supporting the challenger and threatened them. Willis alleges that following his campaign kickoff event at Marion’s St. Louis Rib Co., Williamson "harassed and threatened" proprietor Marion Waters.
Weeks later, before an event scheduled at Eklectic Designz on Delmar, owner Bonita Richardson was quoted in a Willis press release as saying Williamson "both telephoned and came to the salon. Frank was quite forceful in his view that I shouldn't allow Lee Willis to hold his event at my salon."
Williamson denies that ever happened. He also denies having anything to do with putting out the information about Willis' criminal record.
"I think it's just a group of concerned citizens that feel that the voters should know about who they may be voting on," said Williamson.
But Willis isn't buying that. "He's trying to tear down my character and my integrity," he said.
Williamson's supporters are also trying to make Willis' candidacy invalid.
A letter was sent last week to the St. Louis City Election Board claiming that Willis is delinquent in paying his real estate and personal property taxes. That is relevant because a state law says no person's name can appear on the ballot if he or she is in arrears for any unpaid city taxes on the last day to file a declaration of candidacy for the office.
Attached to the letter were records from the Collector of Revenue's office showing that as of February 14, Willis still owed $786.41 in real estate taxes and $59.49 in personal property taxes. Willis confirmed to Pub Def that those taxes are still owed, but he said they will be paid today.
The letter was sent by attorney Darryl Piggee, chief of staff for Congressman Lacy Clay. Clay's uncle, Irving Clay, is the former 26th Ward alderman who, upon retirement, was succeeded by Williamson. The Clays and Williamson are considered political allies.
Mary Wheeler-Jones, the Democratic Director of Elections for the City, tells Pub Def that the matter is on the agenda for tomorrow's meeting of the Election Commissioners.
Jones said she did not know what action the Commissioners might take on the issue, but it was "not as cut-and-dry as it appears."
11 Comments:
The dirty politics at work here are certainly the direct efforts of the Williamson campaign. In fact, Darryl Piggee appears on Williamson's quarterly finance report from last October. Williamson paid Mr. Piggee $2,000 for "legal research," clearly the results of which we are seeing now.
Also, the statute mentioned in the post does not apply to this race, based on statute 115.305, which states that, "This subchapter shall not apply to candidates for special district offices, township offices in township organization counties, or CITY (emphasis added), town and village offices;"
It is unfortunate that Mr. Williamson has resorted to these tactics and is attempting to take away the voter's right to choose in this election. The 26th Ward and the City deserve better.
2/20/2007 12:03 PM
I'm sad to see this. I've seen Mr. Willis at many venues, and he has taken particular interest in the cause of the SLPS, and I always found him thoughtful and well-spoken. He's certainly an example of the possibility of reform, if nothing else.
2/20/2007 1:18 PM
If Clay has anything to do with it I am quite sure it is dirty. He constantly says he is fighting for African Americans but clearly demonstrates regularly that he is no better then a common gang leader. Who among us has not been harrassed by the police. Wrongfully charged and maybe even convicted. Mr. Clay is not one of us. He is black on the surface but underneith he is just has bad as the white slave owners in the past. Give em hell my brother and stay in this fight. My vote will be with Mr. Willis.
2/20/2007 1:22 PM
So what we have here is who is the lesser of two evils?
The one that plays dirty and digs up dirt?
Or the one that has the dirt?
2/20/2007 1:51 PM
Nice try Captain Jack..
You might want to quote Sec. 115.305 in context becuase it actually states that that the subchapter may not apply to candidates in "fourth class cities" or in other words anyplace unincorporated, which obviously does not apply to St. Louis city.
Who exactly are you trying to mislead?
2/20/2007 2:12 PM
Mr. Williamson has personally come to my home to bad mouth Mr. Lee. I have read his response to Pub Def and I know he's behind this negative press. I just have this to say to him, make sure you know who you're talking with before you start running your stupid mouth. Mr. Lee has been very helpful to me and my family. I know that Mr. Lee cares about this neighborhood a he will be the Obama for the 26th Ward. I'm gracful that he put his name on the ballot. Mr. Lee, keep doing what you're doing because they are scared. I hope everything workout for you tomorrow, you are in my prayers.
2/20/2007 10:10 PM
As a resident of the 26th Ward, I have found the last four years refreshing to have such a wonderful Alderman as Mr. Williamson.
He has always been there in time of need. He has held many events in our ward for the under privileged.
He made my children's last Christmas a memorable one, when he held that Christmas party for the ward.
So, no matter how many lies and nasty remarks made about Mr. Williamson, believe me he will have my vote again this year.
2/22/2007 4:44 PM
Boy, one thing about it Mr. Willis, when it comes to crime, you sure fit the bill.
Who do you know on the Election Board, that even though you knowingly broke the rules, you are still being allowed on the ballot.
I would not vote for you, even if you were the only candidate on the ballot.
I would even go as far as moving out of the ward if you are elected.
2/22/2007 4:49 PM
Mr. Willis it was very nice of you to finally pay your taxes, it took the threat of being removed from the ballot to make you do something that was supposed to be paid over two months ago. And the fact that you didn't even have the nerve to do it yourself, you sent your mother down to city hall to pay them. How immature is that.
I guess it fits right along with your child like name calling, if the baby doesn't get his way he starts calling nasty names.
2/22/2007 4:56 PM
Some people are so naive, give them a frozen chicken and the babies some toys.....BAM! you got my vote. That's why our neighborhoods don't grow.
2/23/2007 12:10 AM
I am sorry to see Mr. Willis in this position. He seems to be a very good candidate for this ward. As a personal friend of Mr. Williamson how dare he slander this man's name. As an committeeman for twelve years under Irv Clay he is truly having a hard time putting this guy away.A vote for Frank is a disgrace to the 26th Ward.
2/25/2007 4:06 PM
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