The Rock Hill Bookhouse, and the function of government in our lives

There has been a lot of press lately, and a lot of people who want to save The Book House.  There have been a number of people calling for the City of Rock Hill to do something.  What can the City do, legally?

I'm a big believer in smaller government that stays out of the way of business.  Less regulations, and allow for competition to determine what happens in the market, and at what price.  It is competition that has led to many of the great inventions of our time.

First, The City of Rock Hill has not received any plans for construction on the site or an application for re-zoning (if required).  If the business wanting to move in meets the legal requirements for the commercial business district, then there is nothing that can be done to stop it.

Second, the eviction of the Book House is a PRIVATE transaction between the business and the landlord.  The City has NO influence on that, and should never get involved in a private legal transaction.  I did mention to the owner (Michelle) to check what her lease says, as that dictates what can and can not happen with an eviction.

Third, Do I want a storage facility right in the middle of my City?  No, but going back to my earlier points: government staying out the way of private enterprise, and do they fit the legal requirements for the site.

Fourth, My first responsibility as Alderman is to the ENTIRE City of Rock Hill.  That means spending the tax dollars very wisely and ensuring our citizens are safe in their daily pursuits.

Fifth, The City does have a Historic preservation ordinance.  If we were to choose to classify the building at this point, it would be seen by most any court as interfering with a private party transaction.  While I will hate to see a historically old building torn down, I'm not willing to open the City up to a legal battle we have little chance of winning.



I will never say how I will vote on a particular ordinance or resolution before the Board of Alderman, until presented with all of the facts and having my questions answered.

The opinions expressed above and completely my own, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the City of Rock Hill or other elected officials.


If YOU are really interested in helping the Book House, the best place is to probably go to their Facebook page, see their Change.org petition (directed toward the City, and not the property owner), or donate to their Indegogo campaign (they may need legal help too).  There is also a Rally scheduled (Rally to save Rock Hill's Book House is Tuesday)


Many of the articles about The Book House are not 100% accurate, but read them for yourself:

• Development Threatens Rock Hill's Book House
• Save independent bookstore in Rock Hill
• Book House Issues Call To Stave Off Eviction
• The Book House: Will Developers Demolish Historic Rock Hill Site For a Storage Facility?
• What Is a Bookstore?
• Storage Facility May Take Place of Rock Hill's Book House
• The Book House, a Rock Hill institution, is forced to relocate
• There are probably many more that I haven't linked to here.  Feel free to submit links in the comments.

I welcome constructive conversation here.  But remember to keep it civil and about the subject at hand (no personal attacks).

Election Day - November 6, 2012

First, PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!
Voting is how you tell your government what is important to you.

Here are some great voting resources for the St Louis area.  I live in Rock Hill (Manchester and McKnight Rd), so some of this may be even more specific to my area.

Check to make sure you are registered to vote: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup/
  It's to late to register for the election, but please register if you are not currently.

See a sample of your ballot: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/pollingplacelookup/
There are a lot of things on the ballot, 16 before counting judges. http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Election-Coverage-i-2012-11-02-183513.114137-BALLOT-BOX.html

The League of Women Voters puts out a FANTASTIC voter's guide.  They explain everything in real terms.  You can find it at: http://lwv.thevoterguide.org/v/stlouis12/

Patch.com has an election guyid that can be found at http://webstergroves.patch.com/articles/webster-groves-rock-hill-and-warson-woods-election-guide

The Webster-Kirkwood Times has a special election section.  Coverage can be found at: http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Section-15423.113117_Municipal_Elections.html or 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!  Polling places are open in Missouri from 6am to 7pm, so scheduling should not be an issue.

6mo Contract Offer on Sept 7th

On Friday, I received a phone call (and then e-mail) with an offer for a 6 month contract.  This is through a contract company, so I would receive my paycheck from them, but will work at a client location every day.

As I look through the contract, much of it looks very standard; but I have some questions for you (supporting documents below the questions):

1. As an hourly employee, would you not expect client requested overtime to be paid at a higher rate than the normal 40hr work week?
2. Since this has been stated verbally as a 6mo contract, with unlimited extensions, would it not be prudent to have my contract with a length to it?  The only specific date is a start date, and a cancellation clause of 14 days notice.
3. The biggest thing that worries me is the non-solicit and non-compete sections.  I read them as not allowing me to attempt to gain full time employment with the client for a period of 1 year after the 6mo contract is up.

Supporting information for question #1:

     Client approved overtime is to be paid at the straight time rate for all hours in excess of forty (40) hours per week.

Supporting information for question #2 (I realize that I don't have Schedule "A" to review):

     This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon fourteen (14) days written notice to the other party, without any liability to the party terminating the Agreement, subject to the terms and provisions of paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, and Schedule “A” hereof, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Supporting information for question #3:
     (A). Agreement Not To Solicit Customers or Attempt to Divert Business.
Employee agrees that during the term of their employment with ***, and for a period of one (1) year following termination of such employment, whether such termination is with or without cause (“Restricted Period”), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either for the benefit of Employee or on behalf of any other person, firm, partnership, or corporation, divert, attempt to divert or move business away from ***, or attempt to influence any person or entity with an existing relationship with *** to alter that relationship adversely to ***. Employee further agrees that during the Restricted Period Employee shall not solicit business from any client, account, or location of ***, whether such client or account was a client or account of *** during Employee’s period of employment or became a client or account of ***after termination of Employee’s employment with  ***. Employee further agrees that during the Restricted Period Employee shall not solicit business or work from any person, firm, partnership, or corporation upon whom Employee called where they have represented  ***, at any time during the one (1) year prior to termination of Employee’s employment with  ***.
     (B). Agreement Not to Solicit Employees, Contractors, Consultants and
Candidates. Employee agrees that during the Restricted Period, Employee will not in any way, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of Employee or on behalf of any other person, firm, partnership, or corporation, solicit, entice, hire, employ or endeavor to employ any employee, contractor, consultant or candidate who was employed by or otherwise did business with  *** at any time during the one (1) year prior to termination of Employee’s employment with  ***.

Your insight is greatly appreciated
Phil

Missouri Primary Elections on Tuesday - August 7, 2012

If You Don't Vote, You Can’t Complain

First, PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!
Voting is how you tell your government what is important to you.

Here are some great voting resources for the St Louis area.

Check to make sure you are registered to vote: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup/
  It's to late to register for the August 7th election, but please register if you are not currently.

Missouri is weird with the primary election, because you MUST choose a party to vote in (Libertarian, Constitution, Green, Republican, Democratic).

 - It is the only time you officially have to declare a party.

 - Personally I find myself somewhere in the mix of many of the parties

 - I wish you could vote on all the different parties tickets.

The League of Women Voters puts out a FANTASTIC voter's guide.  They explain everything in real terms.  You can find it at: http://lwv.thevoterguide.org/v/stlouis12/

The Webster-Kirkwood Times has an Election Coverage section of their website at: http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Section-15423.113117_Municipal_Elections.html

[UPDATE 8/6 @ 10:10am] Patch.com has their voter guide as well.  For my area (City of Rock Hill, MO) it is the Webster Groves Patch.  Their election coverage can be found at http://webstergroves.patch.com/articles/webster-groves-rock-hill-and-warson-woods-election-guide?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001

Everyone in the state will also vote on Constitutional Amendment 2.  The 'Religious Beliefs' amendment

My opinion:

 - There are already protections for religious freedom in the US and MO State Constitutions

 - This legislation complicates matters for teachers, and will most likely lead to more litigation.

George Carlin disagrees with me on the "If you don't vote, you can't complain".  He says that if you vote, you don't have a right to complain.  See the video from his 1996 HBO special (PG13 due to language; Not Suitable for Work) http://youtu.be/gGXcFcneWxM

I SAY - PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!  Polling places are open in Missouri from 6am to 7pm.

St Louis County Elections - April 3, 2012

First, PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!
Voting is how you tell your government what is important to you.

Here are some great voting resources for the St Louis area.  I live in Rock Hill (Manchester and McKnight Rd), so some of this may be even more specific to my area.

Check to make sure you are registered to vote: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup/
  It's to late to register for the April 3rd election, but please register if you are not currently.

See a sample of your ballot: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/pollingplacelookup/
  My ballot has 3 things on it:

1. Proposition S - A St Louis County Courts bond issue for $100 Million to rehab and build new court facilities
2. Aldermanic election for Rock Hill Ward 1 - I'm not sure who to vote for!  Just joking as I'm on the ballot.
3. St Louis Community College Trustee for Subdistrict #3

The League of Women Voters puts out a FANTASTIC voter's guide.  They explain everything in real terms.  You can find it at: http://lwv.thevoterguide.org/v/stlouis12/

Patch.com had an election special on March 26th.  It can be found at http://webstergroves.patch.com/articles/meet-the-candidates-rock-hill-board-of-aldermen

The Webster-Kirkwood Times ran an election special in the Friday, March 30th paper.  [update Mar 30] The link for the Rock Hill races can be found at: http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Election-Coverage-i-2012-03-30-179695.114137-Rock-Hill-Board-Of-Aldermen-Incumbents-Face-Opposition-In-Wards-1-and-3.html.  The general election coverage can be found at: http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Section-15423.113117-Election-Coverage.html

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!  Polling places are open in Missouri from 6am to 7pm, so scheduling should not be an issue.

Dec 31, 2011 is NOT that far away

Back on Feb 14th, I found out my company was loosing it's contract with Ameren to provide IT services.  I wrote this blog post the next day http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/02/looking-for-new-job.html.

Since then, there have been hundreds of job applications, some interviews, lots of consulting firms & phone calls.  I've considered buying a winery, and opening a restaurant; and even starting my own IT consulting firm.

Still, I sit here today not knowing what the future brings, because GCT (Guaranteed Computer Technology) is closing effective Dec 31, 2011.  I'm going to be honest, it scares the crap out of me because I don't know where this thing is going.

What can you do?  HELP is what I really need at this point.  Help to get in touch with someone who can give me the opportunity to show what I can do.  Help at looking at the next step.  Help knowing what I am not doing right, and why I continue to get passed over for opportunities.
My current resume can be found at: https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6980407_8807174_13730

All suggestions are helpful, no matter how small.

BTW: My brother-in-law has been unemployed since last Thanksgiving & could use some help too.

Show Me the Blog - Day 2 (afternoon)

Morning notes at http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-2-morning.html

Instant Blogging w/ sKIDmarks

• This lady was FUNNY
• @robynsworld: 
• Instant Blogging Rule #1: Design a single-minded page layout. Make it obvious to visitors that they know what you are about
• Natural eye flow when someone visit your blog is a Z pattern
• Create content that gets people talking
• Take the emotion out of negativity against you.  Use facts
• Create a work space conductive to creativity and fresh ideas 
• Don't be afraid to adjust until you find your sweet spot
• Laugh at yourself, and be personal

Listening to @OffEatenPathSTL at #SMBSTL - talking about the top tips for food blogging

• Be consistent when blogging #SMBSTL - pick a schedule and stick to it
• Don't be embarrassed, but ask permission before taking pictures of anything but the food
• Don't be a SNOB.  Use real world conversational words
• Be engaging, by being yourself & asking questions
• Think outside the box
• Did a Vegan challenge & Spicy challenge
• Learn your voice.  Don't try to be someone you are not
• If you take free stuff, then there may be doubt of if your review was influenced by that
• Take a lot of pictures
• Never use a flash w/ dim lighting
• It make take 50 to get 1
• Try everything
• Have LOTS of fun

Men vs Women in the blogging and social media scene

• Great @stlwomeninmedia session with @daniellesmyname @joshkocurek
• There were 4 men in a room full of women
• The current business world still is mostly men and not women
• If you have built up credibility in an industry that is typically for the other 'sex', then it doesn't matter what sex you are.
• Social media is typically under the PR department.  Which has been a "pink" profession typically.
• Marketing uses "sex sells" all the time
• @showmeblogstl: Panelist @joshkocurek says sports is a traditional gender type of realm, but ladies are now getting their sports on!
• @compostqueen: Male and female lines are blurring in social media. If you write good content people won't care if about the sex of the author.
• @blondishnet: A lot of bloggers are turning to including vlogging. I am too.

They had some contest drawings before the last session.  I have been eating ice cream by @getfrostbite, and won a free pint.  My wife will be happy.

Building and Maintaining Relationships with Brands by @robynsworld

• The Robin way of doing things
• Brands (and you are one) should not broadcast only.  They should interact in the media of choice, not just tell you to call a phone number.
• @crazycoolcrafty: Watch what the brand is doing. Keep an eye on them (stalk them!!) Are they broadcasting only or do they interact?
• @blondishnet: 
• Sometimes when you have blogged for a long time & have great traffic, brands will approach you. VistaPrint did with me.
• "If I gave up blogging because of no comments when I started blogging, I would have given up in 2003. Persevere!"
• Don't sell, just make them a friend by building the relationship
• @bellebutters: I have a 3R rule for social networking: rapport, relativity, relatable. @RobynsWorld emphasized this!
• @daniellesmyname Tweeted the following
• 'gush abt brands before you even have a relationship'.  Be an advocate. they'll notice
• I think social media #ROI can be EASIER to measure than traditional ads. what's the ROI on that commercial? that billboard? flyer?
• And yes, offline influence is influence. Include that in your pitch to a company
• Some people hate to admit it but numbers do count. It measures your sphere of influence
• @jplovescotton: If you want to get monetized, maybe do a little for free but don't let it take too much time, effort. Can cut them off
• @nickgilham: Want to learn how to stay in your lane? Check out this ebook by @TheCubicleChick #SMBSTL http://ow.ly/75M9u 
• Disclosure at the bottom of every review

Great event, and lots of good ideas

Show Me the Blog - Day 2 (morning)

Hotel Lumiere has been a fantastic host so far.

Ms. @daniellesmyname started the day with the following Tweets: 

• Men have tweeted an average of 698 times - women 1542. http://bit.ly/MenVsWomen
• Men have an average of 643 followers on twitter whereas women have 1717.

See my Day 1 blog at: http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-1.html

Sat next to Debbie today: http://www.thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/

@CupCakeProject talked about her start

• Readers and fans are two different types of people
• Practice the craft while no one is watching
• Writing for a blog is different than writing a technical manual
• Taking pictures requires practice
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Monetizing doesn't work until you already have the readers
• "If I can change the name, the lyrics, and the songs, we might just have something" - Quote about Lady Gaga before she was a hit!
• Google Analytics and Clicky give stats for her blog
• @ShowMeBlogSTL: You have to see your self as a person who will succeed
• @robynsworld: most popular post for @cupcakeproject is Easter Cupcakes Baked in Real Egg Shells
• Use Pintrest as a way to see images that help promote your blog
• @SippyCupMom: On Facebook, call fans a community! Let them feel involved! 
• @melisasource: Do teasers on FB /Twitter pages about your upcoming blog posts and get them involved(asking opinions)-@mzgapeachy is GREAT at this!
• BlogChat on Twitter on Sunday nights can be very helpful
• @jplovescotton: Question of do you have a hand on a cupcake & one hand on the keyboard? Love that

Afternoon notes can be found at  http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-2-afternoon.html