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).

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.