SCOTT SEEK
JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNCIL
DISTRICT 5
SEEK GROWTH 4 US
SCOTT SEEK
Principled. Proven. Pro-Growth.
Here I will blog my thoughts, answer questions and talk about recent events. I encourage questions so that I can address my thoughts.
As an elected representative, I am interested in the betterment of my community, but I will not compromise my principles in order to get a vote. I feel that my knowledge, experience, and direction are the attributes and will help to make Jefferson County great.
PLANNING AND ZONING COUNCIL FAILURE
4/11/2024
In our beautiful region, where community and progress should hand in hand, a concerning trend has emerged within the realms of our local government. Recently, the decision not to reappoint Greg Bowers to the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission has raised eyebrows and questions alike. Greg, whose service has been marked by integrity and a commitment to our community’s growth, was unexpectedly sidelined due to the influence of a select few on the council.
The refusal to uphold his reappointment by council members Barbagalo, Arons, Groeteke, and Tullock reflects a deeper issue— one that extends beyond a simple commission seat and touches the core of how decisions are made and who they truly benefit within our county. This action is a clear indicator that there are those among us who prioritize personal agendas over the collective welfare and progress of our community.
The recent events surrounding the Planning and Zoning Commission are disappointing, not just for the lack of transparency and fairness but for what it symbolizes about the current state of affairs in our local governance. The denial of a well-qualified individual to serve, purely due to political maneuvering, is a disservice to us all and hinders our county's potential.
As we look ahead to the August primary, it becomes crucial that we consider the direction in which we want our community to head. We need leaders who are not only capable but are also willing to place Jefferson County’s interests above their own. It is in this light that I endorse Leslie Cheeks to replace Charles Groeteke. Leslie represents a fresh perspective and the type of proactive leadership that can help steer our community towards the future we all deserve.
Furthermore, candidates like Billy Crow and Brad Basler also stand out as individuals committed to fostering a positive and inclusive growth environment for our county. Their dedication to public service and betterment of our community aligns with the values and vision we need to move Jefferson County forward.
This is a pivotal moment for our county. The choices we make now will shape our community for years to come. It is time for action, time to rally behind candidates who will advocate for progress and work diligently to remove the barriers that impede it.
Let us come together to support those who prioritize the greater good and envision a prosperous future for all residents of Jefferson County. Our community deserves leadership that brings us together and builds us up. Join me in this crucial effort to ensure our home is guided by hands that are ready to work earnestly for its people.
Your engagement and support in the upcoming elections are crucial. Let’s champion change for Jefferson County and show that we stand for integrity, progress, and a community-focused approach to governance.
Navigating the Nuances of SB190 - A Jefferson County Perspective
As a member of the Jefferson County Council representing District 5, I often find myself at the intersection of local governance and state legislation, grappling with the implications of laws passed at the state level on our local community. A prime example of this is Missouri Senate Bill 190, which has sparked considerable debate and required careful consideration here in Jefferson County.
Senate Bill 190 was designed to provide counties the authority to grant a real property tax credit to eligible senior citizens. While the intent behind SB190 is commendable, its implementation carries significant nuances that necessitate a thoughtful approach at the county level. My concern centers not just on the bill itself, but on ensuring that our local ordinances align seamlessly with both the letter and the spirit of state law without overstepping or misinterpreting our local authority.
The Essence of SB190
SB190 allows counties to offer tax relief to seniors, which is a needed measure to aid our aging population in managing their financial burdens. However, the law's framework leaves substantial room for interpretation, and this is where my concerns begin. It's crucial that any local ordinance, including our Bill No.: 23-1227, which aims to implement SB190, does so with clarity and precision.
Misinterpretation and Miscommunication
A major issue has been the misinterpretation of SB190 as authorizing a tax "freeze," which it does not. Such misunderstandings stem from both miscommunication during public discussions and unclear media reporting. This has led to confusion among the public and within the council itself about what the bill actually entails.
Jurisdictional Clarity
My primary hang-up with local legislation concerning SB190 is ensuring that any action we take is within our jurisdiction. Jefferson County should only consider taxing districts that are under our direct purview. It is imperative that we do not overreach or assume authority over districts that are governed independently of the county council. This is not only a matter of legal compliance but also of respecting the autonomy of various taxing entities within the county.
Proposed Amendments
In response to these challenges, I proposed an amendment to Bill No.: 23-1227 to explicitly limit its applicability to those taxing districts within the direct control of the Jefferson County Government and the County Council. This amendment was designed to clarify our intentions and ensure that our measures are appropriate and confined to our legislative capabilities. Unfortunately, the 5 of the 7 members only wanted to see political gain from passing the bill and did not appear to consider the ramifications that our county will soon have to face.
Conclusion
As we navigate the implementation of SB190, my goal is to ensure that any legislative action we take is responsible, clear, and confined to our jurisdiction. The amendment I proposed seeked to prevent potential overreach and maintain the integrity of our local governance. It’s not only about adhering to state law but doing so in a way that respects the structure and authority of local government.
This weblog entry serves to clarify my position and the rationale behind my insistence on precise, jurisdictionally appropriate legislation. As we move forward, I remain committed to engaging with my colleagues on the council, state legislators, and, importantly, you—our residents—to find the best path forward. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to serve the best interests of Jefferson County.
UPDATES:
4/11/2024 The link below is a video from the St Louis County Council regarding the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze.
https://boxcast.tv/channel/wdeojvfau9uqc9qt6k8z?b=iq8w5icibemhqds37ff2
NECROEXTREMISM
April 15, 2022
I advocate for the individual's right to make informed decisions concerning their health, wealth, and beliefs. It is imperative that individuals exercise this autonomy without undue influence from overly polarized media narratives. In my research, I encountered the term "necropopulism," which criticizes proponents of freedom by labeling them as extremists. However, I found that such critiques often lack logical foundation. Instead, they contribute to a growing polarization that erodes the middle ground in discussions, particularly in places like Jefferson County, where the discourse increasingly lacks compromise and compassion. To address this, I propose the concept of "necroextremism," representing the extreme divisiveness that distorts facts to suit specific agendas. This term embodies my opposition to such toxicity.
My professional and academic background in biology, chemistry, nursing, and business, coupled with my scientific training, has equipped me with the skills to objectively analyze data and understand the nuances of complex issues. These skills are crucial, especially when communicating complex topics to the public, who may lose interest in overly intricate explanations. It is essential to distill information to its essence while maintaining accuracy to facilitate understanding and informed decision-making.
Throughout the recent global health crisis, I critically evaluated the situation, drawing on my scientific background and expertise in epidemiology. I observed the politicization of the pandemic and the imposition of restrictive measures, which I believe were often disproportionate to the threat. This experience reinforced my commitment to advocate against authoritarian tendencies at local, state, and national levels.
My involvement with local governance, such as the park board, has demonstrated the challenges and opportunities in balancing freedom and regulatory needs. Encounters with extreme positions on both ends of the spectrum have highlighted the importance of a measured, strategic approach to governance. These experiences underscore the need for leadership that can navigate and mitigate the divisive rhetoric that currently characterizes much of our public discourse.
In summary, Jefferson County, and indeed broader society, benefit from leadership that promotes informed, autonomous decision-making free from extremist influences. My background and ongoing commitment to truth and practical solutions position me to contribute effectively to this goal.
SEEK REAL AF
April 6, 2022
So you think you know… But you have no idea…
In previous comments, my position for certain use taxes are clear. To be clear, I am not an advocate of taxes. In fact I am completely opposite. I pay a lot of taxes and I don’t like it. However, I understand the complicated nature of the problem. This is something that is not easily understood and that is on purpose. I have always worked from a perspective of solution oriented goals processes. If you really want to know how I view the perspective of politics then I would advise only one thing. You need to listen to Andy Frisella’s The Real AF, Episode 270. American Revival Part 1 F. Eric Greitens. Link here: ♫ 270. American Revival Part 1 Ft. Eric Greitens (iheart.com)
This entire episode is what I believe to a T. Listen to what they say about the special interest. Listen to what they say about the income taxes vs use taxes. Listen to what they say about how there are programs that are not working. Listen to how they talk about the federal government vs the places that they can control. Listen to how they talk about the crazies on each end of the spectrum. Listen to how they talk about where we live, (meaning middle ‘Merica and what our values are). Listen to the whole episode. If after that episode you don’t understand my position, then you will never know me. If you liked the episode, share it.
Andy Frisella is an entrepreneur in the St. Louis area who owns 1st Phorm, author of 75 hard and a list of a ton of other accomplishments. Go to Andy Frisella | Entrepreneur, Author, Creator of 75 Hard. He is well known nation and world wide and tells it how it is. He has been a good inspiration and more importantly a great gut check to me for many years now. If you want to know why I am running for county council, listen to MFCEO project and The Real AF. That’s why. If people don’t get it and don’t vote me into county council, then they don’t get it either. Solution based goals and putting the work in is how its done. If you relate to what these guys are saying, then you will relate to what I am trying to accomplish in this area.
I have been an EMT, then Paramedic, then CVICU nurse, then recovery room supervisor, then business person, then Master in Business Administration, then wealth manager, then community advocate. I do not need the job as a county councilman. I have a great job. I spend time working to make this community better. I stand in the face of the bullies on both sides. If you don’t understand what I stand for, I cannot be more clear. I will not cower to threats and I will speak and if you listen, then you will know that I am pro freedom, I am pro business, I am pro growth. SEEK GROWTH!!!!!!!
8th Grade 3.0
April 3, 2022
The other day I engaged on social media on a topic that I supported regarding the Prop P and the parks. Looking at my history and my advocacy toward the outdoor space, trails, riding bikes, and my time on the park board, it is no secret that I would want to pass this small tax to better the parks system in the county. This is definitely my position and I stand by it whether it passes or not. If it doesn’t pass, I will look for other ways to eventually help this system. But that is not what I am going to talk about today.
My current campaign graphics say SEEK GROWTH. One of the people that opposed me in this position made up a sign that said SEEK MORE TAXES. It was cute. He went on to threaten how I needed to back down or he would blah blah blah… You get the jest. But the whole ordeal took me back to one of the first campaigns that ran. I was in 8th grade at Jefferson R7 and I wanted to run for student council. At the time, I was a lanky tall kid that only a mom could love. All the girls loved the short cute guys, but I just had not grown in to my time yet, or maybe I had grown too much for my time. Anyway, I remember feeling like it would be a good thing if I ran for a position. So I did. I even came up with cute slogan. DON’T BE A GEEK, VOTE FOR SEEK!. I put it on pencils making flags and worked it into my campaign speech. I loved using my catchy name and thought it would be great.
The speech came and when I threw the pencils out to the crowd and said my proud slogan, DON’T BE A GEEK VOTE FOR SEEK!, the first thing that happened was that some kid yelled out, SEEK’S A GEEK. (For the younger ones out there, geek was derogatory and not cool at the time). I was mortified. I couldn’t believe how that backfired so badly. For the rest of the school year, I was called a Geek until I stuffed some kid in the trash can for it. I do not condone violence, so that is not the point of this, but in 8th grade kids will be kids. By the way, I didn’t win that election. Not sure if it was my campaign slogan or if it was that the girl running against me was way more cute and way more popular.
I continued in high school running for different positions in high school and eventually won president of the school my senior year. Fast forward THIRTY years later and I am still running for campaigns. This one is a little bigger than my 8th grade year, but it never ceases to amaze me that the people are the same. No sooner did I put my position out there and someone (a full grown adult) replicated that 8th grade heckling. The difference this time is that I am cool with it. I no longer worry about the opposition making fun of something that I create. I work to be the best me that I can be and win the day every single day. I have convictions and I work for the betterment of the people that I care for.
I do care for this county or I would not be running for this county council seat. I certainly don’t need the hassle of it, but I think that I can do good in our communities. Win or lose, I know that I am doing this for the right reasons. And that goes back to my 8th grade campaign. My kids have asked me how I keep my cool when the haters start to hate. I think about this as there will be other kids that will start to go through the same things that I have. I hope that they can see that it is ok and through the ridicule and threats they need to continue to try. Win or lose, eventually their message will be heard. People will twist your words and try to tear you down, but conviction and focus for the right reasons can still create a great outcome.
So, now at age 47, I am going through my 3rd 8th grade campaign. ;-) I ask you... DON’T BE A GEEK, VOTE FOR SEEK. HAHAHAHA.
One Trick Pony
April 2, 2022
Recently I stirred up a group on Facebook about funding taxes for the parks. Yes, I did this on purpose to see what shaking the hornets nest would do. The group that I was supporting had a large trolling presence that we were deleting as we were advertising our position. So in fairness and for experience I went over and said one line in favor of this vote to see how they would react. It was fairly violent. What should have I expected, right?
I have for many years considered myself a republican. There are reasons that I will get to later, but I have two opponents that I was told were recruited by the far right to run against me. I was also told that I was a RINO, which for those that don’t know a RINO is a Republican in Name Only and a DINO is a Democrat in Name Only. I have pretty thick skin so I’m ok with name calling. Anyway, the responses I got were on a scale of not agreeing, to down right destructive. So I put some thought into it and thought it would be interesting to explain some of my position and why I think that our party is so self sabotaging. This likely happens in the Democrat party, but at this point, they are not really a part of the conversation.
So to answer the last part. I think that once the extremists in the party start their viciousness, no one else wants to go against them. They are ruthless and mean. They don’t use the rules of debate and scorch the earth around them. This is normal for extremist behavior and something that I find interesting as I have started this journey into politics. They will even give me advice that I should lie about my position to stand with theirs. This will eventually lead to destruction of the party and only those that know how to navigate it, such as the special interest groups, will win, as they always have. That's one of the reasons that I am so much more moderate than these extremist crazies. Yes, that is how they are described to me.
So am I a republican? I think that the answer really is, am I republican enough?
I vote republican. For many years now, I just feel that my values and the republican values line up well with me. I tend to vote for republicans. Not everyone in my family does, but I do. I don’t threaten and ridicule my other family members. I’m not mean to them. In fact I drink beer and have great conversations with them, but I still vote republican.
I believe in the sanctity of life. I am a practicing catholic and I send my kids to Catholic school. I believe that Jesus Christ is our savior and do not agree with abortion. I know others disagree with me and that is ok. I pray for them and hope that they will someday feel the way I do.
First amendment advocate - definitely. Governments should never stop their people from being able to express their first amendment rights. I think for that matter facebook and the other socials should not censor your pages. I do think that an administrator on a specific page has the right to show only what they want as that is the way they are marketing their idea. Just be transparent about it. That is an easily understood idea. The hot topic of the day is the banned book problem. Both Democrats and Republicans always ban books and fight over it. In public libraries, no books should ever be banned. By the way has any of these people ever heard of the internet. In schools, reading should be age appropriate. If educators can’t figure out what age appropriate reading is, then they should be fired. It’s not that hard to figure out.
Second amendment right - definitely. I think that we can all see that it is an important right to defend. It is a slippery slope when control starts, so I highly agree with the NRA and the ability to own firearms. I own them myself and will never let that right be taken.
I believe in “the right to my castle”. I have fought against my HOA and overbearing rules that are misinterpreted to fit the topic of strife.
I believe in smaller government and less oversight. I believe that any law that is longer than the Lord of the Rings should be highly criticized.
Business - Growth is a key driver to the success of the United States and will be for Jefferson County. I embrace the business community to help the growth occur in a much more efficient manner from that of government alone. THIS IS MY WHOLE PLATFORM.
TAXATION - This is the one trick pony that makes me not a republican in the extremists eyes. To answer this, you also have to understand that I am in favor of local growth. It’s all over my web site and my position. I want our county to grow right and I want to champion that growth. I supported the Prop P for Parks campaign. I think that taxing locally when done right can by an investment in the community and I agree with certain taxes. I am not a member of the extremist view that there should be NO new taxes. I DO believe that much of the Federal and State INCOME taxes is too high. I think that this is the one tax that in so many cases do not help in the way that they were intended. I think that Washington recklessly spends without much care about the people and communities they tax. I think that income taxes should not go back up in 2026 and that our spending is out of control as a country. Locally, I look to see if a tax will bring better living, more opportunities, and more investment in a community. I was on the park board and I believed that this tax checked those boxes. I didn’t get caught up in the petty drama of the local political scene. I genuinely believe that it is a great investment for our community. You may not agree, but if you look above at all the other things I do believe in, this one thing apparently makes me not worthy of being a republican.
I agree, I am not worthy of being a TEA partyist. That doesn’t fit if I am in favor of the Parks tax, as I will be in favor of a courthouse and jail. But to say that I am not a republican still perplexes me. No, for the little group that speaks in extremes, I am just not republican enough.
I think that most people think like I do. I work and live in this community and I have those conversations with people and they tell me the same thing. They tell me of their needs and wants. They tell me how they hate all the divisiveness and strife. They tell me that they would like to have the opportunities to live and work in our communities and that we just don’t have enough of the amenities. They complain about how our state dollars tend to go to other places like Kansas City. They tell me how other counties have nice things, but we here in Jefferson County just can’t seem to get it together. These are conservative people that tell me these things. They are our neighbors and the people that we love and work with.
If you were wondering, the group that I stirred up kicked me out of their little group and made fun of my campaign. I guess I can’t play on their playground anymore.