Schoolcraft's Hand Felt in Willard - Aldermen resign amid disputes
By Press, Section News
Outgoing officials cite friction with mayor of Willard.
Caplinger said he did not have a problem with Winters -- he voted in favor of the appointment -- but didn't agree with the mayor's methods.
He had heard rumors a month earlier that Schoolcraft wanted Winters for the position, but Schoolcraft didn't inform the aldermen until "seven minutes" before Monday's meeting. "He has total disregard for other elected officials," Caplinger said. Caplinger said Schoolcraft ran on a platform opposing cronyism, but the mayor is appointing his friends to paid positions. Earlier this year, for example, Schoolcraft's Democratic Party ally Doug Harpool replaced Ken Reynolds as city attorney, he said. Caplinger and Whitehead voted against the appointment, and the other two aldermen, Gordon O'Quinn and Louie Amodeo, voted in favor of it. Schoolcraft cast the tie-breaker in favor of Harpool. Caplinger said politics should not factor into small-town government. Officials should instead be concerned about where to place a water pipe or what road to widen. Schoolcraft, 31, said he hired Harpool because he was a good attorney. "We don't agree very much on political things," said Schoolcraft. He said appointing people to positions is his prerogative as mayor, and it is not unusual for a new chief executive to make personnel changes. "I campaigned for change," he said. "The two men who resigned don't like change." One Willard businesswoman said the aldermen's resignations would probably be good for the city. Lola Hosna, who owns the cosmetology school Cut Up Curl Up & Dye, filed a complaint with the state Ethics Commission against Caplinger earlier this year. The complaint alleged Caplinger did not disclose his financial interest in the Willard business Hometown Equipment Rental and Hardware in his campaign report when he ran for his second term this year. The city often buys merchandise from the store, she said. The Ethics Commission sent Caplinger a letter instructing him not to vote on matters in which he has financial interest and closed the case. Caplinger said he sold his shares in the hardware store to his partners last year. The Missouri Secretary of State Web site still lists him as the agent for the limited liability company, but he said his former partners are working to get that changed. The store was accused of overcharging for kerosene during January's ice storm. Brett Thomas is listed as owner on paperwork filed in Greene County Circuit Court. Thomas agreed to pay restitution and $1,000 to the Missouri Merchandise Practices Revolving Fund but did not admit to price gouging. City Administrator Fred Gress did not return phone calls Thursday, and his last day could not be confirmed, but both Caplinger and Schoolcraft acknowledged the resignation. "Fred Gress has done a lot of things for this city," said Caplinger. "It's a shame what's happening around here." Schoolcraft said he did not force Gress to quit. "Change is not always a bad thing," he said. "We're trying to evolve out of the good ole boy system." Schoolcraft will appoint two interim aldermen who will serve until elections are held in April. Those appointments must be approved by the two remaining aldermen. "I'm currently searching for people who are dedicated to the city," said Schoolcraft. "I'm sure it will be yes-men," said Caplinger. Source
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