Columnist James Ingram
Well, after three months of freedom, convict and former East St. Louis political boss Charlie Powell may be up to his usual “poli-tricks” as usual, according to several political sources.
Word on the street (and in political circles) is that ESL City Treasurer Charlotte Moore, Powell and Mayor Alvin Parks Jr. may have struck a deal which would allow Powell’s son, Charlie Powell III (“Little Charlie”), to become the next city treasurer, if the November 4 elections work in their favor.
It would work like this. Treasurer Charlotte Moore is currently running for the St. Clair County Board of Review, as evidenced by campaign signs which prominently clutter Charlie Powell’s front yard.
Should Moore win her seat on the Board of Review, the “deal” would entail Moore vacating her position as city treasurer, with “Little Charlie” being appointed to fill the vacancy by, none other than, ESL Mayor Alvin Parks.
Recall that it was Charlie Powell who sponsored Parks’ previous tenure as ESL city manager a few years back. Now it may be time for Parks to return the political favor.
Also, back in ancient history, Powell served as ESL city treasurer. His son, “Little Charlie,” has ZERO experience in accounting for millions of dollars. But why should “Little Charlie” need something as trivial as experience when Daddy would be coaching him from the sidelines?
Far be it for a Powell to pass up a fat City paycheck because he lacks something so insignificant as credentials or qualifications! What do we want here, accountability?
If this “deal” transpires, it will be a travesty. The last thing ESL needs is an incompetent city treasurer. So, hopefully, you voters and readers (with this advance notice) can persuade Parks, Moore and Powell (as well as Powell’s parole officer) to abort this purported scheme.
Ex-cons and two-bit politicians can only circumvent the will of the voters if they ALLOW it to happen.
Two campaign signs noticeably absent from Charlie Powell’s front yard are those of County Board Chairman Mark Kern and candidate for auditor, Patty Sprague.
That’s because, given the distinct possibility that Charlie Powell may soon have to fulfill his federal obligation to serve as a snitch against Kern and Democratic big shot Bob Sprague (husband of Patty Sprague), I’m quite sure that might cause a slight conflict of interest for our friend Charlie.
In the meantime, it appears that political godfather Charlie Powell may have made Parks and Parks’ cousin (Charlotte Moore) an “offer that they can’t refuse.”
Only the voters of ESL can short-circuit this ugly godfather sequel before it’s too late. The question is, amid the focus on Barack Obama and the presidential race, do the voters even give a damn?
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.