Video- Kim Seavy to Joplin City Council: You people disgust me

Kim Seavy begins shouting at the Joplin City Council at about the 30-minute mark in this video.

The Joplin Globe and the coverage of the Mark Rohr investigation

The firing of Mark Rohr remains the big story on page one of the Joplin Globe on most days, but the Globe seems to be missing the story.

At the top of page one of Thursday's edition, the headline reads "Letter cites advice on firing." The story's lead- "It was special investigator Tom Loraine who advised Joplin officials in the firing of Mark Rohr without cause, a letter written by Loraine shows."

While the headline and lead are accurate, it is once again a case of the newspaper burying the lead and perhaps pushing its own agenda.

The cost of the investigation, which has been the subject of much coverage, comes directly as a result of something serious Tom Loraine discovered about Mark Rohr, something which was more worrisome even than the apparent conflict of interest of City Councilman Mike Woolston or the completely blown out of proportion accusations against Councilman Bill Scearce.

In fact, that is spelled out clearly in reporter Debby Woodin's story:

Loraine, in the Feb. 20 letter, said that as he took depositions in the probe that was to primarily focus on ethical questions regarding Councilmen Bill Scearce and Mike Woolston and an ote from Rohr's desk, "Mr. Rohr's conduct loomed larger than those issues originally outlined concerning Messrs. Scearce and Woolston."

Loraine's contention that Rohr's problems, whatever they were, were far more serious than those alleged against Scearce and Woolston is buried on the page 10A jump, in the eighth paragraph of the story.

That is what is called burying the lead.

The Globe has steered away from whatever it may be that served as a cause for Rohr's firing and instead concentrated on the 10 missing pages and its own "heroic" efforts to make those 10 pages public.

While I, too, think that the pages should be made public and that they will eventually become public, the Globe has spent little time looking into the important revelations that were included in the open session of the report.

Loraine believed the city should dump master developer Wallace-Bajjali. And there is certainly enough in that firm's history, which those read the Turner Report or who have done their own research know, while those who rely on the area's newspaper of record have not heard a thing about it. The firm has been riddled with bankruptcies, been investigated and fined by the SEC, had tor return $1.2 million to investigators, and have been accused in lawsuits of fraud and operating a Ponzi scheme.

Not one word of most of that has ever been in the Joplin Globe.

Woolston's actions were also questionable to say the least. After the Joplin Tornado, public officials should have known better than to get involved in anything involving real estate in the affected area.

Those findings have been almost completely ignored because of the Globe's fixation on Rohr and what appears to be an obvious effort to discredit Tom Loraine.

It also appears to be an obvious effort to affect the outcome of the April 8 election.

Complete video- Mark Rohr's farewell speech, Joplin City Council meeting

Video- Itemized bill from ethics investigation provided to Joplin City Council members

A KOAM report KOAM TV 7

Turner Report promise- No lawsuits, no Sunshine Law requests, why not give me the Mark Rohr report?

As you can hear on the accompanying video, the Joplin Globe and KSN are pushing for the release of the complete Tom Loraine investigation that led the Joplin City Council to fire City Manager Mark Rohr. The Globe is suing, KSN is filing a Sunshine Law request (I am sure KOAM is doing something, too.) The Turner Report is joining the game, but I am taking a different approach. No threats, no public posturing (and no chance of success), I want to encourage anyone who is filled with public spirit, has the information, and wants it to get out, send it to me. You can send it to my e-mail, send it to me by Facebook, or slip it under the windshield wipers of my car. If you want to send an e-mail with some of the highlights of the 10 missing pages, feel free to do so.

Video- KOAM report- Joplin investigator bill to remain secret

KOAM TV 7

Complete video- Joplin City Councilman Mike Woolston's press conference

From the Joplin Regional Business Journal

Woolston: I want to make the entire report public

During a news conference this morning, Councilman Mike Woolston said he had filed a Sunshine Law request for the complete ethics report compiled by Osage Beach attorney Tom Loraine.

If he gets it, Woolston said, "I intend to make the report public."

Woolston, a former Joplin mayor, said he feared "the credibility of the City Council has suffered. It is essential that the credibility of the City Council be restored." Woolston said his request also asks for transcribed copies of all witness interviews.

"I also have concerns related to the termination of our city manager. Ultimately, I hope the people will be told why Mr. (Mark) Rohr was terminated."

Woolston said he did not want Rohr's firing to be the focal point of the city for the next several months, at a time when recovery from the May 22, 2011, tornado is ongoing.

The original scope of the Loraine investigation was supposed to be concerns about the ethics of Woolston and fellow councilman Bill Scearce. The report suggested that Woolston should refrain from involvement in real estate concerns or resign from the council.

The investigation morphed into the dismissal of Rohr.

"I am not happy with the result or the quality of the investigation," Woolston said.

Video- Debate emerges over Joplin City Council investigation bill

KOAM TV 7

Woolston: I'm a supporter of Mark Rohr, but we have to focus on tornado recovery

During an interview with KZRG a few moments ago, Joplin City Councilman Mike Woolston said that even though he is a supporter of fired City Manager Mark Rohr, there is a danger in everything centering around Rohr's dismissal.

"Were're going to be so focused on the termination of the city manager that we'll lose sight of the big issue, which is tornado recovery."

Woolston said that could cause the city to lose the momentum it has had since the May 22, 2011, tornado.

The interview also featured Woolston, who is a candidate for re-election, explaining what he thought was wrong with the report issued by Osage Beach lawyer Tom Loraine, which accused Woolston of ethical improprieties in connection with the sale of land in the tornado-stricken area of the city.

"As more and more people read the report, they'll see I've not done anything wrong," Woolston said.

Joplin Globe Sunday edition to examine investigation that cost Mark Rohr his job

The area's newspaper of record is at it again.

Newspaper racks around the city are already advertising the top story in the Sunday Joplin Globe. The topic will be the investigation Osage Beach attorney Tom Loraine did into ethics questions concerning Joplin City Council members William Scearce and Mike Woolston.

As those who haven't been out of the area the last several days know, the report morphed into an investigation of City Manager Mark Rohr and led to his firing by a 5-4 vote.

The Globe will turns its unbiased eyes on the Loraine report Sunday in a report titled "Flawed Investigation."

Am I the only one who thinks the Globe's editor may have selected the headline before her reporters ever started the story?

Video- Council members Scearce, Rosenberg on Rohr firing, Wallace-Bajjali

From KSN

Investigator's report rips Joplin Globe's investigation into Councilman Scearce

Joplin Globe Editor Carol Stark's efforts to help City Manager Mark Rohr came in for criticism in the investigative report issued Tuesday night by Osage Beach attorney Tom Loraine.

Rohr reportedly went to Mrs. Stark with information about an FBI investigation into Councilman Bill Scearce involving former tenants of his who were involved in a gambling operation. Rohr's discussions with Mrs. Stark took place after a failed attempt to fire Rohr last summer.

Tabbing Scearce as the ringleader of those who wanted to get rid of him, Rohr gave Mrs. Stark the information and she dutifully had reporters write about the situation as if it were the second coming of Watergate.

Why that story was important and how she came to plaster it on the Globe's front pages for several days is not included in the report...because Mrs. Stark refused to allow Loraine to interview her.

"The editor of the Joplin Globe has refused to make a statement concerning knowledge she purportedly had about Mr. Scearce acting with any gambling activities."

She was not the only one who would not cooperate with Loraine, according to the report.

"Similarly, people that had inside information about the FBI questioning of Mr. Scearce, to wit: Police Chief Lane Roberts and former City Joplin Policeman James Altic, who is now chief of City of Seneca, have refused to give any details of an alleged FBI report that led to an indictment and conviction f Joplin "bookmaker" Lovett.

"When offered to reveal facts that would support wrongdoing by Mr. Scearce, both Lane Roberts and James Altic refused. Roberts allegedly swore secrecy required by the FBI. Any continuing investigation against Councilman Scearce was clearly disavowed by the General Counsel of FBI K. C. division.

"When I asked Mr. Scearce to request the original 302 report of his questioning about Mr. Lovett, Scearce agreed to request any record. He has done so in writing through Mr. Genisio (his lawyer) inquiring to the FBI.

"After consulting with the FBI General Counsel, I find no credibility in a theory of a continuing investigation of Mr. Scearce. If the Council of Joplin wishes to force Lane Roberts to testify or face discharge (note: this was before Roberts' recent retirement announcement), I will pursue this matter. In light of the statement of FBI General Counsel and the passage of time without indictment, I believe Bill Scearce to be innocent of participating in gambling activities with Mr. Lovett.:

At that point, Loraine took a shot at the Globe coverage:

"I also do not find any ethical violations have occurred in subsequent newspaper developments on this 'non-story.' "

Loraine said that if these kinds of accusations against Scearce continue, it could "invite a defamation lawsuit. I can find no evidence that Mr. Scearce has committed crime or an ethical violation of his official duties as a city member.

"When the 302 FBI report arrives, I believe there will be no continuing investigations of Mr. Scearce."

Wallace-Bajjali CEO: I am not a crook

(From Wallace-Bajjali)

Since August, 2012, Wallace Bajjali has been working with the City of Joplin and the Joplin Redevelopment Corporation (JRC) to help the community and its citizens recover and rebuild from the devastating tornado that struck on May 22, 2011.   Significant progress has been made in working with a wide variety of stakeholders, the city council, the mayor, and other community leaders.  We are proud of our ongoing role in helping Joplin get back on its feet.

While we aren’t aware of all of the issues that led to the investigations of two city council members, Wallace Bajjali stands by its work and the significant progress we’ve made.  Since we are mentioned in the investigative report issued by Mr. Loraine, we will be thoroughly reviewing it and responding in detail at a later time, as appropriate.  What is apparent based on our initial and brief review is that there are several inaccuracies with misinformation regarding Wallace Bajjali.  It’s clear, for example, that Mr. Loraine, does not have an understanding or isn’t aware of the nature of the agreements that Wallace Bajjali has with the City and the JRC, which are standard for these types of redevelopment. 
 

When the City issued its Request for Proposals to find a master developer, multiple parties responded, and we were one of them.  After a very public, thorough, and transparent process, we were honored and excited to be chosen as the master developer.  Since being chosen, we’ve been committed to doing everything we can to move this community forward by redeveloping the parts of the city impacted by the tragedy of 2011.  That has not changed and it will not change.  Our top priority remains to see the redevelopment through and help make Joplin and even more attractive and successful city for its citizens.

David Wallace, CEO 

Video- KOAM coverage of Mark Rohr's firing

KOAM TV 7

Investigation centers on City Manager, vote to fire Rohr expected

It appears that City Manager Mark Rohr may be the first victim of a City Council-ordered investigation into possible wrongdoing in city government.

The council, which has already voted on whether to maintain Rohr a few months back, a vote the city manager barely survived, is reportedly voting on whether to fire him.

Though details aren't clear at the moment, it appears that Rohr's performance was at least one of the reasons why the City Council went into a marathon closed session at 5:45 p.m. this evening.

The connection between Rohr and the city's master developer, the Sugar Land, Texas, Wallace-Bajjali firm appears to be part of the problem. It was Rohr who first introduced the council to Wallace-Bajjalli and the master developers were part of Osage Beach investigator Tom Loraine's charge in November.

Loraine was asked to look into real estate dealings involving Councilman Mike Woolston, who bought property in the part of the city damaged by the May 22, 2011, tornado, and then resold it to Wallace-Bajjali, reportedly for a tidy profit.

Wallace-Bajjali, of course, was fully aware that it was dealing with a city official.

Reportedly, Woolston has been told to divest himself of his real estate holdings, or resign his council seat.

(More to come)

Is there corruption in Joplin?

Joplin City Council is meeting in closed session at this moment going over a report filed by Tom Loraine, the Osage Beach attorney who was hired November 11 to head the investigation into 
activities of council members Bill Scearce and Mike Woolston. Loraine, who at one time worked in the U. S. Attorney’s office, has considerable experience in this type of investigation.

The cost of the probe was put at $45,000, Any further expenses would have to come before the council for approval.