Sinquefield expects to get involved in gov’s race, to open chess hall
Multi-millionaire Rex Sinquefield, joined by aides and two professors who’ve done studies for his Show-Me Institute, stopped by the Post-Dispatch this morning to lay out some of his views to members of the paper’s Editorial Page.
Yours truly and cohort Jake Wagman also were in on the meeting.
Sinquefield laid out his views in favor of overhauling public education, especially in the failing districts in the urban areas. Among other things, Sinquefield says there needs to be more reward for successful teachers, and tax breaks for families seeking school choice.
Sinquefield also explained his case in favor of eliminating the state income tax. One of the possible alternatives, he says, is to increase the state sales tax. He also supports a land tax in the city of St. Louis, and some of his advisers are recommending a hike in the state’s property taxes (which are low, compared to many other states, although one wouldn’t know that from the activities currently underway in Jefferson City to curb property-tax growth.)
On the politics front, Sinquefield explained his commitment to donate to candidates who support his views, one way or another (big donations if allowed, or a number of PAC donations, if unlimited donations remain illegal).
The two Republican contenders for governor, state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, have asked for meetings with Sinquefield. He said he hasn’t met yet with either.
One thing is sure; he doesn’t plan to give any money to, or support in any way, Attorney General Jay Nixon, who has been publicly critical of Sinquefield’s generous campaign donations.
On another front, Sinquefield — a chess fanatic – soon plans to open The Chess Club & Scholastic Center of St. Louis. It’s to open in late May or early June in quarters at Euclid and Maryland in the CWE (and near Sinquefield’s St. Louis manse).
The 6,000 square foot facility will “physically be the most beautiful” chess hall in the country, he said.
Annual membership rates will be $80 for adult, $30 for children, with daily rates available, a spokeswoman said.
Did Rex really say he wanted to reward people for failure?
No. Through a technical mess-up on my part, the sentence was garbled. It has now been fixed.
We also have had to delete the audio of the meeting, because we had jumped the gun without checking with all of the participants as to whether they were comfortable with posting it on the blog. Some were not, in part because some of the comments may have been considered off-the-record, or off-the-cuff discussion not expected to be made public.
Jake and I apologize for any misunderstanding. But we will try to use this technology again. Live and learn.
“try to use”, I presume, Jo. Arent you the one who teased me about my typos, once?
and Jo, permission to delete this and previous emails now that you’ve made your correction; just wanted you to know that I’m not the only one who thinks faster than types sometimes; enjoy day; best, Bill