SPicy got a tip(sy) from a Ward 5 voter yesterday about some goings-on at and apparently after the District 10 Community Council meeting on Tuesday night.  After contemplating the events over a malt beverage, SPicy is now wondering if the district council will try to create Saint Paul's first pay-per-view city council candidate debate.  Could be a fun way to raise some money and interest in what will be a low-turnout election.  But SPicy is getting a bit a head of things.

The party starts with an idea to expand a liquor store (which SPicy thinks is great) but has now come close to a slugfest.  It seems that Mr. Billy Dinkel, manager of the David Haas campaign and member of the district council's board, asked a number of questions about the liquor store expansion plans at the meeting.  The council had heard rumors about the expansion and asked MGM to fill the community in on the plan.

With Helgen and David Haas (Lee's opponent) in attendance, one of questions apparently focused on the number of campaign set-ups (contributions) that Lee has received by from representatives of the MGM liquor store franchise.  No votes were taken – and the meeting ended like most parties - without incident.  As people were leaving, the after party began with Helgen apparently approaching Dinkel and another conversation ensued.  This one was more focused and heated and after a few minutes of nose-to-nose exchanges over "shaken or stirred," David Haas ended up playing the role of bartender/bouncer and separated the two.

It has been long rumored that MGM may be seeking a zoning change at the corner of Lexington and Larpenteur.  District 10 has apparently not been invited to happy hour yet with MGM.  Mr. Helgen has - in the form of several campaign contributions.  Add to the mixed drink the fact the Metropolitan Airports Commission Chair, Jack Lanners apparently owns the store and suddenly SPicy starts to think:

1 shot of Lee voting for the floodwall
1 shot of Lee appearing to vote against the floodwall
2 ounces of support for the store for MGM
1 Cup of MGM bringing in juice for the campaign
A squeeze of concern for constituents 

SPicy make no accusations but this really starts going together like nice, tall Tanqueray and tonic on a hot day. 

Does Lee know that according to campaignmoney.com, John "Jack" Lanners, from Woodbury MN and CEO of MGM / FTL Corporation (MAC website) gave over $20,000 dollars to the Republican Party of Minnesota between 2001 and 2006?  

Does Whitney Clark and the Friends of the Mississippi like the taste of lemons, he must based on what's being served by a candidate they have supported because of his commitment to their community – who apparently may not show the same commitment to the immediate community he represents?

SPicy is all for candidates getting money from various sources to fund a campaign.  But here's a word of caution to the those who are stepping up to the bar:  better hedge your bets or you might end up on the rocks with only club soda in your half-empty glass. 

To the fine folks at MGM - whatever you plan, SPicy loves your store.  Hopefully you'll get an 18-pack where the 12 pack is now!  If Saint Paul won't let you, isn't Roseville right across the street?

SPicy, along with old-timers Mr. and Mrs. T will watch this one closely, Bartles and Jaymes in hand.