As we enter 2017, let’s take a look back at 2016, where we had numerous choices for Most Misguided Quotes of the fourth quarter of 2016.

Consider these candidates for our annual tradition in which we chronicle the most misguided, misinformed and misleading statements of the year.

Let’s start in Sunset Hills, where Dr. George Despotis of Des Peres had the audacity to tell the Board of Aldermen,

Not a commercial developer? Over the vehement objections of residents, Despotis has been attempting for years to commercially develop the area of the city that was ravaged by the New Year’s Eve tornado in 2010.

By definition, that makes him a commercial developer.

In Crestwood, voters will consider a 45-cent tax-rate increase in April.

We’ve received mixed feedback from residents about how successful the measure will be. Before agreeing on placing 45 cents on the ballot, aldermen considered other options, including City Administrator Kris Simpson’s recommendation for a 75-cent tax-rate increase.

At least one alderman believed voters would support that option, as Ward 2 Alderman Justin Charboneau read a statement from Ward 2 Alderman Mary Stadter, who did not arrive at the Nov. 15 meeting until later.

Stadter wrote.

Like we said, we’ve received a mixed reaction to 45 cents, but 75 cents? Not a snowball’s chance.

Then we have Sunset Hills’ version of Max Headroom, Ward 3 Alderman Keith Kostial, who continues to attend meetings via videoconferencing.

Kostial, who also has been dubbed the “Robo Alderman,” apparently believed he was muted when attending an aldermanic meeting last month via videoconferencing. Halfway through a speaker’s roughly eight-minute comments to the board, Kostial called out for all to hear,

Wow! It’s hard to believe that not only was Kostial thinking that, but he actually said it. It just begs the question: Why did he run for office?