Historical September–October 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
As we go to the polls on the first Tuesday of November, we will be selecting a president, senator, governor, and other offices. But, we will be also deciding on four amendments to the Charter of the City of St. Louis.
The amendments will change city government in the following ways: 1. Abolish the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, placing contractual and budgetary authority in the hands of the mayor. 2. Establish the position of a chief executive officer, with appropriate degree and at least 5 years’ experience, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the board of aldermen. 3. Make 7 county offices, currently elected at large, appointive: license collector, collector of revenue, treasurer, public administrator, recorder of deeds appointed by the mayor; clerk of the circuit court and sheriff to be hired by the Circuit Court.
The financial duties of these offices will be taken over by a Director of Finance. 4.
The Comptroller will no longer have a fiduciary role but will become the city’s chief auditor. 5.
The president of the board of aldermen will no longer be elected by an at large vote of the people but will be chosen by the aldermanic board from its membership. 6.
The Board of Aldermen will be reduced from 28 to 15; this change will take place after the redistricting brought about by the 2010 census.
There are numerous arguments pro and con these charter amendments.
They are designed to reduce factionalism and give the mayor greater authority. Opponents say they thwart the popular will and lessen accountability.
Residents of our neighborhood and the Central West End will be able to attend a forum on the charter amendments sponsored by our neighborhood organizations.
The proposals will be explained in depth and residents will be able to ask questions.
Please call Laure at the SDCC, 862-5122, to get more details.
The FOCUS St. Louis organization (formerly Leadership St. Louis) will host “Home Rule–the Citizens Speak” on Tuesday, September 21, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at 1910 Pine St. Free Parking is available in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield lot on Chestnut between 18th and 20th. For more information, call Nikki at 622-1250.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2004.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2004_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 5; PDF page(s) 1, 5.
