https://callnewspapers.com/better-together-change-would-elect-mayor/
Better Together changes after Stenger subpoena: ‘Metro Mayor’ elected in 2022, not 2024
Call Newspaper | Gloria Lloyd, News Editor | March 26, 2019
“…A day after County Executive Steve Stenger, the choice for the St. Louis city-county merger’s “Metro Mayor,” said he was issued a federal subpoena, Better Together planned to resubmit its petition to the Missouri secretary of state Monday to change a key part of its plan for a merger — who would serve as “metro mayor” for the first official years of the metro city.
The nonprofit advocacy group hopes to merge St. Louis County and St. Louis city into one “metro city” government under a single “metro mayor” and police department through a statewide vote on an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in November 2020.
Originally, Better Together said that Stenger would serve as metro mayor for the first two transition years of the plan if voters approve, starting in 2021 through 2023. That matches Stenger’s current four-year term as county executive, and he would serve alongside “transition mayor,” St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.
But in a clause that stirred strong opposition, Stenger would become the sole, powerful “metro mayor” under the plan at the official start of the city Jan. 1, 2023, serving through Jan. 1, 2025. The 33-member “metro council” would be elected in 2022…”
With the current news of Stenger being indicted and appearing in Federal Court this afternoon, looks like his chance of becoming “METRO MAYOR” has tanked. Missouri voters need to think long and hard about approving the proposed St. Louis City-County merger. If it passes, then “St. Louis” would become the 10th largest city in the country. Looking at the political choices made in this region, it is my opinion that the merger could become a drain on the state resources down the road. An informed electorate is a must!