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               By Pat Lindsey

The one and only pre-primary public forum during which St. Louis County Executive candidates could respond to questions from county residents was held in North County at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley on July 16 with more than 300 people in attendance.

While each candidate had a one-minute opportunity to weigh in on every question that was submitted by the residents, it was obvious that a sparring match was taking place between incumbent St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Louis County Councilman Steve Stenger. Many of the responses focused on Dooley’s job performance during his 10 years in office.

Topics covered by the candidates during the forum included the future of North County, public safety, property taxes, job creation, county audits, city/county merger, transportation, women’s shelters, children’s services, a $5.9 million trash hauler fine, raises for county employees, and the conceal and carry law.

When the candidates were asked where they saw the county in the next four years, Stenger said he would conduct a forensic audit and reform the Children’s Trust Fund that is currently worth $80 million. Tony Pousosa agreed that an audit would be conducted, but the residents would be involved. Rick Stream also said that an audit would be done and county government employees who were not performing well would be replaced with quality people who could help run the government. Joe Passanise said it would be important to have coordination between government departments. Charlie Dooley’s vision was job creation and access to health care.

On the issue of bringing jobs back to St. Louis County, Stream supports creating a climate for businesses to grow. Passanise thinks that a survey should be done among businesses that have left the county and that data should be the basis for decision-making. Dooley states that because we have several universities, we should retain good talent and let our trails, parks, and activities be an incentive for them to stay here. Stenger said a corporate infrastructure is greatly needed and under Dooley, GoogleFiber went to Kansas City instead of St. Louis County. Pousosa cited county delays as one of the reasons business owners have in locating to St. Louis County.

The subject of a county audit heated up when Dooley claimed he has requested a forensic audit, but the County Council hasn’t approved it. Stenger insists the county needs a top to bottom audit of every department. This was later followed by Stenger’s accusations that the new family courts building is going to experience a $30 million cost overrun; $6 million was wasted on a trash hauler debacle; and $3.5 million embezzled from the health department.

Three of the candidates—Pousosa, Passanise, and Stream—are in favor of lowering property taxes, but Dooley explained that when taxes are cut, services are affected. Instead of addressing the tax issue, Stenger reiterated the current mismanagement of government funds that he says could offset needs for major service cuts.

In regard to a St. Louis City/County merger, Stream and Pousosa were strongly opposed. Dooley said that the issue is a “people’s opportunity” that would be decided by the voters. Stenger, however, took an analytical approach. “We’re going to look at the quantitative and qualitative factors.”

When asked what their vision for the future of North County is, most answers centered on establishing new businesses in the area, but Passanise commented that it is “a unique area of the county. It has radioactive material. Who is going to move there?” Dooley boasted about Express Scripts, the Buzz Westfall Center, and Boeing already being established in North County. Stenger replied with, “Dare I say Jamestown Mall? He believes the county has to encourage bringing in business from other states.

(Dooley held a pubic meeting last week on prospects for Jamestown Mall’s future)     In their two-minute closing remarks, Passanise said he would concentrate on management, conforming to the law, being a good role model, and enlisting the help of citizens to shape the government. Stream said he would work on improving the quality of life and job creation. Pousosa would advocate for the power of the people and encourage residents to join the process. Stenger would engage in leadership and go to other borders to bring business to St. Louis County. Dooley commented, “No one has more experience about St. Louis County. Experience does matter; leadership does count.” In jest, Dooley also said that it was a good thing he showed up at the forum or the others wouldn’t have had anything to talk about.

The public forum was sponsored by the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and conducted by the League of Women Voters.

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