Government, Politics & Issues

A group known as Better Together is proposing a plan to merge St. Louis and St. Louis County. They're planning to get the measure on the 2020 ballot.

After decades of contemplation and debate, a group known as Better Together is recommending an end to the “Great Divorce” between St. Louis and St. Louis County.Better Together is proposing an ambitious plan to create a unified metro government and police department and limit municipalities' ability to levy sales taxes. The plan would be decided through a statewide vote.Proponents contend it will scrape away layers of local government that has been holding the St. Louis region back. Opponents believe the plan will create an unwieldy and large centralized government that could be implemented against the will of city and county residents.

Politically Speaking: Ingrassia Talks Airport Privatization, Soccer Stadium, MetroLink

St. Louis Public Radio | By Julie O'Donoghue,

Jason Rosenbaum, Rachel Lippmann

Published November 29, 2019 at 7:29 AM CST

St. Louis Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia joins St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann on the latest episode of Politically Speaking.

The Democrat represents the city’s 6th Ward. Her district encompasses nine neighborhoods, including Lafayette Square and Fox Park.

Here’s some of what she talked about on this episode of the podcast:

The Board of Aldermen’s recent efforts to ban conversion therapy for minors. The so-called therapy refers to debunked programs that try to change the sexuality and gender expression of LGBTQ people.
Her legislation to try to address pay inequity between men and women. She would like to ban questions about previous salaries during the interview process for city jobs.
The new Major League Soccer stadium coming to her district.
The challenges getting a new MetroLink line and the funding that’s been set aside for such a project.
The proposal to privatize the airport. Ingrassia says she would vote against moving the airport to private ownership.
The impasse surrounding the city’s nominees to the Board of Freeholders and what might happen moving forward.

Outgoing Music: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton