St. Louis County Council

Melissa Price Smith says an outside analysis will help her take on her new role.

Diann Valenti was ensnared in a dispute over a councilman hiring his stepdaughter as an aide.

Dennis Hancock, R-Fenton, hired his stepdaughter as an administrative assistant, in violation of a state constitutional ban on nepotism. Members of the council staff then allegedly engaged in a coverup to make it look like she had never been employed by the county.

Democrat Kelli Dunaway announced in January that she would not seek a second full term on the St. Louis County Council. She ran to replace Sam Page after he became county executive in 2019 and won a full term in 2020.

The three-year deal will increase starting pay for a police officer to $64,000. It also strengthens protections for officers facing discipline and sets up a new appeals process for minor disciplinary issues.

Melissa Price Smith, Gov. Mike Parson’s nominee for county prosecutor, made the claim during a question-and-answer session with members of the St. Louis County Council during a committee hearing on Tuesday.

Circuit Judge Brian May said he will issue his decision promptly. His ruling will almost certainly be appealed.

As recently as Monday, prosecutors had been arguing for a St. Louis County judge to act immediately to throw Dennis Hancock, a Republican from Fenton, off the county council. He is accused of violating the state’s nepotism prohibition.

Lawyers hired under Proposition C will help the St. Louis County Council draft legislation, offer legal advice and file and defend lawsuits.

Michael Archer’s victory means Republicans will keep three seats on the seven-member St. Louis County Council and could pair with Democrats opposed to County Executive Sam Page to thwart his policies or push through changes he opposes.