St. Louis County Council

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.

The county will pay a consulting firm to create a science-based plan that would recommend ways to protect property and residents from extreme weather caused by climate change.

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

The results of the November races could strengthen the Democratic majority on the St. Louis County Council. They will also impact the relationship between the council and County Executive Sam Page.

Dennis Hancock was almost ousted from his St. Louis County Council seat after he tried to hire his stepdaughter for violating the Missouri Constitution's anti-nepotism rule. But were his actions so outside the norm?

If voters approve, the St. Louis County Council would be able to hire outside lawyers to represent it in lawsuits or enforce subpoenas. Those attorneys would not report to the county counselor, who is appointed by the county executive.

A judge barred St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock from participating in Tuesday’s meeting for hiring his relative as an assistant. Hancock says the move is politically motivated.

While the results of the elections are unlikely to change the political balance of power on the St. Louis County Council, the outcomes could play a major role in the dynamics of the council and the working relationship between the council and the county executive.

The St. Louis County administration building must be updated to stay in compliance with Clayton city codes. County Executive Sam Page urged the county council Tuesday to act now.