ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Monday night, The St. Louis County Council voted not to recommend the county executive's choice for county prosecutor. A judge is deciding between Sam Page's pick and Gov. Mike Parson's choice.
When the judge makes his ruling on who has the power to decide the next top prosecutor, the county council would have to sign off if the judge sides with Page. After hearing from both candidates Tuesday night, the council decided it won’t support Page's choice, Cort VanOstran.
"I believe it is important as the prosecuting attorney to have a thorough and good working relationship with every member of this council,” VanOstran said to the council.
"I’ve had 35 plus felony jury trials in which I was the lead council and handled every single area of that trial,” Melissa Price Smith said.
VanAustran and Price Smith touted their resumes.
"I've been an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for 20 years. I have handled nearly every type of case, from gun cases, guns, drugs, property damage, burglaries, robberies, sexual assault, homicide, child molestation rapes, only to name a few,” Price Smith said.
"As Assistant U.S. Attorney, I prosecuted a wide variety of offenses including some drug offenses, firearms offenses but I was chiefly a white-collar crimes prosecutor,” VanOstran said.
"So I promise you sir in St. Louis, especially in North County, we’re not dealing with those white-collar crimes. We’re definitely dealing with those violent crimes," Councilwoman Shalonda Webb replied.
Both candidates received feedback from county council members.
"It's been rumored…that if the right person is not picked for this position, there could be a possibility of about 50% of the staff leaving,” Councilman Mark Harder said.
Price Smith said since she works in the office, she knows the staff and therefore the needs, such as restoring the department's violent crimes unit. VanOstran said he's already met with staff and will come in as a listener to get the job done.
Council members did not say what led them to their decision. All council members were present, except Kelli Dunaway. VanOstran told council he just quit his job so that he could take this role.
Bell will be sworn into Congress on Jan. 3.