Voter guide for April 2, 2024: St. Louis County races
Voters in St. Louis County will vote on referendums and local candidates.
KSDK
April 2 is General Municipal Election Day in Missouri. St. Louis County voters are considering candidates and ballot measures for their county, city or town.
Many cities are electing mayors, aldermen, school board members and more. Learn more about the candidates in their own words via survey results compiled by the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
5 On Your Side is highlighting some of the ballot measures and the larger races with more than one candidate below. Look up your ballot at Vote411.org.
Plan your vote with Vote411.org.
St. Louis County races
Cities, fire districts and school districts are holding elections on municipal offices and proposals for tax changes. This list is alphabetical by municipality and focuses on races with more than one candidate. If this list is missing a race you're interested in, look it up at Vote411.org.
Mayoral races Contested elections for mayor
Bellerive Acres mayor
John Larson
Age: 56
Occupation: Firefighter, personal trainer
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
Better streets, safety and reinvestment in our community.
Kel Ward
Age: 53
Occupation: Health care worker
Public elected offices held: Alderman, Bellerive Acres, 2022- present; acting mayor (as mayor pro tem picked by aldermen), Bellerive Acres, 2023-present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Continue rebuilding a more functional and operational City Hall with processes and procedures allowing easier navigation for residents, vendors and all to get the necessary resources they need. 2) Address current infrastructure needs by vetting and leveraging various resources. 3) Utilize the code book to address issues equitably and to not target residents.
Berkeley mayor
Rita Crawford-Graham
Age: 64
Occupation: Producer tier 2, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Public elected offices held: Councilwoman, Berkeley, Ward 2, 2014-2016; Councilwoman at large, Berkeley, 2022- present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Collaboration establishing a state-of-the-art community center, giving our children options, hope, esteem and a renewed pride in their community. 2) Pursue grants to improve community services; access a wide range of resources to provide wrap-around support services for seniors. 3) Continue to bring economic development and new business ventures to fruition.
Babatunde Deinbo
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired
Public elected offices held: Councilman, Berkeley, 1996-2000; Mayor, Berkeley, 2000-2004; Councilman-at-large, Berkeley, 2004-2014; Mayor, Berkeley, 2020-present
What are your top three priorities?
Continued community and business development, crime reduction, street and derelict home repair. Fair wage for police and fire departments. Development and extension programs and activities for our youth and senior citizens.
Age: 48
Occupation: Retired
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
1) Audit Berkeley finances. 2) Reduce crime. 3) Improve education.
Cool Valley mayor
Floyd Blackwell
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
Public elected offices held: Alderman, Cool Valley, Ward 1, 1998-2000, 2008-present; Mayor, Cool Valley, 2000-2002
What are your top three priorities?
Install Flock cameras, fill the public works position, make sure this community is brought back to a higher standard of cleanliness and good, honest government. Thus, bringing back the sense of community.
Jermaine Matthew
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
Public elected offices held: Alderman, Cool Valley, Ward 2, 2022-2023; Mayor (appointed), Cool Valley, 2023-present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Maintain the health and wealth of the city by preventing frivolous spending. 2) Maintain order by holding law enforcement accountable to ensure safety and reducing crime in the city. 3) Develop a cohesive approach that allows for meaningful collaboration between the city and its community: residents, businesses and law enforcement.
Kirkwood mayor
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired
Public elected offices held: Council member, Kirkwood, 2020-present
What are your top three priorities?
Engage citizens by livestreaming council work sessions, continue to send regular city news updates via email and encourage civic involvement. Improve our streets, sidewalks and aging water system by keeping these a priority on council agendas. Update building codes to preserve the character of Kirkwood and housing options for everyone.
Age: 53
Occupation: Contract manager
Public elected offices held: Council member, Kirkwood, 2016-present
What are your top three priorities?
My top three priorities: 1) We continue to make improvements to our streets and infrastructure, ensuring safety and security for all transportation in Kirkwood; 2) Kirkwood maintains fiscal responsibility and transparency, carefully managing expenses while driving sales and revenues for the city; 3) We carefully balance growth with preservation and reflect our history.
Riverview mayor
Age: 37
Occupation: State-licensed private investigator
Public elected offices held: Trustee, Riverview, 2022-present (picked by trustees board to be board chairman/mayor, 2023-present)
What are your top three priorities?
My top priorities are: 1) continuing the ongoing massive cleanup of overgrown weeds, brush, trash and debris; 2) building a recreation center and park for youth and elders; 3) seeking economic development of new businesses.
Darrin Johnson
Age: Not provided by the candidate
Occupation: Not provided by the candidate
Public elected offices held: Not provided by the candidate
What are your top three priorities?
Not provided by the candidate
Sunset Hills mayor
Age: 73
Occupation: Business owner and teacher, retired
Public elected offices held: Alderman, Sunset Hills, Ward 4, 2008-2016; Mayor, Sunset Hills, 2016-present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Safety and public welfare. The office of the mayor is required under state statute and city ordinances to uphold and be vigilant in enforcing the law. 2) Listening to the residents. Resident input is vital. 3) Transparency. Our city is one of the most transparent cities in the St. Louis metropolitan area. We continually implement new ways to be more transparent.
Richard E. Gestring
Age: 42
Occupation: Contract manager
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
1) Promoting economic growth and job creation by attracting new industries, supporting existing businesses and utilizing the new opportunities to promote job creation. 2) Strengthening an already amazing community by making resources available to bolster Sunset Hills. 3) Lastly, I would prioritize maintaining and supporting our emergency responders.
Wildwood mayor
Age: 47
Occupation: Financial adviser
Public elected offices held: Councilman, Wildwood, 2015-present
What are your top three priorities?
My campaign's top priorities are safeguarding Wildwood's natural beauty and open spaces, fostering balanced development in the Town Center that respects our city's character and master plan and ensuring fiscal responsibility alongside active community engagement. These goals aim to maintain Wildwood's unique identity while promoting a vibrant future.
Age: 73
Occupation: Pilot, TWA/American Airlines, retired; USAF Lt. Col., pilot, retired
Public elected offices held: Council member, Wildwood, 2007-2009
What are your top three priorities?
1) Restore transparency: for example, trash contracts were awarded illegally without a bid process and in "closed session" without public input. 2) Residents first: in 1995 Wildwood was founded by residents for residents; now, it is builders and developers first. 3) Restore trust: with your help, we will restore Wildwood to its founding principles.
Propositions Some of the referendums on the ballot
Bridgeton Proposition A
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall Section 1.02 of the City Charter of the City of Bridgeton be amended by amending the reference to the form of government, as set forth? SECTION 1.02 Form of Government. All powers of the City shall be vested in the Mayor and City Council subject only to the limitations imposed by the Constitution of the State of Missouri and this Charter, except as hereinafter otherwise specified.
Summary: This proposition would delete from the city charter wording that says the city's government "shall be of the type generally known as a Mayor-Council government." However, the deletion would have no practical effect because the charter would continue to state that all powers will be vested in the mayor and council unless limited by the state Constitution and city charter.
Bridgeton Proposition B
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall Section 3.01 of the City Charter of the City of Bridgeton be amended to change the length of terms of the members of the City Council from two (2) years to three (3) years as set forth in Section Two of Ordinance No. 24-06?
Summary: The proposition would change the length of City Council members' terms from two years to three years. Proponents say longer terms allow members to gain additional experience in office and complete projects they have begun.
Bridgeton Proposition C
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall Subsections (A) and (B) of Section 4.02 of the City Charter of the City of Bridgeton be amended to provide for the appointment of the Municipal Judge by the Mayor with concurrence by a majority of the City Council, and to remove residency as a qualification for, the office of Municipal Judge for the City of Bridgeton, as set forth in Section Two of Ordinance No. 24-07?
Summary: The proposition would remove the city residency requirement to serve as municipal judge. The measure also would make the judge position a mayoral appointment instead of an elected post.
Bridgeton Proposition D
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall Subsection (D) of Section 2.05 and Section 5.01 of the City Charter of the City of Bridgeton be amended to provide for the office of City Administrator as set forth in Section Two of Ordinance No. 24-08
Summary: The proposition would formalize the title and duties of the city administrator, who under the current charter is called the administrative assistant to the mayor. Under the proposed measure, the administrator could be removed from office by the mayor only with approval of a majority of the council or by a two-thirds vote of the council on its own initiative.
Four-sevenths majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall the City of Crestwood, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $33,340,000 for the purpose of constructing, furnishing and equipping a new community center, renovating existing recreation facilities, and undertaking other park and recreation improvements in and to City of Crestwood parks?
Summary: The proposition would authorize the city to construct a new community center in Whitecliff Park and make other upgrades. The bond issue would trigger a property tax increase of about 52 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay an additional $197.64 in taxes annually. Officials say the current community center was built in 1978 and does not offer the recreational opportunities residents said they wanted through surveys and public outreach events. The new center would include fitness facilities and equipment, an elevated walking and jogging track and meeting and class spaces. Revenue from the bond issue also would pay for turning the existing community center into a pickleball/family games complex, a nature playscape, a pedestrian bridge and provide a new playground for Crestwood Park.
Fenton Proposition M
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall the City of Fenton, Missouri, impose an additional sales tax at a rate of three percent (3.0%) on all retail sales of adult use marijuana sold within the City?
Summary: The proposition would authorize the city to impose a sales tax of up to 3% on the sales of recreational marijuana. At present, there is one dispensary in the city. If passed, the revenue generated would be used to provide city services.
Maplewood Proposition J
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall Article IX. - Department of Law of the City Charter of the City of Maplewood, Missouri, be amended as outlined in City Ordinance No. 6035?
Summary: The measure, a proposed city charter amendment, would require the city to hire a defense attorney to represent people charged in municipal court with driving without a valid license, operating a vehicle that isn't registered or doesn't display a valid license plate or failing to have vehicle insurance as required by state law. The defense attorney would not represent people also facing other charges in connection with the same incident. The defense attorney would be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council. The measure also would require the city attorney and city prosecutor to be appointed by the mayor with council consent. Now the city manager appoints those two officials with council approval.
Velda City Proposition T
Simple majority required.
Ballot wording: Shall the gross receipts tax on all utilities specified in Chapter 615 of the Municipal Code of the City of Velda City be increased to ten percent (10%)?
Summary: The proposition would allow the city tax on utility gross receipts to increase from 6% to 10% to help fund street improvements and police service. The tax would generate between $6,000 and $15,000 annually. Proponents say the city hasn't increased taxes in more than 20 years and needs more revenue to fund city services.
Webster Groves Amendments
Amendments 1 through 10 to the city charter update language to modernize city core values, update city functions and reconcile city rules to align with state law. Read the ballot questions and the city's rationale here.
School boards Some of the contested school board races
Hazelwood School Board
Voters choose two candidates.
Risé D. Black
Age: Not provided by the candidate
Occupation: Not provided by the candidate
Public elected offices held: Not provided by the candidate
What are your top three priorities?
Not provided by the candidate
Age: 65
Occupation: Army aviation logistics, retired
Public elected offices held: Hazelwood School Board, 2023-present
What are your top three priorities?
Children: ensure they have a safe environment, tools, options and opportunities to succeed and obtain continued academic growth. Diversity and inclusion: provide every student an excellent education and ensure they feel valued and represented in our schools. Initiate and promote opportunities that provide a strong partnership among students, parents, schools and community.
Age: 56
Occupation: Software engineer
Public elected offices held: Not provided by the candidate
What are your top three priorities?
1) Recruiting and retaining quality teachers and staff. 2) Student performance. 3) Student and staff safety.
Vernisia C. White
Age: Not provided by the candidate
Occupation: Not provided by the candidate
Public elected offices held: Not provided by the candidate
What are your top three priorities?
Not provided by the candidate
Hazelwood School Board (Unexpired term ending in 2025)
Voters choose one candidate.
Michael McCollum
Age: 49
Occupation: Electrician, inspector
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
Add alternative learning opportunities for students, i.e., creating a debate team at all high schools. Increase parent involvement, positive media marketing and positive impact for all families in the district. Increase and retain teachers in the district.
Elizabeth (Betsy) A. Rachel
Age: 44
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Public elected offices held: Hazelwood School Board, 2018-present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Recovering student learning that was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and improving student achievement. 2) Retention and recruitment of highly qualified staff. 3) Wise stewardship of tax dollars.
Kirkwood School Board
Voters choose two candidates.
Age: 42
Occupation: Not provided by the candidate
Public elected offices held: Kirkwood School Board, 2018-present
What are your top three priorities?
We must continue to address achievement gaps and ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically. Recruiting and retaining talented teachers is essential for maintaining high-quality education. Creating a sense of belonging for all students, staff and families is crucial for fostering a positive school climate and promoting student success.
Age: 37
Occupation: Global trading manager
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
Utilizing our resources to relieve overcrowding and create enrollment flexibility. Provide exceptional support to all students, teachers and staff so all opportunities are identified and resolutions are formulated. Unifying the district through advanced communication and collaboration among administration, staff and families, bringing belonging to all.
Age: 40
Occupation: Marketing
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
To encourage more ambitious discussions and policy evaluations, leading to more impactful results. To attract and maintain the highest-quality educators and administrators through accountability and competitive pay/benefits/work environment. To ensure every student has a clear and attainable path towards success, regardless of their unique challenges or needs.
Lindbergh School Board
Voters choose two candidates.
Age: 50
Occupation: Community volunteer
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
Promote policies that support all students in order to strengthen Lindbergh's record of academic excellence. Work towards equity in district buildings and facilities to ensure that they provide the same opportunities and experiences and level of safety to all students. Promote communication and transparency among district teachers, staff, administrators and taxpayers.
Age: 45
Occupation: IT specialist
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
My top priority is refreshing our board with new leadership, putting academics at the forefront. Secondly, I'm committed to managing taxes responsibly, ensuring investments prioritize student academic success. Finally, providing teachers with evidence-based curriculum and ample support staff to address our students' academic needs. In short, my motto is "Students first!"
Age: 36
Occupation: Preschool teacher, Washington University Nursery School
Public elected offices held: Lindbergh School Board, 2021-present
What are your top three priorities?
1) Student success: focus on personalized learning, rigorous curriculum, meaningful assessments and high-quality teachers. 2) Safe and equitable facilities: responsibly invest to update buildings to prioritize safety and instructional quality. 3) Community: help Lindbergh optimally reach its stakeholders and communicate and receive feedback with intentionality and purpose.
Maplewood Richmond Heights School Board
Voters choose two candidates.
Age: 57
Occupation: Science executive
Public elected offices held: None
What are your top three priorities?
1) We must address teacher morale and retention. 2) Establish critical thinking, accountability and fiscal stewardship within our school board. 3) Build district budgets that prioritize student success.
Read more at KSDK.com/guide