Conlon Files for Recount, Starts Legal Defense Fund
Mary Beth Conlon, the candidate for Overland Mayor that lost by a mere four votes in the April election, has filed suit in St. Louis County court to request a manual recount. Recounts are permitted under Missouri law when the difference is less than 1%, in this case it was 0.12%.
On her website, Mary Beth Conlon is asking for assistance with the fund to help offset legal costs in filing the lawsuit requesting the recount. She is asking that contributions be sent to:
Mary Beth Conlon Legal Defense Fund
8933 Argyle Avenue
Overland, MO 63114
It does not appear that either Conlon or her main opponent had a candidate committee established with the Missouri Ethics Commission. These candidates likely paid for all their campaign expenses out of pocket. Having done so, I can see not having personal funds left to challenge the final count.
I will continue to monitor this situation and will head out to Overland soon to look into the design & development of the municipality.
– Steve
Whenever a situation like this arises, I’m less concerned with WHO is getting to be elected Mayor of Overland, but WHY we are electing a mayor of Overland. One of the things that kills St. Louis is the overabundance of chef’s in the kitchen, and municipalities large and small that constantly try and screw each other for the privilege of hosting a Sam’s or Lowe’s. We need unigov, so we can get economies of scale on municipal services and be a more competitive region.
Well, Nate, although I agree with you generally, that kind of change can’t even come close to happening unless we have progressive, cooperation-oriented leaders in the County munis.
Mary Beth, from my experience as a classmate at UMSL, falls into that category.
Nate, FYI I think it is very plausible that within the next two decades that some muni’s will consolidate. I believe the catalyst for this change will be the elected officials with the gumption to cede their own power. The duplication of services and the ability for the municipalities to deliver quality services and provide for the safety of their citizens will be hampered by a lack of revenue and unforseen future events. All resources both natural and economic resources, when depleted will also provide the momentum for consolidation. Now while we are on the subject….. when do you forsee St. Louis City offiials stepping up to the plate and reducing their aldermanic wards?
Peace Out,
MB
As someone who was a student of George Wendel’s and a fierce supporter of homerule, I want the city to get it’s act together. Desperately. Seems we’re preaching to the choir.