ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Melissa Price Smith grew up in St. Louis County and wants her kids to raise theirs here too.
That's one of the things that drives Smith, who is now officially the newest St. Louis County Prosecutor, appointed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to replace Wesley Bell.
"I'm in an office with some absolutely incredible prosecutors, victim advocates, and support staff and investigators," said Smith on 'Total Information A.M'. "We are all eager to start this new chapter and working closely in partnership with law enforcement."
Smith had been a member of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office since 2008, serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney for years along with serving as supervisor of the office's Sexual Assault and Child Abuse team.
Smith says she is a career prosecutor and only wants what's best for the office and for the victims of crime they serve.
"I intend make this office even stronger," said Smith. "We put a Violent Crime Unit in place this past Friday. We are currently developing a strong homicide team. We are going to make our office more efficient and stronger."
Smith says she is the best person for the job because she already knows the strengths and weaknesses of the office.
"I have the ability to come in with a new vision because I have experience here in nearly every area," said Smith.
Smith says has no political aspirations, and says she wanted to run for office purely for her love for it and the need for leadership once Bell won his primary back in August 2024.
"I don't do this alone, I do this with the support of my colleagues who I cannot emphasize enough, the excitement and motivation in the office right now is incredible," said Smith. "We are all working closely together and we are going to make this happen together. It is such a great and talented group."
Smith's appointment did get political in a fight between Gov. Parson and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page over who had authority to make the appointment to replace Bell, who officially was sworn in to Congress last week.
Smith says she believes Gov. Parson did have authority to appoint her, but doesn't believe the county executive court fight was about her personally.
Smith says she will run for the office when the time comes, and says she will win based on her performance as a prosecutor.