Attorney General Catherine Hanaway tells KMOX she is unlikely to pursue a quo warranto to remove St. Louis County Executive Sam Page for allegedly working as a paid anesthesiologist while in office, a violation of the charter.
"It probably doesn't make sense to file a quo this late in an official's term."
Page is due to leave office at the end of the year after electing not to run for reelection.
The concession from Hanaway strikes a different tone than Hanaway gave in May, when evidence from the St. Louis County Council was first referred to her when KMOX asked her if there was enough time.
"The Sheriff [Alfred] Montgomery case was unusual though, the Kim Gardner case moved much more quickly. We've had other cases around the state that have moved much more quickly," said Hanaway in May, adding "if we have the evidence."
Now, Hanaway says lack of evidence is part of why she isn't filing a quo warranto.
"Page has long claimed his work as an anesthesiologist is unpaid and on a volunteer basis." Hanaway says "we have not been able to get sufficient evidence to make a determination of whether what he's claiming is accurate."
County Executive Page was happy to see the threat of removal no longer lingering.
"[There] never was a legal foothold for the quo warranto and I'm glad the Attorney General has recognized that and won't be spending any time on that."
Evidence showing Page allegedly violated the County Charter was referred by the Council in May
Evidence showing Page allegedly violated the County Charter was referred by the Council in May
