ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Council passed a bill Tuesday night that would no longer empower them to remove St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page but still have the power to remove his department heads.
However, Page still isn't happy with what he's called 'a power grab.'
The County Council's new bill would no longer give them the ability to remove County Executive Page but still the power to remove his department heads.
In addition to department heads, the council would also have the authority to remove the County counselor.
Council Chairwoman Rita Heard Days, who introduced the initial legislation accused the County Executive of outright deception.
"Time and again, we have witnessed directors emboldened by the administration, refuse to collaborate with this council, mislead us in official proceedings and even provide outright falsehoods during testimony" said Heard Days during Tuesday night's County Council meeting. "There is no place for this disregard in county government."
The council voted passed the measure on Tuesday night six to one, with Council member Lisa Clancy being the lone dissenting vote.
Before the County Council meeting Tuesday night, Page says this amendment doesn't change how 'ridiculous' the legislation is.
"The council should focus on doing the work of the people of St. Louis County and not taking power away from the voters," said Page.
Page says the council needs to focus on business that helps the people of the county.
"We need to focus on getting this regional police academy done," said Page. "We need to be working on this use tax. It's really important."
KMOX News recently had on St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock to discuss the bill and Hancock told KMOX there needs to be more 'accountability' in the County Executive Office.
"What I think we are really looking to do is to bring some accountability back to county government," said Hancock at the time. "I don't know if this is necessarily aimed at the county executive as it is at the executive's staff."
Voter approval is still needed though and the authority to fire department heads can only be in specific offices, health, streets, finance and corrections.
The measure is expected to appear before voters on the April 8 ballot.