Tag: Recorder of Deeds

Updated Mo & St. Louis City Candidate Qualifications, Requirements

2026 is an election year. In Missouri, State Auditor and all US House of Representative seats are up. In St. Louis City, there’s an election for State Senator (open seat due to term limits); all State House seats; County offices of Collector of Revenue, License Collector, Recorder of Deeds; Board of Alders President and all even numbered ward Board of Alders seats; a Community College seat representing southwest City; and two School Board seats up in November.

I tried to update the blog page for information on running for public office in St. Louis City and Missouri but there’s missing information because…

  • City of St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners (appointed by Governor) has not updated their website with information on Spring 2026 filing dates and City does not follow the Missouri Election Calendar which would have had candidate filing open November 4-25. Board President and half of the Board of Alder seats will be on March 3rd ballot
  • St. Louis School Board has no information on November candidate filing process and neither does Board of Election
  • St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees has no information on April Subdistrict 3 candidate filing process and neither does Board of Election

Michael Butler, Defendant

You may notice people gathering signatures at the polls Tuesday to nominate Michael Butler for Mayor of St. Louis City. They are Butler’s indentured servants at the Recorder of Deeds Office or their family, or people wanting a job at Recorder Office. Support for his election is a condition of employment at the Recorder’s.

Butler, in violation of the Recorder of Deeds Employee Manual, fired employees who had not supported his 2018 campaign, beginning with his first day in office. I worked as a public records archivist at the Recorder’s and put in my retirement paperwork before getting fired. Georgie Simmons, et al v. Michael Butler, Defendent (Case No. 4:19CV10HEA, U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Missouri, Eastern Division) dragged out for years and was eventually settled for a six figure amount to Plaintiffs paid by St. Louis City taxpayers. Butler was represented by the City Counselor’s Office.

As Recorder, Butler fired additional employees or caused them to retire or otherwise leave and very few employees, if any, hired prior to January 2, 2019, are still employed in that office. The lack of institutional wisdom is probably why big mistakes happen in the office.

In 2021, Butler was Chair of the Missouri Democratic Party when the National Labor Relations Board moved forward on a case against MDC, settled a few months later in favor of Plaintiff.

Receipts from Georgie Simmons, et al v. Michael Butler, Defendant.

On August 7, 2018, Defendant Michael Butler (“Butler”) defeated the incumbent Recorder of Deeds for the City of St. Louisin the primary election for that office. On November 6, 2018, Butler won the general election. Plaintiffs Georgie Simmons (“Simmons”), Johnetta Sherrod (“Sherrod”), Robert Dillard (“Dillard”), and Julie Ellison (“Ellison”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) were employees of the City of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Office (the “Office”) until they were terminated on January 2, 2019, Butler’s first day in office.

None of the Plaintiffs openly supported Butler during his political campaign. In March 2018, Butler had met with Simmons and Sherrod and asked them for their support in his political campaign. Simmons and Sherrod declined to become involved with any campaign, which caused Butler to become upset. Dillard actively campaigned for Butler’s opponent, the previous Recorder of Deeds. On August 7, 2018, Butler told Dillard that he could not “guarantee” his position if he did not support Butler’s campaign.

Between August 7, 2018, and January 2, 2019, Butler appeared in the Office on no fewer than four occasions, including September 7, November 16, December 10, and December 28. On these visits, he spoke with staff and provided assurances that no one would be fired for political retaliation for failing to support his candidacy. During the same time period, Butler’s alleged agents, including paid campaign staffer George Poole, appeared in the Office to threaten long-term employees’positions in the Office. These agents, including Poole, said that the Plaintiffs would be terminated for not supporting Butler’s political campaign. Poole appeared in the Office no fewer than five times between August 7 and December 28, 2018.

On December 17, 2018, Denise Starks, an Office employee who was also a political supporter of Butler, filed a false sexual harassment complaint against Simmons and another employee. Plaintiffs allege that this complaint was “part of Defendant Butler’s crusade against Plaintiffs to force them out of theirpositions,” filed at the behest of Butler. Butler allegedly assumed that the outgoing Recorder of Deeds would not be able to process the complaint before Butler took office. Butler then would be the one to handle the complaintand have reason to terminate Simmons for cause. In fact, the outgoing Recorder of Deeds investigated the complaint and found it to be unsubstantiated. Plaintiffs allege that Butler “took advantage of Ms. Starks by conspiring with her to file a false, frivolous complaint against Plaintiff Simmons.”

On January 2, 2019, Butler delivered letters of termination to Simmons and Sherrod. In essence, these letters offered Simmons and Sherrod two weeks’ pay if they gave up their right to sue Butler and the City of St. Louis. Neither Simmons nor Sherrod would sign, and Butler terminated them. Butler included non-managerial employees in the termination meetings, which Plaintiffs claim violated Simmons’ and Sherrod’s right to privacy. As Sherrod was leaving City Hall, George Poole physically confronted Sherrod in front of dozens of onlookers, causing Sherrod significant emotional distress and embarrassment.

Butler replaced Simmons and Sherrod with political associates who had no previous experience in the Recorder of Deeds Office. Plaintiffs aver that the replacements lacked requisite professional experience for the positions to which they were assigned.

The Recorder of Deeds Employee Policy & Benefit manual expressly states that an employee’s “position in the Recorder’s Office is no way impacted negatively or positively by [her or his] participation in the political process.” Defendant issued a “status” form letter for each terminated employee that did not include the reason for termination as required by policy. Additionally, Butler dated the status letters for January 7, 2019, but did not send them until January 15, 2019. This “backdating” was allegedly done in an effort to prevent Plaintiffs from requesting a disciplinary hearing within the 10-day time limit required by policy.

Plaintiffs allege that they were wrongfully terminated in violation of the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments as retaliation for not supporting Butler in his political campaign for the office of Recorder of Deeds. Plaintiffs allege that Butler’s conduct was willful and intentional and that he intentionally caused Plaintiffs emotional distress, pain and suffering, and health problems including elevated blood pressure, severe anxiety, and depression. Plaintiffs also allege loss of income and loss of potential employment opportunities due to the history of “firing” in their employment record.

Plaintiff’s Complaint alleges: violation of their First Amendmentrights (Count I); violation of their Fifth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment rightsto due process (Count IIand Count III, respectively); that they are entitled to declaratory judgment (Count IV); civil conspiracy (Count V); wrongful termination (Count VI).

Where’s Bosley’s Money?

Photo of Alder Bosley literature

UPDATED

Found the money. Alder Brandon Bosley’s campaign is using a political action committee not yet filed with Missouri Ethics Commission.

Literature and yard signs promoting his candidacy have been printed and are in use with a “Paid for by the 14th Ward Democratic Organization.”

But the only 14th Ward organization active in MEC database is the one serving pre-ward reduction 14th Ward in Bevo, Princeton Heights, and Southampton neighborhoods.

Money has been spent or debt created on Bosley’s behalf without reporting it to MEC in a timely fashion. The Treasurer is Linda Primer, who is also the Deputy Treasurer for Citizens for Brandon Bosley. There is no arms length between the two entities. Definitely collaboration between the two.

Lots more details below.

Original Post

New 14th Ward Profile is updated with 40 Days Before Alder Election reports.

3rd Ward Alder Brandon Bosley did not make a January Report or a 40 Days Out Report. His October 2022 Report was Limited Activity. His last report with any activity was April 2021 when he had $100 on hand. It’s not the sign of someone running a legit campaign.

January Reports were optional and 40 Days Out Reports were due only if committee 1) accepted contributions (money or in-kind) or 2) had expenses (paid or incurred). 

The Bosley Family political action committee- 3rd Ward Regular Democratic Organization- hasn’t reported activity since April 2021 when it had $20.21 on hand.

Alder Bosley’s mother and Treasurer- 3rd Ward Committeewoman Lucinda Frazier- registered a new 14th Ward Democratic Organization as a nonprofit with Missouri Secretary of State, but not MEC. Very curious.

Alder Bosley’s Deputy Treasurer- Linda Primer- is also Treasurer for 3rd Ward Regular Democratic Organization and Civil PAC, as well as Deputy Treasurer for Bosley’s sister- State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley

Civil PAC hasn’t reported any activity since July 2022. It paid the 3rd Ward organization $2,500 for a lit drop in 2020. State Rep. Bosley last reported activity in December 2022, including $800 to political consultant Tim Person.

Some of Person’s previous clients include Jack Coatar’s disastrous run for Board President, former Mayor Lyda Krewson, former Board President Lewis Reed, former County Executive candidate Mark Montovani, former State Rep. Wiley Price, Heartland Action PAC, and Civil PAC.

Tim Person isn’t just a political consultant. He is Human Resources Director for St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler. Person replaced a Recorder employee of many years who was fired by Butler without cause the day he was sworn into office. She and other employees, also fired for not working for his election, sued and taxpayers paid out a six figure settlement.

We’re also talking about the same Michael Butler who chairs the Missouri Democratic Party (also sued by former employee and Party donors had to pay a settlement) and hired Person to do fundraising. Same Michael Butler who owns an all you can drink for one price bar, same bar State Rep. Bosley has worked at or still does. Same bar she held a re-election fundraiser at last year.

Butler also serves on the Board for Communities First, a nonprofit founded by Lucinda Frazier (Alder Bosley’s mother), who is also Butler’s Chief of Staff. The nonprofit’s address is used by State Rep. Bosley on her campaign finance reports and her last candidate filing at Secretary of State. It’s also been used as a default address for 3rd Ward/Bosley Family related campaign workers.

It’s a good guess that Person will be trying to help elect Alder Bosley to the new 14th Ward seat, if Bosley is actively running. It’s also a good guess that money to help that effort might come via Civil PAC.

More intrigue- State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, one of four candidates for the 14th Ward seat, is a former employee of Michael Butler’s Recorder of Deeds office and he donated $2,600 last year to Communities First.

St. Louis, biggest small town in America.

St. Louis City War Chests Update

Updated 1/14/2023. Includes municipal and county citywide offices, Board of Alders, State Senators, State Representatives. Does not include School Board.

#1 $458,051.44 on hand, $1,112.99 debt: City Collector of Revenue Gregg F.X. Daly

#2 $337,460.92 on hand, $0 debt: former Mayor Lyda Krewson

#3 $85,200.13 on hand, $0 debt: City Mayor Tishaura Jones + $105.239.35 on hand, $0 debt: 314 Forward PAC affiliated with Jones

#4 $168,641.65 on hand, $0 debt: former State Senator Joe Keaveny

#5 $137,451.18 on hand, $0 debt: City Comptroller Darlene Green

#6 $98,263.29 on hand, $0 debt: City Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner

#7 $65,542.77 on hand, $32,500 debt: State Rep. Steve Butz

#8 $63,683.94 on hand, $0 debt: State Rep. Donna Baringer

#9 $48,254.47 on hand, $1,291 debt: State Senator Karla May

#10 $35,967.89 on hand, $0 debt: 13th Ward Alder Anne Schweitzer (New 1st Ward Alder candidate)

#11 $32,626.48 on hand, $0 debt: State Rep. Peter Meredith

#12 $31,787.12 on hand, $0 debt: 16th Ward Alder Tom Oldenburg (New 2nd Ward Alder candidate)

#13 $31,070.27 on hand, $0 debt: State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge (New 14th Ward Alder candidate)

#14 $20,584.46 on hand, $0 debt: 7th Ward Alder Jack Coater (former Board President candidate) + $5,266.34 on hand, $0 debt: Jack PAC affiliated with Jack Coatar

#15 $24,014.17 on hand, $0 debt: City Treasurer Adam Layne

#16 $21,745.06 on hand, $0 debt: the late 12th Ward Alder Larry Arnowitz (no reports for two years)

#17 $21,257 on hand, $24,978.41 debt: 1st Ward Alder Sharon Tyus

#18 $20,657.21 on hand, $0 debt: former 28th Ward Alder Heather Navarro

#19 $19,560.85 on hand, $0 debt: 10th Ward Alder Joe Vollmer (New 5th Ward Alder candidate)

#20 $15,569.88 on hand, $0 debt: State Rep. Kimberly Ann Collins

#21 $13,566.65 on hand, $540.39 debt: 23rd Ward Alder Joe Vaccaro (New 4th Ward Alder candidate)

#22 $13,504.89 on hand, $0 debt on hand, $0 debt: former 17th Ward Alder Joe Roddy

#23 $13,440 on hand, $0 debt: 19th Ward Alder Marlene Davis

#24 $11,711.43 on hand, $20,000 debt: accused rapist State Rep. Steven Roberts

#25 $11,376.876 on hand, $0 debt: State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley

#26 $10,988.18 on hand, $23,000 debt: Board President Megan Green + $938.37 on hand, $0 debt: Progress PAC affiliated with Green

#27 $8,668.92 on hand, $1,831.33 debt: City License Collector Mavis Thompson

#28 $8,586.50 on hand, $0 debt: 9th Ward Alder Dan Guenther

#29 $8,400.82 on hand, $0 debt: 20th Ward Alder Cara Spencer (New 8th Ward Alder candidate)

#30 $6,934.07 on hand, $0 debt: former 6th Ward Alder candidate Debra Carnahan (she still has running for 6th Ward Alder in 2023 on her MEC account)

#31 $5,953.72 on hand, $0 debt: City Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler

#32 $5,857.89 on hand, $0 debt: 24th Ward Alder Bret Narayan (New 4th Ward Alder candidate)

#33 $4,574 on hand, $150.76 debt: former 11th Ward Alder Sarah Martin

#34 $4,002.21 on hand, $0 debt: 27th Ward Alder Pam Boyd (New 13th Ward Alder candidate)

#35 $3,448.49 on hand, $7952.66 debt: 26th Ward Alder Shameem Clark-Hubbard (New 10th Ward Alder candidate)

#36 $3,483.09 on hand, $0 debt: 25th Ward Alder Shane Cohn (New 3rd Ward Alder candidate)

#37 $2,515.84 on hand, $5,108 debt: 1st Ward Alder Bill Stephens (ran for State Rep. 2022)

#38 $2,474.33 on hand, $5,800 debt: 6th Ward Alder Christine Ingrassia

#39 2,326.65 on hand, $1,000 debt: 5th Ward Alder James Page (New 14th Ward Alder candidate)

#40 $1,908 on hand, $0 debt: 8th Ward Alder Annie Rice

#41 $1,799.37 on hand, $2,000 debt: 22nd Ward Alder Norma Walker (New 13th Ward Alder candidate)

#42 $1,478.79 on hand, $0 debt: 11th Ward Alder Jimmy Lappe

#43 $229.53 on hand, $0 debt: 21st Ward Alder Laura Keys (New 11th Ward Alder candidate) + $1,248.58 on hand, $0 debt: 21st Ward Organization PAC affiliated with Keys (this committee is filed with MEC as a candidate PAC, not a ward PAC)

#44 $1,346.88 on hand, $86.72 on hand: 17th Ward Alder Tina Pihl (New 9th Ward Alder candidate)

#45 $1,271.18 on hand, $55,025.69 debt: State Rep. Del Taylor

#46 $1,077 on hand, $0 debt: 4th Ward Alder Dwinderlin Evans

#47 $980.75 on hand, $0 debt: 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman Yolanda Brown (New 12th Ward Alder candidate)

#48 $316.76 on hand, $830.15 dent: 28th Ward Alder Michael Gras (New 9th Ward Alder candidate)

#49 $100 on hand, $0 debt: 3rd Ward Alder Brandon Bosley (New 14th Ward Alder candidate)

#50 $100 on hand, $0 debt: 2nd Ward Alder Lisa Middlebrook (New 13th Ward Alder candidate)

#51 $42.57 on hand, $0 debt: 18th Ward Alder Jesse Todd

#52 $0 on hand, $0 debt: City Sheriff Vernon Betts (does not maintain a campaign committee between elections)

Aldergeddon: New 8th Ward

New 8th Ward Map, St. Louis City

The new St. Louis City 8th Ward stretches down the City’s Mississippi Riverfront from Near North to Bellerive Park in Carondelet. It includes parts of current 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 20th, and 25th Wards and is the result of Census Redistricting and Ward Reduction.

All 14 New Ward Profiles here.

2023 Alder Primary Results

18+ Population: 18,173
Registered Voters: 12,997 (71.51% Registered)
Total Ballots Cast: 1,989 (15.3% Turnout)
Total Votes Cast, Approval Voting:  2,560 – In St. Louis City Municipal Primary Elections, voters may vote for as many candidates as they want with top two advancing to General Election.
Board President
Megan Green: 1,364
Alder Candidates
Shedrick Kelley: 506
Ken Ortmann: 858
Cara Spencer: 1,469

2023 Alder General Election

Current 20th Ward Alder Cara Spencer
Neighborhood: Gravois Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: senior vice president for Community and Economic Development at St. Louis Bank; former executive director for Consumers Council of Missouri; former director of business development at South Side Spaces and Nebula Coworking; former director of Strategic Analytics & Epidemiology at Tessellon pharmaceutical marketing; former consultant at The Mattson Jack Group pharmaceutical consulting
Other Elected Office: former candidate for Mayor
2023 Alder Primary: 1st place of 3 candidates, 1,469 Votes of 2,560
Campaign Finance
March 2023 Report: $34,497 raised ( $5,200 21st Century St. Louis PAC/Civic Progress, $3,000 LIUNA 110, $2,600 Jim Holloran-McGurk’s owner, Soulard School Ed Center Chair, $2,500 Andrew Taylor- Chair of Enterprise Holdings, $1,000 Dennis Phillips- poker player and Kosciusko developer, $1,000 St. Louis Realtors PAC, $1,000 theLouPAC, $1000 Leadership Counts- legal money laundry- Steve Stone + St. Louis Cardinals, + Kevin Short + LIUNA 42, $1,000 LIUNA 42, $500 SEIU, $250 AFT 420, $200 7th Ward Cmte woman and D.C. attorney Danielle Mangogna, $100 former Alder Heather Navarro, $100 former State Sen Joan Bray, $100 Greg Christian- Sheriff Office PIO/former 15th Ward Committeeman) + In-Kind $2,500 Sqwires Restaurant; $40,913.09 spent ($19,108.18 direct mail Navigate Campaigns of D.C.); $41,507.62 on hand; $0 debt
February 2023 Report: $49,463 raised ($2,600 Pete Rothschild- Red Brick, $2,600 Dana Rothschild, $1,500 4Hands Brewery $1,000 SEIU Healthcare, $1000 SEIU Mo-KS, $250 former Mayor Lyda Krewson, $250 former 7th Ward Alder Phyllis Young, $200 7th Ward Cmte woman and D.C. attorney Danielle Mangogna, $100 charter school founder Jack Krewson, $100 former Mayor Vince Schoemehl); $38,655.95 spent ($25,410 to Navigate Campaigns direct mail); $47,923.71 on hand, $0 debt
January 2023 Report #2: $34,520 raised ($100 State Rep Tracy McCreery, $1,000 developer Michael Schwartz, $100 lobbyist and former Alder Sarah Martin, $500 Teamsters Local 6, $500 Building Trades PAC, $250 State Rep Steve Butz, $250 former lobbyist Bill Kuehling), $4,706.62 spent ($220 MEC fine, $253.43 Sam’s Club event food), $37,116.66 on hand, $0 debt
January 2023 Report #1: $0 raised, $1,097.54 spent, $7,303.28 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report Late: Limited Activity
July 2022 Report: $0 raised, $566.17 spent, $8,400.82 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Kathryn Parish (attorney)

Former 9th Ward Alder Ken Ortmann
Neighborhood: Benton Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: owner of Cat’s Meow bar; landlord
Other Elected Office: former 9th Ward Alder
Genealogy: husband of former 9th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Pat Ortmann (see below)
2023 Alder Primary: 2nd place of 3 candidates, 858 Votes of 2,560
Campaign Finance
March 2023 Report: $1,235.58 raised ($500 loan from self/candidate); $2,785.20 spent; $2,421.14 on hand; $7,022.16 debt
February 2023 Report: $10,350.23 raised ($5,000.09 loan from himself, $250 former 11th Ward Alder Matt Villa, $50 Sheriff Vernon Betts, $50 former 8th Ward Alder Steve Conway), $6,879.47 spent, 3,470.76 on hand, $5,000.09 debt
Treasurer: Kevin P Kelleher (CPA; Hicar Properties LLC; founding member/officer for Benton Park Community Housing Corp administratively dissolved)

2023 Primary- Other Alder Candidates

Candidate for 8th Ward Alder Shedrick “Nato Caliph” Kelley
Neighborhood: McKinley Heights
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: financial analyst at Wells Fargo; owner of Cipher Music Group; co-owner Kelley Dispatch & Logistic
Other Elected Office: former candidate for 7th Ward Alder
2023 Alder Primary: 3rd place of 3 candidates, 506 Votes of 2,560
Campaign Finance
February 2023 Report: $1,705 raised, $1,256.78 spent, $2,481.07 on hand, $0 debt
January 2023 Report: $5,315 raised ($4,500 from 4 donor), $3,282.15 spent ($500 to realtor and former US Senate candidate Spencer Toder’s Constituent Connection), $2,032.85 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Alicia Kelley (wife of candidate Shedrick Kelley; owner of BridgeWay Global LLC)

Other Public Officials Residing In Ward

Current 7th Ward Alder Jack Coatar
Neighborhood: Soulard
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: attorney at Spencer Fane’s Litigation, Governmental Affairs, and Real Estate Practice; former assistant Circuit Attorney
Other Elected Office: former candidate for Board President, not running for Alder in 2023
Campaign Finance
MEC account now says he’s running for citywide in 8/6/2024 Primary
January 2023 Report: $400 raised, $4,524.23 spent ($4,000 for a campaign staffer), $16,460.23 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report #2: $41,305 raised, $99,238.76 spent (including $42,500 to Kelley Group and $13,500 to Tim Person**), $20,584.46 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report #1: $157,213 raised, $216,007.07 spent (most of it to Kelley Group, also $15,000 to Tim Person**) , $79,118.22 on hand, $0 debt
October #2 2022 Report #2: $36,225 raised, $71,884.32 spent (mostly to consultants including Kelley Group), $138,012.29 on hand, $0 debt
October 2023 Report #1: $116,604.18 raised, $119,651.90 spent (mostly to consultants including Kelley Group), $174,171.61 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Molly Dougherty (attorney at Sandberg Phoenix, secretary of Soulard Special Business District). Treasurer from 2014-2020 was Megan Shackelford of Kelley Group.
Deputy Treasurer: Kathryn Jayne Drennen/Drennan (also current treasurer for theLOUpac, Democracy 2.0 PAC, and Webster Groves School Board candidate Allen Todd; former treasurer for State Senate candidate Mark Osmack, Friends of Webster Groves Schools, Your Vote Matters MO PAC, Vote-StL PAC, Vote Yes on Prop E Webster Groves, Friends of St. Louis Zoo, Farm Action Missouri PAC, candidate for Secretary of State Robin Carnahan 2016, Missourians for a Fiscally Responsible Future PAC, Gateway to Progress PAC; current deputy treasurer for Missouri Voter Project – State PAC; former deputy treasurer for JanePAC for Jane Dueker, 15th Ward Alder candidate Rhonda Smythe, 78th District State Rep. candidate Penny Hubbard, former 5th Ward Alder Tammika Hubbard, former Lt Governor candidate Rusty Carnahan, former unspecific statewide candidate Rusty Carnahan, 2018 Ballot Fund for minimum wage and against Right to Work for Less, No Bans on Choice
Affiliated PAC Jack PAC
April 2023 Report: $10,000 raised (Caesar’s Enterprise- Horseshoe Casino, Downtown St. Louis); $10,000 spent (Caesar’s Enterprise contribution returned); $5,243.27 on hand; $0 debt
January 2023 Report: $0 raised, $23.07 spent, $5,243.27 on hand, $0 debt
December 2022 Report: $509.55 raised, $1,091.00 spent, $5,266.34 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report: $202,601 raised ($240,000 from Leadership Counts, a legal money laundry), $293,424.95 spent ($272,800 to Snyder Pickerill Media Group), $5,314.39 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report: $54,134 raised, $500 spent, $96,138.34 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Terence Niehoff (attorney in Soulard). This PAC was created 9/10/2019 by Patrick Lynn of Kelley Group.

Current 9th Ward Alder Dan Guenther
Neighborhood: Benton Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: former Monarch Community Liaison at Office of Sustainability
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report #1: Limited Activity
January 2022 Report: $200 raised, $798.95 spent, $8,586.50 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Sara Johnson (former 9th Ward Committeewoman)
Deputy Treasurer: Megan Bennett (lives in New 14th Ward)

Ward Committees (PACs)

New 8th Ward Democratic organization: None

New 8th Ward Republican organization: None

Current 7th Ward Democrats
Campaign Finance
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
Previous Report with activity or showing other than $0 on hand- April 2021 Report: $658.40 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Jazmyn Holton (lives in New 14th Ward)

Current 7th Ward Republican organization: None

Current 9th Ward Democrats
Campaign Finance
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
Previous Report with activity- February 2021 Report: $1,454.74 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Bryan Walsh (artist, 9th Ward Committeeman. Until 4/29/2022, Treasurer was Braxton Payne of Kelley Group.)

Current 9th Ward Democratic Organization
Genealogy: aligned with former Alder Ken Ortmann and former Committeewoman Pat Ortmann, owners of Cat’s Meow
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
Previous Report with activity- April 2022 Report: $7.61 raised (interest), $90 spent (on “clubs”), $4,042.30 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Trisha Wyant (daughter of former Alder Ortmann and former Committeewoman Ortmann)
Deputy Treasurer: Ron Auer (former State Representative)

Current 9th Ward Republican organization: None

Current 20th Ward Democratic Organization
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: $0 raised, $36 spent, $313.30 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report: $0 raised, $6 spent, $349.30 on hand, $0
Treasurer: Nancy Stopke
Deputy Treasurer: Dale Sweet (former 20th Ward Committeeman; treasurer for former Alder candidate Kemata McCline)

Current 20th Ward Republican organization: None

Political Party Committeepeople

Current 7th Ward Democratic Committeewoman: Danielle Mangogna
Neighborhood: Downtown West, New 14th Ward
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: attorney at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in D.C., address on MEC reports is in new 14th Ward)
Campaign Finance
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
Previous Report with activity- April 2021 Report: $486.15 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Steve Smith (owner of The Royale)

Current 7th Ward Democratic Committeeman Brian, might be Brian M. Beckmann
Neighborhood: LaSalle Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: account development representative at Square; U.S. Army Veteran
Campaign Finance
*No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Current 7th Ward Republican Committeewoman Nana Agyeman‐Graham
Neighborhood: Downtown
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: operations manager at Show Me Institute; volunteers for St. Louis Victims of Communism Commission; former Board member of Freedom Principle of St. Louis City
Campaign Finance
*No party committeewoman account filed at MEC

Current 7th Ward Republican Committeeman Jim Povolish Jr.
Neighborhood: McKinley Heights
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: sales/service at Charter Communications
Campaign Finance
*No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Current 9th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Inez Bordeaux
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant, New 3rd Ward
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: manager of Community Collaborations at Arch City Defenders. City Dems website still says Sara Johnson is committeewoman.
Campaign Finance
*No party committeewoman account filed at MEC

Current 9th Ward Democratic Committeeman Bryan Walsh
Neighborhood: Marine Villa
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: artist at Screwed Arts
Other Political: treasurer for 9th Ward Democrats
Campaign Finance
*No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Current 9th Ward Republican Committeewoman Cary Burton
Neighborhood: Marine Villa
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: support engineer at ATOS
Campaign Finance
*No party committeewoman account filed at MEC

Current 9th Ward Republican Committeeman Jerry VanderWier
Neighborhood: Benton Park West, New 7th Ward
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: crisis management at Ameren
Campaign Finance
*No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Current 20th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Kirsten Petty
Neighborhood: Gravois Park, New 7th Ward
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: photographer
Campaign Finance
Terminated MEC committee 7/1/2020
Treasurer: Mark Davis (20th Ward Committeeman)

Current 20th Ward Democratic Committeeman Mark Davis
Neighborhood: Marine Villa
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: retired
Campaign Finance
Terminated MEC committee 7/1/2020
Treasurer: Kirsten Petty (20th Ward Committeewoman)

Current 20th Ward Republican Committeewoman: Vacant

Current 20th Ward Republican Committeeman Tim Gartin
Neighborhood: Dutchtown, New 3rd Ward
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: general studies teacher at Missouri Torah Institute
Other Elected Office: former candidate for Recorder of Deeds but no MEC account; former candidate for 78th District State Rep 2020
Campaign Finance
*No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Former Political Party Committeepeople

Former 9th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Pat Ortmann
Neighborhood: Benton Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: owner of Cat’s Meow bar; works at City Collector of Revenue office
Party Office: former 9th Ward Committeewoman
Other Political: former treasurer for Kevin Klupe former candidate for Sheriff 2020
Genealogy: wife of 8th Ward Alder candidate and former 9th Ward Alder Ken Ortmann
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
April 2022 Report: $0 raised, $0 spent, $502.97 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Trisha Wyant (daughter of former Alder Ortmann and former Committeewoman Ortmann; Treasurer for 9th Ward Democratic Organization)


* Political Party County Central Committee ward and township committeepeople have the option to file their campaign finance reports with their county election authority- Board of Election Commissioners in the case of St. Louis City- or online with Missouri Ethics Commission. The St. Louis City Board of Election once posted pdfs of ward committeepeople campaign finance reports to the Board’s website. That is no longer the case. To inspect records, you must visit the Board in person.

** Tim Person runs a political consulting business while on City payroll as Human Resources Director at Recorder of Deeds. Missouri State Party Chair Michael Butler is the elected Recorder and also owns a bar.

Aldergeddon: New 7th Ward

Map for New 7th Ward, St. Louis City

The new St. Louis City 7th Ward includes parts of current 6th, 9th, 15th, 17th Wards, and other Wards, and is the result of Census Redistricting and Ward Reduction.

All 14 New Ward Profiles here.

Candidate Forum: February 8, 2023 7th Ward Alder Candidate Forum (YouTube) sponsored by Rung for Women STL

Candidate Forum: Live Tweeting Thread by Chelsea Merta of February 8, 2023 7th Ward Candidate Forum

2023 Alder Primary Results

18+ Population: 16,671
Registered Voters: 13,918 (83.48% Registered)
Total Ballots Cast: 1,822 (13.09% Turnout)
Total Votes Cast for Alder candidates:  2,482 – In St. Louis City Municipal Primary Elections, voters may vote for as many candidates as they want with top two advancing to General Election.
Board President
Megan Green: 1,456
Alder Candidates
Cedric Redmon: 643
J.P. Mitchom: 731
Alisha Sonnier: 1,1108

2023 Alder General Election

7th Ward Alder Candidate Alisha Sonnier
Neighborhood: Tower Grove East
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: mental health advocate at Cigna
Other Elected Office: Member of St. Louis School Board
2023 Alder Primary: 1st place of 3 candidate, 1,1108 Votes of 2,482
Campaign Finance
March 2023 Report: $23,846 raised ($5,200 LIUNA, $2,600 developer Mayo Aiyelokum, $2,600 Carpenters, $1,000 IAFF 73, $1,000 developer Michael Schwartz, $1,000 David Roberts, $1,000 SEIU, $1,000 Pathways United, $800 Eighth Ward Independent Democratic Assn, $750 Pro Choice Mo, $500 Sheetmetal Workers, $250 Sierra Club, $250 Building Trades); $19.884 spent ($9,025.87 MO Political Consulting); $17,825.49 on hand; $0 debt
February 2023 Report: $19,255 raised ($2,600 UNITE HERE, $1,000 Maxine Clark, $500 SEIU State, $500 SEIU Healthcare, $1,000 Laborers 42, $1,000 Laborers 110, $100 from the author of this blog); $10,513.79 spent ($5,197.87 MO Political Consulting); $13,863.78 on hand; $0 debt
January 2023 Report #2: $2,664 raised ($100 Alder Christine Ingrassia, $100 STL County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy), $6,546.55 spent ($6,335.52 to MO Political Consulting), $5,122.57 on hand, $0 debt
January 2023 Report #1: $11,430 raised (donors included City Treasurer Adam Layne, 15th Ward Dem Committeewoman Karisa Gilman-Hernandez, Meramec Township Dem Committeeman Brian Wingbermuehle), $2,796.60 spent, $8,633.40 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Vanessa Carroll (6th Ward Committeewoman)

7th Ward Alder Candidate Jon-Pierre Mitchom
Neighborhood: Tiffany
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: director of Equity and Inclusion at STL Priory School
2023 Alder Primary: 2nd place of 3 candidates, 731 Votes of 2,482
Campaign Finance
March 2023 Report Amended: added three donors including $2,600 from Phoebe Smith (wife of developer Steve Smith) and $2,500 from David Farr (former CEO Emerson Electric). New totals: $14,501.35 raised; $2,582.45 spent; $17,498.35 on hand; $0 debt
March 2023 Report: $8,901.35 raised ($4,001.35 attorney Jerry Schlichter, $2,600 GSL @ Metro Square- probably 21st Century St. Louis PAC/Civic Progress, $500 fmr Supply Commissioner Freddie Dunlap, $250 former Mayor Vince Schoemehl, $250 17th Ward Committeeman Bob Hilgemann); $2,582.45 spent ($102.25 MEC late fees, $3,826.45 Kelley Group/Show Me Victories); $11,898.35 on hand; $0 debt
February 2023 Report: $6,562.0 raised ($1,500 The LOUPAC, $500 former 11th Ward Alder Matt Villa, $200 former 1st Ward Alder Irene Smith); $3,427.02 spent ($599 Inbound Blend Digital Marketing); $5,579.45 on hand; $0 debt
January 2023 Report #2: $1,150 raised, $2,349.91 spent, $2,444.47 on hand, $0 debt
January 2023 Report #1: $5,318 raised (donors included former 17th Ward Alder Joe Roddy, former State Senator Jeff Smith), $1,673.62 spent, $3,644.38 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Kaishla Davie (owner of Kindness & Love LLC)

2023 Primary- Other Alder Candidates

7th Ward Alder Candidate Cedric “C-Sharp” Redmon
Neighborhood: Fox Park
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: musician, his Linkedin account says he is in Florissant
Other Elected Office: former candidate for 6th Ward Alder 2019
2023 Alder Primary: 3rd place of 3 candidates, 643 Votes of 2,482
Campaign Finance
Terminated committee 03/22/2023
February 2023 Report: $1,475 raised ($500 former 20th Ward Committeeman Dale Sweet); $1,112.99 spent; $1,698 on hand; $0 debt
January 2023 Report Amended: Herschel Cooper donated, not Herschel Walker
January 2023 Report: $2,900 raised (no employer/occupation info for any donors, $150 Herschel Walker of Dallas), $1,564.01 spent, $1,335.99 on hand, $100 debt
Treasurer: self/Cedric Redmon

2023 Running for School Board

2023 School Board Candidate Sadie Weiss
Neighborhood: Tower Grove East
Residence Tax Abated: Yes, building is tax abated until 2025
Occupation: assistant director for Precollegiate Services, UMSL
Campaign Finance
March 2023 Report: $1,445 raised ($2,000 AFT 420, $250 St. Louis City Labor Legislature Club, $100 Public School Advocates PAC); $1,939.53 spent; $2,553.04 on hand; $0 debt
February 2023 Report Amended: same totals, something about ActBlue fees
February 2023 Report: $3,825 raised ($1,500 AFT 420); $877.43 spent; $2,947.57 on hand; $0 debt
Treasurer: Dorothy Rohde-Collins (former member of St. Louis City School Board)

Other Public Officials Residing In Ward

City Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler
Neighborhood: Gate District
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: owner of Butler-Poole Logistics; owner of Digital Generation; owner of DiGen; owner of Open Concept bar; owner of Theta House bar; founder of administratively dissolved nonprofits 6th Ward PAC, St. Louis Leadership Foundation, People Powered; Democratic Action Network; Save St. Louis;
Party Office: former chair of Missouri Democratic Party; former St. Louis Democratic City Central Committee; former 6th Ward Committeeman
Other Elected Office: former State Rep
Notes: serves (with lobbyist Dave Sweeney) on Board of Communities First nonprofit founded by 3rd Ward Committeewoman Lucinda Frazier, Recorder Butler’s Chief Deputy Recorder
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: $0 raised, $0 spent, $5,953.72 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report #2: $0 raised, $0 spent, $5,953.72 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report #1: $0 raised, $0 spent, $5,953.72 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report: $0 raised, $0 spent, $5,953.72 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: self/Michael Butler

School Board Member Alisha Sonnier
See 7th Ward Alder Candidate profile above

School Board Member Antionette “Toni” Cousins
Neighborhood: Gate District
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: community outreach manager at Missouri Housing Development Commission 
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
July 2022 Report: Limited Activity
April 2022 Report: $0 raised, $5 spent, $2,646.68 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Dionne Flowers (former 2nd Ward Alder; former City Register**

Accused rapist State Senator Steven Roberts
Neighborhood: Gate District
Residence Tax Abated: Yes
Occupation: attorney; Missouri Air National Guard JAG Corps
Other Elected Office: former State Rep
Genealogy: father is former Alder Steve Roberts (sponsor of Union Station development); mother is Dr. Eva Frazer M.D.; nephew of former Alder Mike Roberts
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: $6,550 raised ($1,500 from Humane Society of Mo), $13,116.01 spent, $9,245.42 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report Amended: $9,278 raised, $1,307.56 spent, $12,711.43 on hand, $20,000 debt
October 2022 Report: $8,278 raised, $1,307.56 spent, $11,711.43 on hand, $20,000 debt
July 2022 Report Amended #2: $2,285 raised, $31,250.22 spent (including $30,000 loan payment), $5,140.99 on hand, $20,000 on debt
July 2022 Report Amended #1: $1,885 raised, $31,250.22 spent (including $30,000 loan payment), $4,740.99 on hand, $20,000 debt
Treasurer: James Hill (former treasurer for Board President Lewis Reed)

State Rep. Peter Merideth
Neighborhood: Tower Grove East
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: attorney at Dearing Batten & Bauer, previously at Husch Blackwell
Genealogy: brother David Merideth is former School Board candidate
Campaign Finance
December 2022 Report: $2,845 raised, $755.51 spent, $35,626.48 on hand, $0 debt
November 2022 Report: $4,314.33 raised, $321.99 spent, $33,536.99 on hand, $0 debt
October 2022 Report: $2,845 raised, $755.51 spent, $35,626.48 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Jennifer Merideth
Deputy Treasurer: John Merideth

Ward Committees (PACs)

New 7th Ward Democratic organization: None

New 7th Ward Republican organization: None

Current 6th Ward Democratic Organization
Campaign Finance
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
May 2021 Report: $690.00 on hand, $0 debt
Treasurer: Melissa Korba
Deputy Treasurer & Chair: S.J. Creek (Metaphase Design Group)
President: Patricia  Barber

Current 6th Ward Republican organization: None

Political Party Committeepeople

Current 6th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Vanessa Carroll
Neighborhood: Tower Grove East
Resident Tax Abated: No
Occupation: current or former Build A Bear Workshop designer
Other Elected Office: Treasurer of Progress PAC for Board President Megan Ellyia Green; Treasurer for 7th Ward Alder Candidate Alisha Sonnier; former Treasurer for Alison Dreith for 6th Ward Democratic Committeewoman
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
January 2021 Report: $349.95 on hand, $0 debt

Current 6th Ward Democratic Committeeman– Vacant

Current 6th Ward Republican Committeewoman: Vacant

Current 6th Ward Republican Committeeman Michael Hebron
Neighborhood: Gate District
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: facilities assistant at Benson Hill; realtor; security officer at Keystone Event Staffing
Other Elected Office: former candidate for 5th District Senator 2020; former candidate for 6th Ward Alder 2019;
Campaign Finance
* No party committeeman account filed at MEC

Former Public Officials

Former 6th Ward Alder Christine Ingrassia
Neighborhood: Tower Grove East
Residence Tax Abated: No
Occupation: Director of Operations for Board of Alders President;  former paddle guide for Big Muddy Adventures
Campaign Finance
January 2023 Report: Limited Activity
October 2022 Report: Limited Activity
Previous Report with activity- July 2019 Report: $1,639.31 raised, $837.60 spent, $2,474.33 on hand, $5,800 debt
Treasurer: self/Christine Ingrassia


* Political Party County Central Committee ward and township committeepeople have the option to file their campaign finance reports with their county election authority- Board of Election Commissioners in the case of St. Louis City- or online with Missouri Ethics Commission. The St. Louis City Board of Election once posted pdfs of ward committeepeople campaign finance reports to the Board’s website. That is no longer the case. To inspect records, you must visit the Board in person.

**Appointed by Mayor Lyda Krewson. The City Register is a county office as well as municipal office under state law, the County Clerk where applicable.