St. Charles Mayoral Candidates Trade Barbs in Lindenwood Debate

Incumbent Mayor Patti York and Republican state Rep. Sally Faith went after each others’ records while touting their own accomplishments during a debate Wednesday night on the Lindenwood University campus.

The candidates discussed the payout for the departed finance director, the puppy mill bill, eliminating tax rebates and vacating elected posts to seek another office. The candidates are running for mayor in the April 5 election.

Faith criticized York’s spending and tax records. She said York approved a $237,000 severance package when finance director Karen McDermott resigned; eliminated a utility tax rebate for seniors; and needed to cut back its budget several years ago when the economy took a downturn.

Meanwhile, York questioned whether Faith listens to voters she represents. The mayor said Faith voted in 2006 to change the minimum wage law approved by voters; is running for mayor after being re-elected as state representative in November, and co-sponsored a bill that would repeal the puppy mill bill passed by voters

York said Faith acknowledged that she did not read the bill before agreeing to co-sponsor it.

“What leader does that when her district clearly voted for it just four months ago?” York asked.

“How can you assure us you’re going to listen to the citizens of St. Charles and not repeatedly go against the will of the people?” York asked.

Faith responded that there is nothing wrong with submitting a bill and examining an issue more closely to see if there’s room for improvement. The District 15 representative also said she would not vote to repeal the puppy mill legislation.

Faith also said she ran for re-election for her state House of Representatives seat because she wanted to help Republicans maintain their majority in 2011.

She also defended her vote helping roll back the minimum wage. Faith said it helped prevent a cost-of-living provision from kicking in and raising Missouri’s minimum wage above the federal level.

Regarding McDermott’s severance package, York said she and the city council approved the payout because the city was contractually obligated to make those payments.

“We could have said, ‘We won’t pay that,’ and go to court, which would cost the city more money,” York said.

She said the city has gotten away from employee contracts in recent years.

As for utility taxes, York said the city was forced to cut back on extras due to a $2-million budget shortfall. However, the city did keep the utility tax rebate for low-income seniors for those who need it most, she said.

“Leaders sometimes have to make tough choices,” York said.

Faith said the she believes she can assist the city in taking a new direction.

“I think my experience will assist that to be a better direction than where we’re headed now,” she said.

Although she’s held several elected positions, she worked for businesses such as Wilke Motors and Toolcraft, and knows what it’s like to be a business owner and taxpayer.

“St Charles needs to be business friendly,” Faith said. “I’m not sure existing businesses are getting the help they need.”

“My door will always be open, I will be there, and I will listen and do my best to help the people of St. Charles,” Faith said.

In her opening statement, York said she said she promised to keep taxes low, and the city reduced taxes by more than 16 percent while she’s been mayor.

 “I’ve done what St. Charles wants: lowered taxes, created jobs and continued to provide superb city services,” York said.

She said he had done what many people thought was impossible and helped get the convention center built.

The debate may have swayed at least two St. Charles voters, Paul and Carole Bannes, who attended the event.

“I came prepared to vote against one, and I’m leaving here, and I’m probably going to vote for her,” Carole Bannes said.

After the debate, audience member Paul Bannes said York might have won his vote with a strong performance during the forum.

“I am not a great fan of Mayor York, but I was impressed by her performance as compared to (Faith’s) performance,” Bannes said.

“The impression Faith gave was exactly what I was afraid I was going to see, that she’s a strident partisan character,” Bannes said. “She’s more interested in the Republican party and in waving that flag than she is in the City of St. Charles.”

The forum was cosponsored by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and Lindenwood University.