St. Louis County Prosecutor Appointment Dispute

A court hearing is underway to determine who has the authority to appoint the next prosecuting attorney for St. Louis County after Wesley Bell resigns to join Congress. Both Missouri Governor Mike Parson and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page have named their respective candidates: Parson supports Melissa Price Smith, a veteran of the county prosecutor's office, while Page endorses Cort VanOstran, a former federal prosecutor. The St. Louis County Board Committee has recommended rejecting VanOstran's nomination, complicating Page's position. Parson argues that state law grants him the primary authority to appoint Bell's successor, which does not require county council approval, while Page cites the county charter as his basis for authority. Both candidates have presented their qualifications and plans to address issues within the prosecutor's office, including case backlogs and relationships with law enforcement. The legal battle continues as the judge will ultimately decide who holds the appointment power.