Why St. Louis County Council members aren't on the same page with Sam Page.

·50 min·4 clips

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page faces a council with enough votes to override his veto for the first time since 2019.

The episode begins by framing St. Louis County Executive Sam Page's political challenges, including a council with veto-override power and critics like Chairwoman Rita Days. Page is interviewed in his Clayton office, where he details his main priorities before the 2026 election, such as the 2050 comprehensive plan and airport-related land use planning. He addresses concerns about county stagnation, highlighting investments in public safety like new police stations and a multi-jurisdictional training center. The conversation turns to financial pressures, with Page estimating reserves will last only two to three years and proposing a use tax on online purchases to generate $50-60 million annually. Questions from social media cover topics like road clearing after a winter storm and the county's plan to take over the animal shelter from the APA. Page discusses his public disagreement with Governor Mike Parson over appointing the new county prosecutor, Melissa Price-Smith, and his support for her. He also touches on crime rates and police cooperation with municipalities. The host probes Page's communication breakdowns with council members, citing quotes from allies like Kelly Dunaway. Page plans to veto a council measure making it easier to fire department heads, arguing it threatens department heads. He rejects the idea of a county manager system, preferring the current charter form. Page confirms he will run for re-election in 2026. The second half features an interview with State Senator Nick Schroer about his bill to establish a gubernatorially appointed board overseeing the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Schroer explains the board's composition, with appointments from the governor based on slates from police groups like the POA and ESOP. He argues this would remove politics from policing and improve public safety, citing support from law enforcement organizations. Schroer responds to criticism from mayors like Tashara Jones and Quentin Lucas, denying it's a conservative power grab and emphasizing input from city residents. He addresses concerns about sponsors not being from St. Louis City, sharing his personal connection to the region. Schroer discusses the bill's momentum, linking it to Mayor Jones's perceived lack of police support compared to predecessors. He plans to navigate Democratic filibusters through negotiation and dialogue.

As heard by us

Sam Page's push for cooperation meets a tougher council landscape, with veto power and communication complaints shaping the stakes.

Politically Speaking looks at Sam Page's next stretch in St. Louis County as a test of governing with a council that may have the votes to override his vetoes.

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Why you'd press play

You get the veto math behind Sam Page's county standoff, plus the narrow places where cooperation still holds.

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