To the editor:

It is with great pleasure and conviction that I express my support for Steve Stenger in the Aug. 5 Democratic primary for county executive.

I have had the privilege of knowing Steve for over 10 years and am confident that he possesses the character and integrity to restore credibility to the office of county executive and the intellect, skill and courage necessary to lead St. Louis County during these challenging times.

As our councilman, Steve Stenger has a proven record of protecting the citizens of St. Louis County and the courage to stand up to those in his own party. When the current administration falsely declared a budget crisis and threatened to close down our parks unless a tax hike was implemented, Steve used his skills as a certified public accountant to expose the truth: There was no budget crisis. The parks remained open.

When the current administration asked Steve to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to hide from St. Louis County citizens the true cost of a public project, Steve refused. When the administration turned away abused women at the county shelter, Steve introduced a bill to prevent such a horrific policy.

The county executive’s office has a rich history of competent and honest leadership from both political parties. Having served on the County Council from 1997 to 2001 and as a member of the administration of the late Honorable Buzz Westfall, a man who epitomized integrity, it is heartbreaking to watch the current administration’s actions and the resulting lack of faith by citizens in their county government.

We need someone who can restore that faith and who will have the standing and skill necessary to work with other regional governmental and business leaders to move our county forward.

We need Steve Stenger.

Please join me in voting for Steve Stenger for county executive in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, Aug. 5.