By MIKE ANTHONY

Executive Editor

Three candidates are vying to serve the remaining two years of the late George R. “Buzz” Westfall’s term as county executive.

Libertarian Theodis “Ted” Brown Sr., Democratic incumbent Charlie Dooley and Republican Gene McNary, who held the post before Westfall, are vying for the county executive’s seat in the Nov. 2 election.

Westfall died in October 2003 and Dooley unanimously was selected by the County Council to serve as county executive until the November election. McNary previously served as county executive from 1975 to 1989.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the race, the candidates responded:

• “Public safety matters. You must have a safe place to work, live and play. Homeland security issues are paramount,” Brown said.

• “One issue that I consider to be of the utmost importance is economic development and its effect on our quality of life here in St. Louis County. Our regional economy thrives when development is ongoing. When we stimulate the local economy, economic growth is sure to follow,” Dooley said.

• “Growing our economy to provide jobs, quality neighborhoods, schools and transportation systems,” McNary said.

Brown, 55, 10103 Baron Drive, 63136, is a retired chief and fire marshal in Kinloch. He and his wife, Gail, have five grown children.

Brown, who currently serves as the St. Ferdinand Township Libertarian committeeman, said he is seeking election to the county executive’s position because he is the “law-and-order candidate for the top county job.”

Dooley, 56, 4408 Mathew St., Northwoods, 63121, retired after 30 years at Boeing, formerly McDonnell-Douglas. He and his wife, Sandra, have a grown daughter.

Dooley formerly served as mayor of Northwoods in 1983 after five years as an alderman there. He was elected in 1994 as the 1st District’s county councilman and served in that capacity until he was named county executive last fall. Besides being the first African-American county executive and the first African-American elected to the County Council, Dooley served as president of the St. Louis County Municipal League and president of the Missouri Chapter of Black Mayors.

He said he is seeking election because “I understand the needs of the people of St. Louis County. I have lived a life that mirrors most of those who live here. I want the quality of life this area offers: a safe place to live, a good job, affordable health care and the ability to send my children to the good colleges we have right here at home. I was born in St. Louis, fought in Vietnam and returned home to begin a 30-year career with McDonnell-Douglas.

“While raising a family, I was asked by my neighbors to serve my community by getting involved in local recreation programs. I served on the local parks board, was elected alderman and, then, mayor and county councilman. Now as county executive, I will continue to build this community while preserving the life we know and enjoy. I want to improve the county’s health centers, revive the Citizens’ Police Academy that educates citizens in law enforcement issues and continue to encourage job growth,” he added.

McNary, 69, 3 Watch Hill Road, 63124, is an attorney with Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal. He and his wife, Susan, have five grown children. Besides serving as county executive, McNary was commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service from 1989 to 1992. Before serving as county executive, he served two terms as St. Louis County prosecuting attorney and was an assistant public defender in St. Louis County.

He said he is seeking the county executive’s post because of his “experience, leadership and vision to provide strong economic growth and jobs to St. Louis County and restore the county’s fiscal responsibility.”

The candidates gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

Do you believe the St. Louis County Planning Commission is responsive to county residents? How long should appointees serve on the Planning Commission?

Brown said, “No. One term only. We need term limitations. They tend to ignore the will of the people on petition drive issues where townspeople want more local control …”

Dooley said, “The St. Louis Planning Commission is well respected for the balance it brings to the planning process and for its fair decision-making. The interview process for appointments to boards and commissions in St. Louis County is designed to acquire the most appropriate individuals who bring unique expertise to the board’s mission. The Planning Commission appointees are asked to serve a minimum of three years. When necessary, appointees are asked to serve additional tenures, thereby leveraging their expertise and acquired experience as commission members.”

McNary said, “We should improve the responsiveness of the Planning Commission and assure fair representation by including people from all parts of the county. Appointments should be consistent with maintaining a solid knowledge base, while also including people with new ideas.”

Do you agree with the County Council’s 2001 decision to change its meetings to the evening from the afternoon?

Brown said, “No.”

Dooley said, “The St. Louis County Council changed its meetings to the evening so that more citizens could attend. I believe in accessible government forums where citizens can participate, and this change has brought about greater citizen participation. It was a good decision.”

McNary said, “Yes, this makes government accessible to more people. Further, I believe the council should also have regular, regional meetings to bring government to the people.”

What is your position on Fred Weber Inc.’s proposal to locate a trash-transfer station in south county?

Brown said, “Vote no on it.”

Dooley said, “The proposed trash-transfer station was rejected by both the Planning Commission and the County Council earlier this year. The County Council has authority on all zoning matters and I respect the council’s decision in this matter.”

McNary said, “This proposal should not be approved.”

What is your position on the use of tax-increment financing?

Brown said, “Proponent of it.”

Dooley said, “Tax-increment financing is an effective and useful tool when used appropriately, as the law intended. It should be an incentive for developers to undertake development and redevelopment of an aging infrastructure. Its application has to be judicious. TIF and other financing tools can also help keep the economy growing in these tight fiscal times.”

McNary said, “Tax-increment financing was designed as a mechanism to pay for infrastructure improvements on major projects and for redevelopment of declining areas. This is a redevelopment tool that serves a purpose in the right situation.”

If a casino is built at the former National Lead site, what will you do to ensure county revenue will be returned to Lemay?

Brown said, “Have my law department staff stay on top of the matter.”

Dooley said, “The County Council and I have already expressed our intention of making Lemay specifically and south county generally, our first priority for casino revenue. In addition to this being the right decision to make, it is also the best practical and business decision for the county. For the casino to be considered a successful county endeavor, it must prove beneficial for the surrounding community. That means it must become a catalyst for local economic development and must not create traffic headaches or other problems for the surrounding area. The only way for the casino to truly benefit St. Louis County is for the county to invest in Lemay.”

McNary said, “As county executive, I will make sure that the commitments to Lemay are fulfilled and that moneys are not siphoned away to other services or purposes.”

Do you support the licensing provisions of the county’s mechanical code? Are changes needed?

Brown said, “Union has undermined this program, put self-serving changes in place that are overkill in my professional opinion …”

Dooley said, “The licensing provisions of the county’s mechanical code are in place to ensure that St. Louis County residents receive quality work. Because of the licensing provisions, there is a higher level of accountability for the safety and general welfare of residents and visitors in our county. The current code ensures quality workmanship which benefits the citizens of St. Louis County.”

McNary said, “The goal of these ordinances must be to ensure that St. Louis County residents are safe and installers are trained and qualified. Licensing should not be for the purpose of controlling jobs. The current system has shortcomings that need to be addressed without unnecessary delays and increased costs that are passed on to customers.”