Two Democrats are trying to take back the 6th District County Council seat and regain their party’s majority on the council.

Julie Leicht of Concord and Ron Wagganer of Lemay will vie for a chance in the Tuesday, Aug. 3, primary to do in November what Jeff Wagener couldn’t do four years ago — beat John Campisi, R-south county, who currently fills the 6th District seat on the County Council. Campisi was the top vote-getter in the November 2000 election, defeating Wagener, a Democrat, who previously served one four-year term as south county’s councilman.

Campisi’s win captured the council’s swing seat — making Republicans the new majority party with four Republicans and three Democrats. Campisi is unopposed in the Aug. 3 primary.

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

• “Leadership is the key issue in the race,” Leicht said. “Over the last four years, the 6th District has been lacking leadership from our current councilman. Issues have not been resolved and south county has been fraught with controversy and turmoil. If south county wants to continue along the path of growth and prosperity, then it is critical that the elected councilman have the qualifications and experience needed to address the tough issues currently facing our community. South county deserves to be represented by someone who is willing to make decisions and move our community forward.”

• “Emission testing,” Wagganer said. “Cars are being licensed in other counties. This results in lost revenue, causing higher taxes.”

Leicht, 44, 13690 Evergreen Glen Drive, 63128, is a small-business owner. She and her husband, Mark Kiesewetter, have three children, ages 14, 11 and 7.

Leicht, who has served two four year-terms as the Democratic committeewoman for the Tesson Ferry Township, beginning in 1996, said she is seeking the Democratic nomination because “last summer I was approached by the late County Executive Buzz Westfall and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch with a request to run for this seat. They were concerned that south county residents were being hurt by the lack of leadership by the current councilman. I was honored that two people who I greatly admired and respected believed in my ability to lead south county.

“I grew up in the 6th District and my husband and I are committed to raising our three children in this community. Therefore, we have a vested interest in the future of south county …,” she said.

Another issue cited by Leicht that “must be addressed is a comprehensive solid-waste policy for St. Louis County. Residents of south county have been adamant about their opposition to a transfer station in our area. St. Louis County must address its current and future solid-waste needs as a whole rather than the fragmented method currently being utilized.”

Wagganer, 52, 149 Jefferson Barracks Drive, 63125, is on permanent layoff and plans to go back to work after the Aug. 3 primary election. He and his wife, Redonna, have two grown children.

Wagganer, who has never held public office, said he is seeking the Democratic nod “for the community.”

Another issue cited by Wagganer is a trash-transfer station proposed for south county, which he opposes.

The candidates gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

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

Leicht said, “The Planning Commission needs to be extremely responsive to the residents of south county. Most recently a good example of responsiveness was when the commission listened to the concerns of south county residents regarding the proposed trash transfer station and unanimously voted to deny the rezoning request.

“The commission is comprised of nine members each serving three-year terms. The commission members serve at the pleasure of the county executive and are confirmed by the County Council. Of the nine members currently serving on the commission, the County Charter requires that five members live in unincorporated St. Louis County. As a result, the commission is weighted so that unincorporated St. Louis County is well represented and has the majority voice on the commission.

“The County Council always has the option to not ratify an appointment to the commission. As councilwoman, I will be responsive to residents. The bottom line is that the buck stops at the council when it comes to planning and zoning changes,” Leicht said.

Wagganer said, “They appear to be. It does seem to appear if enough pressure is put on the commission, the powers to be are more apt to get what they want. Two years and have a rotating system.”

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

Leicht said, “Absolutely. Evening meetings allow citizens the opportunity to have a more active role in government. I would not change the meeting time.”

Wagganer said, “Personally either way is fine with me. The numbers at night do not appear to be more, but the reason for change seemed justified.”

Are you satisfied with the changes made to the county’s assessment process?

Leicht said, “No, I am not satisfied. We need real reform to our tax assessment system in this state. We also need meaningful relief for our seniors that is designed in a way that does not hurt our school districts. The county needs to do more to make the process for appealing easier and more user-friendly for residents and business owners alike.”

Wagganer said, “No.”

Do you support the licensing provisions of the county’s mechanical code? Why or why not? Are changes needed?

Leicht said, “I do not believe we need additional licensing requirements. It is my understanding that the necessary revisions and compromises were made to the mechanical code. I know that this process was at times controversial with various groups lined up on different sides. The current code reflects both a political and policy compromise that protects the public safety and consumers. At this time, I do not believe there is a need to modify the code. I do think we should monitor this and other codes to ensure that it is meeting the objectives of protecting the public.”

Wagganer said, “I need to see all the details of the codes and talk to all the unions involved and non-union contractors who are involved.”

Do you support Pinnacle Entertainment’s gaming proposal for the former National Lead site in Lemay?

Leicht said, “I am not a big gaming advocate in general, but I support the Pinnacle proposal for a variety of reasons. The most important reason is that the majority of Lemay residents want the casino in their community. The $300 million project offers a host of amenities to an area needing an economic boost. The project will create 2,000 permanent and 1,000 construction jobs.

“In addition, it will contribute an estimated $25.5 million to the tax base. Lastly, the project will clean up the National Lead site by removing the hazardous waste. Gaming should be used to help poor communities and not placed in high growth suburban areas like St. Charles or Maryland Heights,” Leicht added.

Wagganer said, “I am disappointed about the $4.3 million for the community that has been withdrawn. I support cleanup at the old National Lead site.”

Is the former National Lead site in Lemay the best location in south county for a riverboat casino? Is there a location that you believe would be more suitable?

Leicht said, “The National Lead site is the only site I support. I would not support a gaming boat in another south county location, such as the Jefferson Barracks bridge. Gaming should be used to create investment in underserved areas like Lemay.

“When voters approved gaming, we were told it would bring investment to poor river communities. In reality, gaming has been put in high growth areas like St. Charles and Maryland Heights. It is time the Gaming Commission uses gaming to bring real reinvestment to an area that needs it and, most importantly, wants it,” she added.

Wagganer said, “Yes. Long term is my concern. The JB Bridge sets right on the interstate. Lemay definitely needs the site.”

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

Leicht said, “Tax-increment financing can be an excellent tool for real estate redevelopment and an effective measure to revitalize an economically deprived area. However, there have been many examples of the misuse of tax-increment financing in development projects. As a result, I would seek a statewide reform to address the abuses and loopholes in the tax-increment financing incentive.”

Wagganer said, “The original use was good, but has been abused. The 30-year blighting is of great concern to me.”

Would you support a south county education foundation funded by gaming revenues?

Leicht said, “I would support an education foundation funded by gaming revenue. The five school districts impacted by an education foundation as proposed by Pinnacle are listed as follows: Hancock, Affton, Bayless, Mehlville and Lindbergh. Several of the south county school districts are ‘hold-harmless’ districts and are in desperate need of additional revenue. A thriving school district is the best way to retain and attract new families to our community thus growing our tax base.”

Wagganer said, “Probably if ran correctly.”