This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 17, 2011 - State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, is jubilant today over the Missouri House's overwhelming first-round vote on her bill to restore local control of the St. Louis Police Department. The House vote was a stunning 123-34.
Nasheed noted that Republicans and Democrats voted for the measure.
"I'm thrilled that my colleagues saw fit to do the right thing for the people of St. Louis," said Nasheed. "Last year we fell short of the votes needed to pass the bill. This year it passed overwhelmingly. I think you can attribute that to members finally understanding the issue and realizing the state has no business controlling the city's police department."
The House approved an amendment aimed at protecting the police pension system, which St. Louis police groups fear is the real target of City Hall. City officials have denied that's the case.
"We've taken every step we can to assure our police officers that their retirement benefits are protected," said Nasheed. "I'm confident this bill provides that protection."
Nasheed's legislation requires another vote in the House before moving to the Senate, where police groups hope to block it. Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has indicated that he'd prefer to retain state control.
