By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Former County Councilman Charlie Dooley is now St. Louis County Executive.
He had been acting executive since October 14th following the hospitalization of the late Buzz Westfall.
The council unanimously supported his appointment, but Dooley did not say if he'd run for re-election next year.
"I think that's inappropriate, because I'm not really focusing on that right now," Dooley said. "Right now we're trying to focus on getting the county on its feet again and move forward, and we'll let you know when the appropriate time is."
Dooley says his first priority will be the county budget.
There will be a special election in November, 2004 to fill the remaining two years of Westfall's term. Dooley resigned his council seat, and there may be a special election in April to elect a new 1st District councilmember.
Also Tuesday, the council voted to name the county justice center for Westfall.