Recall process under scrutinty in St. Louis City

By Maria Hickey, KWMU

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-518802.mp3

St. Louis, MO – It took 75 years for the first political recall election to take place in St. Louis. That was in 1989, when 27th ward alderman Jimmie Matthews was booted from office.

But efforts have increased to recall city leaders: In the last three years, three aldermen have been kicked out of office by recall campaigns, and now four more aldermen face similar efforts. In fact, one in every four St. Louis alderman has either been the subject of a recall or replaced a recalled alderman.

Recalls are a way for citizens to make their feelings known long before a general election, but some say it's too easy and too costly.

As KWMUs Maria Hickey reports, the process is coming under more scrutiny as it becomes more common.