By Adam Allington, KWMU
Kirkwood, MO – A St. Louis County lawyer has become the first challenger to contest incumbent Charlie Dooley for the position of St. Louis County Executive next year.
Republican Bill Corrigan is a partner at the high-powered Armstrong Teasdale law firm and a former president of the Missouri Bar Association.
At his campaign kickoff, Corrigan outlined a platform based on property tax reform, job creation and crime reduction.
"I think Mr. Dooley is vulnerable because of his record," said Corrigan. "I think when the voters understand the tax situation; the crime increases the job losses. I think the people of our county are crying out for new leadership and a new vision and we're going to offer that."
Corrigan said if elected he would use tax credits to try to lure jobs back to the county, while also reforming the tax code and decreasing crime.
He is considered well connected among the regional business community and could pose a substantial fundraising threat.
Charlie Dooley has held the office of County Exec since 2003 and was reelected in 2006 by a 67 percent majority.