CLAYTON — A feud between ºüÀêÊÓƵ County’s two top elected officials continued Tuesday.
County Council Chair Shalonda Webb wanted County Executive Sam Page to testify at a hearing that afternoon over long-delayed federal pandemic relief money owed to a handful of ºüÀêÊÓƵ County nonprofits.
Page said previously he wouldn’t attend personally, but that he’d make staff available. He didn’t show, and neither did his staff.
Webb, a Democrat from North County, decried a lack of communication and respect. She had hoped Page’s staff, at least, could present some ideas on how to get the money to the nonprofits.
People are also reading…
Then, at the council meeting that night, Webb attempted to block Page from giving his weekly report. Page normally highlights an event or accomplishment during that time.
But three councilmembers — Republican Councilman Ernie Trakas, of South County, Democrat Kelli Dunaway, of Chesterfield, and Democrat Lisa Clancy, of Maplewood — used a council rule to force Webb to allow Page to speak.
Page said he and Webb met with Congresswoman Cori Bush on Friday, May 31, to discuss the impasse, and the use of federal pandemic relief money.
The aid comes with too many rules and the county doesn’t have the staff to comply, Page has said.
Doug Moore, a spokesman for Page, said the office is also exploring the use of federal community block grants.