Proposition S Supporters Launch Final Plea

Led by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch, supporters will launch the final phase of their campaign at a press conference at 1:30 p.m. today at the St. Louis County Courthouse. Specifically, it will be held at the chambers of Judge Douglas Beach, Division 6, third floor.

Proposition S, the only countywide measure on the April 3 ballot, would issue $100 million in general obligation bonds to renovate unsafe conditions at the County Courthouse and build a new Family Justice Center in downtown Clayton without a tax increase.

St. Louis County voters, including and  residents, will decide the fate of the measure in 14 days.

Proposition S supporters were described as representatives from law enforcement, emergency services, crime and domestic violence victims advocacy agencies, children’s groups, municipal and county officials, judges, unions and members of the public, according to a media advisory distributed Monday by Citizens for Safe Courts and Kids (CSCK).

In 2010, more than 103,000 cases were filed in these targeted county facilities. According to the CSCK website, that's a four-fold increase compared to previous years. "What were once efficient houses of justice have become ensnarled in security imposed restrictions, unsafe working conditions, growing demands for increased technology capabilities, outmoded and unrepairable infrastructure and the pressures of a community that is more involved, positively or negatively, in the criminal justice system than ever before," stated the site, as reasons why a proposition should be supported.

For background about the proposed needs for new structures and safety at the St. Louis County Circuit Court and Family Court buildings, see previous Patch articles:

Proposition S will read as follows on the April ballot:

“Shall St. Louis County, Missouri, issue general obligation bonds up to the amount of One Hundred Million Dollars for the purposes of constructing a new Family Court building and making various capital improvements to the County Civil Court building?”

For a full list of those who are endorsing this measure, click here.