A judge has ruled that Vicki Schneider's name can go back on the April ballot for O'Fallon City Council, the Suburban Journals reported today.
St. Charles County Circuit Judge Richard Zerr ruled Monday in Schneider's favor in Schneider's lawsuit against City Clerk Pam Clement. Clement had refused to certify Schneider's candidacy for the Ward 5 city council seat, citing a Missouri statute that states that "persons in arrears for municipal taxes or fees shall not be candidates for municipal office."
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The "taxes or fees" Clement was referring to were water, sewer and trash bills for rental properties that Schneider owns in O'Fallon. Those charges have been combined into a single bill since June 2012. Schneider said her tenants were responsible for the trash fees.
Schneider told the Journal that she did not expect the city to appeal the ruling.
With her name back on the ballot, Schneider will face Michael Snowden and Jeff Houston for the Ward 5 seat. Snowden was appointed last January to fulfill the term of Mark Perkins who resigned.
Schneider served eight years as a state representative. Her term in the legislature ended in January, and term limits prevent her from running again.
It is a true shame that secrets are being kept inside City hall. Here’s to transparency and having Pam Clement respond to Records Requests and the full-disclosure of pending requests. If not, Mrs. Clement will find a “Writ of Mandamus” and “Declaratory Judgment” on her desk with taxpayers having to flip the bill and penalty fines of $1,000 for the first Offense and $5,000 for the second Offense and every Offence there after. Pam Clement NEEDS to learn the meaning of independence and following the law! AC Dienoff City Council Community and Public Advocate