Sonya Jenkins-Gray, a former director of the city’s personnel department whose tenure ended in controversy and her termination, is among Gov. Mike Kehoe’s nominees to serve as a commissioner on the state board that will control the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Gray, who was dismissed after having one of her employees drive her to Jefferson City for a personal matter, is the lone prospective Black commissioner.
Also introduced at a Monday press conference at police headquarters and awaiting confirmation when the state Senate reconvenes in January are:
Brad Arteaga, owner of an aerial photography business, a booster for the 2nd District Police Business Association, and a former member of the city police oversight board, which hears complaints filed against officers.
Eddie McVey, owner of Maggie O’Brien’s bar and restaurant in St. Louis and Maggie’s West in Sunset Hills, Mo.
Chris Saracino, a restaurateur whose family operates Bartolino’s restaurants.
Don Brown, an automobile dealership owner who resides in St. Louis County but owns a business in the city, is a non-voting member of the board.
Mayor Cara Spencer will be the fifth member of the voting board. She opposed the state takeover. Her office has not filed a lawsuit attempting to stop the transition. Board of Aldermen President Megan Green, and city residents Jamala Rogers and Mike Milton have filed respective lawsuits.
State Sens. Karla May and Steve Roberts represent respective parts of the city. The appointees must be sponsored by the senator in whose district of the city they reside.
Kehoe said the board was comprised of “respected voices from across the city,” and it will “removing politics” from the governance of the police department.
“This action is to support Chief [Robert] Tracy and the staff of the police department,” said Kehoe, adding that the board would not oversee day-to-day operation of the department.
When asked what he would say to city residents that opposed a state takeover, Kehoe said “it worked from the Civil War to [2013.]
He said those residents should be “comforted” in that the board will be non-partisan and non-political.
Roberts was not in attendance at the press conference announcing the board – which was restricted from taking or answering questions. Only Tracy and Kehoe spoke and responded to inquiries.
May said the state board “must consider the costs to the city and make sure [the state] covers those costs.”
She said she learned of the appointments on Sunday.
“We have six months,” she said. “So, we will see.”
May said she and Roberts “were elected to protect [St. Louisans’] interest.”
“This board needs to be transparent. It basically must make sure the state is covering cost.
This story will be updated
This is really disgusting. The city needs to sue the state. The city can run its own police department. How is the state taking over? This is unethical.
Then to have only one Black person on the board when the city is half Black is absolutely ludicrous. The state needs to get out of St. Louis’ Police business.
Go take over Springfield, Columbia, St. Joseph, Joplin, Cape, Jefferson City, Independence etc.