Judge rules St. Louis mayor controls sheriff appointment as state lawmakers push for court oversight

Judge rules St. Louis mayor controls sheriff appointment as state lawmakers push for court oversight

The mayor of St. Louis has won the court battle to name the city’s next sheriff.    A judge has ruled the mayor holds the ultimate power to fill the vacant seat. The ruling firmly rejects the state of Missouri’s argument that the governor possesses the constitutional authority to fill the vacancy.   But the mayor can’t act alone. The judge says the mayor must seek nominations and advice from the board of aldermen and the city comptroller.   “I s…