Technically Speaking, Tony Bommarito Still Mayor of Ladue

Technically speaking, Anthony “Tony” Bommarito is still the mayor of Ladue. He was to pass the gavel Monday afternoon to councilwoman Nancy Spewak who won the April 2 election unopposed.

However, the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners has still not certified the results, so Spewak will not be sworn into office until sometime today or Wednesday. The event does not require convening another meeting.

Likely, installation of Spewak and new council member Bill Brennan will be re-enacted at the next regularly-scheduled meeting in May.

Bommarito, who just presided over his last meeting took the opportunity to thank the community and his fellow council members and city employees.

“First, I want to thank our residents who elected me two years ago for their faith and trust in me as mayor. It has been a real honor to serve and it has been an unforgettable experience.”

Bommarito asked that councils going forward focus on key issues.

“Governance is the first and foremost issue facing our city. We have an outmoded structure that needs to be brought into a modern era.”

Ladue is leaning towards forming a City Manager style of government. “I’d be all for that,” said Bommarito. He believes Ladue can compete better in St. Louis County with a city manager at the controls.

He wants future councils to focus on the budget and conduct open and honest discussions about the fairness of city employment pay and benefits.

Also, he wants the city to continue looking at ways to improve the retail business corridor on both Ladue and Clayton roads.

The development of the new Colonial MarketPlace in Ladue is a major step forward with its array of new boutiques, restaurants and other service stores.

He has a word of advice to his fellow residents. “Be involved, pay attention (to issues) and consider running for office.”

Patch will have more reports from the results of the monthly city council meeting on Wednesday.