By K. Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The group behind last month's ballot initiative to grant home rule status for the city of St. Louis wants residents to take a closer look at their local government. Friday, members of Citizens for Home Rule announced plans to organize an undetermined number of public meetings across the city to present both the positives and negatives of city governance. The group's Bert Walker says they hope to create an open and inclusive process through which citizens can revitalize St. Louis.
Critics have contended that home rule is a ploy to deny city voters the right to choose certain officeholders. The group denies that claim, and says it has invited some of its critics into the planning process.