By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – A St. Louis County judge has ruled against Overland Mayor Ann Purzner in her effort to replace the city's police chief.
Circuit judge Robert S. Cohen ruled Purzner violated both the Missouri Constitution and Overland city ordinance when she tried to replace Chief Jim Herron without a majority vote of the city council.
The judge said Purzner's choice, former Frontenac police chief Ben Branch, unlawfully claimed office. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCollough believes Purzner stands little chance of mounting an appeal:
"She can appeal, but I think any first year law student reading the constitution and the appropriate provisions would come to the same conclusion," McCollough said. "I don't know how anybody couldn't."
Attempts by KWMU to reach Mayor Purzner or her attorney were unsuccessful.