University City Proposition S Brochure Called Illegal

Last Friday (July 17th) University City Residents started receiving brochures titled "Frequently Asked Questions on Proposition S." Proposition S is a ballot measure to increase University City sales taxes 1/4 percent and will be on the August 4th ballot. There are a number of questions regarding this proposed tax increase including: why as a budget passed just a month ago with the knowledge that there would not be enough money to cover it?

Tom Sullivan, a citizen of University City, sent the City Manager a memo stating that he found the brochure to be be illegal for the following reasons:

1] You are unlawfully spending public funds to support the passage of Proposition S.

2] The brochure does not identify who paid for it, as required by law for any "printed matter relative to any candidate for public office or any ballot measure." There are no exceptions.

3] The City has apparently violated provisions of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Law, Chapter 130, RSMo, having to do with reporting of expenditures made to promote the passage of the proposal.

He went on to advise the City Manager:

I would urge you to get an opinion from your city attorney on the legality of the brochure. Should he claim it is legal, then the next step will be going to St. Louis County Circuit Court to get a restraining order. I also believe criminal issues can be raised surrounding these unlawful expenditures.

For his complete memo see: Tom Sullivan Memo