On the Issues

Steve knows that our safe streets and neighborhoods are why so many people from across the nation have chosen to make St. Charles County their home. While violent crime has been a problem elsewhere in the region, St. Charles County has the lowest violent and property crime rates in the area. Steve was instrumental in shaping the new St. Charles County Police Department, and under his leadership, the county implemented the innovative “text-to-911” service for mobile phones, as well as a county-wide emergency radio communications system for all first responders.

Steve worked with the Police Department to protect children by expanding the Cyber Crime Task Force and ensuring that all police officers in the county are trained to respond to active shooters. He will continue working with our police and prosecutors to maintain the county’s low crime rate and keep our families safe.

Over the past ten years, St. Charles County has been one of the fastest growing counties in the state, and the county’s unemployment rate is the lowest in the region—far below the national unemployment rate. Job growth in St. Charles County is more than double that of St. Louis County. These are high paying jobs with good paychecks, which is why St. Charles County has the highest average household income and lowest poverty rate in the region.

Steve believes that government should use its precious economic development resources to attract quality jobs that help the region as a whole grow, not simply move big box retail from one city to another. Steve will continue working to attract businesses and encourage entrepreneurs so our residents can find good jobs close to home.

Under Steve’s leadership, St. Charles County has cut waste and abuse from county government and consolidated services. As a result, the cost of government per person is lower in St. Charles County than in St Louis City or County. This means that our taxpayers get better services at a lower cost.

And your dollars support your priorities. More than 60% of the County’s general fund budget supports critical law enforcement and public safety services. Steve will continue fighting to keep government small and efficient so residents can keep more of their hard earned money.

Steve knows that strong economic growth depends on modern transportation infrastructure. That’s why he has worked with municipalities and the state to fund major road projects, including the Daniel Boone Bridge, the Page/364 Extension, the I-70 Mid Rivers Mall interchange and the new Fifth Street interchange at I-70.  

Additionally, Steve recognizes the value of new technology and launched the Gateway Green Light program that leverages smart infrastructure to reduce wait times at traffic signals. Moving you around quickly and safely are Steve’s priorities, and he fought successfully to add shoulders to state lettered and numbered routes and eliminate dangerous at-grade crossings on US-61. These projects—and many more that are underway or planned, such as the David Hoeckel Pkwy interchange in Wentzville—will ensure that St. Charles County continues to grow and create the jobs of the future.

Steve has worked to grow trail and park options for the families of St. Charles County. He has protected our history by preserving the Historic Daniel Boone Home and the area’s natural green space. Under Steve’s leadership the County has opened to the community six new parks and approximately 1,700 acres of parkland. 

Steve has overseen county-wide cooperative efforts to ensure a healthy place to grow your family. From immunization clinics to recreational space acquisition, and environmentally safe household hazardous waste programs to fighting the opioid crisis, he will work to ensure the County remains one of the healthiest in the nation.