In a controversial political showdown in Missouri, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has appointed Cort VanOstran as the replacement for outgoing County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, despite a lawsuit from state officials seeking to prevent this move. Page’s selection of VanOstran, who is stepping down from his role as a federal prosecutor, is now awaiting approval from the County Council and is steeped in a legal dispute over the rightful authority to appoint Bell’s successor. This development was originally reported by KSDK here.
According to information provided by First Alert 4, the lawsuit, filed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey, claims the governor has the power to fill the vacancy. However, Doug Moore, Chief Communications Officer for Page, stated, "The residents of St. Louis County should be treated like residents of every other charter county." He believes the courts will affirm Page's position according to First Alert 4. Meanwhile, the governor remains determined to carry forward with his own selection process, brushing off Page’s appointment as inconsequential.
VanOstran’s credentials include a tenure as an assistant U.S. attorney and private practice experience with the St. Louis law firm Gray Ritter Graham. An attempt to enter Congress in 2018 saw him fall short, yet not without securing nearly 49% of the votes in St. Louis County, painting him as a formidable public servant and advocate for Missourians as St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. VanOstran’s potential appointment also stands as a milestone for LGBTQ representation within the realm of chief prosecutors.
While it remains unclear when Wesley Bell will formally relinquish his role as prosecuting attorney, St. Louis County has requested the dismissal of Attorney General Bailey's lawsuit, challenging his stance that appointing power lies with the governor—a clash that underpins this appointment saga. A court date for the case has yet to be scheduled, maintaining the uncertainty of who will ultimately helm the prosecutor's office as reported by KSDK. The latency of the legal process thus surrounds VanOstran's future in the position with an air of provisional limbo.
