Mo. Senate defeats bill dropping college election requirement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Senate rejected a bill Thursday that would have done away with the requirement to hold elections for uncontested seats on community college boards.

Supporters of the bill by Sen. Dan Clemens, R-Marshfield, said the change would have saved time and money in races without opposition.

But Sen. Wayne Goode, D-St. Louis, said the bill would set a dangerous precedent, chipping away at the public's involvement, and perhaps someday resulting in city offices being filled without a public vote.

"This is a serious issue. We're talking about democracy," Goode said.

Senators defeated the bill on a 21-11 vote.

Under current law, nonpartisan elections in political subdivisions or special districts -- except municipalities or community college district boards of trustees -- are not held if the positions are uncontested.

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Community college bill is SB1112.

On the Net:

Missouri Legislature: http://www.moga.state.mo.us