Not-for-profit: Government fragmentation hurting St. Louis region

ST. LOUIS — A not-for-profit group supporting consolidation of government in St. Louis city and St. Louis County has issued a final report, saying fragmentation has created an “us vs. them” mentality in the region.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Better Together St. Louis said the lack of unity has had three bad results: too much competition between entities, a disparity in service and resource allocation, and an inability to pursue and execute a vision for regional success.

The not-for-profit cites the region’s 90 municipalities, 43 fire districts, 57 police departments and 81 municipal courts.

The group’s research has drawn applause from supporters of consolidation. But critics believe it is an effort to eliminate governments in poor communities in north St. Louis County.

Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com