Gov. Mike Parson has begun the process of replacing St. Louis circuit attorney Kim Gardner, according to media reports.
“We truly want the best person for the job who can restore law and order to our great City of St. Louis,” Parson said in a May 10 tweet. “The prosecutor we appoint has a real opportunity to make meaningful and lasting change that strengthens public safety.”
The application process will end on Monday, May 15 noon. Applications can be submitted at boards.mo.gov.
“We encourage any qualified person who is committed to the rule of law and thinks they have what it takes for this challenge ahead to apply and be considered,” Parson said in a statement online.
Gardner announced her June 1 resignation last week after an assistant prosecutor, James Heitman, 32, in her office was killed in a car accident.
“I have not heard of any Republican candidates that are running,” said Missouri attorney Marc Ellinger, who is also president of the Republican National Lawyers Association. “This is a really unique situation and I like the fact that the governor has opened it up and is talking to multiple people."
Last month, Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a quo warranto petition in St. Louis City Circuit Court requesting a preliminary order immediately removing Gardner.
"Hopefully, Gov. Parson is working with the city administration, and Mayor Tishaura Jones because that's the way to move the city forward," Ellinger told the St. Louis Record. "It would be positive if they could come up with a candidate that they're all happy with."
As previously reported in the St. Louis Record, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Michael Noble has scheduled indirect criminal contempt of court hearings for Gardner and assistant prosecutor Chris Desilets, who has since resigned.
Noble made the decision after Desilets failed to report to an April 10 court hearing involving the alleged shooting of an 11-year-old girl by 28-year-old Steven Vincent in October 2020.
Noble and St. Louis Alderman Michael Gras are among potential appointees.
"I don't know if what the governor is thinking for his appointment is someone who's going to run again in August 2024 or if he wants someone who is just more interested in working for the next 18 months because there's so much work that needs to be done in that office," Gras said.
Gov. Parson is meeting with community leaders to assess the Office's needs. He is reportedly seeking applicants who are members of the St. Louis community, have a commitment to the written rule of law, have strong managerial experience, as well as a record of fair and just application of state and local law.