Tim Fitch wants his council colleagues to make sure Steve Stenger doesn't get a pension

CLAYTON — County Council member Tim Fitch wants his colleagues to pass an ordinance that would prevent any elected official from collecting a pension if they are convicted of a felony while serving in their official role.

A Missouri law makes state retirees ineligible for benefits if they are convicted of a felony related to their duties. But St. Louis County has no such ordinance, and former County Executive Steve Stenger, who pleaded guilty May 3 in a federal pay-to-play case, would qualify for a pension when he turns 60. Stenger is 47.

Stenger would start earning $1,660 per month on March 1, 2032. That would increase to $1,963 per month on March 1, 2037, after he turns 65.

Fitch, R-3rd District, said council action was “necessary because if he was committing crimes while he was in his elected position, why would taxpayers want to pay his pension for the rest of his life?”

Read more: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tim-fitch-wants-his-council-colleagues-to-make-sure-steve/article_201efcbd-61fb-5ac4-a1fa-051570d10c9d.html