ST. LOUIS–The search for Kim Gardner’s replacement as St. Louis Circuit Attorney is underway and those interested have a week to apply. Gov. Mike Parson announced the application process is open for qualified individuals and applications must be in by May 15 at 12 p.m.
Kim Gardner resigned from the elected position last week. Her last day in office will be June 1.
The governor’s office says the next St. Louis Circuit Attorney will need to be able to take over by that date, and due to the short timeline, his office is only accepting applications for a week so that names can be considered and an appointment made in time.
"We truly want the best person for the job who can restore law and order to our great City of St. Louis," Gov. Parson said. "The prosecutor we appoint has a real opportunity to make meaningful and lasting change that strengthens public safety. 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."
The requirements for the position include:
- Commitment to the written rule of law
- Strong managerial experience
- Record of fair and just application of state and local law
- Member of the St. Louis community
Spectrum News checked with the governor’s office about the residency requirement and has learned it is not necessary for the applicant to currently reside in St. Louis City. However, if the appointed circuit attorney were interested in running for the position in the future, he or she would need to be a city resident.
Gov. Parson’s office says it is continuing to meet with community leaders to assess the Office's needs. Those interested in applying can find an application here.
The embattled St. Louis Circuit Attorney announced she’d leave office following several calls for her to resign. She said the proposed public safety bill working through the Missouri legislature that would allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor for violent crimes fueled her decision.
In her resignation letter, Gardner stated she “cannot be the final circuit attorney ever to be elected to St. Louis.”
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a petition in February trying to remove Gardner from office. He alleged her office failed to prosecute cases, that she failed to inform and confirm victims and failed to appropriately fill vacancies, leaving her staff with an “unmanageable workload.”
Gardner called the filing a “political stunt” by Bailey, who is running for election in 2024.
Gardner is also facing a contempt charge after one of the assistant circuit attorney’s in her office failed to show up for the start of a trial.