First, I want to thank the concerned citizens who took the time to send anonymous emails detailing what transpired at the recent Board of Aldermen meeting May 21st. Your commitment to keeping residents informed is deeply appreciated, and clearly necessary given the lack of transparency from our local leadership. 

At that meeting, Mayor Stephen Manoj Thompson had one job: break the tie on the second reading for the Cottleville Trails community pool,  a project that had strong support from the residents. Instead, he refused to vote, claiming he “didn’t want to.” 

That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice. 

Worse, it was clear to anyone watching that Shady Mayor Thompson was totally unprepared. He fumbled through the meeting, struggled to lead, and appeared lost in the very role he campaigned so hard to win. Hard to believe this is the same person who bragged about how effective he was during his single term as alderman. 

And then there’s Alderman Elizabeth Holt. After promising to represent her constituents, she joined Kreckler in blocking the pool’s progress, completely disregarding the will of the community. 

Do the residents of Cottleville Trails feel betrayed by Elizabeth Holt and Shady Stephen Thompson? If they don’t now, they should. Because this wasn’t just a minor procedural delay, it was a direct slap in the face to the neighborhood they claim to serve.

To those who voted for Thompson: many are beginning to second guess that choice. There’s a reason he’s earning the nickname “Shady Stephen” when it’s time to lead, he disappears behind empty words and political hesitation. 

Cottleville deserves better, We need leaders who are prepared, principled, and unafraid to act in the best interest of the people.