Shady Stephen must think the people of Cottleville have short memories.

Just last month, when the Board of Aldermen deadlocked on whether to add a new pool to the Cottleville Trails development after residents showed up and spoke in full support ,Thompson had the power to break the tie. He didn’t. Shady Stephen  sat on his hands, let the motion fail, and walked away without saying a word. He turned his back on Cottleville Trails.

Now, here we are at this month’s board meeting, and suddenly he’s parading around like he’s the one who got it done. He’s trying to slap his name on an amendment he had absolutely nothing to do with an amendment that only passed thanks to the previous administration and the actual work of Emily Colombatto and former Mayor Bob. They’re the ones who met with residents, worked with the developer, and made sure that second pool happened.

Shady Stephen didn’t lift a finger until it came time to take credit.

That’s not leadership. That’s political theater. Worse, it’s a slap in the face to every resident who showed up in good faith, and to the officials who did the real work while he watched from the sidelines.

He had his chance to show up for the community. He didn’t. Now he’s trying to photoshop himself into the win like he was there all along.

Cottleville deserves better than a mayor who hides during the fight and grabs the trophy at the end.