Mayor Stephen Thompson’s ignorance keeps showing up in the very areas he thinks he knows best. What kind of leader asks the public to Venmo money straight to his personal account for a “nonprofit” city event? Thankfully, someone with real judgment and integrity stepped in to fix it before it went further.

His lack of critical thinking showed again at the recent alderman meeting, where his weak leadership nearly pushed through a pointless moratorium until common sense prevailed. And now, toxicity is creeping into his administration’s leadership ranks. You never saw this in the past administration,  it was all business and no one took criticism personally.

Meanwhile, Thompson is busy posting old photos of himself on social media, captioning them as if they were current moments. It makes you wonder if he’s even writing those posts himself  or if someone (or something) else is polishing his image for him.  Either way, it’s image over substance from a mayor who still needs training wheels for the job.

Word is spreading through the Cottleville Trails subdivision that maybe, just maybe voting for “Shady Stephen “ wasn’t the masterstroke some hope it would be . Expect plenty of polite smiles and strategic spin as he muddles through the year without offering much in the way of leadership . Which naturally makes sense if you pretend his two years as alderman and that mysterious PhD count for nothing . 

And now it’s clear that Holt, Kreckler, and Thompson have shown their true colors , anti-business, anti-development, and anti-Cottlevillian. Their actions don’t reflect the values of a community that thrives on progress, partnership, and pride.  Together, this trio is on track to undermine the progress and reputation Cottleville has worked so hard to build.