By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Todd H. Epsten to the St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners. Labels: Appointments “Todd Epsten has made tremendous contributions to the St. Louis area and to the State of Missouri, and I am pleased he has agreed to serve the city and our state in this important position,” Gov. Blunt said.
The St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for operation of the St. Louis Police Department. The commissioners set policy, determine promotions and work with the chief of police in providing public safety services to the citizens of St. Louis.
Mr. Epsten, 47 of St. Louis, is the Chief Executive Officer of Major Brands, Inc., Missouri’s largest wine and spirits distributor. Epsten holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University in Washington, DC. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Susan McCollum, and his sons, Michael and Brian. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending January 31, 2012. He replaces Jo Ann Freeman, whose term expired.
14 Comments:
The need for Civilian Oversight Board is great as this Governor pushes appointees down the throat of St. Louis Citizens as he did with the SAB Board...When will it end ?
1/22/2008 1:17 PM
So Jeff Smith finally consented to an appointee by the Governor. Now I know what was wrong with Gambaro and Whitmore-Smith; they didn't have Epsten's money to buy Jeff.
1/22/2008 7:38 PM
I am pretty sure Gambaro and Whitmore-Smith were out because they are both creationists and pro-voucher. Why should he reject Epsten?
1/22/2008 10:30 PM
Will city police go soft on alcohol related offenses since Epsten is a purveyor of alcohol?
1/22/2008 11:09 PM
Todd Epsten is a good guy. He cuts across the usual racial divisions and boundries. His heart is in the right place and he will do a great job for everybody.
1/23/2008 1:22 PM
JoAnn Morrow was the only African American with any ties to the community. Todd Epsten is a white CWEr who made millions selling alcohol. The issue is not whether he is a "good guy". The issue is whether the white and black communities are going to share power in this town. Control of the police force is vital to the Black community. Recently there was a Black, Mayor, Black, Chief of Police, Black Police Board President and a majority Black Police Board. For the last thirty years the split on the Board has been about 50/50 by race. Now there is no Black representation on the Police Board. Smith should stand up and say that Blunt needs to find an African American for the Board. Epsten can repalce one of the white Baord members later. Smith had no problem refusing to nominate Whitmore-Smith, a well qualified Black woman for the state Education Board. The African American community deserves at least that much say on this vital force in the community. I hear Smith has refused to meet with the Coalition against Police Crimes and Repression. He has also been dismissive to other Black leaders. Even though he talked a lot about race during his campaign, it appears that the only color he cares about is the green that Epsten gave him. What a sellout.
1/23/2008 1:41 PM
Todd Epsten may be a "good guy" but can someone please tell me what makes him qualified to sit on the police board? I mean, besides being rich.
1/23/2008 1:48 PM
Whitmore-Smith was a pro-voucher creationist. I believe that is the Senator's reason for not sponsoring her appointment. Why don't we chose nominees by "the content of their character not the color of their skin". I guess you may have been too busy shouting to hear Dr. Kings message.
1/23/2008 2:58 PM
First, white people please stop quoting Dr. King to justify institutional racism.
Second, your boy Jeff Smith is now pro voucher. Word is he met with Rex Sinqueld and agreed to be “open to the idea of vouchers” in exchange for Rex turning on the money faucet. Rex sent over $10,000 to Jeffie’s campaign. Look at his latest filing. Scroll down pat the PAC contributions form big Pharma and big Insurance to find Rex funneling money to Smith. I sure Jeff will still tell you how it is a grass roots campaign though.
1/24/2008 8:58 AM
First, white people please stop quoting Dr. King to justify institutional racism.
Second, your boy Jeff Smith is now pro voucher. Word is he met with Rex Sinqueld and agreed to be “open to the idea of vouchers” in exchange for Rex turning on the money faucet. Rex sent over $10,000 to Jeffie’s campaign. Look at his latest filing. Scroll down pat the PAC contributions form big Pharma and big Insurance to find Rex funneling money to Smith. I sure Jeff will still tell you how it is a grass roots campaign though.
1/24/2008 8:58 AM
Good morning racists.
Judge by skin color not by skill level ey?
Way to treat everyone equal.
Real nice guys, real nice.
1/24/2008 9:12 AM
I commend Jeff for taking the pro-voucher money then not supporting the pro-voucher candidate. The way I see it he is making a positive out of a negative.
1/24/2008 11:14 AM
Smith took Rex's mony after he rejected Whitmore-Smith.
No one is saying judge solely by skin color. What I am saying is can't we share power? I am sure there is a well qualified Black person who could serve on the Board. Thh city is majority Black. For Smith to allow the Board to become all white is a slap in the face to the Black community.
1/25/2008 8:34 AM
Will the F.B.I. or the new Police Board Appointee investigate the $40,000.0 missing from the Police Department Evidence ?????
1/26/2008 4:18 PM
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