Thread by @JacobLongTV

#BREAKING: After five year review, @BTstl releases plan to merge #STL city and county into one metro city through a statewide vote in 2020. If approved, would be 9th largest city in America. @ksdknews

We would have one mayor and a 33 member council with one police department, one court system. Existing municipalities would become districts with limited power. Fire and school districts would largely remain the same. @ksdknews

At it stands today, there are 115 governmental bodies, 90 municipalities, 55 police departments and 81 municipal courts across #STL city and county. @BTstl says bureaucracy and fragmentation is holding region back. @ksdknews

If approved, there would be a two year transitional period of government from January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022 in which all other local elections would be suspended. First metro city elections would be in November 2022. @ksdknews

Unsurprisingly, #STL County Executive @SteveStenger expresses his full support for the @BTstl plan. Though I suppose it could mean he may be out of a job at some point. @ksdknews

.@LydaKrewson says the competition should not be between Hazelwood and Wildwood. It should be between St. Louis and Austin or St. Louis and Indianapolis, she says. @ksdknews @BTstl

Under the proposed @BTstl plan, the new municipal districts (the old cities in the county) would have authority but not obligation to offer services not offered by the new metro city. Things like parks and rec and trash and recycling. @ksdknews

.@BTstl argues that their plan does not mean we have to give up on our unique neighborhoods, history or culture. But they say it’s time to restructure regional government so that it works more efficiently, more fairly, more equitable for everyone. @ksdknews

A standing ovation for @WUSTL @ChancellorWU Mark Wrighton, who’s retiring this year. But instead of traveling and playing golf, he’s agreed to lead the @BTstl charge toward the 2020 statewide vote. @ksdknews

.@ChancellorWU says the @BTstl plan if approved would immediately knock #STL off all those lists that say we are crime ridden and dangerous and often deter business investment. But he says work still needed to address problem driving those headlines. @ksdknews

Thanks to all who followed along to my live tweets of the @BTstl reveal. You can read our comprehensive story AND the full report of recommendations here:

ksdk.com/article/news/l…

Another important point worth noting. Letters went out today from @LydaKrewson and @SteveStenger to their respective city/county workforce assuring them that in any @BTstl merger, their pensions are safe and they shouldn't expect to lose their jobs. @ksdknews