Ann Purzner

Ann Purzner [http://www.annpurzner.com/Welcome/annpurzner2.jpg] was the mayor of Overland, Missouri who was elected by 5 votes in April 2006 [http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=97390] . She has been the subject of some controversy.

Controversy

Immediately after taking office, Purzner attempted to replace the police chief and city attorney without the consent of the city council [http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/DE4D4F7E4CC019F186257264000C1F42?OpenDocument] . Purzner also ran into trouble over where to hold city council meetings. Purzner was fined $1 and the city was forced to file plaintiff's fees after a lawsuit arguing that Purzner's use of a small area for council meetings violated the state's Sunshine law. She misrepresented herself during her mayoral campaign by claiming to have been a registered nurse, even though the state Board of Nursing warned her in 2002 not practice or represent herself as a nurse [http://bestof.riverfronttimes.com/bestof/award.php?oid=oid:101166&section=oid:29270&year=2006 St. Louis - Best Of - Best Mayor - Ann Purzner (2006) ] ] [ [http://www.kmov.com/localnews/stories/kmov_localnews_060503_cchoverland.788bcd9.html St. Louis Area News | KMOV.com | St. Louis, MO ] ] . In May 2006, St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch labeled Purzner a "liar" with "zero credibility", and sued her for exceeding her power as mayor. A judge later ruled against Purzner over the dismissal of the police chief and attorney and both have been reinstated.

A group of Overland residents have begun a recall campaign which is scheduled to be on the ballot in April, 2007 [ [http://kmox.com/pages/179663.php?contentType=4&contentId=285536 Kmox - * ] ] . The mayor stated that "I have always tried to do the best for the community...I am like an angel."

Ann Purzner was removed over her failed attempt to replace the police chief and for holding town meetings in a room too small to accommodate overland city residents crowds was found to be in violation of Missouir's Sunshune Law. [ [http://www.ago.mo.gov/sunshinelaw/sunshinelaw.htm Summary of the Missouri Sunshine Law ] ] She served just 11 months of her term.

Mayor Purzner attempted to block the Recall effort by filing suit against the election board. [http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/EAB887C8DF213D9E862572750012C9C6?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2C%22purzner%22+AND+%22recall%22] The judge ruled against the Mayor, pointing out that a proper vote occurred on December 12th, 2006 to send the Recall to the election board. [http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/E21FDE181A0011088625727B00733A7C?OpenDocument] Mayor Purzner was recalled on April 3 2007. 3167 votes for recall 1170 against

NEW ELECTION SETThe City of Overland has set Aug. 7 as the date for an election to choose the St. Louis County town's new mayor.

Councilman Jerry May, the City Council President Pro Tem, is fulfilling the Mayoral duties following the ouster of Ann Purzner in a recall election earlier this month. May says he does not plan to run.Councilman Mike Schneider and incoming council member Mary Beth Conlon have said they will seek the office. [http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=117255]

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