Bellefontaine Neighbors mayor improperly withheld political opponents pay judge rules

BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS — A St. Louis County small claims court judge ruled Monday that Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor Tommie Pierson Sr. improperly withheld monthly stipends from two political opponents while they were serving on the city’s board of aldermen. Theresa Reed and Miranda Avant-Elliott each sued the north St. Louis County municipality and Pierson last year for $1,875, representing the total of five monthly stipends of $375 that were not paid to them. Before opting not to run for reelection last year, the two women were members of a faction that accused Pierson of taking unilateral action on spending and permits…