Two St. Louisans had their nomination to the Science Center Subdistrict Board shot down by the St. Louis County Council on Tuesday, though it’s unclear if the council was 100 percent aware of what they were voting on.
Near the end of Tuesday’s meeting, councilmembers took up County Executive Sam Page’s nominations to the St. Louis Science Center Subdistrict Board of Commissioners—a body that helps oversee the financial affairs of the Science Center as part of the wider taxing district that also funds the zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, and other regional cultural institutions. But the council rejected the appointments of Karen Branding and Greg Sullivan to the subdistrict board, citing concerns that the board’s membership tilted too heavily toward the fifth council district—which includes Clayton and Maplewood, as well as being geographically closest to most of the cultural institutions involved.
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However, in voting down the nominations to the science center board, council members repeatedly referenced the Saint Louis Zoo. Councilwoman Shalonda Webb said, “I will speak up for District Four, especially with the fact that we have a WildCare Park Zoo opening in 2027.” Councilman Mark Harder added, “The people of this region are paying for the zoo equally in their taxes.”
Go Deeper: The rejection of Branding was a particular surprise, as her bona fides are about as good as they come. She’s currently president and CEO of the Regional Business Council and previously served as a senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. “It’s not about the individuals, it’s about the process and the representation,” Webb said.
Reached by email, Branding said, “It’s the councilmembers’ prerogative who they approve and don’t, and I appreciate that they want countywide representation on their boards and commissions.”
However, she added, “The one thing that surprised me was hearing two of the council members say they hadn’t heard anything from either of the two nominees. In fact, last month I sent all seven council members a separate email expressing my interest, providing info about my background, and offering to answer any questions they might have.
But again, in the end, it’s their prerogative and I respect that. Our science center is one of the best in the country, and I hope more folks from around the county step up to help support this jewel.”
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify that the Science Center Subdistrict is separate from the Zoo Museum District.
