Former mayor scolds council, park board member quits

    A former city mayor and park board member are not happy the city of St. James recently eliminated the job of a blind man who had been a city janitor for more than 30 years. One chastised the city council in person last week, while the other quit in protest.

    Former Mayor Jim Morrison addressed St. James City Council on July 2, giving his opinion to the firing of former city janitor James House. During the meeting, the council also accepted the resignation of Park Board member John Phillips Jr., who stepped down due to the treatment of his friend of over 40 years.
    “A city, its citizens, and the leaders are defined by how people most challenged are treated. I am ashamed to read in the Saint James Press that you have eliminated the position held by James House. A person employed more than 30 years. Where was the opportunity for James House to provide housekeeping services at the new building, thereby saving taxpayers the expense of hiring a contractor to do what should have been done with existing resources? Give Mr. House a chance. Give the taxpayers a break. If he fails, then consider your options,” Morrison said.
    “How about the consideration for a fellow human being less blessed in a small way than some? What was the Missouri Department of Labor’s input on the legal requirement to make a reasonable accommodation for his disability? The statement that James House was eligible to retire is disingenuous,” Morrison continued. “You are well aware city medical insurance for him and his wife ends when his employment ends. Perhaps he can retire, but health coverage for him and his wife may not be available.”
    Morrison offered his opinion on the council’s treatment of House by concluding, “Over the past five years you have expanded regressive tax and utility burdens without shame. Both bear most heavily on the poorest among us. Spending the money to expand and fancy up the city government without any concomitant increase in services. In view of your spending record, any claim you are trying to save the taxpayers money by eliminating the position of James House is not credible.”
    John Phillips Jr. gave his resignation from the park board, standing up for his long-time friend. “I didn’t particularly care how the city handled a friend. I gave my resignation last week because I have known James House for over 40 years,” Phillips said. The council appointed Tim Seams to the vacated position.
    Citing legal concerns, city officials declined to comment about the elimination of House’s custodial position.