Support Donna Baringer for St. Louis Comptroller in the Election on March 4th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 21, 2024

Saint Louis, Missouri - State Representative (District 82) and former 16th Ward Alderwoman Donna Baringer announced today she is running for St. Louis Comptroller in the March and April 2025 elections.

Baringer’s 13 years of service on the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen, including 8 years on the  Ways & Means committee overseeing the City’s budget has provided her with a comprehensive  understanding of the City’s finances. Baringer also took her experience to the State Capitol  where she earned a reputation as a fiscal hawk for her ability to dissect legislative fiscal notes as  Minority Chair of the Fiscal Review Committee.  

“I’m a firm believer that if you are concerned about your community then you need to lead,  follow, or get out of the way,” said Baringer. “I have chosen to lead over the past 20 years and  now I want to bring my extensive knowledge of fiscal oversight to the Comptroller’s office.  

As Comptroller, Baringer will thoroughly examine the role of the office and report those findings  back to the community. Her priorities will include implementing modern IT methods,  conducting more thorough audits, and ensuring greater financial input for the City’s future.  Transparency and accountability are essential for our City to move forward, stabilize our  finances, and foster regional growth.  

Currently, the Comptroller’s office has a disproportionate amount of responsibility, leaving little  time for the Comptroller to act as a watchdog. This office should perform comprehensive  internal audits of all City departments and contracts.  

Additionally, the Comptroller’s office should provide a thorough examination of conflict-of interest issues in awarding City contracts. This includes board and commission members who  could be receiving City contracts, non-profits affiliated with City Directors who might be  receiving City funds, and City funds going to non-profits lacking the necessary qualifications for  City contracts.  

Finally, with the City’s financial structural deficit, City taxpayers need confidence that their  money is being spent efficiently. They need to know where their money is going and who is  receiving City contracts, particularly from out-of-state vendors.

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Currently residing in St. Louis Hills neighborhood, Rep. Donna M.C. Baringer (D), started her time in public service in 2003 when she was elected to the St. Louis Board of Alderman. Now, having been elected to the Missouri House of Representatives to serve the 82nd District in 2016, Donna has been serving her constituents for over 20 years and has dedicated her career to improving St. Louis, Missouri, and the wider region as a whole.

About Donna

What’s Important?

  • Citizens deserve to know how their money is being spent. Financial responsibility and transparency are at the top of Donna's agenda.

  • Well-organized and properly funded law enforcement are crucial to enhancing public safety. A safer city improves quality of life, resident retention and growth, and business stability.

  • Donna works hard for policies and initiatives that contribute to sustainable growth for businesses of all sizes. Thriving businesses create new jobs, increase the tax base, and strengthen our community.

  • Public schools shape the foundation of our future and are critical for attracting new families to our city. Our schools provide each child the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Donna’s Work

During her time as a St. Louis Alderwoman, Donna worked diligently to pass legislation increasing financial transparency for elected officials, limiting minors’ access to graffiti tools, and improving public safety. Her legislative wins and contribution to numerous economic development projects such as the Cortex Innovation District and revitalization of Midtown West have made Donna one of the most accomplished and respected figures in St. Louis.

At the state level, she has been an outspoken advocate, making national news for her stances on fiscal responsibility and common sense gun reforms such as prohibiting minors from carrying firearms on public property among other issues.

Become Part of the Team!

Interested in joining the campaign? We would love your help!