Former St. Charles County emergency director enters executive race

ST. CHARLES COUNTY Rodney Zerr, St. Charles Countys former emergency management director, filed Tuesday as a Democratic candidate for county executive.

Zerr, who was laid off in 2010 during a budget crunch, said hes an alternative to career politicians.

He said that includes incumbent Steve Ehlmann, a former state legislator and circuit judge, and Ehlmanns Republican primary opponent state Rep. Doug Funderburk, who previously was a county councilman.

I have a concern with career politicians staying in office for extended lengths of time, jumping from one office to another, said Zerr, 61. It goes for both.

Ehlmann, of St. Charles, disputed Zerrs characterization. Politics has been my third career, Ehlmann said.

He said he was a teacher for nine years, then a lawyer in private practice while serving part time in the Legislature. His full-time government jobs began when he was elected judge 14 years ago. The executives post also is full time.

Funderburk also expressed irritation, pointing out hes been a part-time county and state lawmaker while an electrician at Boeing Co., where hes worked more than 30 years. In contrast, he said, Zerr was a full-time government employee for decades.

Zerr, who lives near OFallon, said he didnt enter the race out of spite against Ehlmann. When he was laid off, Zerr said, the emergency office he headed was part of the sheriffs department. Earlier his agency was under the executive.

Zerr held professional public safety jobs for 32 years, including 12 years as emergency director. His brother, Rick Zerr, is a GOP circuit judge first elected as a Democrat. Their first cousin is married to state Rep. Anne Zerr, R-St. Charles.

Tuesday was the last day to file for the Aug. 5 primary.

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Former St. Charles County emergency director enters executive race