By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
March 16, 2011

Third District City Council Candidate Michael Fletcher has upped the ante again in the Third District City Council race that he was officially expelled from by a Missouri Appeals Court. Based on that ruling which disqualified him as an official candidate due to his failure to meet residency requirements, Fletcher has filed a motion seeking either a re-hearing on the matter of his residency, or have the matter taken up by the Supreme Court of Missouri.

In his motion, Fletcher alleges that because of the court’s ruling, “…the rights of almost 2,000 African Americans to be disregarded because this Court believes Michael Fletcher is not entitled to the same constitutional guarantees as every American as a result of his 1st Amendment advocacy on behalf of African Americans.”

Additionally, Fletcher has filed the suit “Pro Se,” meaning he’ll represent himself. This is despite the fact his license was suspended by the state more than five years ago.

Third District City Council Incumbent Sharon Sanders Brooks said, upon learning of the Fletcher filing, “It is time for Mr. Fletcher to stop the frivolous court filings in an effort to mislead and divide voters, and we once again ask for a united 3rd District so that the progress of the last four years will continue.”

Clinton Adams, who represents Sharon Sanders Brooks laughed and said, “It’s most unfortunate that Mike wants to continue down this course – there’s nobody to blame but himself, he committed the errors, not the court, not my client.”

A ruling by the court as to whether a response is necessary is expected next week.