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<h2>Maria Chappelle-Nadal</h2>Maria Chappelle-Nadal is a dedicated community advocate and a champion of social and economic justice. Born and raised in University City, Missouri, she is the daughter of a small business owner and public housing activist. From a young age, Maria’s parents taught her how to bring people together and solve the problems in her community. As a latchkey kid, Maria also learned the value of self-sufficiency.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/bf663054-8af7-4a3d-bc64-94ab3ad2bb55/d4869ef0-f1c5-480c-9006-f6bd36f85574.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=11&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3318%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Before being elected to the Missouri Senate, Maria served as the Director of Boards and Commissions in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. In this role, she helped pass the Senior Care &amp; Protection Act and the MO Senior Rx Generic Drug Rebate. Maria served in the Missouri House of Representatives, the Missouri State Senate, as well as a school board member in University City.Maria's commitment to public service started as a teenager when she volunteered in the summers helping young children who lived in public housing in south city. Her commitment to the people of St. Louis is self-evident. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/us/emboldened-by-protests-black-lives-matter-activists-move-from-street-to-ballot.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In 2014, she was at the center of the Ferguson Uprising protests. </a>These protests shed light on the inequities found in the municipal justice system that are still ingrained and reflected in our government today. Maria continues to speak up about the institutional and systemic inequalities that persist.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/f59d761f-01e9-4285-8099-a66d2a130e30/b32cc783-43d3-4147-9f0d-3022ed3b64b5.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=11&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=34&amp;rect=0%2C455%2C2304%2C2652&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Maria is a multidimensional policy expert whose legislative record is marked by her bold stances on issues like healthcare, <a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2015-05-07/missouri-legislature-sends-municipal-court-changes-to-the-governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">criminal justice reform</a>, and economic empowerment. Maria is a leading voice, educator and policy expert in the fight for environmental justice and conservation. She has distinquished herself by fighting to raise awareness of the massive radioactive waste problem in St.Louis County and the severe health issues it’s caused the people living in the St. Louis region for 15 years. <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/print/editorial/robberson-assessing-st-louis-nuclear-legacy-on-a-grim-anniversary/article_1b1e4134-a0bb-598d-a2bf-414d9b8ec28b.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Her work has also highlighted how Missouri’s radioactive waste issues</a> have led to economic disparities, a families’ ability to have children, and further increases socio-economic inequality.As thousands of St. Louisans lose access to health coverage due to draconian policies in Washington, DC, Maria has a plan to help those most in need of healthcare. Unfortunately, the current County Council is seeking to cut healthcare access at a time when it should be expanded locally.As a courageous and bold leader, Maria —<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/maria-chappelle-nadal-basks-in-controversy/article_e5629ea4-e504-5be6-a3a9-26ecc893146a.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unafraid to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo</a>— is in pursuit of a more just and equitable society. As your Councilwoman, Maria will fight for a healthy environment for all St. Louisans and bring much needed resources to St. Louis by working with her colleagues, experts and leaders at all levels of government.

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Yard signs allow your neighbors, friends and family to know your choice is Maria for County Council. Believe it or not, there are many people who are interested in how their neighbors are voting. Yard signs start deep discussions and bring us together on one important day worth celebrating -- Election Day! Even if you and your neighbor have occasional disagreements, getting them to get out and vote is a civic duty. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/394e1f1a-fdec-41c4-af95-dbd5ea4a37d3/249ff116-7dbf-472c-8174-7e3994193f28.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=19&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3564%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

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"I’ve spent most of my life serving the working people of St. Louis, fighting for our environment, and standing up for our freedoms. That's what I'll continue to do on the St. Louis County Council."Maria Chappelle-Nadal

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Maria Chappelle-Nadal | Democrat for County Council

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As a County Councilwoman, Maria will never vote to make funding public education harder. Teachers and qualified staff are not expendable. They each do good work to keep every child moving forward in a well-funded school district. This year, the current council voted to make things harder and more expensive for school districts, especially those struggling to meet state accreditation.

School Districts are funded by local taxes.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

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It's raining cats and dogs at the St. Louis County Council!While our abandoned furry friends do not deserve to be the butt of jokes at the County Council, that's exactly how they are treated. Maria remembers when a Republican councilman suggested she go to work at the County Animal shelter. He said that in front of Maria's political opponent for the County Council and together, the two, laughed the joke away. Bewildered, Maria thought the joke was not funny. Three years later, Maria knows abused animals still do not have a voice at the County Council. And she plans to change that."It's easy to brush off a tasteless joke, but when it comes to domestic animals, there is no stronger advocate for stray and abused animals than Maria Chappelle-Nadal," said Bea Johnson. "Nineteen dogs were euthanized because this County Council still makes animals the butt of all jokes. They are not taking their jobs seriously," she continued.Maria has long been an advocate for animals. As a state senator, she held doggy ice cream socials to raise funds for a local shelter. In fact, as an elected official, Maria was one of a few legislators that would take her furry buddies to work in Jefferson City. Since childhood, Maria has endured a disability, a permanent condition that can only be managed. Because her family has always had pets, including chickens, Maria understands how helpful they can be in getting daily activities completed and in challenging moments. That is why Maria adopted her pets from the Humane Society of Missouri.When Gigi was adopted, she was only a year and a half, but already had four owners. No one wanted Gigi because she has anxiety and excitable urination. Maria was Gigi's fifth owner. She said, "it is no problem that Gigi has preconditions. Don't we all?" Gigi, since being trained, has few accidents and wears doggy pampers when needed.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/18f498ed-8d41-4867-abb8-92c878fda5a5/3a9a85e4-bcb2-4f5c-83b1-2863b3195845.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=5&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1992%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Milo Chappelle-Nadal" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Milo Chappelle-NadalEveryone has a foster failure, right? That's Milo. Maria fostered Milo for a few months as a volunteer for the Humane Society of Missouri. He had heartworms and needed extra special attention. Months went by. Three surgeries later, Milo and Maria had bonded. Perhaps it was the homemade meals that caused Milo to warm up to Maria. And, perhaps it was all the kisses from Milo that caused Maria to adopt him. Today, Milo has gained the appropriate weight needed as a former stray dog. Milo found his forever home.Maria's opponent once wrote in an official email that an emotional support animal (ESA) was not allowed to bark while in a government building. Maria threatened a lawsuit against this governmental entity for abridging federal laws that protect citizens with disabilities (ADA). All pets have the potential of safely accompanying citizens with disabilities.For several years, the St. Louis County animal shelter has been the worst performing division in the County Health department, which is governed by the policies of the St. Louis County Council. The state had to warn the County its accreditation to operate an animal shelter could be terminated.As a Councilwoman, Maria will ensure pet adoption costs are affordable for residents seeking to adopt a pet. Maria will always treat ESAs (and their humans) with the gentleness and respect they deserve.It's dog-tastic when every animal finds a permanent home and a purpose!

Adoptions should be affordable and the American Disability Act (ADA) should be followed by the letter of the law.

DOG-TASTIC

Our seniors have paid into social security for decades and should be able to retire with dignity. Instead, seniors are being forced to retire later on in life while worrying about their benefits being cut. The food shelter lines are crowded with seniors who have to make the decision to regularly take their prescribed medication or buying groceries.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/e0c16747-33d1-4098-a419-52bfc8915412/df044246-5f31-4722-b098-3170f5f32b36.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=18&amp;rect=0%2C427%2C4096%2C3093&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Mrs. Johnson, retired UAW" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Mrs. Johnson, retired UAWMaria is committed to ensuring seniors receive wraparound services. Since drug costs and deductibles are so expensive, there are some health needs that go unaddressed. Maria also believes in investing in affordable transportation and housing options to allow our seniors to maintain a high standard of life. Maria is especially supportive of funding and policies that safeguard those with dementia and Alzheimer's. Our seniors have contributed to society and it is up to us to take care of them. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/82746878-4713-4b2a-9fac-e9c2613a28ae/a9da0cbd-5498-49b5-8f68-d22d9ac0b1ca.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2730&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Maria speaking at a retirement home about voting rights" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Maria speaking at a retirement home about voting rightsIn St. Louis County, it is important that we support the spectrum of care that our seniors deserve. Some are challenged with uncomfortable ailments, while other seniors have difficulties with memory loss. Still, other seniors are often living alone in their neighborhoods, keeping a close eye all the happenings. We are blessed when our communities are diverse in age and experience. But when the time comes, St. Louis County government must be ready to aid seniors at every turn. Too many seniors are getting scammed by hackers and criminal organizations. Maria has spoken with many residents that are afraid to simply answer the phone or click on the wrong online ad. Things have gotten so bad, some seniors have had their accounts cleared out clean by scrubbing techniques. Maria will work with law enforcement at all levels of government to reign in on these scam artists from throughout the world who choose to prey on our residents. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/ca5908fa-648d-41eb-ae2c-16bac5df4a21/13ca27bd-121a-49b8-9572-15693baa225b.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=34&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4092%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Mr. Drake, retired gardener" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Mr. Drake, retired gardener

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SAFEGUARDING SENIORS

Missouri has nearly 90,000 farms and about 90% of them are family owned. Our farms are committed to providing safe and nutritious food to all Missourians. As we are well aware, tariffs have hurt Missouri farmers and cattle ranchers, but also our neighbors who rely on farmers to feed their families here in St. Louis County.Under the current administration, those who help feed Missourians have been left behind. That's why Maria believes in fighting for our rural community members and ensuring they have access to high speed internet, quality schools and hospitals, and other resources they need to be successful and self-sustaining.As the economy continues to decline and job loss spreads across the nation, Maria believes now is the time to close the rural-urban divide. We are in an era where we must depend on each other to survive. It's crucial that we ensure our rural-community members have access to the same economic, educational, and telehealth resources as those residing in urban communities, like St. Louis County. We cannot leave any woman or man behind. We are in this together!Maria also understands the strong connection between healthy living and open spaces. However, there are some communities in District 1 that have illegal dumping. Maria spends much of her volunteer time cleaning up communities in District 1, such as Kinloch and Wellston. She is committed to bringing dollars to St. Louis that help support safe open spaces. As a councilwoman, Maria will always vote to protect native species and preserve open spaces.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/e9ba85d9-f25a-48f3-ad91-14307e28feb0/17542a5f-498b-419a-9333-1b706f418379.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=-1&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3058&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Maria cleaning up in Kinloch" align="center" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Maria cleaning up in Kinloch

INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE AND SAFE OPEN SPACES

After losing her cousin, <a href="https://graphics.stltoday.com/apps/homicide-tracker/2021/victims/isis-mahr+2021-10-17/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Isis Mahr</a>, to gun violence, Maria understands that "thoughts and prayers" is simply not enough. St. Louis County must act NOW to enact common sense gun safety laws to keep our communities safe.Gun violence is a public health crisis that is devastating our communities and leaving many families grieving for their lost loved ones.In 2020, Missouri had the highest Black homicide victimization rate in the nation for the seventh year in a row.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/b91226f2-ab86-4056-bf14-3f6c311fe81f/aa65eb18-2f3f-4508-be2c-e07703890b27.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=13&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=-23&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2304&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="47" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">As a state senator, Maria fought to enact reasonable gun safety regulations. <a href="https://www.kfvs12.com/story/20663982/lawmaker-wants-school-to-know-if-parents-own-a-gun/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">She worked to hold parents accountable for recklessly storing their firearm</a> in a place where a child can easily obtain and use the firearm.Tackling gun violence is among the top issues that Maria will champion as your councilwoman. Every day we hear stories about young people having access to guns, many of them illegal, and criminals using guns in violent crimes against innocent citizens.Maria believes in enacting red flag laws and orchestrating universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those suffering from mental illness.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/07173598-c6ff-4068-9287-392ed2e96fe8/579e132e-61bc-4f53-b1dd-94051ecb2505.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C26%2C4096%2C4050&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Mr. Conner, retired postal worker" align="right" alignwidth="32" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Mr. Conner, retired postal workerThere are reasonable things we can do as a society to reduce the incidences of gun violence. Maria wants to stop the proliferation of illegal guns.We are losing generations to gun violence and something must be done.Maria stated, "the gun nuts in the legislature are so adamantly opposed to understanding our cultural issues in the inner city that they're unwilling to listen to my standpoint." Maria will continue to fight for the stongest gun safety laws as your councilwoman regardless of what her opponents say.As a board member of the former organization, Missourians Against Handgun Violence, Maria grew her voice on the gun safety issue and is unapologetic about saving lives in the St. Louis region and across America.

We have lost an entire generation to gun violence.

TACKLING GUN VIOLENCE

Maria is a successful public servant because she responds to residents in need of answers. But after her tenure, it is difficult to understand exactly when political debates with political opponents had an “opt-out” button. It’s simply not democratic!There is a lot at stake! Let’s start with women’s reproductive healthcare services; we need a council member willing to debate. As the only candidate who talks about gun violence and sensible gun safety measures every day, we need a council member willing to debate. When it comes to public education, we need a candidate willing to debate. And when it comes to the County budget, we need a candidate willing to debate and hold the council budget chair accountable for wasteful decisions.<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/maria-chappelle-nadal-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">I am running for the St. Louis County Council and I am asking for your vote and financial support.</a>You’ll never have to worry about Maria showing up for a good debate on your behalf.

Debates Should Be Mandatory

In 2000, then-state senator David Klarich prefiled Senate Bill 760, legislation seeking to make the St. Louis County Auditor position an elected position, rather than an appointed position. He envisioned independent audits and conclusions that were not smeared by the interests of other elected leaders in St. Louis County government. The measure failed. Fast forward 25 years.It has been widely reported in the media that St. Louis County is unable to hire a competent auditor. For several years, under the leadership of Councilwoman Rita Days, taxpayers have paid the price for the absence of a capable auditor, which led to salacious and costly scandals, and too few audits.Having personally witnessed the difficulties of the last auditor, I implore the Council to seek the best candidates in a nationwide search. It was confusing why one bad auditor was replaced with another.It is also puzzling why it took so long for the Council to act. Surely Council leadership read the articles over the course of many years. Surely the Council knows the buck stops with them, right?Rather than using the same strategies, taxpayers deserve innovative approaches to securing a class act auditor. A Council that chooses not to do a stellar job in filling this important position should anticipate continued admonishment from County citizens. The County Auditor is an important position that ensures local government is functioning well.Simply put, there must be a vigorous effort this time around. How many do-overs will this Council need to correct previous mistakes?By Maria Chappelle-Nadal

<a href="https://st.%20louis%20county%20council%20must%20get%20its%20act%20together%20on%20auditor%20position/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What will it take and how long?</a> How many do-overs will this Council need to correct previous mistakes?

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St. Louis County Council Must Get Its Act Together on Auditor Position

Maria believes that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. That's why she has always been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.As a state senator, <a href="https://www.autostraddle.com/senator-maria-chappelle-nadal-makes-missouri-history-attempting-to-filibuster-anti-lgbt-bill-331089/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maria led a 39-hour filibuster</a> against a bill that would have legalized discrimination against gay couples.Maria believes that we have worked too hard, and come too far to allow <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/09/missouri-senate-filibuster-religious-freedom-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">extremists</a> to target our LGBTQIA+ community.Maria has also worked to connect at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth with counseling and mental health resources that prevent them from taking their own lives. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children who are 10 to 14 years old.Even in the 21st century, LGBTQIA+ youth are mistreated and stigmatized by society which increases the risk that they'll take their own life.We must do more to protect the LGBTQIA+ community and ensure everyone maintains their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/maria-chappelle-nadal-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maria enjoys witnessing a person who proudly and comfortably lives in their own skin -- as it is a brave and bright light for us all.</a>

Constitutional protections for all.

PROTECTING OUR LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

By Sylvester BrownHundreds of thousands of St. Louis County residents may now qualify for tax-free federal payments worth up to $50,000, but many are not applying, some saying they don’t trust the program or the people promoting it.That mistrust, advocates say, is keeping families from money that could help pay medical bills or bring relief after decades of illness linked to radioactive waste contamination.“I get a lot of emails from people who say, ‘My brother doesn’t think this is real, he thinks it’s a scam,’” Karen Nickel, co-founder of Just Moms STL, told KSDK-TV. “There are a lot of people who don’t want to send their documents because they don’t trust the federal government.”The assistance comes through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, a federal program created to help people harmed by the nation’s early nuclear weapons work. Congress extended and expanded the program last year, adding 21 Missouri ZIP codes after years of pressure from local families who argued the St. Louis area had long been overlooked.Federal data shows $8.57 million in Missouri claims have already been approved, yet less than 1% of eligible residents have applied. County officials estimate as many as 300,000 people could qualify, but only about 2,000 have submitted applications so far.RECA provides one-time, tax-free payments to people who lived, worked or went to school in certain areas during the early years of the Manhattan Project — the top-secret government effort to develop the first nuclear weapons — and later developed a covered illness. Survivors of family members who died from one of those illnesses may also qualify for a smaller payment.The St. Louis region’s connection to RECA traces back to Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, which processed uranium for the Manhattan Project and the Atomic Energy Commission. The original processing facility was just north of downtown St. Louis, but the radioactive waste it generated was later dumped, mishandled or allowed to migrate into waterways and neighborhoods across St. Louis County.EPA investigations have found that federal agencies and contractors were aware of contamination problems for decades. They ignored warnings about leaking waste, health risks and unsafe landfill practices.One of the most visible sites is Coldwater Creek in Florissant, listed by the EPA in 1981 as “one of the most polluted waterways” in the country. Generations of children raised along the creek have faced rare cancers, autoimmune disorders and other illnesses. Cleanup continues today. Former state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who is running for a St. Louis County Council seat, has spent more than a decade researching contamination sites and hosting community meetings. At dozens of meetings in her former senate district, she said she has heard emotional stories of illegal dumping, rare cancers and families who lost loved ones to illnesses they believed were tied to radioactive waste. She said mistrust remains the biggest obstacle to getting residents to apply for compensation.“I talked about this story before it was sexy, before it was popular, when Josh Hawley (as state attorney general) kept ignoring us,” she said.Chappelle-Nadal said mistrust is particularly deep in neighborhoods where generations of families believe they were never warned about the dangers. She acknowledges that Hawley, now a U.S. senator, did help expand the program last year, but said many residents still do not view him as a credible messenger.She also worries that some majority-Black neighborhoods with long histories of illness were not included in the latest expansion.“The Coldwater Creek watershed is just one of many contaminated watersheds,” she said. “There are people who live in historically Black communities where 80% or more either got cancer or died from radioactive waste-related cancers.“Then they bought homes built after World War II, in Black Jack, Berkeley or Hazelwood and different places throughout St. Louis County that are still contaminated to this day.”She believes the expansion offers residents a chance to finally receive support — but only if they know they’re eligible. Many people still don’t know their neighborhood is included or don’t believe their illness, or a family member’s illness, could be connected to radioactive waste.To apply, residents must submit a claim through the U.S. Department of Justice. A toll-free hotline, 800-729-7327, is available to answer questions, and local groups such as Just Moms STL can help people understand whether they qualify.Before people seek compensation, she said, they need to know they were exposed.“It’s great that we have the (RECA) setup,” she said. “It’s wonderful, but getting people from point A to point Z will take a lot more work.”Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

<a style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)" href="https://www.stlamerican.com/news/local-news/decades-of-mistrust-keep-north-county-families-from-seeking-radiation-funds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">“The Coldwater Creek watershed is just one of many contaminated watersheds,” Chappelle-Nadal said. “There are people who live in historically Black communities where 80% or more either got cancer or died from radioactive waste-related cancers."</a> Hundreds of thousands of St. Louis County residents may now qualify for tax-free federal payments worth up to $50,000, but many are not applying, some saying they don’t trust the program or the people promoting it.

Decades of mistrust keep North County families from seeking radiation funds

Decades of exposure to radioactive waste is impacting Missouri women’s ability to have children.Some extremist Republicans want to ban IVF and make it harder - not easier - for families to have children.As a leading voice in the fight for environmental justice, Maria understands that there is an intersection between environmental injustice and women's ability to bear children.Maria believes that we need to keep politics out of women's reproductive freedoms. Maria believes that medical decisions should be made between a doctor and their patient and government should not interfere.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/096c584d-dce0-464a-b670-49033d09c1a8/6d876e71-69d9-4e6c-bfa4-d0b7c47cc127.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=11&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2304&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Maria protesting in Washington,DC" align="left" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Maria protesting in Washington,DCAlso, Maria knows firsthand how important the ACA is to Americans with limited incomes because she currently uses it herself. She will openly tell you how it has benefited her life and what challenges she faces due to Republican efforts to dismantle this necessary federal health insurance program. When on the County Council, Maria will work to fill in the gap as Medicaid and ACA users seek healthcare. And, Maria has a plan.As the Director of Boards and Commissions in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Maria helped pass the MO Senior Rx Generic Drug Rebate and she's ready to continue the fight to ensure all St. Louisans receive the medical care they need, along with housing, transportation and food security.All St. Louisans need access to comprehensive healthcare and healthcare options that provide physical, dental and mental health services. Maria will fight make these services available in St. Louis County.As President Biden said, <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/maria-chappelle-nadal-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"healthcare is a right!"</a><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/7cd2660e-b206-40d2-979f-91fb1d2b2083/afe4b8a0-e7f1-4d7e-94c7-6bb80ade167b.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=-4&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=25&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C4092&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Cecile Richards and Morty Hyman" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Cecile Richards and Morty Hyman

Accessibility to healthcare services is the number one issue St. Louisans are concerned about in 2026.

ADVOCATING COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE RIGHTS

As a leading voice in the fight for environmental justice, Maria knows that we are facing an environmental catastrophe. Radioactive waste can be found under churches, schools, parks, and landfills. It is in our tributaries, and can even be found in our basements, backyards and in our driveways. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/80a6c244-c53d-4a2c-96a0-eab466ea8849/678db6fe-bbd2-40b2-bd8c-93773b921cfe.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=8&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C270%2C4096%2C2802&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Since 2010, Maria has been the leading policy expert on the matter - advocating for practical policy solutions as a state representative and state senator.In two years time, Maria held 100 town hall meetings and has since interviewed over 1700 residents in the region.&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/ed278130-3458-4fa1-8fdf-3c4be9af2451/3accd737-87b8-40ab-95d7-97833e04febe.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C40%2C4080%2C4056&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Maria has advised and lobbied local and state legislative bodies, and written a 70-year climatology study on radioactive waste pollution and migration. In addition to her ongoing research and advocacy, Maria has advised and provided individualized education to residents about the preventative health care measures they can adopt based on their home and work locations.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Maria authored an environmental syllabus guide to better inform and educate communities of interest on their environmental status and a menu of options to create institutional and governmental change.<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/podcast/politically-speaking/2021-01-05/maria-chappelle-nadal-looks-back-at-16-years-in-the-missouri-legislature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">After 16 years in the Missouri legislature, Maria shared her thoughts on the environment on a podcast.</a>While the Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) must be expanded to include more St. Louis families, Maria's friend Carol will no longer be able to benefit from the devastation that has occurred in North St. Louis County for decades. Carol gave it her all in her final days by attending town hall meetings and producing documents for her family members and others so they are aware of the environmental dangers that exist. Watch her video below.<span class="image video image-center" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAcUeLDJ-vU?si=ExXhc0gCJsfxBzWa&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" style="width: 60%;"><img imageurl="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/d0aefa6b-73d9-4308-8f34-a94ec2019bbb/9a6e4e70-5ba4-4eaf-a145-9b0625af93b1.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=33&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3448%2C4096&amp;w=1500" embedcode="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAcUeLDJ-vU?si=ExXhc0gCJsfxBzWa&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="30" src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/d0aefa6b-73d9-4308-8f34-a94ec2019bbb/9a6e4e70-5ba4-4eaf-a145-9b0625af93b1.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=33&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3448%2C4096&amp;w=1500" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAcUeLDJ-vU?si=ExXhc0gCJsfxBzWa&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;"><span class="video-button-placeholder" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAcUeLDJ-vU?si=ExXhc0gCJsfxBzWa&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">When Maria is on the County Council, she will continue to fight for impacted residents and provide them the hope and results they deserve.

Maria is the Black Erin Brockovich.

FIGHTING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT

We need to hold our elected officials accountable and make sure they're prosecuting real criminals and doing what they can to keep us safe.Maria believes it is important to address the root causes of crime in our communities which includes poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, and under-funding of social services. Maria strongly opposes defunding the police and will work collaboratively with law enforcement on all levels of government.Every family deserves to feel safe and investing in these services can help protect our families and neighborhoods.As your councilwoman, Maria will continue to aggressively seek answers as to why so many of our children have gone missing between the I-55 and I-70 corridors. Together, we must stop the exploitation of women and children. There are predators on our streets and in our neighborhoods waiting for the opportunity to compromise a loved one.&nbsp; Let there be no doubt about it, <a href="http://clicksp.mariaformissouri.com/f/a/PBtIacwLwZ7Xtwghtaae6w~~/AAPPAAA~/RgRn7B31P0SxaHR0cHM6Ly9zZWN1cmUuYWN0Ymx1ZS5jb20vZG9uYXRlL21hcmlhZm9ybWlzc291cmk_UmVmY29kZT1lbTAzMjEyNCZjZG1jPTJlU2ZQaWd5SUhEaWZrNTlFdHViNXdaSW1hMCZyZWZjb2RlMj0yZVNmUGlneUlIRGlmazU5RXR1YjV3WkltYTAmcmVmY29kZWNkbWM9MmVTZlBpZ3lJSERpZms1OUV0dWI1d1pJbWEwVwNzcGNCCmYE9ZgJZnVwcIpSHm1hcmlhLmNoYXBwZWxsZW5hZGFsQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAABtQ~~" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maria supports public funding of law enforcement </a>to stop the exploitation of women and children who are sex trafficked. Enough is enough!Maria also realizes that traffic calming measures are necessary and should be expeditiously adopted into local and federal policies. There are too many people on the streets driving recklessly while under the influence, distracted or have a reckless disregard for human life. Through cooperative measures with police and citizens, Maria seeks a tracking system to reign in traffic violators.We all deserve safe streets and highways. Every life should be valued.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/982a03fc-7e50-48d1-bd87-c6dd48164c2b/ad19c1ca-67ba-4ff6-b732-3ef89465b60c.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=14&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=34&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2304%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Police March" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Police March

ADDRESSING PUBLIC SAFETY

Many St. Louisans are struggling under the weight of high inflation and deepening debt. Prices are too high while wages remain stagnant. Many St. Louisans have lost their jobs due to a weakening economy, job cuts by DOGE and the 2025 government shutdown. Families are sacrificing comfort for food. While on the campaign trail, Maria has met quite a few families that sacrifice a meal or two per day just to get by. Things are getting bad for the average St. Louis County resident. Maria believes it is the responsibility of the St. Louis County Council to make things better, not worse.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/e5709767-9c67-4c8a-8c34-a135350c50cf/3ae56b19-c1eb-440b-a2d2-43191eee2b1c.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=15&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=33&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3824&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="AFSCME in Ferguson" align="left" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">AFSCME in FergusonMaria is experienced in bringing people together and will work with state and federal lawmakers to bring critical funds to St. Louis County to build infrastructure that supports meaningful job opportunities. These funds will be used to invest in our neighborhood businesses, create jobs, revitalize the area, and position it as an economic growth leader.Throughout her time in public service, Maria has consistently recognized the importance and benefits of project labor agreements, collective bargaining and prevailing wage measures that are progressive and prioritize worker well-being. Whether it's steelworkers, bricklayers, or laborers, Maria understands the value of apprenticeship programs and their positive impact on the entire community. While in college, she led an effort to unionize mistreated department store workers. As a former card-carrying member of the Communication Workers of America and UFCW, she knows the value of representation in challenging and sometimes toxic work environments.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/b0965428-daf3-4f9f-9346-43121216ff08/59d93d5c-a6ad-4933-9824-53afe8e9874d.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=3&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=34&amp;rect=0%2C36%2C4072%2C4060&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Ron Fredman" align="right" alignwidth="37" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Ron FredmanWorkers' rights, just like housing rights, are important to Maria. During the height of COVID, while working in St. Louis County, Maria experienced sexual harassment, retaliation, First Amendment and ADA violations from her employer. For eight months, she recorded and documented these federal and state law violations. Instead of ignoring the situation, she knew that if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. Maria made the difficult decision to stand up for herself and be an example to all public employees in St. Louis County government. She became a whistleblower and pursued two lawsuits against the responsible parties. As a state senator, Maria filibustered for 10 hours and 45 minutes on behalf of workers in Missouri who have been discriminated against. After all the weeks of preparation for that filibuster, Maria could not stand by idly now and watch the same thing happen again, even with a correction in behavior from a governmental entity. Maria says, "No more harassment of any kind. Public employees deserve to be safe from harm, period."As Councilwoman, Maria will work to organize all County Council staff to ensure no one experiences the same discrimination she endured.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/5807f9eb-e5c9-48e2-bd94-ac364b8a1f0c/0d8b487d-e8ab-4d75-ad21-b3bca8a0d3b1.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=33&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2304&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Percy Green" align="center" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Percy Green

IMPROVING OUR ECONOMY AND WORKERS RIGHTS

Throughout her time in public service, Maria always put the interests and concerns of her constituents first and that is what she will continue to do on the County Council. She strongly believes in answering every call, email and direct message on social media responding to the needs and challenges that residents present to her. Sometimes it is a fallen tree, the lack of refuse service, delayed unemployment checks or a disability issue. Other times it is the challenge of fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation responsible for decades of legacy nuclear waste contamination. She's done it all. Maria believes constituency work is 50% of the job.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/b7574862-96de-4fe1-85ad-ac23e474696a/78d12b5f-47c3-4b96-b6e6-355c721836a0.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=5&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=31&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3008&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Coffee at Winslows" align="left" alignwidth="47" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Coffee at WinslowsAs a council member, you will never have to worry about Maria neglecting your neighborhood. She'll be at the local gas stations, libraries, grocery stores and from time to time the resale shop. Maria believes in being among the people that elect her to office. She shows up no matter what the controversy or emergency may be.<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2015-08-05/lessons-in-leadership-from-ferguson-communicate-educate-serve" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">From St. Louis Public Radio</a>, former "State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, was among the most prominent protesters. She said Brown’s death transformed how she did her job – and how she dealt with constituents within her diverse state Senate district, which includes Ferguson."“I am obviously a legislator. But I am continuously acting as if I am a mother and a consoler,” said Chappelle-Nadal. “There is no playbook when it comes to a human disaster. The only thing that we can depend on is our actions."<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3d3a0a6d-9489-4868-aeba-58e22115c19d/7fd8b880-c4b6-4ea0-978d-852c8d2e090a/5f4c7ad7-de11-47c2-be4a-3bba6c9dbccf.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=35&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3024&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Technology Tour in Ferguson-Florissant School District" align="center" alignwidth="27" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Technology Tour in Ferguson-Florissant School District

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Maria is fighting for our environment & standing up for our constitutional freedoms. See where she stands on the issues.

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