Steve Stenger, a Democrat and a lawyer from south St. Louis County, has jumped into the race for St. Louis County Councilman from 6th District with a lot of money.

Stenger cannot formally enter his party’s August primary until Feb. 26, but he recently filed a campaign finance report with the state Ethics Commission that showed he has raised $46,475.01 and spent $9,612 thus far. He has $36,863.01 in his campaign chest.

The term of County Councilman John Campisi, R-South St. Louis County, expires next Jan. 1.

Stenger said he entered the race because “south St. Louis County is not receiving the representation it deserves.” He said he would make “reasonable and informed” decisions.

Trash has become the hot-button issue in the district. The county’s plan for trash collection districts in the unincorporated area and construction of a trash transfer station in the far south part of Oakville both generated heated opposition.

Stenger said he wants to get more information and listen to opinions of residents before taking a position on these issues.

“When I’m elected, I want to make sure I am fully informed about the issues brought before the council,” he said. “I would want to meet and talk with residents and get the pulse of the people” on the way issues would impact them, he said.

Campisi has opposed trash districts and the transfer station. He joined several elected officials at a newsconference last Friday in Oakville who urged other elected officials to oppose the districts. “Everyone is happy the way it is,” Campisi said.

Stenger has loaned $25,000 to his campaign and raised $21,475.01 thus far. He raised almost all his money at a fundraiser Dec. 19 at Bartolino’s South in south St. Louis County.

He said he could not call people for donations if he did not put his own money in the race.

Among donors are Crystal Springs Development of Maryland Heights and 5 Star Homes & Development Co. Inc. of Foristell and political action committees of unions representing communication workers, gas workers, sprinkler fitters,

Stenger has received contributions from former State Rep. Joan Barry, D-Oakville, and campaign committees for State Representatives Michael Vogt, D-Affton; Sue Schoemehl, D-Oakville, and Jake Zimmerman, D-Olivette.

All of Stenger’s spending has gone to LB and Associates of Richmond Heights for fundraising and consulting services.

John Temporiti, chairman of the state Democratic Party, recruited Stenger to enter the race. He will be a good candidate and work hard, Temporiti said. A factor in seeking Stenger was his ability to raise a sufficient amount of money for the campaign, Temporiti said.

Stenger, 35, is a lawyer with a general practice. He is a partner in the Klar, Izsak and Stenger law firm of Richmond Heights.

He received a bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri St. Louis and a law degree from St. Louis University. He is single.

Meanwhile, Campisi reported he has raised $5,060 and spent $5,185.69 in the reporting period. He has $7,355.80 in his campaign chest.

He received donations from Budrovich Contracting Co. Inc. and Doering Engineering Inc. and the political action committee of local Realtors. Most of his spending was for fundraising.