St. Louis Poet Laureate Task Force adds alternate candidate after two withdrawals, sets live Zoom interviews and follow-up schedule

The St. Louis City Poet Laureate Task Force on March 24 said two applicants withdrew from consideration and voted to interview an alternate candidate to restore a three-person interview slate, while agreeing on a process and schedule for live public interviews.

Task force members approved the minutes from the March 17 meeting by voice vote and then discussed logistics for next week’s candidate interviews. Christine (staff member) reported that “Aaron Williams has withdrawn his application,” and that “Dwyer Frasier also withdrew her application,” leaving the panel with fewer confirmed interviewees. The group agreed to invite Corinne Wolford Mason, who had ranked fourth in the earlier scoring, to fill the third interview slot.

Why it matters: The task force’s recommendation will go to the Board of Aldermen and could affect who serves as an official, city-appointed poet representing St. Louis at public events and outreach.…