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St. Louis Front Page presents St. Louis CitySide, an overview of the City Government of Saint Louis. From time to time, we will take an indepth look at many of the projects in which the city is involved and how these projects will affect residents and visitors.
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St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay waved to supporters after announcing plans to run for a second term. (L. to R.) On the stage with the Mayor is St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, the Mayor's wife Kim and his daughter Kate, and License Collector Gregory F.X. Daly.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay Announces Bid for Second Term
by Betty Magrath, SLFP.com
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) November 22, 2004 - "Let's do our parting tonight," stated St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay following his official notice to seek re-election. Family, friends, business leaders, local elected officials and supporters who gathered at the Regional Arts Commission, Monday evening, November 22, 2004, cheered in response. "The hard work of the campaign starts tomorrow," added the Mayor.
Mayor Slay stated emphatically that enough progress had been made during the past four years that he was again a candidate for mayor of the City of St. Louis. He said that many people are discovering that there is a lot to like about City living and noted that the city is gaining population for the first time in 50 years. "As our neighborhoods improve, they are attracting the attention of retailers who know a good thing when they see it," stated the Mayor.
"St. Louis is great because of its people. We are rebuiding our homes, our neighborhoods, our City," stated Mayor Slay.
"County homebuilders, like those involved in Citi-rama in the old Gaslight Square neighborhood or in Dogtown, are finding out that it is possible to work in the city and make money doing so," stated Mayor Slay.
The Mayor acknowledged that there was still a lot of work to do to improve the quality of life in the city. "Our police department, under the leadership of Chief Joe Mokwa, has cut our overall crime rate by almost twenty percent since 2001. Car thefts, which had become a scourge last year, have fallen this year, thanks to the work of a police task force."
The Mayor did not hesitate to comment on recent controversial meetings at the St. Louis school board. "People sometimes wonder why I stuck my neck out on education. I do not regret it and promise you I will not rest until every child has a choice for a good education."
He pointed out that there is still too much shouting going on about the schools and at the St. Louis school board. "It is time for everyone, and I mean everyone to stop shouting and start focusing on our children," said the Mayor as many the crowd nodded in response.
Mayor Slay stated that it was his plan to improve the business systems so more dollars could be spent in the classroom to benefit the children. "It is a daunting task. But, I do not intend to back down."
He spoke about the importance of teamwork and the partnerships that have been forged over the past four years. "One important way to lose the historic inferiority complex that has characterized this region is to recognize and celebrate our diversity," stated the Mayor.
The Mayor also outlined his plans to tackle problem properties in the city. "The new jail still has some room for absentee landlords who ignore the building inspectors," he said, as the crowd cheered loudly and waved Slay re-election posters.
Filing for the mayor's race begins November 29. With the general election taking place April 5, Mayor Slay has clearly defined his intentions to remain focused on leading the city through the next four years.
Family, friends, business leaders, local elected officials and supporters gathered at the Regional Arts Commission, Monday evening, November 22, 2004, to hear St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay announce his bid for re-election.
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