I have read the recent installments of the Political EYE column with great consternation. I have always defended the importance of a free and robust press. However, the personal attacks on my administration are inaccurate and misleading.
I am proud that this administration has worked feverishly to be part of progress by being inclusive in the highest levels of City government. Our record of inclusiveness reverberates with highly skilled, educated, and influential African Americans.
Our administration, unlike any other, has stepped up to the plate to ensure that parity in the decision-making progress of local government is now a reality. For the past month or so, the Political EYE column has given a gross and erroneous impression that tokenism and even racism prevails in the hiring and retention of our cabinet and staff, and that I am personally oblivious and insensitive to minorities in City government.
I deeply resent this misinformation. Fifty percent of our cabinet leadership is African-American. They are smart, visionary, dedicated public servants. They are empowered to improve City government and lead the effort to make St. Louis a great city.
The Political EYE has demonstrated how easy it is to throw brickbats. I challenge the column to take the bricks and help this administration continue to build a bridge to close the racial divide that unfortunately exists within this region.
Francis G. Slay
Mayor, City of St. Louis