Let Chief George do his job
By David L. Jackson Jr.
Guest Columnist
Over the last several years, the administration of Mayor Francis G. Slay has been critical of black officeholders in a position to make independent decisions. The current administration is constantly making appointments and decisions without consulting the black community through its many organizations, such as the Back Leadership Roundtable and the Black Aldermanic Caucus.
Even though the city is 53 percent minority, people of color have little voice or role in the operation, development and growth of the city. As this region celebrates a boom in redevelopment and growth, this unwarranted situation continues to divide our great city along racial lines.
No public outcry has been heard regarding the revolving door at City Hall and the departments and boards under its authority, with the dismissals of persons of color in key, authoritative positions. Hopefully, this commentary will serve as a call to order for the black community to support its professionals who have made public service to the city of St. Louis a way of life.
Another black administrator appears to be under fire from the Slay administration. Fire Chief Sherman George has filed a complaint with the local office of the EEOC regarding Sam Simon, director of the Office of Public Safety, who reviews and approves the chief’s directives. At issue is alleged interference in the chief’s personnel decisions, directions and day-to-day operation of the department.
I respect Chief George as a capable and qualified administrator in his capacity at the Fire Department. Consider his exemplary leadership in the Praxair disaster this past July, reflected in the fact that there were no casualties. I was very disappointed to hear no mention of his actions and response by the mayor and other city leaders.
When George took over the department, he initiated a directive to halt all promotions until the courts could review the promotions process to assure equal opportunity for all firemen. I believe it is because of this action that George’s authority has been questioned and his responsibilities systematically taken away.
The first step in pre-termination is to remove all credibility and authority from the person in question. I suspect that in the near future, Chief George will be offered the opportunity to resign. If this scenario occurs, it would be devastating to the Fire Department and the city as a whole. The support of black leaders and citizens is essential in expressing concern to Mayor Slay regarding the tenure of Chief George. A unified black community should inform the mayor of its sincere concern and dismay at the actions of his administration and boldly demand that all actions of interference in the Fire Department’s day-to-day operations immediately cease.