Politics in St. Louis is fast becoming a three-ring circus.
Ringmaster Mayor Francis G. Slay directs departments with his whip and an “off with your head type” authority. Heads of city departments bow and quickly prepare new ways to cheat citizens. No word as to why there is no organized system of neighborhood playlots on hundreds of city streets where vacant lots abound. The CDA has lots of money for downtown, but none for renovation of abandoned homes. Residents go homeless and vacant homes sit dormant.
In the next ring is the chief of police. As sirens moan all night, a helicopter in dire need of a tune-up, keeps up further racket. The chief directs his krazy kops to chase down any and all teenaged thugs. Sadly, in the ring with him is the beleaguered but respectable fire chief who is fighting a losing battle against hired and amateur arsonists torching the city’s vacant homes.
Last but not least is the St. Louis Public Schools, led by Veronica O’Brien, who still seems to be doing the work of Mayor Slay. She insults the intelligence of and knocks out superintendents, teachers and parents with a single bound. O’Brien and her cohorts are ruining the lives of our children.
Meanwhile, getting away like a bandit are corporations, public trusts and utilities like Ameren UE, Metro and Laclede Gas. Poor unsuspecting customers are robbed without a handgun.
Victoria Ryan-Bailey
St. Louis