Viewing today and tomorrow for city’s first black comptroller
Of the St. Louis American
The late John Bass considered all of St. Louis “his family,” and the city he loved dearly can begin paying its respect from 4-8 p.m. today (March 1) at Wade Funeral Home, 4828 Natural Bridge.
John Bass, an educator and pioneering African-American politician, died Sunday (Feb. 25, 2007) at the age of 80 after a long illness.
Another viewing will be from 9-10 a.m. Friday at St. Elizabeth, Mother of John the Baptist (formerly St. Engelbert) Parish, 4330 Shreve, and his funeral will follow.
Retired Congressman William Clay Sr. said Bass was a “Renaissance man.”
“His concerns and interests covered the whole spectrum of human needs with a mission to bring justice and equity to those who have been neglected and ignored. John was a consummate public servant who devoted his entire life to helping others,” Clay said.
“He was a warrior and a hero in a battle to bring political independence to a community too long without representation. We will miss him.”
As St. Louis’ first black comptroller, Bass proudly helped build African-American voting power and was dedicated to helping blacks receive fair treatment at City Hall.
Before entering the world of politics, Bass studied at Lincoln University, then rose from teacher to principal at Beaumont High School.
Warned by Mayor Alfonso Cervantes that the city would not elect a black comptroller, Bass shook off that prophecy and resigned from his appointed post as director of the city welfare department to campaign for the office.
With the residents of North St. Louis solidly behind him, and back from the pipefitters’ union and other labor groups, Bass pulled the upset.
Former comptroller Virvus Jones said Bass was “the first person to call me when I was appointed comptroller.”
“John Bass was always there to offer his assistance and show me the ropes,” Jones said. “He was an invaluable resource during the negotiations on (the Edward Jones Dome.)”
In Clay’s recent book Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grass Roots, Bass is quoted on the transition of leadership to young black politicians. “We need to ask ourselves – who are we going to turn the gauntlet over to? Who will stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before?” Bass said.
“Young people need to understand about coalition politics, about working with other groups. They need to develop a council of elders to advise them.”
Kacie Starr Triplett said of her maternal grandfather, “He was definitely the patriarch of the family. He took that role very seriously.”
Triplett, a candidate for alderman in the 6th Ward on the March 6 ballot, said she learned many political lessons from her grandfather.
“I learned to be honest and to be fair with everyone. He used to say, ‘Kacie, politics is about addition, not subtraction.’ Also, loyalty – he was very loyal to his friends and the people who got him elected.”
Bass lost the comptroller’s office in 1977 to Ray Percish, but won the 20th Ward aldermanic seat a year later.
In 1981, he won a special election to fill a seat in the Missouri Senate and he served in Jefferson City for 10 years.
While he was in Jefferson City, a young state Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay was his roommate.
Bass would leave the state senate in 1991 to serve with the elder Clay in Washington. Lacy Clay would succeed Bass in that senate seat before he won an election to replace his retiring father.
“John Bass was a man of great integrity,” Lacy Clay said.
“His entire lifetime was devoted to making St. Louis a better place.”
Clay called Bass “a tireless advocate who never stopped fighting for real inclusion of minorities and women.”
Bass and the younger Clay spoke once a week until Bass’ health began to fail him.
“I was blessed to have two teachers who truly knew what it meant to be a public servant. One was John Bass and the other is my father,” Clay said.
“He had an unwavering sense of decency. I will remember John Bass for his courage.”
Civic activist Pearlie Evans and Bass attended Lincoln University at the same time and were close friends and political allies.
“John Bass was a sincere and dedicated public servant,” Evans said.
“He championed the cause of justice in our town. He considered St. Louis his family, and always thought that, even at times of disagreement. He was a sensitive person.”
Comptroller Darlene Green, the city’s third black comptroller, said Bass “was truly a mentor (who) left me very sage advice and counsel that I use everyday in my job as comptroller.
“I admired him very much for his professionalism and integrity. We have lost a remarkable, selfless person and one of the great leaders of our time.”
Green, who was finishing high school in 1973 when Bass became the city’s first African-American comptroller, said she later followed his career as state senator. “He was a very strong voice for the African-American community,” Green said.
Mayor Francis G. Slay said he could not remember “a public policy issue in the 1970s or 1980s that did not have Mr. Bass’s mark on it.”
“During a distinguished and dynamic public career, he served as an alderman, a state senator, a school principal, a state cabinet official and as the city’s first African-American comptroller. We will all miss John’s voice at the table.”
State Rep. T.D. El-Amin has filed a proposal that would re-name the Mark McGwire section of I-70 highway after Bass.
“They should do that now – and more,” Slay said.
Slay ordered all the official flags of the City of St. Louis to be flown at half-staff from Wednesday, February 28 to Sunday, March 4 in Bass’ honor.
