No staff decisions yet
Of the St. Louis American
The week that was for Lewis Reed was almost as hectic as the final days of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president of the city Board of Aldermen.
A week after Tuesday’s upset thumping of incumbent Jim Shrewsbury, Reed told the American “things are going well. We’re preparing for taking office, and it’s a lot of work.”
While speculation grows as to who will serve on his cabinet, Reed says, “I’ve made absolutely no decisions.”
Reed doesn’t have to wait until after the April 3 general election – when he will run unopposed – to choose a chief of staff and other staff members.
“But that’s what I plan to do,” he said.
Reed also said he is awaiting word on his request to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to postpone soliciting the president of the Board of Aldermen for his choice for a representative on a proposed three-member transitional St. Louis Public Schools board until after April 3.
“I’ve made that formal request because it’s a selection I have to live with and the city has to live with for several years. I should make that pick,” he said.
Reed added, “I have nobody in mind” for that role.
With Reed now joining Comptroller Darlene Green on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the city’s chief fiscal body, two of its three members are African-American. The other is Mayor Francis G. Slay.
“It will be important for the comptroller, Mayor Slay and the board of E&A to look at areas long-neglected,” Reed said.
“Many are on the North Side. We’ve got to work to develop that tax base. We have to direct resources to places of greatest need and put them on the path to a major comeback like the rest of the city.”
Green called Reed’s victory “historic.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Reed to help improve conditions in the city’s under-served communities, which in turn benefits the city as a whole,” Green said in a statement.
She said she welcomes Reed’s “new energy,” adding that his “victory promises to continue the city’s revitalization efforts that strengthen our economy and create new jobs.”
U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, who along with Green and city Treasurer Larry Williams did not endorse Reed or Shrewsbury, said the makeup of the new Board of E&A “should pay dividends for North St. Louis.”
“More federal and state dollars, such as Brownsfield grants, should go to neighborhood cleanup on the North Side,” Clay said.
“More block grant money should be targeted to North St. Louis neighborhoods.”
Clay said he was “somewhat surprised” by Reed’s win “because of the incumbency” advantage for Shrewsbury.
“Lewis ran an excellent campaign,” Clay said.
“He’ll bring tremendous talent and energy to the office. He’ll have a huge impact.”
The American contacted Williams’ office for comment but had not received a return call by press time.
License Collector Mike McMillan said having Reed and Green on the Board of E&A will “bring a keen sensitivity to development, jobs, housing and opportunities on the North Side.”
“Then, the whole city can take part in the renaissance that is going on in St. Louis,” McMillan said.
Alderwoman Lyda Krewson, who supported Reed’s campaign from the time he announced he would seek the office, called him “visionary, energetic and positive.”
“We want a president of the board who is energetically trying to bring more jobs, more development and more residents to enjoy what we know to be a great place to live, work and play.”
Alderwoman Jennifer Florida, a possible chief of staff candidate, said “the city is a winner” with Reed.
Alderwoman April Ford Griffin, who worked hard on Reed’s campaigning, also has been assisting him in preparing a transition of power. She said Reed is taking time to assess the “total operation” of the Board of Aldermen “before people are locked into permanent positions.”
She said, “I want to be of any assistance I can to build this bridge, this coalition we have been talking about.”
As for Reed, he says the victory is “rewarding yet humbling.”
“People who have not communicated for years have come together on my behalf,” Reed said. “They have inspired me.”
