In spite of the strong challenge that Lewis Reed and his supporter put to defeat Francis Slay, with include an endorsement by former Fire Chief Sherman George, Slay wins his 4th term on March 5th 2013. During the course of the campaign, Slay addressed issues of concern that caused some voters to hesitate, in some cases vote against him over:
- Slay is a strong support of charter schools, public schools that are independently run and established. In every debate, Slay stud firm in support of charter schools which was bold because some voters oppose any policy that will divert money away form public schools
- A potential contract with Veolia Water Company was an ongoing concern for voters and Slay lost support over this issue. As the Riverfront times reported, Veolia is seeking to win a consulting contract with the city of St. Louis to advise the city on how to improve the water system. Reed, Veolia opponents, and Reed supporter accuse Slay of attempting to privatize the water. Slay insist his office is only seeking consulting on improvements.
Most of Slay's support came from the southern wards. Slay won ward 15 in spite word ward 15 Democrats endorsing Reed. Slay even won ward 6th, Reed's home ward with the final count; Slay 1081, Jimmie Matthews 18 and Reed 1000. City wide Slay received 26,968 votes Jimmie Matthews received 575 votes and Reed received 19,494 votes. Slay supporters knew him and supported continuing the Slay administration, Reed supporters felt Slay didn't represent them will Matthew supporters wanted an alternative to Both Reed and Slay.
I'm on twitter @jjdamien.
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