Francis Slay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Slay
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Slay in 2015
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| 45th Mayor of St. Louis | |
| In office April 17, 2001 – April 18, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence Harmon |
| Succeeded by | Lyda Krewson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 18, 1955 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kim Slay |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Quincy College (BA) Saint Louis University (JD) |
| Profession | Attorney |
Francis Gerard Slay (born March 18, 1955) is an American lawyer and politician who was the 45th mayor of St. Louis, Missouri. He served from 2001 to 2017, making him the longest-serving mayor in the city's history. A mayor is the leader of a city's government.
Slay was elected four times in a row, which is more than any other mayor of St. Louis. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Contents
From Student to Politician
Slay grew up in St. Louis and went to St. Mary's High School, graduating in 1973. He then went to college at Quincy University, where he studied political science, which is the study of government and politics.
After college, he earned a J.D. degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. A J.D. is a special degree that allows someone to become a lawyer.
Starting a Career in Law and Politics
After law school, Slay worked as a law clerk for a judge. In 1981, he joined a law firm and focused on business law.
In 1985, Slay decided to enter politics. He was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, which is like a city council. He represented the 23rd ward. Ten years later, in 1995, he was elected President of the Board of Aldermen.
A Mayor for St. Louis
In 2001, Francis Slay won the election to become the mayor of St. Louis. As mayor, he led many important projects that helped improve the city.
What Did Mayor Slay Accomplish?
During his time as mayor, Slay focused on making St. Louis a better place to live. His administration helped redevelop several areas, including the Washington Avenue Loft District, turning old buildings into new homes.
He also played a key role in the construction of the new Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. His work helped bring new life to downtown St. Louis.
The city received several awards for these improvements. In 2007, St. Louis was given a Preserve America Presidential Award for its work in saving and reusing historic buildings. In 2011, a downtown park called Citygarden won a major award for its beautiful design.
On April 8, 2016, Slay announced he would not run for mayor again. He left office as the city's longest-serving mayor.
Life After Being Mayor
After his final term as mayor ended on April 18, 2017, Slay returned to his career as a lawyer. He took a job at the Spencer Fane law firm in downtown St. Louis.
Family and Personal Life
Francis Slay's father, Francis R. Slay, was also involved in St. Louis politics for many years. Slay is the second of eleven children.
He and his wife, Kim, have two children. They are also animal lovers and have rescued three dogs. Slay is of Lebanese and Polish heritage.
See also
In Spanish: Francis G. Slay para niños
- 2001 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2005 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2009 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2013 St. Louis mayoral election
- Timeline of St. Louis
