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 politician and lawyer. He served as the 45th Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri from 2001 to 2017. He made history by being the first mayor of St. Louis to be elected four times in a row. This makes him the longest-serving mayor in the city's history. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Francis Slay's Early Life and Education
Francis Slay went to St. Mary's High School and graduated in 1973. He studied political science at Quincy University. Later, he earned a law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. After law school, Slay worked for a judge named Paul J. Simon. In 1981, he joined a law firm, focusing on business law.
Beginning His Political Career
Slay started his political journey in 1985. He was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, representing the 23rd ward. The Board of Aldermen is like a city council. In 1995, he became the President of the Board of Aldermen. He was re-elected to this role without anyone running against him in 1999.
Francis Slay's Time as Mayor of St. Louis
In 2001, Francis Slay won the Democratic Primary election. He defeated the current mayor, Clarence Harmon, and former mayor Freeman Bosley Jr.. This victory led him to become the Mayor of St. Louis.
Key Achievements and City Improvements
During his first term, Mayor Slay focused on improving the city. He helped with many new housing projects. One big project was redeveloping the Washington Avenue Loft District. He also helped make plans for the new Busch Stadium. This is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
His team also worked on re-drawing the boundaries for the aldermanic wards. This was needed after the 2000 census (a count of the population). The work done by Mayor Slay's administration received national and international awards. In 2007, Downtown St. Louis won a Preserve America Presidential Award. This is the highest award for protecting historical places. In 2011, a city park called Citygarden won a special award for urban open spaces.
End of Mayoral Term
On April 8, 2016, Mayor Slay announced he would not run for mayor again. He finished his term on April 18, 2017. He remains the longest-serving mayor in the history of St. Louis.
Life After Being Mayor
After leaving office, Francis Slay continued his career as an attorney. He joined the Spencer Fane law firm. His office is located in downtown St. Louis.
Francis Slay's Family Life
Francis Slay is one of eleven children. His father, Francis R. Slay, was also involved in politics. He was a long-time Democratic Committeeman in the 23rd Ward. He also served as the Recorder of Deeds. Francis R. Slay passed away in 2011.
Francis Slay is married to Kim Slay. They have two children. They also have three rescued dogs. Slay is a Maronite Catholic. He supports the Archdiocese of St. Louis and other Catholic groups in the city. His family background includes both Lebanese and Polish ancestry.
See also
- 2001 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2005 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2009 St. Louis mayoral election
- 2013 St. Louis mayoral election
