The second half of our discussion revolves around the decline of nonprofit influence in local politics, the challenges facing Black political power in St. Louis, and what might lie ahead for the Spencer administration.
MCM editor Glenn Burleigh discusses the recent election results and early Spencer administration hires with regular contributor Michael Allen. Pt 1/2
Alderman Cara Spencer’s decisive victory marks a significant political shift in St. Louis, reflecting changes in voter demographics and dissatisfaction with the Jones administration’s performance. The decline of the #Ferguson activist coalition’s electoral clout further indicates evolving electoral dynamics in the city.
This year’s mayoral election spending, which has reached $2.8 million including PACs, is notably lower than some past elections. This is especially true when adjusting for inflation.
Mayor Tishaura Jones’ inauguration marked the city’s first Black woman as mayor and first all-Black Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Recent election results point toward a potential end of decades of Black representation on the powerful budgetary board.
Municipal election chaos peaked last week, with numerous candidates making unsubstantiated claims on social media. City voters will be well-served to resist the prevailing sensationalism swirling around tomorrow’s primary. Much of it seems to be distracting nonsense.
The proposed House Bill 495 allows police unions significant control over appointments and finances, undermining local governance. Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler opposes the power grab, advocating for local control and ethical oversight.
Clayco’s Bob Clark is all in for Cara Spencer, and the billionaire is investing over one hundred thousand dollars in a PAC supporting her mayoral candidacy. The accompanying media blitz revealed the billionaire’s narrative to be short on facts and long on spin.
Mayor Jones and Board President Green proposed the TransformSTL Act to codify plans for spending the remainder of the Rams settlement funds, sparking debate among aldermen. Critics argue it may delay impact. Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler offers an alternative focused on immediate community needs, including education, public safety, housing, and infrastructure improvements.
St. Louis voters have begun focusing on upcoming municipal elections, particularly the mayoral race between Mayor Tishaura Jones, Alderman Cara Spencer, and Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler. Mound City Messenger’s mapping project aims to enhance transparency in campaign financing by visualizing significant donor contributions to candidates’ campaigns.
