COVER STO RY
“On the one hand, I have more and better ways to communicate, which we do with Twitter, Facebook and our blog,” Slay said. “But there are also more people communicating, and there’s more noise out there. In some cases, inaccurate messages can go viral very quickly, and it’s hard to overcome that stuff.”
city-county will provide “a more united vision and strategy on how we compete in what’s become a much more global economy. Putting us at the same table, thinking as one, is going to really change our approach to things in a better way.”
One of the next big areas of focus for the Mayor’s Office is the proposed merger between St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Many aspects of the two areas have already been merged in recent years, such as the bomb and arson squads and components of the economic development agencies, which serve as good models for city-county cooperation and involvement.
For those with their sights set on public office – or those who may one day find their path headed that direction like Slay himself, he offers advice once again imparted to him by his father.
“This is a regional economy: things that happen in one part of the region impact other parts of the region,” Slay said. The competition to attract and retain corporate headquarters, industry sectors and talent is taking place between cities around the world. He believes a combined
The Power of Public Service
“One, you have to get in it for all the right reasons,” he was told. “It’s got to be to make a difference. It can’t be about yourself. You come in with a much better perspective, and it’ll be much more fulfilling once you get in there. Secondly, never overestimate your own popularity. Stay in touch with those you represent and communicate with them. Often.” Slay’s father always urged him to take a stand, whether it be on a vote or basic
ideology. “If you try to please everybody, you won’t accomplish anything, and you won’t please anybody in the end,” he said. “You need to listen, you need to understand that everybody has different views, different perspectives. But ultimately you need to take a position.” It’s evident when Slay speaks about his career that he recognizes the extraordinary dedication of the people involved. “I’m working with some of the best people there are anywhere in the world. People who care about others, people who care about our city, and they’re working to try to make better. We’re making progress. We are improving lives. But we have a lot of work to do.” That notion of unfinished business begs the question: what does the future hold for his political career? While he asserts he does not look five or even 15 years down the road, Slay does not rule out the possibility of a fifth term. “I’m at this job working as hard now as I’ll ever work at it…I tell you what, there’s no job I can imagine I’d enjoy more than this one.” VO LU M E 1 5 I SS U E 1
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