Stage set for three-way mayor’s race
Slay, left, faces challenges from Maida Coleman, center, and Irene J. Smith
Outgoing State Sen. Maida Coleman has issued a press release indicating her intention to file for mayor today, the last day candidates can put their name on the ballot for the March 3 primary.
Coleman, who has served in Jefferson City for over a dozen years in both the House and Senate, faces an uphill climb in her attempt to unseat Mayor Francis Slay, who has over $1 million in the bank as he seeks a third term.
Also in the race is former Alderman Irene J. Smith, who Slay defeated in 2005. This year, she poses more of a threat to taking votes away from Coleman than from chipping into Slay’s base.
In her release, Coleman provided a preview of the issues she intends to put before voters as she embarks on a campaign that, win or lose, will be barely three months long.
“Under the current administration, St. Louis has been named the most dangerous city in the US. St. Louis Public Schools have been taken over by the state, jobs are disappearing in droves and the city has become more polarized than ever,” Coleman said. “I believe St. Louis deserves a mayor who wants to represent the whole community and not simply a small portion.”
Coleman is expected to make her entrance into the race official shortly before filing closes at 5 p.m.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN