I think all lobbyists should have flashing lights on their cars and be forced to wear a flashing button on their lapels so we all know who they are.

Oh, is that my hand in the cookie jar? Goodness, however did it get there?

Actually, more to the point, it was already noted in the previous comment section that a previous RFT story had reported on Hamilton’s lights: http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2006-04-05/news/a-cherry-on-top (towards the end of the article). Considering that good politicians generally are very aware of what is reported in the local news, shouldn’t Slay have known about this earlier?

It’s truly amazing what St. Francis doesn’t seem to remember! Back when Hizzonorless was promoting his childhood buddy to Fire Chief? Didn’t seem to remember that his political benefactor Lou “Emergency Vehicle” Hamilton had the Pre-Chief bring a fire truck to his house to remove a diving board from his swimming pool. Oh, but that was for “training purposes”, yeah, that’s the ticket!!! I forgot about that bizzaro summer when swimming pools were ablaze all over the City. I wonder who installed the lights and sirens? Could it have happened at the SLPD garage off Vandeventer? Anybody at the Post gonna look into that? I doubt it, I’m sure they’ve got their best reporters on the big Michael Phelps bong story.

Danny,

I’m pretty skeptical too that the Post would do any investigation of anything that has to do with Slay. We’re just lucky that Slay got asked this question at a meeting with writers and editors, or we might never have heard about it. But credit where credit is due: thank you Jeremy Kohler for actually reporting something that, ever so indirectly, doesn’t make Slay look like the world’s greatest mayor. Let’s hope this is followed up by some investigative journalism.

AJS, why is Slay the Teflon Mayor? How is it that the P.D. is so unwilling to criticize him for anything? Why won’t they point out how he takes credit for the accomplishments of others while deflecting all criticism for the failings of a City on the verge of collapse during his tenure? Does Richard Callow and Jeff Rainterd have that much control over the local media?

Danny,

Ultimately I don’t know, but I’ve thought a lot about that question and have a couple of theories. (1) is just that the bloggers on Political Fix, which describes itself as “providing insider news”, take pride in the fact that they are insiders. Because they want so badly to maintain this status, they are not willing to do anything to jeopardize their status. Savvy politicians like Slay or like George Bush can easily take advantage of this kind of attitude. A more nefarious theory (2) relates to the fact that the Post-Dispatch has something called a “Civilian Advisory Board,” which includes people like Slay, Paul McKee, and other power players. It’s unclear what exactly the relationship is with the board (specifically, does the advisory board interact with reporters as well as the editorial board), but seems like it could be a problematic relationship. Here’s a link:http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-165692011.html

Nothing really surprises me about Slay or the unwillingness of the PD to investigate. PD reports whatever lies are sprewed as though it were gospel. Slay can generally be found bending over and clutching his ankles & screaming “Do it again sir”. It’s no surprise to anyone who loves this city that there has been a lack of leadership for years. All you have to do is drive around and see the discrepency between the haves and the havenots. Neighborhoods in dire need of help while the mayor plays his fiddle and spreads the wealth amongst friends. If anyone thinks that Slay cares about anyone but himself have to look no further than his lack of support for the schools. He has done more during his term to help St Louis gain recognition as one of the most miserable places to live than anything else. A truly despicable excuse for a man.