Yesterday was Election Day in St. Louis. Here are some noteworthy results:
Mayor: Francis Slay
It’s no surprise, but Francis Slay made history last night, winning his fourth four-year term, the first St. Louis mayor do so. And soon, Slay will have more power than ever. Later this year, the police department will become a division of the city’s Department of Public Safety, which is under mayoral control. Most of his platforms remain the same, including issues such as rehabbing historic buildings. He’s also mentioned working on the age-old issue of bringing the city back into St. Louis County.
Proposition P: Yes
For what its proponents called an “investment in the future of St. Louis,” Proposition P, which will add a sales tax increase to improve parks, trails, and the Gateway Arch grounds, passed in both the city and county last night. The proposition will increase sales taxes by 3/16 of one cent and is estimated to raise about $780 million over the next 20 years. Maggie Hales, executive director of the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation, said that the approval will allow the partners in the project to immediately move forward with safety and accessibility improvements to the Arch Grounds, which are still set to be completed for the 50th anniversary of the Arch's completion on October 28, 2015.
Proposition S: No
Voters decided not to approve a property tax increase in the Forest Park Southeast Special Business District. Proponents argued that the funds, which were to be used on safety and security measures, would decrease crime. Sixty-one percent of voters voted against the measure.
Proposition A: No
Seventy-seven percent of voters decided against this proposition, which mirrored proposition S, for the Botanical Heights West Special Business District.
Proposition 68: Yes
The Tower Grove South Concerned Citizens Business District proposition passed, which means the continuation of a property tax of 68 cents per $100 of assessed valuation from 2014 through 2018.
St. Louis City Board of Aldermen: Dems Win
In other unsurprising news, it was a good day for the Democrats, who won all 15 seats that were up for election. Most were unopposed, though three beat Green Party candidates and one defeated a Republican.
