By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Despite criticism for taking similar action two years ago, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay endorsed candidates Tuesday running for the city school board.
Slay is backing Flint Fowler, Joseph Keaven and Joe Moramarco.
Before the 2002 elections, Slay formally endorsed a four-member slate of candidates. Since their election to the board, they, as well as the mayor, have been criticized by some teachers and parents. Slay says he's not afraid to get involved.
"I looked at my role in terms of the public school, because I don't have any control over it, as someone who keeps the focus on the kids, and tries to identify and support qualified candidates who will put the kids first and who will leave their personalities and their egos at the door," Slay said.
Mayor Slay says he is not endorsing Veronica O'Brien, whom he appointed to the board last year, because she has disappointed him.
"That was a mistake that was made, but I learned from that mistake and I think that this district will be better served by candidates like these that will again put their personalities and egos at the door and really put the kids first in every decision that's made in the St. Louis public schools," he said.
The election will be held April 5th.