The legacy of Lewis Reed, former President of the StLouis Board of Aldermen,is no doubt forever tainted, after being convicted of corruption and bribery. ———

He should also be remembered for overseeing ward reduction and producing a map that offers an opportunity, for the African American community  to have parity, on the St.Louis Board of Aldermen. ———

Parity means an equal number of votes, when determining the distribution of resources and making critical decisions about the future of St.Louis City.  That’s a power that black St.Louis, has never experienced on the Board of Aldermen, the legislative branch of city government. I was privileged last evening to spend close to a hour via zoom with four black candidates, wishing to represent the newly created 14th ward, which combines the old 5th and 3rd wards. Those candidates include, 5th Ward alderman James Page, 3rd Ward alderman Brandon FrAzier-Bosley, 5th Ward businesswoman Ebony Washington and State Representative Rasheen Lamont Aldridge of the 78th legislative district in StLouis. ———

All of the candidates are impressive and well versed on the issues of crime, schools and neighborhood stabilization. ——— 

All expressed their interest in the restoration of North St.Louis etc. They also pledged to work with the aldermanic black caucus which is important to the empowerment, of the African American community in St.Louis. ——— 

We have all been witnessed to the fact that, “black faces in high places,” is not the end all that it might suggest, itself to be. ———

I advise you to listen carefully to all of the candidates , running for seats on the board of aldermen,because your choices will determine whether there is real parity, are just the appearance of it. ———

This round of aldermanic elections is a great opportunity for black StLouis,to have a full partnership with white St. Louis but you must choose wisely, are as  my late best friend, Attorney Helto Reed jr. would say,”it’s the same soup warmed over.” ——— 

I would also encourage African American community and cultural based organizations, such as the black police and firefighters union, block units and clergy to get involved with the selection of black candidates, for the StLouis Board of Aldermen. ———-

This is a great opportunity to move our black communities forward, which won’t happen if you allow other groups, to finance and select your leadership. They become puppets and will not put your concerns first and foremost! ———