left to right (Newly sworn and newly elected) Vice President Commissioner Richard Gray, (newly elected) Treasurer Commissioner Michael Gerdine D.C., (newly elected) President Betty Battle-Turner, (Newly Resigned Commissioner Todd Epsten and Mayor Commissioner Fancis G. Slay
Even though it's not my favorite Kool And The Gang jam, as the drama at the headquarters of the City of St. Louis Police Department unfolded on Malcolm X's birthday, May 19, the song played in my mind:
Celebrate Good Times, Com'on
Celebrate Good Times, Com'on
There's a party Goin' on right here,
A celebration to last throughout the year,
So bring your good times and your laughter too,
We gon' celebrate your party with you, Com'on now...
While I personally prefer the "Gang's" hits, Jungle Boogie, Hollywood Swingin', Summer Madness and Get Down On It, Celebration was DEFINITELY the appropriate song for the occasion on that morning.
For those of you who aren't aware of what Black people should be celebrating, it is a rare moment in St. Louis City history when some of our people come together for a righteous cause and do something to make a difference that could be lasting and in the best interest of ALL people in our region. I realize that everyone is thinking, "Not in St. Louis! Not with the special kind of negroes that we have grown accustomed to (the kind who only lift a finger to benefit THEMSELVES)." But, I was an EYE WITNESS and wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself. Let me explain.
I attended the May 19th Police Commissioners meeting, because I needed a new photograph of the mayor for my newspaper archives. The mayor is the only non-appointed Commissioner on the Board as established by the city's charter. I sat in the front row right in front of Slay, because I know how much he hates to see with a camera every since I busted him and those sell-out Black Clergy Coalition preachers having a "secret meeting" on April Fools Day, 2009. I was also aware that Richard Gray, the new Executive Director of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, had been appointed by Governor Jay Nixon to fill a position on the Board of Police Commissioners, and that he would be sworn in on that morning. Commissioner Gray's appointment would make a Black majority on the Board, so I had an interest in getting a couple of shots of this historic moment. (The Board has had a Black majority once before, during the Freeman Bosley, Jr. administration, but this was the first appointed majority by a Governor. In this case, all three Blacks Commissioners have been appointed by Governor Nixon.)
There was NO way that I, or any other St. Louisan, could have possible fathomed the events that would unfold on that morning. After Commissioner Gray was sworn in, the selection of officers took place. This is the typical business of the Board after the swearing of a new commissioner, but what resulted was anything but typical. The mayor nominated Commissioner Todd Epsten for president. No surprise here, Epsten had served for a year as president, so it was likely that all others would concur. The shocker was that Commissioner Michael Gerdine, D.C., a chiropractor, then nominated Commissioner Bettye Battle-Turner, an attorney and former judge, as president. Even still, I'm sure that the mayor and Commissioner Epsten didn't get too concerned, because even if Gerdine and Battle-Turner voted together, they could certainly depend on the newly appointed "rookie" to side with them, I mean, hell, this is St. Louis, isn't it. Also, Gray will certainly need the support of the mayor for his Gateway Classic, right? Well, the vote ensued and the mayor cast his vote for Epsten, Epsten voted for himself, Battle-Turner voted for herself, Gerdine voted for Battle-Turner and it came down to Gray's vote which was cast for Battle-Turner. An undeniable upset by all terms. Next order of business was called by President Bettye Battle-Turner. She nominated Gray for Vice President and he won. She then nominated Gerdine for Treasurer and he won. Now, not only were there 3 Black Commissioners on the St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners, but the Blacks were now the office holders as well. UNHEARD OF IN ST. LOUIS!
Shortly after this disappointment, Commissioner Epsten was offered the position of "purchasing member," which is basically a position given to the 4th appointed commissioner so that they too can have a title. Epsten declined, even though as President he served dually in this roll after it had been declined by Commissioner Julius Hunter after a last election of Board officers. When the order of business came to the purchasing member's report, which should have been presented by Commissioner Epsten he stated, "I'll be resigning," and left the meeting.
He Took His Toys and Went Home
(Resigned) Former President of the Board of Police Commissioners, Todd Epsten. Mr. Epsten is the CEO of Major Brands Premium Liquor Distributors
Commissioner Epsten's decision to resign and leave so abruptly said to many, as well as myself "If I can't run this, then I won't play." To just storm off because you can't be in charge is a behavior that one might expect from a child, but certainly not from a police commissioner. We can only hope that his thoughts weren't, "I refuse to sit on a Board with a Black majority if I can't be in charge." Although, in St. Louis, this wouldn't surprise many Blacks at all. As a matter of fact, everyone in my neighborhood barbershop believed that this was exactly Mr. Epsten's mindset. Most believe that the mayor would have followed if he were not bound by city charter to sit there and deal with it.
Francis and the Negroes
Slay, Shock and Defeated
It has to be awkward for Slay to have to sit on a Board with 3 Blacks that he didn't place and can't control, working with him. I write with because this is all supposed to be done in the interest of our public safety.
Many have asked when will the St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment do something of this sort? (The City's executive branch of government, consisting of the mayor, comptroller and president of the Board of Aldermen that approves all City real estate purchases, appropriations and the City's annual operating budget). The Comptroller, Darlene Green, and President of the Board of Aldermen, Lewis Reed, are both Black. They are the majority, yet the 2 Black members don't seem to ever vote in concert against the mayor. Perhaps now, we will see similar actions taken by that Board as well.
None of us would want to see Slay be voted against just for the sake of voting against him. The Police Commission clearly needed new direction. Under this mayor's watch we've seen scandals and concerns of corruption go seemingly unchecked. There is the towing scandal, which involved ex-Chief Mokwa's daughter still under federal investigation. (Mokwa is Slay's brother-in-law by marriage to Slay's wife's sister). Also, the world-series ticket scandal, which involved some St. Louis police officers' unauthorized use of tickets seized from scalpers. One of the first pieces of Police Board business beyond the election of officers, was to announce that they would be dropping the fight to block the disclosure of documents related to the ticket scandal. This is only in the interest of justice.
So Let's Celebrate!
There are those who say that it is inappropriate to celebrate this victory in terms of Black and White. This was also the perspective of some that felt that Black people cheering the acquittal of O.J. Simpson was unnecessary. Black people, we are supposed to celebrate when we have what we should consider as victories in the struggle for justice. We can't be afraid that "White folks are going to get mad and do something to get back at us." Those kinds of White folks do something to get back at you every damned day, even if you don't celebrate a victory. Wake up, people. Enjoy and savor this moment, which happens to have taken place on the birthday of El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - Malcolm X. (I'm certain that our great brother smiled down upon us on that day.)
Most importantly, let us hope for the best from the Board of Police Commissioners as they work to aid our police in protecting and serving the city well and keeping the department above scandal and corruption. Regardless of the racial make-up, Governor Nixon has appointed three (well-qualified) commissioners. No one could dispute that fact. Also, let's aid Richard Gray in actually filling the Dome in his first year of running Gateway Classic event in our city. The brother stood up for right in a way that we have RARELY (if ever) seen in St. Louis. I pray that others will be so courageous as we all work to make this city a place to be proud to live in.
Mayor Slay Says, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
In the wake of the unseating of President Todd Epsten of the Board of Police Commissioners by the three Governor Jay Nixon appointed Commissioners, Richard Gray, Michael Gerdine and Bettye Battle-Turner, the mayor's tantrum continues as he was quoted in a Post-Dispatch article stating, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.
Home
(Resigned) Former President of the Board of Police Commissioners, Todd Epsten. Mr. Epsten is the CEO of Major Brands Premium Liquor Distributors
Commissioner Epsten's decision to resign and leave so abruptly said to many, as well as myself "If I can't run this, then I won't play." To just storm off because you can't be in charge is a behavior that one might expect from a child, but certainly not from a police commissioner. We can only hope that his thoughts weren't, "I refuse to sit on a Board with a Black majority if I can't be in charge." Although, in St. Louis, this wouldn't surprise many Blacks at all. As a matter of fact, everyone in my neighborhood barbershop believed that this was exactly Mr. Epsten's mindset. Most believe that the mayor would have followed if he were not bound by city charter to sit there and deal with it.
Francis and the Negroes
Slay, Shock and Defeated
It has to be awkward for Slay to have to sit on a Board with 3 Blacks that he didn't place and can't control, working with him. I write with because this is all supposed to be done in the interest of our public safety.
Many have asked when will the St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment do something of this sort? (The City's executive branch of government, consisting of the mayor, comptroller and president of the Board of Aldermen that approves all City real estate purchases, appropriations and the City's annual operating budget). The Comptroller, Darlene Green, and President of the Board of Aldermen, Lewis Reed, are both Black. They are the majority, yet the 2 Black members don't seem to ever vote in concert against the mayor. Perhaps now, we will see similar actions taken by that Board as well.
None of us would want to see Slay be voted against just for the sake of voting against him. The Police Commission clearly needed new direction. Under this mayor's watch we've seen scandals and concerns of corruption go seemingly unchecked. There is the towing scandal, which involved ex-Chief Mokwa's daughter still under federal investigation. (Mokwa is Slay's brother-in-law by marriage to Slay's wife's sister). Also, the world-series ticket scandal, which involved some St. Louis police officers' unauthorized use of tickets seized from scalpers. One of the first pieces of Police Board business beyond the election of officers, was to announce that they would be dropping the fight to block the disclosure of documents related to the ticket scandal. This is only in the interest of justice.
So Let's Celebrate!
There are those who say that it is inappropriate to celebrate this victory in terms of Black and White. This was also the perspective of some that felt that Black people cheering the acquittal of O.J. Simpson was unnecessary. Black people, we are supposed to celebrate when we have what we should consider as victories in the struggle for justice. We can't be afraid that "White folks are going to get mad and do something to get back at us." Those kinds of White folks do something to get back at you every damned day, even if you don't celebrate a victory. Wake up, people. Enjoy and savor this moment, which happens to have taken place on the birthday of El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - Malcolm X. (I'm certain that our great brother smiled down upon us on that day.)
Most importantly, let us hope for the best from the Board of Police Commissioners as they work to aid our police in protecting and serving the city well and keeping the department above scandal and corruption. Regardless of the racial make-up, Governor Nixon has appointed three (well-qualified) commissioners. No one could dispute that fact. Also, let's aid Richard Gray in actually filling the Dome in his first year of running Gateway Classic event in our city. The brother stood up for right in a way that we have RARELY (if ever) seen in St. Louis. I pray that others will be so courageous as we all work to make this city a place to be proud to live in.
Mayor Slay Says, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
In the wake of the unseating of President Todd Epsten of the Board of Police Commissioners by the three Governor Jay Nixon appointed Commissioners, Richard Gray, Michael Gerdine and Bettye Battle-Turner, the mayor's tantrum continues as he was quoted in a Post-Dispatch article stating, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.
Home
Slay, Shock and Defeated
It has to be awkward for Slay to have to sit on a Board with 3 Blacks that he didn't place and can't control, working with him. I write with because this is all supposed to be done in the interest of our public safety.
Many have asked when will the St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment do something of this sort? (The City's executive branch of government, consisting of the mayor, comptroller and president of the Board of Aldermen that approves all City real estate purchases, appropriations and the City's annual operating budget). The Comptroller, Darlene Green, and President of the Board of Aldermen, Lewis Reed, are both Black. They are the majority, yet the 2 Black members don't seem to ever vote in concert against the mayor. Perhaps now, we will see similar actions taken by that Board as well.
None of us would want to see Slay be voted against just for the sake of voting against him. The Police Commission clearly needed new direction. Under this mayor's watch we've seen scandals and concerns of corruption go seemingly unchecked. There is the towing scandal, which involved ex-Chief Mokwa's daughter still under federal investigation. (Mokwa is Slay's brother-in-law by marriage to Slay's wife's sister). Also, the world-series ticket scandal, which involved some St. Louis police officers' unauthorized use of tickets seized from scalpers. One of the first pieces of Police Board business beyond the election of officers, was to announce that they would be dropping the fight to block the disclosure of documents related to the ticket scandal. This is only in the interest of justice.
So Let's Celebrate!
There are those who say that it is inappropriate to celebrate this victory in terms of Black and White. This was also the perspective of some that felt that Black people cheering the acquittal of O.J. Simpson was unnecessary. Black people, we are supposed to celebrate when we have what we should consider as victories in the struggle for justice. We can't be afraid that "White folks are going to get mad and do something to get back at us." Those kinds of White folks do something to get back at you every damned day, even if you don't celebrate a victory. Wake up, people. Enjoy and savor this moment, which happens to have taken place on the birthday of El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - Malcolm X. (I'm certain that our great brother smiled down upon us on that day.)
Most importantly, let us hope for the best from the Board of Police Commissioners as they work to aid our police in protecting and serving the city well and keeping the department above scandal and corruption. Regardless of the racial make-up, Governor Nixon has appointed three (well-qualified) commissioners. No one could dispute that fact. Also, let's aid Richard Gray in actually filling the Dome in his first year of running Gateway Classic event in our city. The brother stood up for right in a way that we have RARELY (if ever) seen in St. Louis. I pray that others will be so courageous as we all work to make this city a place to be proud to live in.
Mayor Slay Says, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
In the wake of the unseating of President Todd Epsten of the Board of Police Commissioners by the three Governor Jay Nixon appointed Commissioners, Richard Gray, Michael Gerdine and Bettye Battle-Turner, the mayor's tantrum continues as he was quoted in a Post-Dispatch article stating, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.
Home
There are those who say that it is inappropriate to celebrate this victory in terms of Black and White. This was also the perspective of some that felt that Black people cheering the acquittal of O.J. Simpson was unnecessary. Black people, we are supposed to celebrate when we have what we should consider as victories in the struggle for justice. We can't be afraid that "White folks are going to get mad and do something to get back at us." Those kinds of White folks do something to get back at you every damned day, even if you don't celebrate a victory. Wake up, people. Enjoy and savor this moment, which happens to have taken place on the birthday of El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - Malcolm X. (I'm certain that our great brother smiled down upon us on that day.)
Most importantly, let us hope for the best from the Board of Police Commissioners as they work to aid our police in protecting and serving the city well and keeping the department above scandal and corruption. Regardless of the racial make-up, Governor Nixon has appointed three (well-qualified) commissioners. No one could dispute that fact. Also, let's aid Richard Gray in actually filling the Dome in his first year of running Gateway Classic event in our city. The brother stood up for right in a way that we have RARELY (if ever) seen in St. Louis. I pray that others will be so courageous as we all work to make this city a place to be proud to live in.
Mayor Slay Says, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
In the wake of the unseating of President Todd Epsten of the Board of Police Commissioners by the three Governor Jay Nixon appointed Commissioners, Richard Gray, Michael Gerdine and Bettye Battle-Turner, the mayor's tantrum continues as he was quoted in a Post-Dispatch article stating, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.
Home
Mayor Slay Says, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
In the wake of the unseating of President Todd Epsten of the Board of Police Commissioners by the three Governor Jay Nixon appointed Commissioners, Richard Gray, Michael Gerdine and Bettye Battle-Turner, the mayor's tantrum continues as he was quoted in a Post-Dispatch article stating, "The people of St. Louis need an explanation."
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.
Home
Actually, Mayor Slay, the actions of the Governor and the Board members are self-explanatory. Let me help you with this. You see, the majority of the people in St. Louis City are Black. The Board majority is now Black, which makes it a reflection of the people of the city that it serves. The President of the Board is now Black, as are the V.P. and Treasurer. The Governor took the necessary steps to ensure that the people were served. It was the appropriate thing to do whether political or ethical. I'm certain that you are having trouble grasping that concept, but maybe Jeff Rainford can explain that to you.
Furthermore, Commissioner Epsten resigned of his own free will. The Governor did not ask for his resignation. In my opinion, Mr. Epsten couldn't imagine serving on a Board composed of a Black majority if he couldn't be in charge. His actions were self-explanatory.
Let it go, move on. If "The people of St. Louis need an explanation," it's from Mr. Epsten for his actions and you for a towing scandal that took place on your watch, a World Series Ticket Scandal that took place on your watch and more.
I hope that this serves as a sufficient "explanation" for you. The people are quite satified in knowing that highly qualified Commissioners now serve us.