St. Louis, MO (KMOX) - One political observer says filling key positions is critical for incoming St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. SLU Political Science Professor Chris Duncan says her Chief of Staff and Board of Aldermen Liaison are of special importance. "She started putting together her team immediately. Cara's got to remember the 3 C's going forward. Competency, communication, and compassion. She ran on competency and so she's going to have to demonstrate that coming out of the gate and I think these appointments help her do that."
Spencer announced her Chief of Staff and other communication personnel within 48 hours of her election. She added other key appointments Monday including: her pick for Director of Public Safety, Major Shawn Dace, named Connie Johnson, Director for the St. Louis Agency on Training & Employment (SLATE), and appointed Dan Guenther, Liaison to the Board of Aldermen. "She's got to have a good relationship with the Aldermen and she's got to have someone who can keep her on schedule and keep her on track and so you need a strong Chief of Staff," points out Duncan.
KMOX asked Duncan about Spencer's decision to keep current police chief Robert Tracy. "So far I think that's he's done most of the right things, he's been out there in the public, he's communicated pretty well I think in the neighborhoods, and so right now I don't see any reason to change ships."
Duncan does say, the fall-out from what's been called "Snowmageddon" requires Spencer to replace the streets director in place under outgoing Mayor Tishaura Jones.
He says Mayor Jones "teed up" some things for Mayor Spencer with the downtown Millennium Hotel and Railway Exchange projects, "projects that you can come of the gate pretty quick and show a lot of energy and activity in the city, and that's going to be crucial." Crucial, Duncan adds, when it comes to pleasing business leaders who supported Spencer's campaign.
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