Historical September–October 1999 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
William L. Clay Jr. (Lacy) has announced that he is seeking to become the congressman representing the 1st District.
If successful, he will replace his father who has served in that office since 1968. Lacy Clay admits that he has been working toward this for quite some time. Clay has been a resident of Skinker DeBaliviere since 1985.
He resides on 61xx Washington with his wife Ivie and daughter Carol. Clay has two immediate goals that he would like to address as a member of Congress.
First, he would like to assist and strengthen public education.
He said that he has been an advocate for public education throughout his legislative career.
He feels that education is the key to a brighter future for young people.
He intends to push a bill that will infuse older school districts with funds to restore their buildings. Clay is also concerned about Social Security and Medicare.
He wants these programs to be solvent into the next century.
He feels that it can be done with the budget surplus the nation now has, due to Clinton’s economic initiatives.
There has been quite a bit of economic growth and a surplus is projected. Clay wants to retire the national debt and make Social Security and Medicare sound. Clay lived in St. Louis’s 26th ward until he was 8 years old.
He attended St. Francis Xavier grade school.
He remembers riding street cars with his sisters when quite young.
He moved to the Washington, D.C. area with his family after his father’s election to Congress. Clay is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a major in politics and government.
He studied under Maryland’s current governor, Paris Glendenning. Clay has enjoyed his years in Skinker DeBaliviere.
During this period, he served as state representative and state senator. Clay noted the accessibility of the neighborhood to Forest Park, the Loop, MetroLink, and most points beyond. “You can get to the airport in 15 minutes.” Clay called Skinker DeBaliviere an Ideal neighborhood which has prospered over the last 16 years. “It has just gotten better.
If I’m fortunate enough to be elected, I’ll remember the good times with neighbors.” In Skinker DeBaliviere, Clay found a very conducive environment to raise children. “You’re able to expose children to different cultures.” Responding to a question, Clay mentioned that he was very supportive of the arts and had sponsored the African American Arts Initiative.
Most important to Clay is the need for a workforce in St. Louis that will attract companies that will come into the community.
The key is “good schools and a properly educated young people.
If they are not equipped to go to college, give quality vocational education.” The primary election is in August 2000. So far one other candidate has entered the Democratic race.
He is Charlie Dooley, member of the St. Louis County Council and former mayor of Northwoods.
Original photograph caption
Lacy Clay with his family. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 1999.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1999_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
