ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones is weighing in on a new report that finds the city is experiencing some of the worse population losses in the nation.
Critics say crime and low paying jobs are to blame. The report comes as Jones announced her plans to run for a second term. She says the problem is nothing new, though she says she has a plan to turn it around. Critics have questions.
Mingling with supporters and exchanging hugs Thursday night, St. Louis' first Black female mayor announced she's ready to serve another term, touting wins she's claiming while leading the city.
"St. Louis experienced the lowest homicide rate in a decade and the largest year-over-year reduction in crime in 90 years,” Jones told the crowd.
Try telling that to the city's sheriff.
"The mayor can make up all the stories, 'crime down' but everyday somebody is dying in the city of St. Louis,” Sheriff Vernon Betts told 5 On Your Side. He said it's impacting his department. "It's hard for me to hire sheriff's deputies because no one wants to work in the city of St. Louis. The salary base is poor. People are leaving, going places where they can feel safer."
This as U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the city lost some 4,400 people last year.
"What are we doing to get people back to the city and keep them here?” 5 On Your Side asked Jones.
“The population has been sliding in St. Louis since the 1950's so it didn't start under my administration or any previous administrations so what we have to do is create opportunity for people to thrive here,” she responded.
She went on to say it can be done by investing in communities that have been historically neglected.
"I love everything about the city, live in the Shaw neighborhood…Full supporter of the city, full supporter of the Mayor,” Lenny Jones said. He’s part of a labor union that represents home and healthcare workers. He remembers when the Northview Village Nursing Home closed abruptly closed during the holidays.
"She was out supporting the workers, finding funds from the city to help them out during that very troubling time just before Christmas," he said.
Paula Jones lives downtown. “It's new growth that's taking place." She says aside from growing homeless encampments, she’s also impressed with the Mayor. "She's doing a great job I think…get her back in office.”
Janis Mensah, who originally voted for Jones, is now having second thoughts.
"I can’t trust her. I can't hold her accountable. The only thing I can hope for is a better option for my vote." Mensah retired form the city’s Detention Facilities Oversight Board after being disappointed over what Mensah calls failed campaign promises.
"Stopping inhumane conditions at the jail, she did not deliver on…If she makes more campaign promises, I can't trust she's going to follow through on those either," Mensah said.
Jones is now working to get 1,200 signatures to get her name on the ballot.
