The Honorable Francis Slay's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 29, 2004

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at 4:36 PM EDT

BOSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of the Honorable Francis Slay's speech before the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 29, 2004:

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. My name is Francis Slay. I am the mayor of St. Louis, Missouri - the home of the world's largest brewery, the stunning Gateway Arch, the National League-leading St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis' favorite son, Congressman Dick Gephardt.

To remain strong at home, we need a president who knows what is important. We must be safe at home. That means cutting the red tape and making sure first responders in cities and counties have the resources they need to fight the war on terror.

Being safe at home also means keeping our families safe from crime. In St. Louis, we have seen an unprecedented reduction in crime. Our city is safer, much safer. But, those gains are being threatened by cuts in the C.O.P.S. program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant program.

We also must invest in our children by giving them a quality education so they will be good citizens and have a chance to make their dreams come true. During the last year in St. Louis, we took the unusual step of hiring a national turnaround firm to reorganize our public school district. They streamlined the administration to focus more resources in the class room and yet children will continue to be left behind if the federal government fails to meet its obligations.

John Kerry and John Edwards will not rest until every child has a chance for a good education. The working poor continue to fall further behind. Wages are not keeping up with the rising cost of raising a family and health care continues to be too expensive.

John Kerry and John Edwards have a real economic plan that creates good opportunities for all Americans and expands the middle class. I don't want or expect the federal government to do our jobs. We're doing them.

But, the federal government takes a lot of our hard earned money. We need a president who knows what's important when he invests that money.

I want what John Kerry promises: a government whose priority is its children and strong, healthy families. Thank you.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/