Ald. April Ford-Griffin, who took over as chairman of the St. Louis city budget committee this year, is leaving the aldermanic chambers for the Mayor's office.
Mayor Francis Slay announced on Friday that Ford-Griffin, who has served as the Fifth Ward alderwoman since 1997, will be the new director of the city's Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, which Slay called a "vitally important agency." The former director, Ruby L. Bonner, retired on July 1.
"I’m confident that April will thoughtfully and effectively carry out CREA’s mission to eliminate and remedy discrimination in all aspects of City living," Slay said in a statement."
Here's what Ford-Griffin had to say about her new job:
"I’m honored to continue serving the City’s residents as director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency. I’ve long been a proponent of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all people regardless of their race, color or religious beliefs and this agency strives to achieve just that. I want to thank Mayor Slay for this opportunity and his confidence in me."
Ford-Griffin has drawn heat for her support ofPaul McKee's plan to rebuild a big portion of north St. Louis. Most of the property in question sits in her ward.
Ford-Griffin would have been up for re-election in 2013. By city law, a special election to fill her sit will be held between 75 and 90 days after she officially resigns, which she's set to do Sept. 30.
