Robert G. Lowery
Encyclopedia
Robert G. Lowery, Sr. was the mayor of the city of Florissant, Missouri
in northern St. Louis County
, Missouri
, since November, 2001. Before becoming mayor, Lowery served as a police officer and the police chief of Florissant and has served the citizens of Florissant in various capacities for nearly 50 year. He has stated that "I truly, truly love Florissant".
Upon the death of Mayor James J. Eagan
in November 2000 Council President John Moran was Mayor pro tempore and the successor to the position of mayor. But Lowery despite a very definitive City Charter was shown on a local newscast upon the announcement of Eagan's death, walking down the sidewalk in front of City Hall with his briefcase to take control. Moran was told he would not need to take over as Mayor per the charter, that Lowery would take care of the city.
Lowery was elected Mayor on February 6, 2001 in a special election to fill the unexpired term of James Eagan. The election had a turn out of 32% of 32,467 registered voters, with Lowery wining the election with 7,057 votes, 68% of the votes cast.
's Major Case Squad for 20 years. In 1999 a thief stole police chief Lowery's gun and holster while he was trying on pants at St. Louis Centre.
Throughout his career as police chief Florissant was consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America.
When elected mayor, Lowery selected Stephen Kruse to become his replacement as police chief. Kruse then resigned to accept a new position working in the private sector. On November 1, 2002, Lowery officially appointed William Karabas to be the city's police chief.
Lowery has been the Mayor of Florissant since the special election after the death of the then current Mayor James Eagan.
The first of these changes came in 2002, in the part of Florissant near Lindbergh Boulevard and New Halls Ferry Road known as Cross Keys. The area had formerly been a small shopping mall with only a few tenants left. The tenants that remain included a supermarket, a pharmacy, and a fashion store, all of which are still located near the area where the new shopping center replacing the mall that once stood their. Adding to the shopping center were several new restaurants and shops including a bookstore. This had been in the Eagan Florissant city plan prior to Lowery taking office.
Lowery's improvements are not limited to the Cross Keys neighborhood. A new bicycling and walking path that extends from the Sunset Park along the Missouri River
to St. Ferdinand Park was recently completed in 2006. The path, most of which runs along the same path a some high voltage powerlines, connects much of western Florissant with the main section of Florissant via a foot bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Much of the city is divided by Coldwater Creek, which has some natural and man-made tributaries that separate various neighborhoods from Berkeley
, Hazelwood
, Florissant
, Black Jack
, until pouring into the Missouri River in unincorporated St. Louis County. A similar footbridge plan was slated to connect the Wedgewood subdivision to a foot path leading to St. Ferdinand Park's east entrance, but because of strong opposition by residents in the neighborhood, this plan never became possible.
Though the commercial redevelopment of Cross Keys is a success, much of the city's other commercial areas are still in need of the same renovation, especially the Florissant Meadows section of town near the city's historic Old Town area.
In addition during Lowery's term the city has purchased surveillance cameras to be deployed throughout the city, despite some citizens concerns about privacy issues.
Lowery commented "The company did not want the adverse publicity. People don't understand what eminent domain is. They think it's always taking grandma out of her house, and that's not true. I wouldn't touch anything like that. That's political disaster."
The developers had plans on building in Florissant's Old Town historic district, where many building are registered as historic buildings. The idea of putting an upscale development project certainly would not have been a suitable area. However, the project might have been ideal for areas such as the east side of the city where many buildings and businesses have become run down or closed.
While Mayor Lowery and former Florissant city coucilwoman Geri Debo pushed to promote the Old Town Florissant area as an Old St. Charles type area to potential businesses, the area did attract a few new stores, but the promised increased foot traffic did not come to fruition and those businesses closed and had problems selling their property.
Robert Lowery, Jr. is the city administrator for the city of O'Fallon, Missouri
in nearby St. Charles County, Missouri. Since taking office, the elder Lowery has quietly supported his son on various issues including the annexation of August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
in nearby Weldon Springs, Missouri. While the younger Lowery stated that the annexation was an attempt to be viewed as a "good neighbor." But a local government watchdog group as well as a few other city officials determined the plan to be a case of backdoor politics. As a fifth ward, the wildlife preseve owned by Adolphus Busch IV and maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation
would have allowed developers to move in and whittle away the property for urban sprawl. Lowery argued that if the city did not annex the land, another nearby town would.
On June 14, 2007, the O'Fallon city council unanimously opposed the annexation for now. Attending the meeting was Mr. Busch.
Many people in O'Fallon, St. Charles County, as well as patrons of Busch Wildlife and an independent watchdog group would like to see Lowery step down not only for the Busch Wildlife incident but other instance of corruption within the O'Fallon government.
On June 24, 2009 the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that Lowery, Jr. has tendered his resignation as O'Fallon City Administrator.
Links related to Bob Lowery, Jr.
Florissant, Missouri
Florissant is a second-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in northern St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The city has a total population of 52,158 in 2010 census.-History:...
in northern St. Louis County
St. Louis County, Missouri
St. Louis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. Its county seat is Clayton. St. Louis County is part of the St. Louis Metro Area wherein the independent City of St. Louis and its suburbs in St. Louis County, as well as the surrounding counties in both Missouri and Illinois all...
, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
, since November, 2001. Before becoming mayor, Lowery served as a police officer and the police chief of Florissant and has served the citizens of Florissant in various capacities for nearly 50 year. He has stated that "I truly, truly love Florissant".
Upon the death of Mayor James J. Eagan
James J. Eagan
James J. "Jim" Eagan was the long time Mayor of Florissant, Missouri in St. Louis County.-Early life:Eagan was a politcian in St. Louis before becoming Mayor of Florissant...
in November 2000 Council President John Moran was Mayor pro tempore and the successor to the position of mayor. But Lowery despite a very definitive City Charter was shown on a local newscast upon the announcement of Eagan's death, walking down the sidewalk in front of City Hall with his briefcase to take control. Moran was told he would not need to take over as Mayor per the charter, that Lowery would take care of the city.
Lowery was elected Mayor on February 6, 2001 in a special election to fill the unexpired term of James Eagan. The election had a turn out of 32% of 32,467 registered voters, with Lowery wining the election with 7,057 votes, 68% of the votes cast.
Law Enforcement Career
Lowery was a police officer in the city of Florissant for 41 years. During this time he served as police chief for 22 years from 1979 until he was elected mayor in 2001. Lowery was elected to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and headed up the St. Louis County Police DepartmentSt. Louis County Police Department
The St. Louis County Police Department is the primary and largest law enforcement agency serving St. Louis County in the U.S. state of Missouri. The current police chief is Colonel Timothy E. Fitch. According to the Charter of St. Louis County, the county police chief has all of the duties of...
's Major Case Squad for 20 years. In 1999 a thief stole police chief Lowery's gun and holster while he was trying on pants at St. Louis Centre.
Throughout his career as police chief Florissant was consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America.
When elected mayor, Lowery selected Stephen Kruse to become his replacement as police chief. Kruse then resigned to accept a new position working in the private sector. On November 1, 2002, Lowery officially appointed William Karabas to be the city's police chief.
Mayoral campaigns, 2001, 2003, 2007
| Parties | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Robert G. Lowery, SR. | 7,057 | 67.6 |
| David L. Reynolds | 2,985 | 28.6 |
| Glen W. Lindemann | 330 | 3.2 |
| Total | 10,435 | 99.4% |
| Turnout: 10,435 voters of 32,467 registered, or 32.14% |
||
2001 special election
In November 2000 the Mayor of Florissant, James J. Egan, died from medical complications. A special election to fill the unexpired term of Mayor was held on February 6, 2001. Lowery, David L. Reynolds, and Glen W. Lindemann ran. 10,435 voters showed up on election day giving the majority (7,057) to Lowery.2007 campaign and re-election
In the election of 2007 Lowery ran against Andrew G. Podleski, winning by a margin of 1162 votes.Mayoralty
| Parties | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Robert G. Lowery, SR. | 4,521 | 57.32 |
| Andrew G. Podleski | 3,359 | 42.59 |
| Total | 7,963 | 99.1% |
| Turnout: 7,963 voters of 34,232 registered, or 23.26% |
||
Lowery has been the Mayor of Florissant since the special election after the death of the then current Mayor James Eagan.
Community Redevelopment
Since taking office, Lowery led the way to many new renovations in the City of Florissant.The first of these changes came in 2002, in the part of Florissant near Lindbergh Boulevard and New Halls Ferry Road known as Cross Keys. The area had formerly been a small shopping mall with only a few tenants left. The tenants that remain included a supermarket, a pharmacy, and a fashion store, all of which are still located near the area where the new shopping center replacing the mall that once stood their. Adding to the shopping center were several new restaurants and shops including a bookstore. This had been in the Eagan Florissant city plan prior to Lowery taking office.
Lowery's improvements are not limited to the Cross Keys neighborhood. A new bicycling and walking path that extends from the Sunset Park along the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
to St. Ferdinand Park was recently completed in 2006. The path, most of which runs along the same path a some high voltage powerlines, connects much of western Florissant with the main section of Florissant via a foot bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Much of the city is divided by Coldwater Creek, which has some natural and man-made tributaries that separate various neighborhoods from Berkeley
Berkeley, Missouri
Berkeley is an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 8,978 at the 2010 census. Portions of Lambert-St...
, Hazelwood
Hazelwood, Missouri
Hazelwood is a second-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in northwestern St. Louis County, Missouri. The population was 25,703 as of the 2010 census. Hazelwood, a northern suburb of St. Louis, is located north of Lambert-St...
, Florissant
Florissant, Missouri
Florissant is a second-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in northern St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The city has a total population of 52,158 in 2010 census.-History:...
, Black Jack
Black Jack, Missouri
Black Jack is a second-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in northern St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 6,929 at the 2010 census...
, until pouring into the Missouri River in unincorporated St. Louis County. A similar footbridge plan was slated to connect the Wedgewood subdivision to a foot path leading to St. Ferdinand Park's east entrance, but because of strong opposition by residents in the neighborhood, this plan never became possible.
Though the commercial redevelopment of Cross Keys is a success, much of the city's other commercial areas are still in need of the same renovation, especially the Florissant Meadows section of town near the city's historic Old Town area.
Personal and City Security
Lowery has been fearful of his security since taking office. He has said that "every city has people who are really on the edge. We have 25 or 30 who are convinced that everything bad that's happening to them is the government's fault. And the closest government to them is City Hall." To quell his fears, Lowery has had security cameras installed at City Hall and is considering adding metal detectors to the entrances. Lowery has also had an increased police prescience in city council meetings and has also installed metal detectors for security screening of attendees.In addition during Lowery's term the city has purchased surveillance cameras to be deployed throughout the city, despite some citizens concerns about privacy issues.
Eminent Domain
According to a Wall Street Journal article published on August 3, 2005, a development firm turned down a $30 million dollar project to construct condominiums, lofts, and retail space when the owner of a piece of vacant land refused to sell. According to city officials, the developer did not want the negative publicity due to the controversy of eminent domain and eminent domain abuse. The company defended their pull-out stating poor soil conditions and flooding in addition to eminent domain issues were to blame.Lowery commented "The company did not want the adverse publicity. People don't understand what eminent domain is. They think it's always taking grandma out of her house, and that's not true. I wouldn't touch anything like that. That's political disaster."
The developers had plans on building in Florissant's Old Town historic district, where many building are registered as historic buildings. The idea of putting an upscale development project certainly would not have been a suitable area. However, the project might have been ideal for areas such as the east side of the city where many buildings and businesses have become run down or closed.
While Mayor Lowery and former Florissant city coucilwoman Geri Debo pushed to promote the Old Town Florissant area as an Old St. Charles type area to potential businesses, the area did attract a few new stores, but the promised increased foot traffic did not come to fruition and those businesses closed and had problems selling their property.
Busch Wildlife
Another controversy that Lowery has tried to keep quiet about is his support for his son, Robert Lowery, Jr.Robert Lowery, Jr. is the city administrator for the city of O'Fallon, Missouri
O'Fallon, Missouri
O'Fallon is a suburban city along Interstate 70 between Lake St. Louis and St. Peters in Saint Charles County, Missouri. It is part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census population of 79,329, it is the seventh largest city in the state and the largest in St. Charles...
in nearby St. Charles County, Missouri. Since taking office, the elder Lowery has quietly supported his son on various issues including the annexation of August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, is a conservation area that is owned and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Located in St. Charles County, Missouri the land was purchased by the Department of Conservation with help from Alice Busch, the wife of August Anheuser Busch,...
in nearby Weldon Springs, Missouri. While the younger Lowery stated that the annexation was an attempt to be viewed as a "good neighbor." But a local government watchdog group as well as a few other city officials determined the plan to be a case of backdoor politics. As a fifth ward, the wildlife preseve owned by Adolphus Busch IV and maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Conservation Commission were created by Article IV Sections 40-42 of the Missouri Constitution, which were adopted by the voters of the state in 1936 as Amendment 4 to the constitution...
would have allowed developers to move in and whittle away the property for urban sprawl. Lowery argued that if the city did not annex the land, another nearby town would.
On June 14, 2007, the O'Fallon city council unanimously opposed the annexation for now. Attending the meeting was Mr. Busch.
Many people in O'Fallon, St. Charles County, as well as patrons of Busch Wildlife and an independent watchdog group would like to see Lowery step down not only for the Busch Wildlife incident but other instance of corruption within the O'Fallon government.
On June 24, 2009 the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that Lowery, Jr. has tendered his resignation as O'Fallon City Administrator.
External links
- Office of Mayor - A message from Mayor Lowery.
- Eminent-domain uproar imperils projects - Michael Corkery and Ryan Chittum, The Wall Street Journal - August 3, 2005
Links related to Bob Lowery, Jr.
- City of O'Fallon, City Administrator's Office - Information about Bob Lowery, Jr.
- O'Fallon Watchdog - cites many issues involving Bob Lowery, Jr.
- O'Fallon won't annex Busch Conservation Area - Nina Kult, Suburban Journal - June 19, 2007
- Fire ignited by wildlife area fiasco keeps smoldering - John Sonderegger, St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 19, 2007
- Follow the Money - An editorial in the Riverfront Times - July 4, 2007