PRESS RELEASE

Tishaura O. Jones Announces bid for St. Louis City Treasurer

12/15/2011
ST. LOUIS, MO - Today State Representative Tishaura O. Jones announces that she will seek the office of St. Louis City Treasurer. 

“This moment in our history is a time like never before to change the course of our city's finances,” said Jones. “As Treasurer, I will work to make sure that each and every dollar is accounted for, invested properly, and re-distributed in a manner that best benefits our city."

Tishaura Jones is a life-long St. Louisan who is currently the State Representative for the 63rd District.  Following her first term as State Representative, Representative Jones was chosen by her colleagues to serve as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader in the Missouri House and became the first African-American and first female in Missouri history to serve in that role.

Jones has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Hampton University in Virginia and a Masters Degree in Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health.  She has been recognized as a Legislator of the Year by the St. Louis Business Journal and received the Lewis & Clark Statesman Award from the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) in both 2010 and 2011.  Most recently, she was employed as Vice President of Municipal Finance for Blaylock Robert Van, an investment banking firm, and currently, Jones is adjunct faculty at the Anheuser-Busch School of Business at Harris-Stowe State University. She has also been handpicked as an emerging leader by the NewDEAL Leaders of America and the Council of State Governments.

Jones brings a deep personal commitment, a wealth of experience, and a proven record of leadership to serving the City.  “St. Louis deserves a professionally run city government that’s accountable to the people. As Treasurer, I will be the custodian of all city funds and will work to restore the image of a Treasurer’s office that is efficient, transparent, and accountable...the kind of Treasurer that the citizens of St. Louis deserve.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity and a great fit for Tishaura,” said Minority Leader Mike Talboy about Jones’ decision to run. “She is a fantastic member of the leadership team in Jefferson City and has always been a strong voice for St. Louis.”

"The Treasurer's office is what you make it. I envision the Treasurer's office as a key resource to bring forth programs and new ideas to improve the quality of life of our citizens.  The Treasurer should be more involved in helping city residents improve their overall financial health by warning them about the dangers of predatory lending, decreasing the percentage of families that aren't using banking services, or helping people craft budgets that teach them how to live within their means." 

"No major city in the US has a "parking czar" that controls the building of city garages and where parking meters are placed. The primary function of the Treasurer's office should be to collect and manage the city's funds...period. If elected, I will work with other city elected officials and the Missouri Legislature to transfer this function to the appropriate department."

A St. Louis native and south city resident, Jones has represented Downtown St. Louis City, and several historic neighborhoods in St. Louis including Benton Park, Fox Park, Lafayette Square, the Gate District, Soulard, and Shaw.  She is the mother of one son, Aden.