St. Louis Mayors

John H. Poelker

Term:

1973 - 1977

Party:

Democratic

Born:

April 14, 1913

St. Louis, Missouri

Died:

February 9, 1990

St. Louis, Missouri

Background
Administration
Post-Administration

John H. Poelker (Mayor 1973-1977)-Background

Mayor (1973-1997). John Poelker was born on April 14, 1913 in St. Louis, Missouri. Poelker received a business degree from St. Louis University. On October 19, 1940 Poelker married Ruth Cambrom. They had three children; a son, John S., and two daughters, Susan and Kathy.

From 1930 to 1942, John Poelker held various positions with the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Co. in St. Louis. He served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942 to 1953.

Poelker's career in St. Louis government began in 1953 with his appointment as City Assessor. In 1957 he became City Comptroller and served until he became Mayor in 1973.

Back to the top

John H. Poelker (Mayor 1973-1977)-Administration

In 1973 John H. Poelker became the forty-fourth mayor of St. Louis.

In the 1973 primary election, John H. Poelker defeated James F. Conway and Mayor Alfonso Cervantes, who was seeking a third term for the Democratic Party nomination. He defeated Republican Joseph L. Badaracco, former President of the Board of Aldermen, by more than 18,000 voles on April 3, 1973.

On becoming Mayor, Mr. Poelker worked with the Board of Aldermen to create the Community Development Agency (1974). It replaced the former City Plan Commission, Municipal Business Development Commission, and the Beautification Commission. Additional neighborhood development was undertaken by the Community Development Agency. Construction of the new Convention Center on the near North Side was begun after changes in financing were made as a result of a bond issue election. A new Port Development Commission was also established during the Poelker.

The city's re-entry into the county was discussed frequently in Mayor Poelker's term. In August 1976 the Mayor said, 'There is a limit to the number of things that you can do. It is not anticipated that re-entry would solve the city or the county's problems.'

The city had a $6,500,000 budget surplus as he left office. The surplus was mainly the result of unspent federal revenue-sharing funds that the city received.

Back to the top

John H. Poelker (Mayor 1973-1977)-Post-Administration

John Poelker did not seek re-election in 1977. After serving as Mayor, John Poelker was an executive for J.S. Alberici Construction Company and then became an official with the Regional Commerce and Growth Association as well as a member of several area boards and commissions.

John H. Poelker died on February 9, 1990. He was buried in St. Louis, Missouri.

Back to the top