Candidate for
Mayor; City of Saint Louis; Democratic Party

As a native of St. Louis, Missouri, former Judge Irene J. Smith has a seemingly unparalleled appreciation for the city in which she lives. Born on May 30, 1954, she is the eldest of large blended family. Many of her formative years were spent residing in public housing while attending both public and parochial schools. It was at this time that she began to develop a strong sense of community and great organizational skills. Already a trailblazer at age 9, Irene began her own ironing business, earning $11 per basket of clothes. By the age of 12, she was an entrepreneur, well-seasoned in housekeeping and babysitting. However, volunteering in grade school to teach English to Italian immigrant students is what truly ignited her interest in outreach programs and the concept of collective responsibility in her community.

Upon graduating from Beaumont High School in 1972, she received a scholarship to attend St. Louis University where she graduated with a 3.3 grade point average and earned her Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs/ Political Science degree, along with a Certificate in African-American Studies. Although adamant about her studies, making a contribution still took precedence as she, along with others, started an after school tutorial and cultural enrichment program. It was at this time that she received a three-year fellowship to study law at the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Law. Upon completing her studies in May 1979, she gained distinction for being the first African-American female to graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Law.

The following year, Irene was hired as an Assistant County Counselor (Attorney) for St. Louis County where she was responsible for prosecuting county ordinance violations and representing St. Louis County government. While employed with the County Counselor's office, she distinguished herself as a hardworking, well-prepared, astute attorney. As a result, her accomplishments at UMC-School of Law and her commendable efforts as an attorney with the St. Louis County Counsel Office garnered her a feature in Essence Magazine.

In 1984, Irene became the Director of the St. Louis City Department of Human Services while also serving as a member on the Board of Public Service of the City of St. Louis. She functioned as General Counselor for Allen Cab Company when it was the largest African-American owned cab company in Missouri. In addition, she has served as General Counselor for the Union that represented the largest number of St. Louis City Employees, St. Louis County Employees, Metropolitan Sewer District Employees and Public Employees for Crystal City and Festus.

During a time when Cochran Tenant Management Corporation was nationally and internationally recognized as one of the leading Public Housing Tenant Management Corporations, Irene spent over a decade as their General Counselor. In this particular position, she often traveled throughout the country helping emerging public housing tenant management corporations by providing pro bono legal and monitoring assistance.

Irene has dutifully tenured as a Criminal Defense Attorney, Municipal Attorney, Prosecutor and Judge in St. Louis County. From October 1994 to April 1997, she served as First Ward Alderwoman in the City of St. Louis while maintaining a general law practice. In April of 1997, she was appointed as Administrative Judge for City of St. Louis where she served until she was again elected as First Ward Alderwoman in April of 2001for a four-year term.

As an Adjunct Professor at Forest Park Community College, Irene has periodically taught Criminal Law and Procedure as well as other Criminal Justice courses. She ardently continues to volunteer with various civic and political organizations, and provides free legal services to numerous not-for-profit organizations as well as countless individuals.

Although acknowledgment for her commendable efforts are duly noted, this humble individual presses on wielding a mission to make St. Louis "A City For All". She believes it needs a Mayor who understands that City government was created to serve the interest of its citizens, not the politicians. As Mayor, she will uphold the City Charter and make basic city services along with issues that plague our communities, such as public education, crime, jobs, affordable housing, responsible development and racial division, a priority.

A mother of one daughter, Machalene (meaning "my challenge"), she has a host of God-children of various religious and cultural backgrounds. Irene can always be found assisting with some charitable effort as her priorities are God, family and community+in that order.