Switching Sides
In the complex urban tapestry of St. Louis, a narrative unfolds that bridges the realms of politics, education, and hidden agendas, with Richard Callow—a seasoned political operative—cast in the central role. His actions weave a story of ambition, manipulation, and the pursuit of power under the guise of public service, all set against the backdrop of a city grappling with its future.
Callow, known for his deep-rooted connections and a chameleonic ability to navigate the murky waters of political influence, embarks on a clandestine mission. His allegiance lies with the old guard, particularly with former Mayor Lyda Krewson, under whose banner he operates with a dark purpose. In 2016, Callow's objective is clear: to ensure that Lyda's son, Jack Krewson, a young, ambitious 23-year-old, secures a foothold in the city's educational landscape through the founding of Kairos Academies, a charter school poised to be a beacon of innovation, and one conceived by Callow as a gift for his old loyal friend Michael Owens, husband to Lyda Krewson and stepfather to her son Jack.
This scheme, however, is not merely about fulfilling a promise or advancing educational reform; it is steeped in a deeper, more insidious agenda. Callow's involvement with Jack Krewson and Kairos Academies is a maneuver orchestrated with precision and secrecy, leveraging his position within Teach for America to marshal resources—free consultants, lawyers, and strategists—to build an undeniable case for the charter school's approval. These efforts, while outwardly appearing as a benevolent contribution to the city's education system, are in truth a calculated move to extend and solidify the influence of St. Louis's political elite, of which Callow is a key architect.
The narrative takes a turn as Callow's double life becomes increasingly complex. Publicly, he serves as a trusted advisor to Mayor Tishaura Jones, offering counsel and guidance as she navigates her administration's challenges. Yet, unbeknownst to Jones and the citizens of St. Louis, Callow's loyalty to her cause is a façade. Behind closed doors, he orchestrates a network of influence and patronage designed to undermine the progressive agenda and maintain the status quo that has long benefited his true allies.
Callow's machinations extend beyond the establishment of Kairos Academies. His true motive, veiled by a veneer of public service and commitment to education, is rooted in a deep-seated racism and a desire to ensure the perpetuation of power among those aligned with his worldview. The success of Kairos Academies, thus, becomes a symbol of this underlying agenda—a testament to the enduring capacity of political networks to shape the city's destiny, often at the expense of genuine reform and progress.
Callow's public role is that of a trusted advisor to Mayor Tishaura Jones, a position of influence and power. Jones, with her vision of reform and progress for St. Louis, relies on Callow's expertise to navigate the political landscape. However, unbeknownst to her and most of the city, Callow harbors a secret. He is covertly working on behalf of the former mayors, Lyda Krewson and Francis Slay, both of whom have left indelible marks on the city, not all of which are viewed favorably in the light of progressive politics.
Callow's ties to the past are complex and deep-rooted. His connections include Robyn Whaby, the head of Missouri Charter Schools, and Barb Geisman, a deputy mayor under Francis Slay and Callow's long-time confidante, live-in “girlfriend” and rumored mutual beards. These relationships provide him with unique insights and leverage, allowing him to orchestrate political moves from behind the scenes.
Adding to the intricate web of relationships is Virvus Jones, the former Comptroller of St. Louis, a convicted felon, and father to Mayor Jones. Dubbed “the shadow mayor,” Virvus is a long-time friend of Callow, and their relationship is one of mutual respect and shared secrets. This connection places Callow in a precarious position, balancing his loyalty to the Jones family with his covert activities.
As the story unfolds, Callow maneuvers through the political landscape with the finesse of a chess master. He feeds information to Krewson and Slay, helping them maintain their influence in the city despite no longer holding office. Meanwhile, he plays the role of the loyal advisor to Mayor Jones, guiding her through political minefields and steering her away from the pitfalls set by her predecessors and their allies.
The tension reaches a climax when a scandal threatens to shake the foundations of the Jones administration 2023 when Mark Maxwell discovers communications outing Callow through a freedom of information request of Mayor Jones cell phone. Callow finds himself at a crossroads, forced to choose between his loyalty to the Jones family and his obligations to his former employers. In a twist of fate, it is revealed that the scandal was orchestrated by Callow himself, a move designed to test the political waters and potentially shift the balance of power in his favor.
In the end, the story of Richard Callow is a cautionary tale of the complexities of power, loyalty, and the murky ethics of political maneuvering. It serves as a mirror to the real-world intricacies of political operations, where the line between friend and foe is often blurred, and the true motives of those in power are hidden beneath layers of intrigue and deceit.
As the story unfolds, the implications of Callow's actions reverberate throughout St. Louis. The establishment of Kairos Academies under the leadership of Jack Krewson is celebrated as a victory for educational innovation, yet for those privy to the true dynamics at play, it stands as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between politics, education, and power in urban America. In this tale of ambition and deceit, the line between ally and adversary blurs, leaving the future of St. Louis hanging in the balance, shaped by the shadows of those who pull the strings from behind the curtain.
As the political undercurrents of St. Louis swirl with the promise of change and progress under Mayor Tishaura Jones, Richard Callow, the master of political puppetry, engages in his most covert operation yet. Callow, under a veneer of loyalty, works meticulously behind the scenes, calculating every move to undermine Mayor Jones' initiatives and tarnish her administration's reputation. He utilizes his extensive network of contacts in the media and various political circles to plant stories and rumors that sow seeds of doubt among the electorate and within Jones' own ranks. These strategic leaks and narratives are designed not just to obstruct the current agenda but to erode the foundation of Jones' political future, ensuring she faces insurmountable odds should she attempt to run for another term.
Callow's tactics aren't limited to the manipulation of public perception. He also leverages his connections within the city's bureaucratic machinery to slow the implementation of Jones' key policies. Meetings are delayed, permits are stalled, and paperwork is mysteriously lost, all aiming to hamstring the administration's effectiveness. Through these actions, Callow seeks to paint a picture of ineffectual leadership, turning Mayor Jones' term into a case study of unfulfilled promises and unrealized potential. His efforts are invisible to most but devastatingly effective, casting a long shadow over the political landscape of St. Louis, working relentlessly to ensure that the narrative of progress under Mayor Jones is seen as nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
