Like many mayors of St. Louis, Conway found it difficult to accomplish some of his goals within the city's system of divided government.
Mayor Conway succeeded in getting voters to lift the $25,000 salary limit that had been contained in the city charter.
Some saw the salary cap as a hindrance in recruiting and retaining highly qualified civil servants.
After leaving office, Conway returned to his business, ACI Plastics, and remained active in civic affairs.
After repeatedly winning re-election for several terms, in 2017 he was appointed by Mayor Lyda Krewson as City Assessor.