Rick Kriseman began his political career when he was appointed to
the St. Petersburg City Council in 2000. He won reelection in 2001 and 2003
before stepping down in 2006 to run for the State House of Representatives.
I had the pleasure of being on City staff during the time Rick
served on City Council. He was a dedicated and focused City Councilman.
Kriseman decided not to run for a fourth term in the State
Legislature in April of 2012, and that further fueled rumors that he might make
a run at the St. Pete Mayors' slot.
Rick and I sat down this past week at the Kahwa Coffee Shop south
for some great coffee and a casual conversation.
Like most of the people seriously considering a run for the St.
Mayors’ spot, Rick Kriseman is fully aware of the City’s problems and
opportunities.
For someone who just finished a 6 year stint in Tallahassee Rick
looks great. Currently practicing law at Lucas, Green and Magazine in
Clearwater, Rick gets into political mode quick.
His answer to my first question: "where do you think the
City is", was quick and decisive.
"I don’t know where we are going. It’s like a car stuck in
neutral", Rick said.
“What do you see as major issues”, I asked?
“Beyond the Pier and the Rays, I think the age of City staff is a
critical issue”. "I am concerned about the ongoing decline in
institutional knowledge and the lack of a transition plan”, Rick responded.
“Are you ready to be the CEO of a nearly 500 million dollar a
year business" I asked?
"Absolutely” Rick Replied!
"How would you govern differently than the current
administration”, I asked?
“The best leaders are those who recognize their shortcomings and
surround themselves with people who compensate for those short comings",
Rick replied.
"I would govern differently by offering a clear vision for
the future, by being bold and proposing initiatives that move St. Pete forward,
by solving problems instead of kicking the can down the road".
"I would work every angle I could with my friends in the
Obama Administration to bring federal dollars home".
"My frustration with Tallahassee was: that good policy
doesn't advance because of partisan politics. Local government is the place
where we can actually accomplish things and where every resident can be
invested in and take pride in our accomplishments." Rick replied
“What would you do differently than the current administration”,
I asked.
“I would have better communication
with both staff and Council. It seems the staff has no firm direction, they
don’t know where the City is headed”, Rick replied.
“What do you think the major tenants of good municipal
administration are”, I asked?
Infrastructure, quality of life and education”, Rick replied. “I
don’t think we have taken the fullest advantage of our opportunities the last
few years”.
Rick also expressed deep concerns about the crime level in St.
Pete and especially the South side of town.
I asked Rick about how his wife and family felt about a Mayoral
run and he said, "We haven't really had the serious discussion yet", but
they will be fully on board before I make a decision to run".
We covered a wide range of subjects from the Pier to the Rays and
Rick’s concern about the City’s aging infrastructure, he has a good grasp of
the issues and ideas about how to address them all, but he can reveal those for
you if and when he decides to run for Mayor.
I did ask the big question, “are you going to run”? His answer:
“I’ll know in a few weeks.”
If your following the
St. Pete Mayor's race ,you might find the following Posts interesting: A
Casual Conversation with Rick Baker, A
Casual Conversation with Herb Polson, Is
Rick Baker Really Out of The Mayor's Race
e-mail Doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net, or send me a Facebook Friend
request.
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