What Kind of City Council Does the St. Petersburg City Council Want to Be?

FLORIDA  

Opinion by:  
E. Eugene Webb PhD

The sudden resignation of the Saint Petersburg City Council member from District 7 Lisa Wheeler-Bowman left an open seat on the City Council. For some additional background, check out from the Catalyst, Published 3 weeks ago on September 16, 2022 By Mark Parker St. Pete City Council member resigns following housing reports.

The Saint Petersburg City Charter provides guidance in the selection of a replacement City Council member. For the details take a look at: ST. PETE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 VACANCY.

Filling this vacancy is an important decision for the remaining City Council members. This Thursday City Council will take up the issue of filling the District 7 council seat.

There are several people interested in the position and there is a lot of talk and chatter about this issue on social media.

The important decision that the City Council must make is: what character does the City Council want to project to the citizens of Saint Petersburg.

The candidates experience ranges from very little in the public sector to a former City Council member to those with no or little public service experience.

The candidate list should also show a broad range of political perspectives and activist views.

City Council members should carefully evaluate the top candidates from this list while keeping in mind how each candidate would present themselves, represent their District, and comport themselves as a City Council member.

This City Council faces a wide array of significant problems impacting the City of Saint Petersburg. Ranging from the current controversial redevelopment proposals regarding Tropicana Field, development negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays, and the growing impact of rising sea levels and increasing violent storms as it affects the large coastline of the City.

The objective should be which candidate can most effectively represent District 7 while serving the entire City. Someone who will be a true public servant and not one who would use the City Council as a platform to advance their own goals or personal positions or agendas

We will all learn a lot about all the members of the Saint Petersburg City Council as they review and deliberate regarding the candidates applying for the District seven seat.

So, what kind of City Council will the City Council be?

Unified and focused upon the city and its unique problems and issues?

Divided along political party lines, ethnicity, or personal views?

Dysfunctional because of the inability to compromise and work together?

A platform for promotion of personal agendas?

If you have an opinion about this issue, you might want to share it with your City Council member. You can find their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses at St. Pete City Council.

E-mail Doc at mail to: dr.gwebb@yahoo.com or send me a Facebook (E. Eugene Webb) Friend request. Like or share on Facebook, follow me on TWITTER  @DOC ON THE BAY.

See Doc's Photo Gallery at Bay Post Photos.