FLORIDA
WEST COAST
Opinion by:
E. Eugene Webb PhD
Election
Day in St. Petersburg FL is drawing nearer. In fact, mail in ballots are already due.
The
mayoral race began with a large list of candidates and has gradually narrowed
down to two prominent names, former county Commissioner Ken Welch, and former
City Council member Robert Blackmon.
These
two candidates present a stark contrast in the direction Saint Petersburg will
go.
Ken
Welch, a longtime political fixture in Pinellas County, is significantly
grounded in the past. Part of the issue in Saint Petersburg, has been the
continuing problem of mayors who simply can't see past 34th St to the West.
Welch has already indicated at least a hint of this myopic approach.
There
has long been too much focus on downtown Saint Pete, and the Tampa Bay Rays,
while to the West, Tyrone Mall continues to slowly disintegrate and investment
to the West has been small to say the least.
Ken
Welch is a consummate politician with a long list of financial supporters, and
political endorsements, and a long list of favors to repay.
Saint Petersburg Does Not Need a Career Politician as Its
Next Mayor
Robert
Blackmon is new to politics serving his first elected political office as a
Saint Petersburg City Council member. Blackmon, however, brings a fresh set of
eyes and a new perspective that encompasses the entirety of Saint Petersburg.
Former
administrations have spent decades and literally millions of dollars trying to
resolve problems in South Saint Petersburg while ignoring, in many instances,
the rest of the city. Blackmon would appear to have a broader view and a wider
perspective of how all Saint Petersburg can be included in the future.
The
city administration could also use a little refreshing and that refreshing
should be holistic and represent again all areas of the city, all ethnicities,
and all people. Robert Blackmon can make that happen.
While
it may not appear so, this election for Saint Pete Mayor has long range
consequences for the entire city. Like all other cities, the new census data
shows that Saint Petersburg is changing in its makeup. And those demographic
changes need to be recognized, embraced and addressed.
Ken
Welch is a career politician. He spent his entire life playing politics and
there is no reason to expect that he will significantly change his approach once
he's the chief operating officer of the city of Saint Petersburg. One might see
Welch’s connections with the Pinellas County Commission as an asset when it
comes to dealing with problems like the Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field
redevelopment, but others looking carefully will probably see it as more of a
liability.
Blackmon
brings a fresh look, significantly fewer political debts to pay, much more of a
true business and management-oriented approach. Blackmon can relate to the
changing demographics and the new millennial mindset that requires significant
adjustment as it relates to virtually every part of the fabric of our society.
It's
time to stop looking backward for leadership. It's often been said, “Doing the
same thing over and over and expecting different results is the true definition
of insanity.”
That
may or may not be the case, but in this election, new ideas, new approaches,
new concepts, and fewer entanglements and commitments should make for a better Mayor.
I
think Robert Blackmon is St. Petersburg’s best choice.
Whatever you do, whoever you support if you live in Saint Petersburg and are registered to vote, vote in this election.
Every vote counts.
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 and follow me on TWITTER @DOC ON THE
BAY.
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Doc's Photo Gallery at Bay Post Photos.
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