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Health & Fitness

Tampa Bay Times endorses, err, recommends Rick Kriseman for St. Pete Mayor

The Tampa Bay Times announced their endorsement of Rick Kriseman today for Mayor of St. Petersburg.

The editorial board believes the 51-year-old lawyer has the “experience and creativity” to move the city forward. Kriseman’s reputation, as both a former member of the state House and City Council member, is one of progressive public policy that the city needs.   

According to the Times, Kriseman was a “stabilizing influence,” who worked well with former Mayor Rick Baker on the City Council from 2000 to 2006. His advocacy of open government and efforts to steam council meetings online were innovations that serves citizens well.

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Kriseman would bring new energy to city hall, the Times editorial concludes.

As for former City Council member Kathleen Ford, according to the Times, she has not improved as a candidate and has not provided any new ideas. In city politics, Ford remains a divisive figure. Last week's Tampa Bay Times/Bay News 9 debate demonstrated her “full temperament,’” as Ford confronted Kriseman only on trivial issues, without relevance to any policy.

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Ford’s only real issue — opposition to The Lens — as well as the attempt to name city voters as plaintiffs in a Pier referendum lawsuit, demonstrate her narrow-mindedness and “poor judgment.”

Mayor Bill Foster, recommended by Times four years ago, has offered “no sweeping vision” for the city, proving to be a “disappointment” in office. Much of the controversy surrounding The Lens could have been avoided easily, simply with strong, decisive leadership. That did not happen.

Yes, Foster did have challenges upon taking charge — particularly a recession that caused tax revenues to plunge — and the city did come out of it “reasonably well.” However, the momentum to effectively redevelop the struggling Midtown neighborhood was also lost.

It appears that Foster and Kriseman will be the two top finishers in the primary, moving next to the November general election. For voters seeking an alternative to the status quo, there is only one clear choice. That is why the Tampa Bay Times recommends Rick Kriseman in the Aug. 27 primary election. 

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