My Platform

Public Safety

The number one concern with any government entity should be the safety of all its residents. This can only be achieved through diligence and hard work. Our police force is understaffed, overworked, and underpaid. The retention rate is very disturbing. Potential new recruits are looking to other cities after graduating from the police academy. We are presently going through a review of the Police Department by an independent agency. When the review is completed, the city must use this evaluation to develop a realistic approach for making the necessary changes.

The City's Firefighters recently reached a labor impasse with the City. When brought before the City Council, and after a very limited discussion, a Resolution was made and passed (4-3) that in effect gave the Firefighters a 3.5% general wage increase and all other pay provisions to remain as they currently exist. I believe this shows a total disrespect for these first responders and the dedication they have shown the citizens of St. Petersburg. This is the same City Council that in December of 2005 gave themselves a 40% pay increase and the Mayor a 32% increase. The responsibilities of the City Council are important, yet its members do not risk their own lives to benefit the citizens of the city. The pay raises given to our public servants should be proportionate to the jobs they perform, the services they provide and the sacrifices they make. Sadly, as demonstrated by this example, this is not the case. Many of those who serve the citizens of this city are not compensated appropriately.

Fiscal Responsibility and Taxation

As a community, we need to NOT spend money we do NOT have. Raising taxes is NOT the answer! While the "cost of living" increased at 3%, our property taxes went up 12%! If you are like me, you’ve had it with taxes, taxes, taxes. When do we, the citizens, get relief from the ever-growing property tax glut? The ad valorem taxes (or property tax) continue to increase in spite of the lower millage rate (6.95 to 6.6). The City’s budget continues to grow at a faster rate than ever before. We’ve increased the tax rolls with additional growth, particularly in the downtown area, but we still seem to be unable to pass any appreciable benefit on to our residents. People who have worked all of their lives, raised their families, and are now ready to reap the rewards of their work are getting inundated with tremendous tax increases. Downsizing is almost impossible because they will take a tremendous tax hit. First-time homebuyers also struggle to make ends meet with these devastating property taxes. The Save Our Homes incentive certainly helps, but is not applicable in all circumstances. We need to provide some relief to these residents. Although taxes seem to be the answer to the problem of bloating expenditures, the reality is that the raising of taxes can prove to do just the opposite. Disproportionate taxing of one segment of the population does not make sense. For a better understanding please go to Clear Explanation of Tax Cuts on our Bill's Stack of Stuff page.

It is my belief that we can increase the tax rolls by increasing the business opportunities available in the city. We have seen a renaissance in the ARTS along the Central Business District. We must continue to encourage that growth. There are unlimited opportunities for additional business development in the city. The strength of our city’s economy lies with entrepreneurs and visionaries who have been willing to invest in our city.

It is our obligation to keep the city's budget within its means to act prudently.

Additionally we should:

• Carefully review the City's Annual Budget to eliminate excess and superfluous expenditures.
• Evaluate under-utilized facilities that are not generating revenue or are subsidized by the City. These facilities need to become functional or sold to eliminate waste and raise revenue.

I promise to voice your concerns and to be a strong advocate for tax reform.

Economic Development

This is an absolute necessity in providing the financial security necessary for the city and its residents to enjoy a high quality of life. To stimulate growth we need to provide employment opportunities.

This can be accomplished by:

• Creating a positive atmosphere in our approach towards new business ventures. The City can do this by removing those obstacles that prove to be a hindrance. We must become user-friendly.
• Encouraging entrepreneurial growth. Small businesses are an integral part of any successful community.

Albert Whitted Airport

The election of 2003 showed that the people really want this “diamond” to be up-graded and made into a first class facility. The work has already begun on the new terminal and the plans for a park, tower, additional tie-downs, and other improvements are well underway. When completed, this will be one of the finest municipal airport facilities in the nation.

Downtown Waterfront

While numerous improvements have been made and our downtown waterfront has been revitalized, future developments should be closely scrutinized. We want to preserve our beautiful waterfront, and insure it is accessible to ALL our citizens.

Port of St. Petersburg

This is grossly under-utilized. A firm plan for its use should be established.

Building Department

Although there have been some improvements, this is an area of great frustration for many residents. The key is to make this a user-friendly department. Permits should be issued in a timelier manner without compromising state and local codes.

Code Enforcement

The enforcement of codes should be administered equally and fairly throughout the entire city. Every neighborhood is important to its residents.

City Government

I will bring strong leadership and the desire to make this city the best that it can be. I pledge to work diligently and honestly to accomplish this mission.

The Homeless

I am writing this in response to the many inquires regarding the homeless situation here in St. Petersburg. Please know I have given this a great deal of thought, and am submitting my assessment for your consideration.

I attended the “Homeless Summit” at the USF campus earlier this year. While I found it to be very informative, I realize that we are dealing with a complex situation that requires a lot of compassion and understanding. It involves addressing the needs of everyone involved, including the business owners who are adversely affected by the constant presence of the homeless. While the City’s “Ten Year Plan” proposes a long-range solution, I feel another plan that takes care of the immediate situation needs to be considered.

The first priority should be to take care of the children, who (in my opinion) are the greatest casualty of the homeless predicament. They need to have immediate food, shelter, and medical attention, and should be referred to the proper agency for help. We then need to evaluate the remaining homeless population and divide them into groups according to the basis of their needs. For some, the situation is only temporary and will require only short-term assistance to aid them in their recovery. These are the individuals who sincerely want a “hand-up,” not a “hand-out.”

Others may be suffering from mental illness and physical ailments, which would require medical examination to help prescribe a course of action (Baker Act). These are often the hardest to assist because some are resistant to regimented care.

A fourth group is made up of individuals that like the nomadic life style. I feel these individuals should be encouraged to move on to another community. There are laws against loitering, and those laws should be enforced.  

The last group is made up of those individuals who suffer from substance abuse. They should be referred to one of the many faith-based agencies in our community, which are best suited to handle these individuals.

I believe that most residents of St. Petersburg are sympathetic to the homeless, and are willing to be both generous and compassionate. When faced with a situation such as homelessness, many believe the only solution is to provide an endless supply of resources to “help” those who are less fortunate. While this is compelling, this may actually create an additional problem of entitlement. We do not want St. Petersburg to be come a “homeless haven.” By being proactive in addressing their needs, and by subsidizing and utilizing facilities and agencies already in place, we can responsibly minimize the homeless situation.

My special interest group is YOU.