Residents and business leaders gathered Thursday evening at Tropicana Field for an opportunity to meet candidates running for elected offices across the St. Petersburg region. The event was hosted by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce.
Candidates and Issues
Races represented included St. Petersburg mayor, City Council, Florida governor, the Pinellas County School Board and 6th Judicial Circuit judge. Additionally, individuals seeking seats in the Florida House of Representatives, Florida Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate attended.
Chamber president and CEO Chris Steinocher emphasized the importance of forming bonds with candidates prior to the election. "When you look someone in the eyes, you kind of get to know them a little bit better," he said. "St. Pete is at an amazing part of its lifecycle. We have so many opportunities on the horizon. Those we elect help us get to those points on the horizon."
Attendees were able to ask questions and have discussions with candidates or their representatives. Every participating campaign had its own table. Individuals were also able to participate in a straw poll.
Community Engagement
St. Petersburg resident and founder of real estate company The Tenpenny Collection, Rachel Tenpenny, asked candidates about their stance on the Gas Plant District. "We have approved a bid for the third time," she said. "Of course, we'd love to see the Rays stay here. But, if that can't happen or doesn't happen, I think the community needs its leadership to take that bid and move it forward even if changes need to be made."
Pinellas County resident Adam Woodard attended the event to learn more about the candidates. "I spoke to Stefen Diskey, who's running for Circuit judge," he said. "He explained how judgeship works, and I asked him what qualities I should look for in a judge."
Chuck Tiernan, senior director of community connections at Community Foundation Tampa Bay, asked candidates about their plans for supporting the business community and addressing issues in the region. "We support hundreds of nonprofits every year," he said. "When we are close to government and close to the issues in our community, we can make better decisions and share better information with our donors."
Amy Powell, founder and CEO of St. Petersburg-based AimWell Financial, attended the event to understand each candidate's positions and plans for the city. "I'm trying to understand each candidate and their plans for the city, especially small business-focused initiatives," she said.
Students also attended the event, including Alison Ashley, a political science major at the University of South Florida, who discussed women's reproductive rights and health with the candidates. St. Petersburg native Nick Hasbun, studying government at Georgetown University, asked about Complete Streets and zoning laws.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
