GET BEHIND THE PEOPLE’S POLICIES AT THE FINAL BUDGET HEARINGS! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 & 26 @ 6:00PM CITY HALL | 175 5TH ST N | ST. PETERSBURG INVEST IN THE NEW 2020 PLAN
Invest in getting this Plan up and running, and able to secure the millions needed to help reduce the Southside poverty rate by 30%.
EXPAND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Unemployment rates of youths 16-24 is at 16.9% in the State of Florida and even higher among youths of color. We have an obligation as a community to ready our youth for the workforce and begin building a future of opportunity and employment for all.
INVEST IN TREES AND THE BEAUTY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
This initiative not only enhances the natural beauty and peace of our neighborhoods, but studies show that there is a relationship between trees and lower crime.
SET URBAN AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY GARDEN POLICIES
Urban farming is on the forefront of building the economy of cities striving to find sustainable alternatives for food sources. Vacant, City owned land should be freed up for gardens; an urban farming ordinance should be passed.
ESTABLISH UNIVERSAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING
It’s time to join every other major Florida City with universal recycling services for all.
INCREASE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ARTISTS
The city should embrace local artists as they have embraced St. Petersburg and increase grants and other financial support for this important part of our local culture.
INCREASE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many small businesses and entrepreneurs can’t access the credit they need to start or expand their operations. The City should increase support of local businesses to grow jobs in our City.
WWW.PEOPLESBUDGETREVIEW.ORG
THE SOUTHSIDE
Inside
this Edition For the August 27th 2013 Primary Election for the City of St. Petersburg
VOTER GUIDE TEAM PUBLISHER
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Pg14 Delatorro McNeal hosts national conference Pg20 Reverend Edward Vernon Leftwich, Jr.: A Journey Most Fully Taken
Special Section
Pg 25 Justice for Trayvon
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Pg45 All about the City of St. Petersburg PRIMARY ELECTION(Complete coverage of the 2013 St. Petersburg City Elections, who’s voting for who, plus 20 community voices about the hottest questions to ask the candidates)
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Pg88 Dare to be Different Take 1 Fashion Show Pg 91 Janice StarlingWilliams Needs our Help Pg 92 The Latest & Hottest Events
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Tampa’s Own
Delatorro McNeal
Hosts National Leadership Conference
D
Delatorro McNeal, II took the ultimate leap of faith. He resigned from the last full-time job he ever plans to have in 2003. The Tampa native walked away from his Organizational Development career at the University of South Florida to pursue his dream to inspire and motivate people the world over. In a scant 10 years, Delatorro has done just that. As Platinum Performance Global CEO, he has delivered 3000+ presentations to Fortune 500s, professional associations, universities, leadership conferences and churches. His dream has now become an internationally recognized brand. Delatorro, who just penned his fifth book, has honed his audience and deepened his message. After self-publishing four books
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Delatorro wrote Caught Between A Dream and a Job. The book, now a best seller, was picked up by a major publishing house and opened the door for interviews with FOX, BET, CTN and a host of other TV and radio shows worldwide. Tampa Bay was listed as one of the Top 10 Worst Job Markets in 2012 by US News, with its residents and businesses reported to be suffering some of the highest stress levels in the nation. Delatorro believes the people of Tampa Bay have stalled and parked their lives and careers as a direct result of the economic downturn. His mentor Dr. John Maxwell said, “Everything rises and falls
on Leadership.” And Delatorro believes that if Tampa is to rebound, every person must step up and take a leadership role in all aspects of their lives and community.” Delatorro will soon host a team of all-star businesspeople at the inaugural Tampa Bay Full Throttle Experience – A 3-Day Live “LeaderPrenership” Conference, September 5-7th. “It’s time,” he says, “for people to take charge of their lives, careers, businesses and financial future.”
The conference lineup includes New York Times Best Selling Authors, former Oprah Guests and award winning, world renowned inspirational speakers covering exciting topics that include: Wealth Building, Branding, Sales, Peak Performance, Technology, Social Media, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and much, much more. To learn more and register for the Full Throttle Experience: www. FullThrottleExperience.com.
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Highlighting the Importance
of Health Equity
T
ampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative (TBHC) is a collective of partnering organizations that advocates for the medically needy. Incorporated in 2003, the Collaborative has grown to more than 100 member organizations. Executive Director, Carrie Hepburn, works to facilitate partnerships and promote access to health and healthcare services. While Americans now enjoy longer life spans, disparities still persist in healthcare and health outcomes for the medically underserved, including African Americans. Why address health equity? According to the Florida Department of Health, the cancer death rate is significantly higher in minorities; tooth decay is stated as the single most common chronic illness in children; and there are a disproportionate number of HIV/AIDS cases among minorities in the state. Black babies die at disproportionately higher rates than whites. TBHC strives to address some of the factors contributing to health disparities such as lack of insurance or underinsurance, language barriers and poor patient provider communication. The group also hopes to stimulate residents, local leaders, and social service and health organizations to get involved.
The rising cost of health care coupled with a labor force that is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse makes addressing health disparities even more important for our economy. If all Americans are healthier, health care costs will decline; and if workers are healthier, we all benefit from increased productivity and a stronger workforce. Here are a few ideas for addressing health disparities: • Increase awareness about health disparities – use social media to start or participate in the conversation. • Become a leader – educate, share stories, or start a petition for needed policy changes. • Support healthy and safe behaviors – be a role model, promote or serve nutritious foods, host a physical activity challenge • Improve access to health care – work with local providers to ensure information and services are widely available • Create healthy neighborhoods – advocate for more sidewalks, healthy snacks in schools, and locally-grown fruit and vegetables
To learn more about the TBHC: http://tampabayhealth.org 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 17
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REVEREND EDWARD VERNON LEFTWICH, JR.:
A JOURNEY MOST FULLY TAKEN
P
lannerpreacherSingerin-Chief, Edward Vernon Leftwich, Jr. had all of those gifts and then some. Like many dynamic men, there was always more to him than met anyone’s eye, including his own. Although originally from Connecticut, Leftwich, who died this past Father’s Day at age 68, was a New Yorker by instinct and by the force of his rich talent. His early career successes were as lead singer with R&B geniuses, The Children of God, led by brothers Jerry and Don Moore of Woodstock, New York - even before the Woodstock Jazz Festival made that venue famous. Leftwich soon
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also became lead singer with a musical ensemble called Dreams, a fusion jazz explosion on the New York scene, joining famous brothers Michael and Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham and John Abercrombie in their meteoric rise to fame. Eddie Vernon, as Leftwich was professionally known back then, appeared on the November 1970 cover of DOWN BEAT, the iconic musicians’ magazine, heralded as an “ Exciting New Voice in Jazz and Rock.” While under contract for 13 years with Columbia Records, he performed at most of the Greenwich Village hot spots including the Village Gate, and headlined, along with Mavis Staples at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and on national tour. But that is only one of the journeys taken by Reverend Leftwich, ordained in 1992 to the ministry by
the Ordination Council of Harvest Christian College of Maryland. He served as pastor of the African American International Mission Church until he moved to Florida in 2000. At the time of his death, he was active in his ministry as Founding President and Chairman-Emeritus of the Center for Community and Economic Justice, Inc. (CCEJ) in St. Petersburg, which operated the Still Standing Recovery Ministry for 10 years. Through Rev. Ed’s leadership, 1000-plus adult residents seeking sobriety and recovery passed through the protected facilities and programs of CCEJ- Still Standing. His CCEJ ministry also sponsored the Quantum Opportunities Program, a government and foundation funded academic and enrichment program which served 25 high school students from their freshman through senior years at local high schools. The objective, realized in June, shortly before his death, was their on-time graduation, most with honors and accolades. Leftwich grew up as a New
Rev. Leftwich and Dr.Yvonne ScruggsLeftwich frequently visited with President and Mrs. Clinton in the 1990’s White House
England Yankee whose ideology was re-enforced when he journeyed to southern Maryland to complete high school. A muscular football player and award-winning orator, his civil rights advocacy skills were refined by his role, in the 1960s as a FREEDOM RIDES organizer and trainer of Northern youth heading into the Deep South to risk their lives for racial justice and voting rights. He completed his formal education at the Connecticut Junior College and the New School for Social Research in New York City. In the fullness of his public life as an advocate and leader, “Rev. Ed” often said: “Everyone has a birth year and everybody has a death year. These are both out of our hands... and are our fate. But what really counts in our lives is the “dash “ in between. During his “life dash” – from 1945 to 2013 he journeyed many byways, some darker than others. One journey of Leftwich, who had lived the heady night life of a rockand-roll star, was a detour into prison for drug use and possession.
Children of God 1960’s publicity shot showcased young musicians Jerry Moore (top L.) and Eddie Vernon (top R.) 2013 thevoterguide 21
He spent the rest of his life compensating for the loss of two years “inside the big house”, and for the druginduced “by-way” from which he later extricated - first himself and then countless other addicted men and women.
Leftwich “gets down” for Down Beat Magazine cover, 1970
His “dash-of-life” had fits and starts, but began in earnest in the mid-1970’s. Emerging as a professional practitioner in the fields of housing and community planning, Leftwich pioneered mixed-income housing renewal and redevelopment along Kingston, New York’s Hudson River banks, when he directed the Rondout Community Development Corporation’s Strand Water Front Renewal. His civic work on that and other projects earned him distinction, in 1980, as a Rotary Club Outstanding Young Man in America, along with the Special Service Award from Governor Hugh Carey (1980), and the New York State Housing and Community Development Commissioner’s Award (1985). During the 1980’ and 1990’s, Leftwich served as the Albany Regional Director of the New York State Division of Housing and Community
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Renewal; as Executive Director of the New York State Assembly’s Urban Revitalization Task Force, while he also served as District Director for the New York legislature’s Deputy Speaker, Arthur Eve; and as Special Projects Director in the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Housing. His community development expertise was sharpened in Washington, DC, in the mid-1990’s where, as assistant to the President of the Telesis Corporation - a national leader in mixed- income housing and community redevelopment - Leftwich helped launch an experimental publicprivate venture called the Paradise at Parkside Youth Safe Haven MiniStation Project in a collaboration between Telesis, the DC Police and a national Foundation. Still another journey of Rev. Leftwich was as an entrepreneurial visionary who created a cutting edge non-depository banking system to provide free access - especially to New York States’ low-income and working families - for direct payment of their utility bills and free money-wiring by electronic transfer, which
Leftwich joins political mentors Manhattan County Leader Denny Farrow and daughter, and iconic first black Mayor of Harlem and Apollo Theater founder Percy Sutton in 1990’s
was a new technology at the time. He and his wife created and operated several such “banks,” staffed by local community residents. Later, he replicated many of these successes through his work in St. Petersburg, where, in 2008 he was featured as a Freedom’s Hero by Channel 8 (ABC TV) News for his “... work as a catalyst for change and his dedication to helping others.” Until he became ill in late 2012, “Rev. Ed” served as Community Director for the Telesis-operated Bradenton Village and as a Board Member of the Central Community Redevelopment Agency. Earlier in 2012, Rev Ed’s leadership in community development was recognized by the National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing with the Sustainability through Partnership Award for forging collaborations between Telesis’ Bradenton Village and local public and private agencies, including the Bradenton Public Housing Authority, City officials, Manatee County and the State of Florida. Simultaneously, “Rev. Ed” served as Associate Minister of the Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, under the leadership of Pastor Frank Peterman, Jr., who was
Leftwich couple’s ownership of New York State banking network made 1988 magazine cover.
with him to the very end, to bless the beginning of his journey home. Following his brief but intense illness, Rev. Leftwich passed away at his home in St. Petersburg. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dr. Yvonne ScruggsLeftwich; their children - Edward III; Tienne Leftwich Callender; Cathryn Perry; Rebecca PerryGlickstein, and daughter-protégée Lisa Torres; grandsons, Avery Davis, Hunter Perry Glickstein and James Horn; sister Delores Beck; brothers Robert Turnquest and Alan Robert Turnquist; nieces Gypsy C. Gallardo and Kimberley Webb, nephew Alan Turnquist, Sr., his friend and physician Frederic Guerrier, and other extended family. Rev. Edward. Vernon Leftwich Jr.’s life was celebrated at his church, the Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist, on July 15, 2013. 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 23
Educating the workforce
www.myptec.org St. Petersburg 727-893-2500 Clearwater 727-538-7167
Educating the workforce
ulinary Cosmetology Automotive Construction Computers Healthcare Manufacturing and
www.myptec.org St. Petersburg 727-893-2500 Clearwater 727-538-7167 Culinary Cosmetology Automotive Construction Computers Healthcare Manufacturing and More
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“Four for Trayvon” – a recap of 4 recommendations by President Barak Obama
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elissa Harris Perry said this in trying to sum up just how big a moment it was for President Obama to speak in the aftermath of the “not guilty” verdict for Trayvon Martin’s killing: “My sense is that we are going to look back on this moment of the president of the U.S. standing and making the statements he did in a couple of critically important ways. The first is that this president has now done what JFK did after the children’s campaign in Birmingham where Bull Connor turned dogs and fire hoses on the children who were marching for civil rights….. But the part that’s completely unique; the part that has never happened before…is that the President of the United States, who is an African American man, who is both of those things at the same time – an African American man and President of the United States stood there with
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official insignia of the white house behind him and said the history and the pain and the experiences of black people in this country matter …they shape how they experience something like the Zimmerman verdict….and we, if we are going to move forward as a nation, must acknowledge the realities of those experiences. Just that recognition of the humanity and history of black people from the president of the United States is absolutely historic.” Here are the four things our President recommended to honor this moment: [Excepted and edited from the President’s remarks] “Now, the question for me, is where do we take this? How do we learn from this and move in a positive direction? I think it’s understandable that there have been demonstrations and vigils and
protests…..If I see any violence, then I will remind folks that that dishonors what happened to Trayvon Martin and his family. But beyond protests or vigils, the question is, are there some concrete things that we might be able to do…..”
#1 I think it would be productive
for the Justice Department, governors, mayors to work with law enforcement about training at the state and local levels to reduce the kind of mistrust in the system that currently exists. When I was in Illinois, I passed racial profiling legislation that did two simple things. One, it collected data on traffic stops and the race of the person stopped. Two, it resourced training for police across the state on how to think about potential racial bias. Initially, police departments were resistant, but actually came to recognize that if it was done in a fair way….communities would have more confidence in them and, in turn, be more helpful in applying the law.
#2
Along the same lines, it would be useful for us to examine state and local laws to see if they are designed in such a way that they may encourage the kinds of altercations and tragedies that we saw in Florida …..if we’re sending a message as a society that someone who is armed has the right to use those firearms even if there’s a way for them to exit a situation, is that really going to contribute to the kind of peace and security we’d like to see? And for those who resist that idea, I’d just ask, if Trayvon Martin was of age and armed, could he have stood his ground on
that sidewalk? And do we actually think he would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman who had followed him in a car because he felt threatened?
#3 This is a long-term project: we
need to spend some time in thinking about how to bolster and reinforce our African American boys. Is there more that we can do to give them the sense that their country cares about them and is willing to invest in them? I’m not naïve about the prospects of some grand, new federal program. But I do recognize that as President, I’ve got some convening power, and there are a lot of good programs across the country. For us to be able to gather business leaders and elected officials and clergy and celebrities, and figure out how to do a better job helping young African American men feel that they’re a full part of society and that they’ve got pathways to succeed.
#4 And then, finally, I think it’s
going to be important for all of us to do some soul-searching. There has been talk about should we convene a conversation on race. I haven’t seen that be particularly productive when politicians try to organize conversations. On the other hand, in families and churches and workplaces, there’s the possibility that people are a little bit more honest, and at least you ask yourself your own questions: am I wringing as much bias out of myself as I can? Am I judging people based on not the color of their skin, but the content of their character?
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Dream Defenders to draft ‘Trayvon’s Law’
legislation from halls of Florida capitol by Dominique Mann for thegrio.com | July 30, 2013
R
everend Jesse Jackson announced his support of the Dream Defenders today, the latest in a string of highprofile affiliations, which includes entertainment and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte.
Drafting “Trayvon’s Law”
The Dream Defenders are leading a push to repeal Stand Your Ground laws, address racial profiling, and launch a national discussion on issues catalyzed by George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
First, is the repeal of Stand Your Ground laws in Florida, which sanction the use of deadly force against a possibly deadly threat without the obligation to retreat.
The Dream Defenders formed as an organization about six weeks after the death of the Florida teen in February 2012. Funding derives from donations, mostly funneled through the Dream Defenders’ website. The Capitol sit-in began two days after a jury of six women, five white and one Puerto Rican, found George Zimmerman innocent on July 13. Although the Dream Defenders said they are currently negotiating with Florida lawmakers about demands, Scott has not conceded their initial request for a special legislative session to address Stand Your Ground laws. No fewer than 15 protestors stay overnight every day in response to these developments, Agnew said. Overnight protestors sleep on sheets, because the Capitol will not permit sleeping bags or air mattresses. Agnew counted nearly 150 overnight protestors one evening. The group also has thousands of social media followers.
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Those camped inside the Capitol intend to hold their own week-long session in the hallways of the Senate chambers to draft “Trayvon’s Law,” legislation which has three pillars.
Second, is an end to racial profiling by police coupled with preventative training and disciplinary procedures that curtail it. The third pillar would end Florida’s zero-tolerance school policing policy, which the Dream Defenders say contribute to the “school to prison pipeline,” a phenomenon whereby young people of color find themselves more quickly and easily incarcerated than others. According to the Sun Sentinel, Florida leads in more school-based arrests than any other state. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice reported that 12,000 Florida students were arrested last year in public schools. Although black students comprise 23% of Florida’s school population, they make up 47% of arrests. Travyon’s Law vs the Trayvon Martin Act Their efforts do not dovetail with those of the Trayvon Martin Foundation, which is calling for legislatures to implement the Trayvon Martin Act.
Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father, advocated for this act before the Congressional Black Caucus to address the state of black men in America. The act would amend states’ Stand Your Ground laws, making it illegal for people who initiated aggression to act in self-defense.
Next steps for the Dream Defenders
Conversely, Trayvon’s Law advocates for a full repeal of Stand Your Ground, not a revision.
Celebrities with civil rights leanings such as Jamie Foxx, Chuck D, Nas, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, and rock guitarist Tom Morello continue to show outpourings of support.
“We need an aggressive stance against Stand Your Ground, otherwise we would be dishonest with ourselves,” said Agnew. Columbia University professor Dorian Warren, a Roosevelt Institute fellow who studies inequality in American politics, agrees.
“
“I think the stronger the movement demand, the more successful, especially if it inevitably gets watered down in the political process,” Warren told theGrio. “This is the moment to educate a whole new generation of young activists and mobilize thousands of people while the energy and emotions are high.” Agnew urges immediate action based on the common ground of achieving justice for Trayvon, while respecting other approaches.
After drafting Trayvon’s Law, the Dream Defenders plan to register Florida voters in support of their proposals and present their ideas to the Florida Legislature in September.
Comparisons to the Civil Rights Movement As the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington approaches, organizers ponder ways the Trayvon Martin-inspired movement can honor the legacy. Professor Warren described the parallels between the Dream Defenders and previous civil rights actions. “Without the Freedom Rides, sitins, or even Black Power later on, Martin Luther King, Jr. and more mainstream civil rights leaders wouldn’t have had a left flank that made them appear more moderate to the folks in power with whom they were negotiating around national legislative action,” he said, alluding to the value of the Dream Defenders as an agitating force.
The Trayvon Martin Foundation was established by Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin in March 2012 as a not-for-profit, under the auspices of the Miami Foundation. Its mission is to advocate that crime victims and their families not be ignored in the discussions about violent crime, to increase public awareness of all forms of racial, ethnic and gender profiling, educate youth on conflict resolution techniques, and to reduce the incidences where confrontations between strangers turn deadly. GIVE AT: T ra y v o n marti n f o u n dati o n . o rg 30 thevoterguide 2013
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Justice for Trayvon
Obama’s Comments on Race Need to be Followed by Bold Action to Ban Racial Profiling Keith Rushing for Huffingtonpost.com
L
ast week, President Obama did something unprecedented in his 18-minute speech on race by validating concerns about racial profiling and the need for systemic change in a way that no one else could. He did this knowing his popularity would likely decline as it did when he criticized the arrest of African-American Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates in 2009. Still, Obama decided to seize the moment when the nation was talking about racial profiling and the acquittal of George Zimmerman to speak about discrimination in a straightforward manner. Obama must go even further, however, to implement changes to reduce racial profiling. But before we talk about what Obama could do next, let’s review what he did, and why it matters. First, Obama discussed his own experiences with racism and linked them to the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans: “There are very few African-American men in this country who haven’t had the experience of being followed when they were shopping in a department store. That includes me. There are probably very few AfricanAmerican men who haven’t had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens [sic] to me -- at least
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before I was a senator.” Stories of bias from the highest elected leader in the land, someone with degrees from Columbia and Harvard, made the problem personal and seemingly irrefutable. The statements lent authenticity that no one else can claim, in part because we have not had a president of color who could share the experience of being a member of a minority group whose life is impacted by bias. Obama both explained and defended outrage, pain and frustration among African Americans at the verdict that freed Zimmerman. “In the AfricanAmerican community at least, there’s a lot of pain around what happened here,” said Obama, adding, “I think it’s important to recognize that the African-American community is looking at this issue through a set of experiences and a -- and a history that -- that doesn’t go away.” Obama also put Martin’s killing in the context of bias within the larger criminal justice system, raising the questions of whether Trayvon would have suffered the same fate if he were white, and whether, if armed, he would have been considered justified in shooting Zimmerman. Obama moved on to talk about possible solutions, including training for law enforcement agencies - perhaps similar to training that resulted from an anti-racial profiling bill he championed in the Illinois
legislature. He suggested that “stand your ground” laws be revisited, raising the question of whether they encourage greater violence by allowing people to use firearms even when there’s a way to exit a potentially violent confrontation. Obama then talked about the need to help young black men succeed and feel valued. Those recommendations are all relevant and passage of anti-profiling laws with civil rights trainings is something Rights Work Group has promoted for years. But, Obama could take some other steps now, given his powers as president. He could ensure that the Department of Justice’s 2003 Guidance Regarding the Use of Race by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies be reformed to: prohibit profiling based on religion and national origin; and remove exceptions for national and border security; while ensuring it applies to state and local law enforcement in addition to federal agencies. Racial profiling has impacted black communities for centuries. Even before the Civil War, African Americans who were not enslaved were stopped based on their skin color and forced by slave patrols to produce papers to prove their freedom. But after 9/11, Arabs, Muslims and South Asians began experiencing increasing levels of racial profiling.
They have even faced surveillance by the FBI under the guise of national security. Meanwhile, Latinos and others have been profiled as the federal government has devoted more resources to immigration enforcement over the past decade. Obama should end state and local partnerships like the Department of Homeland Security’s 287g program, which is believed to lead to racial profiling. He should also speak out in support of the federal End Racial Profiling Act of 2013-introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin (DMd.) in May--which would prohibit the use of race, ethnicity, national origin and religion by all law enforcement agencies. And he should ensure that he appoints people to cabinet positions, like secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who have a track record of standing against racial profiling. The need for added measures, though, should not detract from recognizing this moment in history. To have a president, the first black president, say racial discrimination is real, systemic, historic and commonplace will continue to be an important reference point for national discussions about race even when people are no longer discussing the Martin case.
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Justice for Trayvon Support the push for Zimmerman to be prosecuted for federal civil rights violations
Letter from 5 Civil Rights Organizations Dear Attorney General Holder: In light of the acquittal in the trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, the undersigned organizations commend the decision by the Department of Justice to keep its investigation open while working to determine whether civil rights statutes were violated and whether federal prosecution is appropriate. Further, we beseech the Department to pursue such a federal criminal civil rights investigation to the fullest extent. While we are aware that the DOJ launched an initial investigation last year and respect the process to carry justice through the state level, it is obvious that the process was unsuccessful. We strongly urge the DOJ to proceed in conducting a responsible investigation of the civil rights violations committed by George Zimmerman in connection with the death of Trayvon Martin, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
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Rev. Sharpton in Sanford, Florida, in 2012 calling for Justice for Trayvon
>
Following the “not guilty” verdict for Zimmerman, five civil rights organizations sprang into action, calling on Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice to use the fullest extent of the law – including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act – to pursue federal criminal civil rights violations against the man who killed Trayvon.
We firmly believe that the evidence will point to an egregious violation of the most fundamental of civil rights -- the right to life. There can be no victory in this case because the life of a young person was senselessly and needlessly cut short. But we can demand and achieve justice for Trayvon Martin, his parents and his family. Further, to echo our President, we can work to “prevent future tragedies like this.” That’s not just the way to honor Trayvon Martin – it is the way to honor justice and equality in America. Marc H. Morial, President, National Urban League Rev. Al Sharpton, President, National Action Network Benjamin Jealous, President, NAACP Melanie L. Campbell, President, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Janet Murguía, President, National Council of La Raza
SIGN THE PETITION TO BACK THIS PUSH
Tell the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue a federal criminal civil rights investigation to the fullest extent of the law. Sign the petition online at: https://donate.naacp.org/page/s/ doj-civil-rights-petition
Justice for Trayvon
The Biggest
Lesson for White Folks The author of the highly acclaimed book White Like Me, had this to say about the verdict: Whether or not white folks believe the verdict was valid, or whether or not black folks believe the verdict was valid, putting the legal issues aside there’s the simple truth that in the week leading up to this incident even before the trial and certainly after, black families all across this country and indeed Latino families were having a very different conversation by and large with their children, particularly their male children, than white families were. And that’s not because those black and Latino families assume that everyone who’s not black or Latino is out to get them. It’s because they know that these racial biases, these presumptions of criminality are so deeply ingrained that they can trigger prejudiced biased even racist reactions in people who otherwise might be decent folks. They might trigger them in cops who are otherwise decent folks. Might trigger them in neighborhood wannabe cops like Zimmerman. Might trigger them in teachers who overreact and suspend or expel kids out of a class or school in ways we know they don’t as readily with white students. White parents around this country in the wake of the verdict are not sitting their male children down and telling them “You know what, don’t go anywhere they
Tim Wise Speaks on the “Takeway” from the Zimmerman Verdict for White People
don’t know you. And don’t wear a hoodie. And walk at a deliberate pace. And don’t look like you’re looking at anything cause someone’s gonna call the cops or they might shoot you.” That conversation is not happening and if white folks can just understand what it means for black moms and dads to tell their male children when they’re stopped by police that if they’re going to reach for their wallet to get their license or registration, they have to say before they do “This is what I’m doing. I’m reaching for the glove box to get my registration.” I as a white man who’s been stopped by cops on several occasions for speeding, never ever ever thought twice about reaching for the glove box. Never thought twice about reaching for my back pocket to get my wallet. Never thought twice and was never told by my parents that I needed to worry about that. If white folks learn nothing else, understand or try to understand the fundamental difference and it is rooted in racial experience and a history of racism, between being black and being white, and trying to raise children into healthy adulthood because that is perhaps the biggest lesson that I think we can take away from this incident. 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 35
Dear White Folks:
Black People are Sensitive to Race
[OPINION] Joyce Clark Hicks says Trayvon Martin’s killing underscores the fact that we have plenty reason to be edgy when it comes to issues of color for EBONY
I recently had a Facebook conversation with a White friend in which she suggested that I, as a Black woman, was a little “sensitive” on matters of race. With the unjust slaying of Trayvon Martin fresh on my mind, I could not let this comment pass. I’m a Black woman in my late 30s who grew up in a mostly White, solidly middle-class neighborhood. I was raised by parents who valued education. Both had Master’s degrees. My father was a chemistry teacher and served in the Army. My mother was a nurse and retired as a full-bird Colonel in the Air National Guard. I was an enviably good student, a member of the National Honor Society, officer on the Student Council and a Varsity soccer player. I had a good childhood. And yet my childhood is stained - like so many other AfricanAmericans - by a string of indignities that might seem slight to many.
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For the most part, I’m not talking about blatant, in-your-face “N word” confrontations. I’m talking cowardly, ingrained, without-a-thought and possibly subconscious behaviors which tacitly and overtly tell a person they’re valued less by society than those with White skin. This is how I responded to my friend’s post:
To my dear, dear friends who think Blacks see race in everything, I ask this: -Have you ever had to comfort a child who wished he were Black instead of White or whatever God made him? Probably not. People generally don’t go around wishing they were Black. But I have had my 4-year-old son tell me he wished he were White after some time at daycare, where he observed “White people are treated better.” A 4-year-old was able to figure that out. A 4-year-old! -Have you ever been followed in a store by a clerk? Even when they were the only clerk in the store and they left the entire front of the store open while “folding sweaters” in back where you were shopping? I have. Many times.
- Have you ever walked into a drugstore as a child or teen with another Black friend and watched as the clerk had to make a quick decision about which one of you to follow? My friends and I have. -As a teen, were you ever asked to empty your pockets at a store with your White friend when she was not asked to do the same? Were you ever asked to prove you didn’t steal something, even when you didn’t? Has it happened to you more than once? -Have you ever been accused of getting into a school because you were Black and NOT because you were damned smart, studied your behind off, applied for early decision and were in the top 10% of your class?? A school at which you’d eventually make the Dean’s List? I have. -Have you ever been detained, not just pulled to the side, but detained in a separate holding area at an airport with other people of color and no one else who was detained was White? I have. -Have you ever had your voicemail called in the middle of the night and had the caller yell “NIGGER” on the same day you wrote a story about a health issue that primarily affects Blacks? I have. -Have you ever been told to use the porta-potty (as an adult) in a rich White subdivision instead of the one in the WELCOME center you just walked into? I have. -Have you ever interviewed someone who very clearly assumed you were White and went on and on about “those people” moving in and ruining
“my” neighborhood? Then had to meet the person face-to-face and watch their chin drop? I have. -Have you ever been accused of voting for a Black president solely because he’s Black? That your intellect is so low as to not be able to make an educated decision on who best represents your interests just because a Black candidate is involved? Never mind that you’ve only had the choice of voting for White presidential candidates your entire life, and no one ever accused you of voting for one just because he was White. -Have you ever had to worry that your unarmed son or brother or nephew might be walking through a neighborhood one day, minding his own business and doing absolutely nothing wrong, only to be followed, confronted and shot dead - all because he “looked” suspicious? -Do you worry that your child might go missing one day and no one in the media will give a damn to try and find them, publicize it or anything? That no one will know or recognize your child’s name or face? That you might never see him or her again? I do. Every day. I worry. Day in, day out, in a way that I am sure you do not. So am I sensitive about race? YES, I AM. You are blessed in ways you don’t even know. But you should. Our realities are just very, very different. And I love you anyway.
2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 37
10
things every young black man should know
How to handle a police encounter
By Kurt Donley, President of CONA (the Council of Neighborhood Associations)
I
’m sure you’ve had or heard the conversation recently; how do black youth interact with the police and wannabes such as George Zimmerman – and more importantly, how do they avoid run-ins with the law that may fatally escalate. Even before the Zimmerman verdict, I and others began teaching these 10 Rules for Dealing with the Police (taken from Cato Institute YouTube video of the same name).
• Turn off your car (and stereo) and put your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel • At night, turn on your interior light • Do not reach or look for license, registration or proof of insurance until asked to • Greet the Officer. Smile and say “Good evening Officer, How’s it going?” • Never make sudden or fast movements. When exiting a vehicle, do it slowly. • Never touch your face or look away from their eyes when talking to them, which to them could mean you are lying or have something to hide. Smile and stay relaxed.
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#1 Always be calm and cool – Even if you are fuming – you think you were profiled or pulled over for DWB (Driving While Black), check your ego and stay calm. Police officers are afraid of you: they never know if they will walk up to a car and get shot. If pulled over:
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2
#2 You have the right to remain silent - The police do not have to advise you of your rights, even if they arrest you. Don’t ever tell an officer that you know your rights; show them by asserting your rights properly. If you find yourself being interrogated or arrested, ask for a lawyer and keep your mouth shut. That’s how you assert your rights. #3 You have the right to refuse searches. Any time an officer asks
3
to search you, your car or home, politely refuse. Practice saying: “I do not consent to any searches.” That’s not evidence of guilt and does not give an officer the right to detain or arrest you. There are many reasons to refuse a search. They may search anyway. But, later in court they will have to prove they had probable cause, not just a hunch, to believe you were committing a crime. #4 Don’t get tricked into waiving your rights – Officers can legally lie to you. Don’t let threats or false promises trick you into giving up you rights. You, on the other hand, are not allowed to lie to the police. It’s your right to refuse to answer questions – even simple ones, like where are you going?
5
4
#5 Determine if you’re free to go – Early on in an encounter with police – especially after refusing a search or refusing to answer questions, turn it back on them - ask: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”
#6 Don’t expose yourself – The best way to avoid an encounter with the police in the first place – just don’t get their attention. Don’t share cigarettes with buddies in public (which, from 20 yards away, would look like a joint). Before driving make certain all your lights work, and that your window tint isn’t too dark and doesn’t go below this line on the windshield (see picture). The Street Crimes Unit routinely uses these excuses to pull people over and initiate searches.
6
7
#7 Don’t run – Running from cops is probable cause. Besides, after they run you down they will be pissed, their adrenaline will be pumping and they could find some way to take it out on you.
8
#8 Never touch a cop – Keep your hands to yourself. Merely touching a cop is an instant Felony Assault charge. Be careful not to accidentally touch one. If you are losing your balance, fall down, rather than reaching out to them for help. #9 Report misconduct: Be a good witness. Always report police misconduct. After an encounter make a voice recording on your phone or write down everything you remember, a description of the officers and their exact words. Get their names but do not ask for their badge numbers. Don’t say or do anything that makes them think you are going to report them. It could make them be more careful or try to find ways to discredit or punish you. If you see someone else in a police encounter, record a video with your phone. It is 100% legal to record officers in the line of duty, provided you don’t get in the way of them doing their job.
9 10
#10 You don’t have to let them in – Your house (apartment, hotel room etc.) and everything in it is protected. As long as they have no clear indicator of a law being broken they cannot come in without a warrant. If an officer knocks on the door, you have no obligation to even answer, let alone let them in.
> Get involved with CONAs
Southside public safety movement. Call Kurt Donley at 727-331-7373 or Lisa Wheeler-Brown, Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, at 727-244-9018. 2013 thevoterguide 39
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Who you will vote for
Vote by Mail
• Visit www.VotePinellas.com • The Mayor’s position is at-large • Call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) All eligible registered • Deadline to request a mail ballot: voters residing in the City of St. 5 p.m. August 21, 2013 Petersburg may vote in the Mayor’s • Ballots may be picked up at race any Supervisor of Elections office • Council Member positions are singlethrough Election Day member districts • Deadline for Supervisor of In the Primary Election, only voters Elections to receive mail ballot: residing in Districts 4, 6 and 8 may 7 p.m. Aug 27, 2013 vote in their respective council district races • The Referendum Question is voted Vote Election Day: at-large August 27, 2013 All eligible registered voters residing Polls Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. in the City of St. Petersburg may vote on the referendum
Election Information
Visit www.VotePinellas.com • View Sample Ballots • Find Your Precinct/Polling Place • Request a Mail Ballot • Update Your Address
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Deborah Clark, Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections (727) 464-VOTE (8683) www.VotePinellas.com
Information provided courtesy of:
Here’s what’s on the ballot
August 27th 2013
St. Petersburg Primary Election Every registered voter in the City of St. Petersburg can vote on at least two items on the ballot:
#1 Vote for Mayor: Anthony Cates, III Paul Congemi Kathleen Ford Bill Foster Rick Kriseman
#2 Vote on the REFERENDUM QUESTION regarding the Pier/
Lens
BE AWARE: This is a tricky one. See the article on the next page. A “Yes” vote means that you want to stop the Lens project; and the Pier will stay for now. A “No” vote means that you want the City to go ahead with the Lens; and the Pier will be torn down. Here is the wording on the ballot: An Ordinance Terminating the Michael Maltzan New Pier Design Agreement Based on The Lens Concept. Shall an ordinance be added to the City of St. Petersburg’s existing ordinances that would require the City to send a notice of termination, within five business days of the effective date of the ordinance, to Michael Maltzan Architecture, Inc. to terminate the existing architect/engineering agreement between the City of St. Petersburg and Michael Maltzan Architecture, Inc. which agreement was approved by City Council Resolution Number 2012-233 on May 17, 2012?
If you live in City Council Districts 4, 6, or 8, you will have a third item on your ballot to vote for (and if you are unsure whether you live in one of these districts, you can call the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office at (727)464-6788). IF YOU LIVE IN DISTRICT 4, YOU WILL ALSO VOTE FOR City Council District 4 Richard Eldridge Carolyn Fries David McKalip Darden Rice IF YOU LIVE IN DISTRICT 6, YOU WILL ALSO VOTE FOR City Council District 6 Trevor L. Mallory Karl Nurse Sharon Russ IF YOU LIVE IN DISTRICT 8, YOU WILL ALSO VOTE FOR City Council District 8 Robert J. Davis Alex Duensing Amy Foster Steve Galvin
Yes No
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Also on the ballot……
The Lens –
A Deliberately Tricky Question So be alert when you read your ballot
S
t. Pete is going through an identity crisis, or so it would seem.
The candidates, interviewed in late July, about their vision of St. Petersburg’s future – whether they are an incumbent or a new comer to the political scene – had one topic on their minds’: Whether to save the Pier, demolish the Pier, build the Lens, stop the Lens or find an alternative to either the Pier or the Lens. This is the issue in a nutshell: most St. Petersburgers love their Pier. It’s an icon. It represents the city on the national and global stages. It dominates our waterfront. It’s beautiful to look at from the shore. There are fun things to do there; but it is subsidized with tax payer money every year. The flashy new proposed pier, The Lens, is being broadcast by Mayor Bill Foster’s administration
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By Ellen Kirkland on televisions and in every City of St. Petersburg Public Library and building. He clearly believes The Lens is a plus for our City. But, and it’s a very big but, there is no guarantee that we, the taxpayers – who will own The Lens and be responsible for its upkeep, won’t have to subsidize it annually, too. Many who have lived here long enough have fond memories of ice cream and music, fishing and rollerblading, bicycling and boating. The Pier represents childhood and coming of age and growing old – in St. Petersburg. But the Pier is tired. It’s dated. It needs a lot more than a face lift. Nostalgia alone cannot save it. The Pier, as a tourist and entertainment destination, has been hemorrhaging tax dollars for decades. In its current state it’s not sustainable and no matter which position you take, stop the Lens or keep moving forward it, St. Pete is going to spend a lot of money to keep or replace it. In a July 26 interview, Councilman
Wengay Newton laid out the situation like this: “The government shouldn’t make decisions for the citizens. The Pier belongs to the people of St. Petersburg. The people paid for it and the people need to decide what to do with it.” He said, “When Mayor Rick Baker wanted to build a park where Albert Whitted Airport is, he didn’t close the airport and put people out of business and take away people’s jobs. The Pier should have remained open until this was resolved.” What’s happening very soon – on August 27 – is that we, the citizens of St. Pete, are finally going to weigh in. It is now in the hands of the people who own that Pier, love or hate that Pier and paid for that Pier. And here are a few issues you may want to consider when you go to vote. The foundation and pilings the current pier sits on were built in 1923 to support what was then known as the $1,000,000 Pier. When the inverted pyramid was conceived it was built on that 1923 foundation and four supports (called caissons) were added to bolster the pilings. Engineers have said that the roadway that you drive on to get out to the Pier, is crumbling. It was not reinforced when the current inverted pyramid Pier was built. We have financial help from Pinellas County to help replace this section, which no matter what, will have to be replaced. Some folks describe it like this; if
you own a home and the drive way has started to fall apart – do you tear down the house along with the driveway or do you just replace the driveway? If it was that simple we wouldn’t be having this apparent identity crisis. The caissons put in to reinforce that old foundation won’t last forever. They have already lived out much of their useful life. Eventually something will have to be done. It will be costly, no matter what. The issue is whether we want to scrap The Lens design and reconsider these costly plans or move forward with the Lens, on which the City has already spent millions on our behalf. So voters are going to be asked a yes or no question: A “Yes” vote means – I want to stop the Lens. The Pier stays for now. A “No” vote means – I want go ahead with the Lens. The Pier will be torn down.
That seems confusing because it is. So when you go to cast your vote – be alert. A “yes” vote stops the Lens from moving forward and potentially saves the Pier. Potentially is the key word, because this option gives us a chance to think it over a little longer. A “no” vote means that the city will move forward with the Lens, the inverted pyramid will be torn down. In either case, it’s going to cost a lot of money.
2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 49
Who to vote for as Mayor In a word, it’s
all about M-O-N-E-Y
By Gypsy C. Gallardo
I love and respect many of the community leaders who’ve taken sides in the Mayor’s race. My mentor Gwen Reese and business partner Adrienne Reddick are backing Bill Foster. Beloved elder Winnie Foster, along with colleague Darryl Rouson and my aunt - Dr. Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich – chose Rick Kriseman. And our courageous only-black Councilman Wengay Newton is putting his weight behind Kathleen Ford, as is one of my heroes – Dr. Goliath Davis (at least operationally, if not officially). They all have their reasons for picking certain candidates. From what they’ve shared, their reasons are sound. But none of the candidates has my vote yet, simply because none of them has made a concrete commitment to invest not only dollars, but sweat equity, vision and leadership into the priorities put forth by Agenda 2010, the NAACP, and the People’s Budget Review – all to create jobs and reduce poverty in South St. Petersburg.
our children’s futures (lack of jobs, fatherlessness, etc.). Even now – when the City has $3.5 million in contingency funds set aside for the year, plus $15 million in excess savings (above what the law requires), City leaders are still “crying broke.” True enough, the recession hit hard and caused cuts across the board. But why did South St. Pete suffer bigger cuts than practically any other focus area?
It’s not good enough for me if they say nice things on the campaign trail. Even if their hearts are in the right place, unfortunately that’s not good enough, if they don’t also have what it takes to get things done.
And why, even after a report showed South St. Pete as the biggest share of the County’s $2.3 billion per year in poverty costs, are so few officials willing to put more than pennies into the problems?
With just days left before we vote in the August 27th primary, the candidates have yet to talk specifically about how they will invest in reducing Southside poverty.
That’s what it equates to when you look at how much is spent on job-creating, poverty-reducing initiatives for the Southside, versus projects like the Pier.
In the past we’ve heard explanations and excuses for why the City can’t afford to invest more money to solve the problems that strangle 50 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
The latest research says we’re spending $1.8 million per day – you read it right – per day, to cover the mess created by Southside poverty.
Yet, City leaders are still holding the purse strings, refusing to dip into the $15 million cushion available to make investments that will save us $153 million by 2020, according to a recent study. I notice that black folks avoid talking about money almost as much as the candidates. And when we do, we talk about small sums and individual programs. We end up, time after time, giving our vote away for cheap, without ever asking candidates to do specific things. Well that day is over. Citizenled dialogue about new investments is already happening. The People’s Budget Review, backed by Agenda 2010 and others, is asking for dollars this year to fund a dozen job-creating initiatives. One of the “asks” is for $100,000 in pre-development monies needed to launch the new 2020 Plan by October 2014. Over the next five years, the 2020 Plan calls for City-led investments of roughly $28 million, along with state, federal and private investments totaling $170 million, to reduce poverty by 30% in South St. Petersburg by 2020. None of the candidates – our Mayor included – has embraced the notion of using City general fund dollars for the new plans being developed. Meanwhile we continue to hemorrhage dollars day-after-day on preventable poverty costs, and the number of
Southside residents in poverty continues to climb, as City leaders tinker around the problems with $50,000 here and $35,000 there. It’s peanuts, and it’s not solving the problems. Whether you’re black or white, rich or poor, it’s in all of our best interest to invest in reducing poverty in South St. Petersburg. From the business elite pushing for more job creation, to economic leaders who say we urgently need a better trained workforce, to Tea Partiers and Libertarians who want government spending controlled. They, above all, should demand that officials stop the blood-gut of money wasted day in and day out on problems that we know how to solve! As for Southside voters, I recommend that you press the candidates for specifics. Ask them outright whether they will invest in the 2020 plan. You won’t be alone! People of all stripes are already asking candidates to make bold new moves. This August 27th primary election is when we voters will narrow the field to leave two candidates standing in the race for Mayor. Make them earn your vote this year, not by saying nice things or visiting churches or taking pictures with black folks. But by telling you how they will invest in a stronger Southside, and when! 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 51
“HERE’S” what the
Mayoral candidates said Agenda 2010 & the NAACP asked all of the candidates (17 of them) to answer 39 questions in order to give you, the voter, more insight into what they’re willing to do to make life better in South St. Petersburg. Twelve of the candidates sent us their answers; 5 did not. Here’s what they had to say.
We asked the candidates this: Will you support financial investments into the new Redevelopment Plan and 2020 Plan to reduce poverty by 30% in South St. Pete by 2020, in the following specific ways? Ford
Foster
Kriseman
Will you join with community partners to pursue large federal grants that fund various parts of the two Plans?
WILL CONSIDER
YES
YES
Will you allocate “general funds” or other City funds to implement various parts of the new Plans?
WILL CONSIDER
General Funds-NO Other - YES
MAYBE
YES
NO
YES
SEE BELOW
SEE BELOW
SEE BELOW
Will you reduce the excess amount of money the City puts into savings (i.e., reserves) each year in order to invest in the urgent priority to create jobs in South St. Petersburg? What else would you do to finance/fund the Plans?
Ford: “I am the only candidate who has ever pointed out the city’s increasing reserves in the fund balances while children go to bed hungry, people are sleeping on the street and businesses are struggling to survive, some dissolving in the midst of increased ad valorem taxes.”
Florida Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement grant opportunities • Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative (NSI) Funds • Project Rebuild funds • Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds • Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP) funds.”
Foster: “The other sources I would pursue are Penny for Pinellas• Community Development Block Grants •
Kriseman: “I am excited about this plan and look forward to learning more.”
From left, Mayoral candidates Bill Foster, Rick
and Kathleen 52Kriseman thevoterguide 2013 Ford during their first debate.
We asked the candidates this: If we elect you, what will you do to create jobs and improve life in South St. Petersburg? Question: Will you support the new Southside CRA and Community Redevelopment Plan with increased funding allocations and backing for pursuit of other funds to channel into departments such as Economic Development, Neighborhood Partnership, Housing and others that will have a role to play in the success of the new Plans?
Ford’s answer
Foster’s answer
Kriseman’s answer
I already attended the City Council hearing on the CRA adding my voice of support to the initiative. I am concerned that some folks will believe that projects will be initiated sooner that can occur because bonds cannot be issued until sufficient TIF funds are available and this could be years.
YES. I have dedicated my efforts and the efforts of my staff in support of the Southside CRA and Plan and will strongly advocate for its approval and successful implementation by the County. We have been at the table together throughout this process, and no other candidate has done so.
YES
Question: Will you support the new 2020 Plan with actions such as providing letters of support for the pursuit of funding and financing, lending your expertise to the work groups developing the 10-parts of the Plan (5 parts are being led by the City), contributing financially as a citizen toward the Plan’s success, or other?
Ford’s answer
Foster’s answer
Kriseman’s answer
As mayor I will review every initiative and grant application and provide the best City support where appropriate and available. I will continue to make my voluntary contributions to Midtown and the Southside CRA where I believe them to be the most effective.
YES. Together, we are working on the plan, and I am one of its biggest advocates. I am committed to leading the way through the political process, and locating funding to make immediate impacts in the community
YES
Question: Will you support the setting and passage of a vote to designate the new Tax Increment Financing districts within the emerging CRA within one quarter (three months) of taking office?
Ford’s answer
Foster’s answer
Kriseman’s answer
NO ANSWER PROVIDED
YES. The TIF is one of the most important parts of this plan, and together we are working on it. I don’t have to wait for reelection. This work is happening now under my administration.
YES
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4 August Heat for City contests for City Council
Council Primary Election By Ellen Kirkland
The August heat is here and the races to win open city council seats are heating up Following the August 27th primary election, two candidates from each district will face off against each other in a city wide general election in November. This year voters have four districts to decide! District 4: Not as hot as we
thought
Darden Rice
David McKalip Photo Not Submitted
Carolyn Fries
Richard Eldridge
The primary race for District 4 was initially predicted to be a tight race, but so far it’s anything but. Darden Rice, past president of the League of Women Voters and current chair of the PSTA legislative committee enjoys a hefty lead with 32% of likely voters in her camp, according to a July 20 poll by St.PetePolls.Org. Among her many endorsements are a host of progressive groups including Stonewall Democrats and Service
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Employees International Union (SEIU), as well as personal endorsements from Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Charlie Christ, State Rep. Darryl Rouson, State Rep. Dwight Dudley and former state CFO Alex Sink. She is trailed in the race by Dr. David McKalip, local neurosurgeon and tea-party/libertarian favorite with 17% who’s endorsed by Senator Jeff Brandes, former Commissioner Nancy Bostock and the Independent Electrical Contractors. Two other contenders still hold out hope in this race: Carolyn Fries and Richard Eldridge with 11 and 4% of the vote respectively – 37% undecided. Fries enjoys the endorsements of former City Councilwoman Connie Kone and former State Rep. Frank Farkas. Eldridge did not report endorsements for this Voter Guide. District 4 is comprised of Crescent Lake, Euclid Heights, Euclid-St. Paul and Meadowlawn neighborhoods. District 6: Nurse battles newcomers Photo Not Submitted
Karl Nurse
Trevor Mallory
Sharon Russ
Karl Nurse is the odds on favorite for re-election to represent District 6 which straddles the downtown area with its monied condos, the blighted neighborhoods of Midtown and runs south along the water to old Southeast. Nurse is endorsed by SEIU, Stonewall Democrats, Equality Florida and others. He is being challenged by Trevor Mallory and Sharon Russ. Mallory, a former pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and entrepreneur plus family man is endorsed by local businessmen Herbert Jones and Kevin Harris, and is seen by some community leaders as an up-andcomer to watch. Russ did not report endorsements for this Voter Guide.
and Robert Davis, received 6 and 5% respectively. Amy Foster is endorsed by Pinellas School Board Member Rene Flowers and Councilmembers Steve Kornell and Jeff Danner. Duensing is endorsed by local three business owners. Davis did not report endorsements for this Voter Guide. District 8 includes Historic Kenwood, North Kenwood, Disston Heights and Central Oak Park neighborhoods. District 2: Dead heat, but no primary race for these two
District 8: Foster surges, Galvin flags
Jim Kennedy Amy Foster
Alex Duensing
Photo Not Submitted
Photo Not Submitted
Robert Davis
Steve Galvin
Amy Foster has a whopping 34 point lead over challenger Steve Galvin. The beleaguered Galvin, a former music executive turned historical preservationist, lost his campaign manager in late July due to allegations that he lied on a Tampa Bay Times questionnaire when asked whether he had any children or was ever party to a lawsuit.
Lorraine Margeson
Jim Kennedy and Lorraine Margeson are not on the ballot on August 27th but will be for the November general election since they are the only two in this race. In the latest poll by St.PetePolls.Org on June 17 the two were in a dead heat, both receiving 21.8% support with a whopping 56% undecided. Kennedy is endorsed by former Mayors Robert Ulrich and Rick Baker. Margeson, known for her staunch defense of the Pier, is endorsed by Tom Tito of Bartlett Park Neighborhood Association. District 2 includes neighborhoods in the Gateway Area and Riviera Bay.
Galvin had engaged in a three-year legal battle over child support with his son’s mother. Poll numbers showed that he still retains 7% of the vote while two other candidates, Alexander Duensing 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 55
Who’s
Endorsing Who? Why do the candidates work so hard to secure endorsements? It’s because they signal their values and relationships to voters. When the Power Broker & Agenda 2010 asked candidates to provide lists of endorsements, we were surprised by the diversity of their backers. Who’s Backing the Mayoral Candidates (Endorsements for each candidate) Kathleen Ford St. Pete Councilman Wengay Newton
Former Councilman Earnest Williams Bruce & Rachella Moody Jacqueline Williams Hubbard, Esq. Donna McRae Dawn Myles Deon Troupe Carla Bristol Thelma McCloud Rob Perry Manitia Moultrie Deneen Wyman
Former State Rep. Peter Wallace
Scott Wagman
“Kathleen sued the city on behalf of the citizens. She used her own time and money and that says something…that Pier doesn’t belong to [the politicians], it belongs to the people… and because of her they now have the right to vote on it on Aug. 27.” – Councilman Wengay Newton
“I think Bill Foster is the right person for the job because he has been in the job and he understands the nuances of the job and is concerned about the needs of the people.” – Dr. Mendee Ligon
Bill Foster Fraternal Order of Police Police Benevolent Assoc St. Pete Assoc of Firefighters Pinellas Assoc of Realtors International Assoc of Fire Fighters Gwendolyn Reese Mr. Cecil Odom Dr. Mendee Ligon Adrienne Reddick
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Momma Tee Lassiter
Rick Kriseman State Rep. Darryl Rouson State Rep. Dwight Dudley Former Florida CFO Alex Sink Former State Rep. Bill Heller Former Senator Paula Dockery Assoc. Pastor Moses Green Winnie Foster Progressive Majority Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich
Equality Florida
Council Race District 4
Stonewall Democrats
Carolyn Fries
West Central FL Federation of Labor Councilman Charlie Gerdes Commissioner Susan Latvala Commissioner Janet Long Commissioner Charlie Justice
Former Councilmember Connie Kone Former State Rep. Frank Farkas Clifford Hollensworth Rick McCollum
Largo Mayor Pat Gerard
J. Sherwood White
Kurt Donley
Reverend Dr. Fred Terry
“I have known Rick since he served on city council and served with him in the state legislature. I have seen his work ethic and respect his values. I believe he will be a unifier; he will be strong for the middle class and working poor while still respecting the corporate citizen. I trust Rick.” – Incoming House Minority Leader, State Rep. Darryl Rouson Who’s Backing the Council Candidates (Endorsements for each candidate) Council Race District 2 Jim Kennedy St. Pete Firefighters Assoc Pinellas Realtors Organization Former Mayor Rick Baker Former Mayor Bob Ulrich Lorraine Margeson Tom Tito Lurlis Simmons Charles Payne Elizabeth Forys Rebecca Falkenberry Bill Stokes Monica Abbott
Daniel Scott David McKalip Senator Jeff Brandes Former Commissioner Nancy Bostock Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapter “I’m proud to be supporting David McKalip for City Council. He’s a proven leader in this community and he’s going to fight hard to keep our taxes low in the City. “—State Senator Jeff Brandes Darden Rice U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor State Rep. Darryl Rouson Former Gov. Charlie Crist St. Pete Firefighter’s Local 747 Suncoast Police Benevolent Assoc Service Employees International Union State Rep. Dwight Dudley Commissioner Janet Long Commissioner Charlie Justice School Board Member Linda Lerner City Council Chairman Karl Nurse City Councilmember Charlie Gerdes City Councilmember Jeff Danner Largo City Commissioner Mike Smith State Rep. Carl Zimmerman State Rep. Mark Danish Hills. Commissioner Kevin Beckner St. Pete Chamber PAC
2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 57
Who’s Endorsing Who (continued)
Tampa Bay Times (recommended)
Anne Marie Cash
“I strongly endorse Darden Rice for the St. Petersburg City Council. Darden is an outspoken advocate for jobs, small businesses and a healthy and clean environment.” – US Rep. Kathy Castor
Amy Foster
Council Race District 6
Commissioner John Morroni
Trevor Mallory
Suncoast Police Benevolent Assoc
Herbert Jones Kevin Harris Karl Nurse State Rep. Darryl Rouson Police Benevolent Assoc St. Pete Firefighters Assoc Service Employees International Union West Central FL Federation of Labor Stonewall Democrats Equality Florida Pinellas Realtors Assoc Gloria Campbell Ada McFarley Elihu & Carolyn Brayboy Tom Tito Bettie Hayes Wanda Stewart Addie Williams
School Board Member Rene Flowers Councilmember Steve Kornell Councilmember Jeff Danner
St. Pete Assoc of Firefighters Local 747 Pinellas Realtors Organization West Central FL Federation of Labor Equality Florida Ruth’s List Florida Pinellas Stonewall Steve Galvin AFL-CIO School Board Member Linda Lerner Fran Haasch Bill Hornbesk Greg Williams Biff Burger PBC International Kids of America Ida Kass James DeRusha Christopher Conners Bio-Tech International
Vince Cocks
Tom Tito
Lisa Wheeler-Brown
Todd LaTorre
Lillian Baker Momma Tee Lassiter Tony Jackson Council Race District 8 Alex Duensing Dr. Christopher Jackson
58 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
SOURCES: Candidates provided endorsements to the Power Broker staff and by answering the Agenda 2010/NAACP candidate questionnaire; some endorsements were taken from candidate websites. [Absent from this listing are the candidates who did not submit their endorsements to us]
In Loving Memory of the Fierce Warrior for Recovery:
Rev. Edward Vernon Leftwich, Jr. - “Rev. Ed”
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED: I am a part of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, live by prayer and labor with power.
hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go ‘til He comes, give ‘til I drop, preach ‘til all know and work ‘til He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
Anonymous
Love,
EDWARD
My face is set, my gait is fast , my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away , turned back , deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, 20 thevoterguide 2013
2013 thevoterguide 59
60 thevoterguide 2013
Listening, Learning, Leading It’s time for a Mayor who listens to all of us, and Rick Kriseman is that leader. For years, Rick Kriseman has been a fighter for our community, and he’ll keep fighting for us as Mayor. Stood up against the unfair policies of Rick Scott that hurt our families, our schools, and our communities. Supports community policing, safer neighborhoods and tougher gun control laws to keep violence off our streets. Will work to bring good, clean-energy jobs to St. Petersburg and stand up for local businesses that support our neighborhoods.
Rick Kriseman for Mayor: A Leader We Can Trust
Vote By Mail or On August 27th. Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Kriseman for Mayor of St. Petersburg.
2013 thevoterguide 33
Candidate for MAYOR
Kathleen Ford www.fordformayor.com
Family: Married, 32 years, two children Hometown: Milwaukee, WI Education: South Texas College of Law • Graduated with honors, Univ of Virginia Career: City Council • Lawyer Community: President and Board Member, North Shore Neighborhood Association • City’s Housing Roundtable • St. Pete Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) Advisory Board • Codes Compliance Task Force • Neighborhood Services Equity Committee • St. Pete Sports Task Force • American Stage Children’s Theater Committee • Brownie and Girl Scout Leader Priorities if elected: “Safe neighborhoods. There is a difference in crime in neighborhoods depending on where one lives. Today there is an internal affairs investigation into City police cruisers speeding through Midtown neighborhoods at night without headlights, flashing lights or sirens in violation of policy. Residents express concern about retaliation following contacting police because they fear retaliation
62 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
as officers identify those reporting to the suspects. We can do more to address the code violations, crime, traffic and sanitation problems in our neighborhoods. We need a coordinated method of addressing these issues. • Thriving business districts. For too long, 34th Street business corridor has been a string of empty strip malls and parking lots. 16th Street & 22nd Street districts appear to be slipping. We should evaluate zoning, code compliance effectiveness and whether the business incentives currently available can be used to attract and retain businesses. • The foundation for every individual’s economic success is education. Under my leadership, early childhood learning will be a priority as well as partnering with schools to help children succeed. • I am committed to fiscal responsibility. The City has wasted millions and disproportionately impacted those with the least to pay. Fees, fines and ad valorem taxes have increased under the current mayor, who has negotiated union contracts that give raises to some but not all employees. It is not fair and it seems this administration does not care.”
Candidate for MAYOR
David (Bill) Foster www.billfosterformayor.com
Family: Married, 28 years, two children, ages 22 and 18 Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL Education: B.S. in Public Administration from Samford Univ • Juris Doctorate, Cumberland School of Law of Samford Univ Career: Attorney with Foster and Foster, 1988-09 • St. Pete City Councilman, 1998-07 • Mayor of St. Pete, 2010-present Community: Pinellas County Mayors Council, 2010-present • Pinellas EMS Task Force, 2010-present • Florida League of Cities Board of Directors, 2010-present • Florida Urban Partnership, 2010- present • Pinellas Association of Realtors • International Association of Fire Fighters • Police Benevolent Association • Fraternal Order of Police
Still in the planning phase, we will create a CRA for Midtown and Childs Park, and together will apply for CDBG, Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative funds, and Project Rebuild funds (depending on sequestration), which should afford us the matching capital needed to redevelop entire blocks with workforce housing. Neighborhood stabilization funds will be dedicated to blight removal, and home renovations construction. We will transform our neighborhoods, one block at a time. Going further, we will: a) implement the 34th Street South Revitalization Plan; b) encourage growth of the Warehouse Arts District; c) create jobs in the Dome Industrial area; d) break ground (on city property) for the construction of a new 45,000 sq. feet Midtown SPC campus; e) continue Paris Projects (block makeovers); f) establish the African American Heritage Trail (already funded); g) open the Manhattan Casino and Sylvia’s of Harlem, a destination soul food restaurant, h) further support Discover the Deuces: Deuces Live; I) enhance educational (Summer Bridge) and tutoring opportunities with school and faith based partners, and JWB; j) welcome a new Charter School to the Southside Fundamental campus, and yes, k) welcome a full service grocery store in the Tangerine Plaza.”
Priorities if elected: “Improving the economy and quality of life in South St. Pete will always be a priority, and I will continue to deploy our time, talent, and resources, focusing on affordable housing, schools, business development, and the creation of quality spaces. 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 63
Candidate for MAYOR
Rick Kriseman www.kriseman.com
Family: Married, 21 years, two children, ages 15 and 10 Hometown: Detroit, MI Education: J.D. Stetson Univ College of Law • B.S. Broadcasting from Univ of Florida Career: State Rep., 2006-12 • St. Pete City Councilman, 2000-06 • Nuisance Abatement Board, 1999 Community: Founder & Board Member, Heroes of the St. Petersburg Police, 2003-present • Southeastern Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser, 2009-present • Temple Beth-El Board member 1998- 2002 Priorities if elected: “I have many goals beginning with resolving big issues like the Pier and the Tampa Bay Rays. One priority is ensuring that St.
64 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
Petersburg takes a more active role in our education system, which will have a positive impact on our economy. Mayor Rick Baker understood this and I believe we’ve gotten away from it. A top notch public education system, combined with efficient mass transit and sound infrastructure is vital to our economic success and job creation. Nothing I do as mayor will be as important as keeping residents and visitors safe. I support the community policing philosophy which emphasizes the relationship between police officers and the neighborhood in an effort to promote trust and cooperation. We must also think long term. Crime is the outcome of unfavorable conditions, including social and economic. We must do what we can to understand and address these root causes in order to create a safer St. Pete for future generations. Overall, my goal is to be more proactive than the incumbent and to lead us forward with a clear vision.”
OUR CITY
OUR MAYOR Hello Neighbor!
Four years ago, my vision for St. Petersburg focused on the maintenance of quality city services, the creation of positive environments attracting economic development, jobs, budget reductions, and the development of quality spaces - all while in the midst of the greatest economic recession of our lifetime. While recovery was slow, together we realized great progress. Let’s keep going! Please honor me with your vote, whether in the mail or on election day. Thank you for your consideration.
F
Re-elect
www.BillFosterForMayor.com
2013 thevoterguide 65 Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bill Foster for Mayor of St. Petersburg.
Candidate for City Council - District 4
community and the police department to reduce crime so all our residents feel safe, and therefore free, to reach their potential. Economic Development: To foster job creation through entrepreneurship, small business and strategic recruitment of businesses that create high wage jobs.
Carolyn Fries www.carolynfries.com
Family: Married, 23 years, 4 children, ages 22, 19, 16 and 13 Hometown: Wheatfield, IN Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Purdue Univ Career: Contract Consultant at ITC Global Inc., 2010-present • Chief Operating Officer at Spyglass Technologies, 2009-11 • Co-owner & Vice President Engineering & Operations Intelligent Micro Patterning, 2001-07 • Mechanical Engineer AT&T Paradyne, 1990-95 Community: Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association, Treasurer & former President • CONA Leadership Program • John Hopkins Middle School PTA, Treasurer & former President • St. Petersburg Collegiate High School PTSA • Rotary Club of St. Pete Priorities if elected: “My vision for St. Petersburg is a vibrant city where all residents have the ability and opportunity to earn living wages and provide for their families. My platform focusing on public safety, education, economic development, neighborhoods and fiscal responsibility is briefly described below. Public Safety: To work with the
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Education: To work with students, administrators, business and community leaders to help make St. Petersburg schools among the best in the nation and inspire a desire for personal achievement and lifelong learning in our children. Neighborhoods: To seek out and listen to residents’ input on issues affecting our community, help resolve neighborhood-specific issues, assist residents in restarting dormant neighborhood associations and regularly share news from the city council. Fiscal Responsibility/Efficient Government: To carefully review the budget and ensure core city services and amenities (public safety, water resources, stormwater, sanitation, libraries, parks, pools, community centers, etc.) are the highest priority in the budgeting process. To seek out and thoughtfully listen to input from city staff and the public regarding budget items. To work with and encourage city staff to explore, recommend and implement new processes, materials and technologies toward improved operational efficiencies and cost reductions.”
Candidate for City Council - District 4
David McKalip, M.D. www.mckalipforcitycouncil.com Family: Married, 22 years, 3 children, ages 18, 14 and 10 Hometown: St. Pete, FL Education: Board Certified Brain & Spine Suregon • M.D., Univ of South Florida, 1991 • B.S. in Biology, Univ of South Florida, 1987 • A.A., St. Pete Junior College, 1985 Career: Brain and Spine Surgeon, 2000-13 • Assistant Professor Neurosurgery, Univ of California, 199800 • Stock Person, Kmart, 1985-87 • Gas Station Attendant, Ski’s Chevron, 198285 • Lawn Maintenance, 1980-83 Community: St. Pete Together Board, 2012-present • Catholic Catechism Study leader, 2012 • Medical Executive Committee, Bayfront Medical Center, 2010-12 • Board, Suncoast Health Council, 2009-11 • Chairman, Skyway District, Boy Scouts of America, 2005-07 Priorities if elected: “My top Priority
is to give control of the government to the citizens it serves. St. Petersburg City Government is controlled by a “political class” of special interests, corporations, bureaucrats and politicians. They plan grand, expensive projects that fail and cause harm while only they benefit. Examples include the Lens and Tropicana Field which they expect us to pay for while keeping our mouths shut. I will work for five things. 1) Lower the cost of living by cutting electric, water, garbage bills, property taxes. 2) Grow good, long term jobs for people with every day skills – such as in manufacturing. 3) Make government accountable by blowing the whistle on wasteful projects that divert money from the basics like police, fire, roads, utilities and parks. 4) Restore freedom by allowing sign spinners and food trucks, ending red light cameras and uneven penalties for Crack cocaine. 5) Grow a community of neighbors where, as Jesus Said, we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. My “Good Neighbor Reward Program” would reward volunteers who help their neighbor with things like free passes for the Rays, Golf, theater, parking fine forgiveness, and rebates on city bills. St. Petersburg can be a great city if we stand firm in the moral behavior God expects of his children and expect the best from our children and each other. I will work together to help find real solutions, not pander like a politician. In short, I will work to make St. Petersburg “Your City.”
2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 67
Candidate for District 4
The role of City Council and City Government is to ensure that businesses have the resources they need for job growth; that neighborhoods and communities reflect a desirable place to be, and that City Services are lean and effective.
Darden Rice votedardenrice.com
Hometown: Charlotte, NC Education: B.A. American Studies, with Distinction, Eckerd College Career: Organizational Development and Communications Consultant • Communications Director, Progress Florida • Florida Director, Gulf Restoration Network Community: Appointed Board Member, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, 2012-present • President, St. Pete League of Women Voters, 2010-13 • St. Pete Charter Review Commission, 2011-12 • People’s Budget Review core participant Priorities if elected: “I’m running for St. Pete City Council District 4 because I believe in making St. Pete Strong. I have a clear vision for our city. It is based on three foundations for the health of the community: 1) Ensure strong businesses and jobs; 2) Support healthy and vital communities and neighborhoods; 3) Provide the most efficient and effective city services.
68 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
With this focus, our city will realize its greatest purpose and opportunity, to continue to thrive and be the vital community where people come to live, work and play. I have always been on record as supporting the new Southside CRA from its very beginning. You can depend on me to be a solid supporter and “heavy lifter” to implement the goals of the new 2020 Plan. My opponents have criticized and openly questioned TIF district redevelopment strategies. I understand how TIF districts are a critical tool we need to improve our Southside community.”
2013 thevoterguide 69
re-elect
making Progress n Karl helped lead the effort to establish a Community Redevelopment Area in Midtown n Passed a Foreclosure Registry to help keep residential properties maintained and implemented the “Rebates for Rehabs� program, and helped restart the Melrose Mercy Neighborhood Association. n Led the charge to increase local hiring and reduce unemployment by incentivizing firms that win big city construction jobs.
Vote by mail or august 27th!
www.electkarlnurse.com
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Political advertisement paid for and approved by Karl Nurse, for St. Petersburg City Council, District 6.
Candidate for City Council - District 6
Trevor Mallory www.trevormallory.com
Family: Married, 4 children, ages 12, 6, 3, and 1 month Hometown: St. Pete, FL Education: High School Diploma Career: Small Business Owner, currently • Night Club Manager, currently • City of St. Pete Horticulture Specialists II, 2008-12 Community: Bay Point Little League Baseball Coach and Board member Priorities if elected: “My top priorities will be economic development, community safety, and education. I will encourage
the development of locally owned small businesses by increasing grants and the availability of small business loans. I will also facilitate discussions between the community and the St. Petersburg Police Department in order to create a healthier relationship. I will meet with education leaders to devise an educational plan that will empower our youth. The plan should focus on both early education and specialized programs that engage students in the learning process. I will also support the new 2020 Plan and Community Redevelopment Plan being developed. I believe these Plans will encourage the increase of locally owned small businesses which will provide jobs to community members. In addition, I would especially like to be a part of the Neighborhood Renewal and Restoring the Family parts of the 2020 Plan.”
2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 71
Candidate for City Council - District 6
Karl Nurse
www.electkarlnurse.com Family: Married, 23 years, 4 children, ages 46, 42, 39 and 33 Hometown: Toronto, Canada Education: B.A., Univ of South Florida St. Pete • A.A., St. Pete College Career: President, Bay Tech Label • Vice President, Horizon Packaging • Legislative Aide, Florida Senate, 4 years Community: CONA President • Citizen Representative on PSTA • Chair St. Pete Planning Commission • Chair Historic Preservation Commission • President of Old Southeast Neighborhood Association Priorities if elected: “If the voters allow me to continue to serve them, I will continue to focus on creating jobs, making our streets safer, renewing our neighborhoods and protecting our wallets and the environment through energy-saving technologies. We are making progress due to the Foreclosure Registry which will now require banks to maintain their houses and the 72 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
Rebates for Rehabs will help generate real rehabs in midtown and Childs Park. I helped spearhead the new Southside CRA and Community Redevelopment Plan along with Commissioner Ken Welch, which will provide a 20-year plan and a source of continuing revenue to fund the turnaround of the community; and I’ve worked with community leaders on the development of the new 2020 Plan to reduce poverty by 30% in South St. Petersburg. I will continue to work, every day, to bring new and better jobs to our community. I have personally invested $250,000 over the last two years rehabbing houses in Midtown. By being in our neighborhoods every day and trying to figure out what roadblocks-to-rebirth I can fix, I have identified and fixed several of them.”
AmyForStPete.com
Amy serves on the STEM Advisory Board for Girls Inc. of Pinellas
Stay Focused! I believe in bringing people
My goals are clear:
together to make great things
• Build safer neighborhoods
happen. It’s what I do for
• Create jobs and develop our workforce
a living each day. It’s what I’m committed to doing for our city. I won’t be deterred
• Prepare the next generation of leaders
by bureaucracy. I won’t be distracted by politics. I’ll stay focused on what is important to you, your family, and your neighborhood. I’m asking for your vote!
Amy
Vote by Mail, or on August 27th and November 5th 2013 thevoterguide Political advertisement paid for and approved by Amy Foster for St. Petersburg City Council, District 8 (Non-Partisan)73
Candidate for City Council District 8
Alex Duensing www.alex-duensing.com Family: Married, 5 years Hometown: NY/NJ Education: B.A. Psychology, William Columbia Univ • MFA Creative Writing, Columbia Univ Career: Researcher, Reversible Destiny Foundation, 2000-13 • Professor, St. Petersburg College, 2008-11 • Leadership Consultant, Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute, 2003-07 • Project Manager, Precision Abrasives and Tools, 200405 • Researcher, Tuskegee Bioethics Institute, 2000-01 Community: High School of Economics and Finance • Tall Ship H.M.S. Bounty Priorities if elected: “The only way that we will improve life in this city is by coming together as a single community, which simultaneously places value on solidarity and diversity. To accomplish this, I will work both in city-hall and in neighborhoods to create a more loving and seamless city. When elected, my focus will be working to connect individuals, community
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groups, businesses, and government to innovate, fund, and participate in programs that provide low-cost, high impact solutions. It is my belief that there are thousands of people in St. Pete who want to pitch in to make our city a better place. I will work to connect such people with each other and with the resources needed to make our city into an even more amazing place to play, work, and live.”
Candidate for City Council District 8
Amy Foster
www.amyforstpete.com Family: 2 step-children, 26 and 24 Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA Education: B.A. Psychology and Sociology, Centenary College of Louisiana Career: National Program Manager, EdLab Group’s National Girls Collaborative Project, currently • Director of Girl and Adult Leadership Development, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida • Field Executive at Girl Scouts • Youth Counselor, TeenQuest Community: Chair-Elect of Membership Training, Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin • STEM Advisory Board for Girls Inc. of Pinellas • Gold Award Advisor, Girl Scouts of West Florida • Founding Board Member, Industrial Arts Center in Gulfport • VicePresident, St. Pete Pride Priorities if elected: “I love St. Petersburg and know that together we can make it even better. I believe we all want the same things-we want our family, friends, and neighbors to be healthy, happy, and successful. I have a three point plan that can achieve this vision for all residents:
and policing should be proactive and focused on building relationships within the community. I will work within and across neighborhoods and agencies to address dead zones and areas of blight. Beautiful neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods and together we can make that happen! • Creating Jobs and Developing Our Workforce: To make sure our city continues to grow, we have to create jobs. We should ensure that as we grow we create higher wage jobs that ensure economic security for ALL residents. We need more job training programs and ways to help those who are hard to hire as well. • Preparing Our Next Generation of Leaders: We must ensure our residents have the 21st Century skills required to succeed today. We need to work in collaboration with our schools to increase graduation rates and encourage pursuit of higher education, trade certifications, and apprenticeships. I will support enrichment programs that keep kids off the street from 3-6 PM. My entire career has been committed to education and workforce development. I’d like to see our local government take a more proactive role to grow our next generation of leaders and keep them here.”
• Building Safer Neighborhoods: The first responsibility of city government is to ensure our neighborhoods are safe. Everyone should feel safe walking in their neighborhood 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 75
Special thanks to District 2 candidates Special thanks go to Councilman Jim Kennedy and Candidate Lorraine Margeson, who are competing for the District 2 City Council seat and who both submitted their profiles to be published in this Voter Guide. Since there are only two of them running for District 2, you will not
see their names on the ballot for the August 27th primary election ballot, but you will, come November. We will publish more details about these two contenders in our next Voter Guide, releasing in October of this year, in time for you to study up for the November 5th election.
The Only Candidate for City Council who... Signed the Petition to stop the Lens and has a plan to build a great pier that pays the city. Will fight to cut utility bills and taxes while preserving vital city services. Will fight to end red light cameras. Has the vision to stop economic stagnation and build a booming economy with more jobs and income. Will reward “Good Neighbors” who help each other with: tutoring a child, helping a single mom, helping a prisoner return to society. Rewards like: breaks on utility bills and taxes, forgivness of parking tickets, free Ray’s and theatre tickets, golf rounds and more.
End control by the political class. Make St. Petersburg “Your City”
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:37-40 The basis of the “Good Neighbor Reward Program” Political advertisement paid for and approved by David McKalip for St. Petersburg City Council
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McKalipForCouncil.com
2013 thevoterguide 79
Here’s what the
Council candidates said We asked: Will you support investments in the new 2020 Plan & Redevelopment Plan to reduce poverty by 30% in South St. Pete by 2020? DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES
Kennedy
Margeson
Fries
McKalip
Rice
YES
YES
MAYBE
MAYBE
YES
Will you allocate “general funds” or other City funds to implement various parts of the new Plans?
MAYBE
MAYBE
MAYBE
YES
YES
Will you reduce the excess amount of money the City puts into savings (reserves) each year in order to invest in the urgent priority to create jobs in South St. Pete?
NO
NO
YES
YES
MAYBE*
Will you join with community partners to pursue large federal grants that fund various parts of the two Plans?
We asked: If we elect you, what will you do to create jobs and improve life in South St. Petersburg? Question: Will you support the new Southside CRA and Redevelopment Plan with increased funding allocations and backing for pursuit of other funds to channel into departments such as Economic Development, Neighborhood Partnership, Housing and others that will have a role to play in the success of the new Plan?
DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES
Kennedy
Margeson
Fries
McKalip
Rice
YES*
YES
YES*
NO*
YES*
Question: Will you support the new 2020 Plan with actions such as providing letters of support for the pursuit of funding and financing, lending your expertise to the work groups developing the 10-parts of the Plan (5 parts are being led by the City), contributing financially as a citizen toward the Plan’s success, or other?
YES
YES*
YES*
YES*
YES*
Question: Will you support the passage of a vote to designate the new Tax Increment Financing districts within the CRA within one quarter of taking office?
YES* 78 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
YES
YES*
NO*
YES*
Agenda 2010 & the NAACP asked all the Council candidates to answer questions in order to give voters more insight into how they will make life better in South St. Petersburg. Nine of them sent their answers; 4 did not. To request their complete answers: reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. [The * means the candidate provided additional comments]
We asked: Will you support investments in the new 2020 Plan & Redevelopment Plan to reduce poverty by 30% in South St. Pete by 2020? DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATES
Mallory
Nurse
Duensing
Foster
Will you join with community partners to pursue large federal grants that fund various parts of the two Plans?
YES
YES
YES
YES
Will you allocate “general funds” or other City funds to implement various parts of the new Plans?
YES
YES
YES
YES
Will you reduce the excess amount of money the City puts into savings (reserves) each year in order to invest in the urgent priority to create jobs in South St. Pete?
YES
YES
MAYBE
YES
We asked: If we elect you, what will you do to create jobs and improve life in South St. Petersburg? Question: Will you support the new Southside CRA and Redevelopment Plan with increased funding allocations and backing for pursuit of other funds to channel into departments such as Economic Development, Neighborhood Partnership, Housing and others that will have a role to play in the success of the new Plan?
DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATES
Mallory
Nurse
Duensing
Foster
YES*
YES*
YES*
YES*
Question: Will you support the new 2020 Plan with actions such as providing letters of support for the pursuit of funding and financing, lending your expertise to the work groups developing the 10-parts of the Plan (5 parts are being led by the City), contributing financially as a citizen toward the Plan’s success, or other?
YES*
YES*
YES*
YES*
Question: Will you support the passage of a vote to designate the new Tax Increment Financing districts within the CRA within one quarter of taking office?
YES
YES*
YES*
YES 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 79
Askthis! 20 Community Voices about what to ask the Candidates this year The Power Broker asked 20 community leaders and residents to weigh in on the most important questions to ask the candidates this year, especially as we near the August 27th primary that will whittle down the ballot to two candidates to complete in the November general election. So if you see a candidate at the mall, hit ‘em with a question. If you bump into one at a Rays game, test his or her knowledge about the issues that are important to you. And by all means, join us at the last two community forums where you can ask your question directly! Aug 14th at Bethel Community Baptist (doors open 5, food served 5:30, Open Mic forum 6 pm); and Aug 21st at Childs Park Recreation Center 6:30 to 8 pm.
you implement a program that offers training to Police Officers to give them what we call, “10 simple rules for dealing with us? • What commitments will you make to give African American boys a sense that the city cares about, and is willing to invest in them, such as the 2020 Plan to put 1,000 youth to work?
Tamara Felton, Vice-President, Urban Development Solutions • In his book, The Seamless City, former Mayor Rick Baker identified 5 core areas of concentration: improving public safety, promoting economic development, supporting public schools, building strong neighborhoods and improving government operations. Please identify the top initiative in each core area for your administration.
Brother John Muhammad, President, Childs Park Neighborhood Assoc • In his remarks following the Zimmerman verdict, President Obama discussed having the Justice Department work with local law enforcement to provide training on how to think about racial bias in their application of the law. Would 80 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
Kurt Donley, President, CONA, Chair Elect St. Pete Together • Do you support civil citations with
20 Community Voices about what to ask the Candidates this year community service instead of minor misdemeanors arrests? • Please list examples of institutional racism in St Petersburg and explain what you intend to do about it. Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich, President & CEO, Center for Community & Economic Justice • What specific steps will you take to better understand the priority and urgency of the various priorities you hear from the community prior to the election?
rate of child abuse; twice the average births to teen mothers; and a 30% non-graduation rate. These disparities perpetuate the cycle of poverty and greatly affect our community’s physical and mental health. If elected, what will you do to break the cycle? Karl Nurse, Chair, City Council, District 6 • The City has assembled land in the Dome Industrial Park for 15 years in hopes of locating manufacturing jobs for the surrounding neighborhoods. The unwritten policy has been to wait for the “home run” employer rather than a series of smaller businesses. Would you support a policy change to attract several smaller companies rather than hold the land for one big company? Gwen Reese, President, African American Heritage Assoc
Erik Smith, St. Petersburg Resident • As you know, many of St. Petersburg’s troubled schools are disproportionally located in South St. Petersburg. If elected, what will you do to eliminate this disparity? Lisa Brown, St. Petersburg Resident • The County’s Economic Impact of Poverty report found several trends that contribute to South St. Petersburg poverty: nearly double the county
• The Heritage Association was formed to identify historic dwellings and buildings, educate the community about local black history and support reinvestment through the rehabilitation of historic structures. Currently some of the last examples of historic dwellings are being considered for demolition. How will you support our efforts to preserve some of these dwellings? Trevor Mallory, Candidate, City Council, District 6 • How will you entice businesses to come to South St. Petersburg, and what will you do to stimulate the small
Be there for the last 2 community forums to ask the Mayoral candidates your own question: Aug 14th at Bethel Community Baptist (doors open at 5, food served at 5:30, Open Mic forum at 6 pm – 2901 54th Ave. S.); and August 21st at Childs Park Recreation Center 6:30 to 8 pm by the Childs Park Neighborhood Association (4301 13th Ave. S.)
business growth and promote job creation in the community? Elijah McLin, St. Petersburg Resident • What would you do to assist felons who have paid their debt to society secure employment, and to address the combination of homelessness and mental illness, both of which are consistently ignored by politicians?
Maria Scruggs, President, Happy Workers Children’s Center • What are your top three strategies for helping St. Petersburg move toward a more progressive, inclusive and economically stable city? Pastor Manuel Sykes, President, St. Petersburg NAACP • What will you do to unilaterally reverse the economic, educational, environmental and budgetary neglect of the black community in South St. Petersburg? Will you embrace and invest in the new 2020 Plan?
Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil, Chair, Community Housing Solutions • The housing market is slowly recovering from the 2008 crash. Foreclosures persist and more seniors, veterans with children, and ex-offenders returning to our communities slide into homelessness. Will you support innovative proven strategies that expand housing opportunities for families in low-income census tracts in St. Petersburg? State Rep. Darryl Rouson, District 70 • As you know, the 2020 Plan encompasses public safety, health care, job creation and economic development. If elected, what will you do to ensure its success? • What will you do to create more jobs for young people in South St. Petersburg?
Gypsy Gallardo, Publisher, The Power Broker • Will you help secure the investments needed to implement the new 2020 Plan to reduce poverty in South St. Pete by 30% by 2020, using a $170 mill investment plan to put 6,000 more people to work?
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Christine Allamanno, Affordable Housing Project Staff Attorney, Gulfcoast Legal Services • Studies show that a family must make $18.50 per hour during a 40 hour
20 Community Voices about what to ask the Candidates this year workweek in order to afford a market rate 2 bedroom apartment (more than $900 per month) in Tampa Bay. What policy initiatives and/or incentives would you enact to bring higher wages and jobs to the community; and/or to bring affordable rental housing that is also safe and decent?
Carl Lavender, St. Petersburg Resident • How will you convene the Bayfront business community into a synergistic dialogue, which includes comprehensive planning, with the development of outcomes that will advance urban St. Petersburg’s business and economic development strategy?
Jeffery Peaten III, St. Petersburg Resident • Florida is one of only 4 states to permanently disenfranchise exfelons. Gov. Scott reversed laws that automatically restore ex-felons’ voting rights once they were no longer under state supervision. Do you believe exfelons, who have paid their debt to society, should have their voting rights automatically restored and what will you do to pressure state leaders to make this a reality? Andrea Peaten, St. Petersburg Resident • What is your priority list for St. Petersburg when it comes to issues like the Pier, youth employment and poverty in South St. Petersburg?
Momma Tee Lassiter, CEO, Successes Unlimited Women & Youth Business Center • What program will you implement to benefit the quality of life for the disabled or elderly? • At present, the Summer Youth Employment Program budget is only $250,000. What will you do to increase funding? Can we expect you to increase the budgeted amount to at least $1 million yearly?
Be there for the last 2 community forums to ask the Mayoral candidates your own question: Aug 14th at Bethel Community Baptist (doors open at 5, food served at 5:30, Open Mic forum at 6 pm – 2901 54th Ave. S.); and August 21st at Childs Park Recreation Center 6:30 to 8 pm by the Childs Park Neighborhood Association (4301 13th Ave. S.) 2013 thevoterguide 83
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“And the
winners were….”
T
he Childs Park YMCA did it again this year, but even bigger than before. The Preparing for Greatness Community Spelling Bee drew an audience of 175 parents and well wishers to witness 46 children participate in a dynamic contest hosted and judged by local luminaries. The event organizer – Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Executive Director of the Childs Park YMCA - says “This year we tried to make the words a little more difficult, but the students stepped up to the plate and once again flew through the words with confidence. I’m pleased because this showed that children are eager to and can learn. It’s up to us to expose them and their families to high quality activities and programs.” Judging the event were Deputy William Lawson (PCSO), Vonda Colquitt (Pres. St. Pete LINKS), and Ada McFarley (CEO, Never Late Property Cleaning). School Board member Rene Flowers emceed the Bee. The City of St. St.
Petersburg’s Library Systems cosponsored the event. Entertainment was provided by students in the Childs Park YMCA Academic Summer Camp and the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program. The 2013 winners 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
Kindergarten 1st Makensie Robinson 2nd Norris Watson 3rd Jaomano Burden First Grade 1st Keyon Carbart 2nd Tylia West 3rd Makayla Miller Second Grade 1st Amari Campbell 2nd Michael Davis 3rd Matthias Furse Third Grade 1st Jenesis Richardson
2nd Amanda Corbett 3rd Sailor Marrin Fourth Grade 1st Michael Barfield 2nd Imani Pennywell Fifth Grade 1st Sara Collins 2nd Christopher Marcin 3rd Dhova Naidu Sixth Grade 1st Conner Viarling 2nd Daniel Sanders
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TheLeadership Files Who’s moving up, who’s moving on A quarterly report of the Power Broker Media Group
community leader Pye Young, who also took home honors.
Attorney Howard L. Mills Incoming President of the Museum of Fine Arts The new president of St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts, Howard Mills is no stranger to the job. Mills has served as President-Elect for the past two years. Art lovers, he and his wife have an extensive collection of African American and contemporary art. Since 2006, Mills has been Corporate Credit Manager and In-House Counsel for Tampa Armature Works. Prior, he was Director of Financial Administration for Columbia University Medical School’s affiliate, Harlem Hospital.
St. Petersburg Chapter of Business and Professional Women (BPW) Announces 2013-2014 Executive Team + State Conference in Tampa Congratulations to the new executive team of St. Petersburg BPW, which announced its new executive committee late in the Spring: Gretta Paige Bellas, President; Alizza Punzalan-Randle, President-Elect; Sarah Sparks, 1st VP/Programs Chair; Donna Birt, 2nd VP/Membership Chair; Laura Etheridge, Secretary; Helen Igar, Treasurer; Sheila BarryOliver, Parliamentarian. Additionally, BPW Florida held its 2013 State Conference in June where Cynthia Jenkins won the Best Young Careerist Leadership Program Chair Award. Jenkins is a past President of BPW. She is pictured here with
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Eric Peterman completes medical residency On June 21, Eric Peterman (son of long time public servant Rosie Peterman) completed his medical residency at Presence Health Saint Joseph Hospital – an affiliate of the University of Chicago. The former Valedictorian of Canterbury School graduated from the University of Florida and received his Medical Degree from Georgetown University. A recipient of the key to the City of St Petersburg in his youth, Peterman was supported along the way by Ms. Mattie Spencer, Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel & Cheryl Tindall, Dr Mary Lindsey, Dr & Mrs. Freddie McRae & Donna, Frank, June & Peggy Peterman, Pastor Wilson of Mt Pilgrim, Pastor Sykes of Bethel
Community Baptist, Jack and Jill, and TOBA.
Sigma Gamma Rho welcomes new members The Epsilon Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority announced its newest members this summer. We give a warm Power Broker welcome to Tavia Anderson, Gloria Baker, Kanette Baker, Angela Collins, Bridget HerringDaniels, Bettye King, Teketa Marshall, Patricia Stubbins and Shirley Woods. WBTT selected to perform at National Black Theatre Festival Two big announcements for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT): Margie Nellum Lee joined the Board and will also continue to serve as co-chair of the Troupe’s Advisory Board. Plus, WBTT performed its original musical revue Soul Crooners at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina this July – the first time the Troupe was invited to perform.
Mary Mathis selected as new mayor Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis, a Plant City Commissioner since 2000 has finally come into her own. Mathis was selected June 10 by fellow city commissioners as Plant City’s mayor for 2013-14. Mathis selected Rick Lott to serve as her vice mayor. A first for Hartzog t. Pete’s Finest: Kevin A. Hartzog St. Petersburg native, Kevin A. Hartzog made history last month when he became the first AfricanAmerican male to graduate from Clarke University Nursing program in Iowa, this story was reported earlier in the summer by The Weekly Challenger. Photo by Tampa Bay Times
Father-daughter dance founder Stu Robinson perseveres despite job loss Despite the fact that Stu Robinson lost his job as music director for WBTP-FM 95.7 in December; Robinson was
inspired to continue the father-daughter dance he founded seven years ago. He says the event helped to strengthen his bond with his 15-yearold daughter Tyeisha Harston. In an interview with Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernst Hooper Robinson related that it was not just the personal gain that has inspired him to continue; it was what the dance has come to mean to so many. Scholarship for Phylicia Pearson At their May 8 luncheon, The Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers awarded Stetson University College of Law first-year student Phylicia Pearson a merit scholarship, one of five students selected to receive the honor.
Halliburton moves to the CEO spot Manatee Community Federal Credit Union has announced the appointment of Sherod Halliburton to President effective July 1, 2013. He replaces the long standing President Cindy Barco who retired after thirty-five years of exemplary service.
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Dare to be DifferenttTakeI The safari-adorned audience of 150 witnessed a spectacular show in late June as the members of four youth groups staged Dare to be Different: Take 1, an affair sponsored by the Live Free! Coalition and spearheaded by Deborah Figgs-Sanders in her role as Chairman of the Power Broker Foundation. Held at the Garden Club in St. Petersburg, the event theme was punctuated by young models and performers from New Hope Missionary Baptist, AKA Akademy, Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist, and LiveFree! Five exotic scenes were choreographed by Erika Davis of Cashmere & Colors and produced by Audrey Pat McGhee, CEO of APM Images. Jackie Griffin, Executive Director of LiveFree! says, “The event was sensational. It was rewarding to see the Childs Park community and its youth leadership in action. Three youth join our community club as a follow-up. I look forward to working with the team again on this dynamic project.” The show was a creative twist on LiveFree!’s work of promoting awareness about the harmful effects of underage drinking, prescription drug abuse, and marijuana/synthetic use. Figgs-Sanders, who oversaw every facet of the event, said “The turnout was more than expected and what stood out most is how hard the teens worked over three weeks of practice to put on a flawless show. Their encouragement for one another was impressive.” Event planner Adrienne Reddick raved about the production: “Outstanding! Both Pat and Erica did an excellent job with the 88 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 2013
models. Their confidence increased with each practice session and the crowd was so impressed to see young people doing something positive.”
McGhee says “The show was “Remarkable,” and even better than I could have imagined. Simply hot and fabulous, and the teen models handled themselves like professionals. Fashion is what I love and putting it all together is what I do. When asked to be a part of the team I was excited. Coming up with the theme, especially branding it as “Take 1” gives us a lot of room to grow the concept and bring even more teens into this positive message.” At the podium for most of the show, emcee and School Board Member Rene Flowers, says “I was so moved! On a day when parents could have chosen to stay home, they were out in force supporting their children to remain a part of a drug free and positive lifestyle. What I enjoyed most was the self-expression shirts hand-made by the teens to show us what Daring to be Different meant to them. The crowd’s reaction was a ‘wow’ factor times 10.” Flowers also gave kudos to the two homegrown designers whose fashions were featured – from plus size to petite. “We saw full figure models, slim, petite, and tall models and yes we were sprinkled with the presence of male models who stole the show! There is something spectacular in all of us. As a community, we need to make sure that we say that to our youth. After all, they are Daring To Be Different!”
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Janice Starling-William’s is fighting for her life Janice Starling-Williams’ doctor was unable to control her blood pressure and prescribed medication to help. Sadly, that medication caused St. Petersburg native to go into renal failure. Doctors now say a kidney transplant is necessary to save her life. On the transplant waiting lists at two different Florida hospitals, she awaits approval at a third hospital. Despite health challenges, she advocates for kidney patients with the Dialysis Patients Citizens group; and, has been nominated to serve on its board. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify in an effort to change laws that effect dialysis patients. When she is able, she spends time with her husband and family. But right now, she needs your help. Hope for a new life comes at a high price. The average kidney transplant costs $250,000. Insurance will cover the cost of the transplant itself, but afterwards she faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. Janice will need a lifetime of followup care and daily anti-rejection medications, but they’re costly and
as important to her survival as the transplant itself. Depending on where she receives her transplant, she and a caregiver may have to temporarily relocate during the recovery period, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging. Janice loved her job as a teacher, but her health forced her to stop working, adding to the financial strain. What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Janice. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for 30 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Janice with the financial support she desperately needs. Please make a tax deductible donation on-line at: http://patients.transplants. org/janicestarlingwilliams. Send checks National Foundation for Transplants, 5350 Poplar Ave, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119, or if you have further questions please contact the NFT office at 800-489-3863. 2013 TheSouthsideVoterGuide 91
>
Patrick Carnegie and Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski inside the Dream Center where law enforcement and community leaders came together for an update on the investigation into homicide Photo by Tiffany TompkinsCondie, Bradenton Herald
Mustang Nation lives on despite murder witnessed by hundreds of children By Ellen Kirkland
B
radenton, Florida - In response to the August 2nd shooting that occurred at the Dream Center, one of the oldest and most respected organizations in Manatee County, CEO, Patrick Carnegie responded, “This community must stand together and not allow individuals…to carry out senseless acts of violence. We will be working with individuals, community agencies, Law Enforcement, and others to expand our scope of programs and services aimed at eradicating these ills.”
According to the MySuncoast.com the shooting took place at the conclusion of the first Pop Warner football practice of the season, as a crowd of 400 people (mostly children) exited Norma Lloyd Park, at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton. The victim, 39 year old Brenton Coleman Sr. was, according to police, the target of an assassination. Two masked men sought Coleman and then opened fire. The Dream Center which has been serving the Mannatee County community faithfully for the last 75 years has not had an incident in the last
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13 years. “That’s why we’re here in the community; to provide positive outlets to build dreams, change the lives of our youth and to help families grow and achieve,” Carnegie continued. Carnegie reiterates that the center seeks to be a positive influence. He stated that they will increase security at practices and games and that their goal is to use this situation as a way to bring the community together. He went on to say, “We express our sincere condolences to the family of the victim of this senseless isolated act of violence.” The team at the Dream Center executed its critical response plan and provided safety and cover to those children and families who had not entered their cars. Children who had not been dismissed to an adult were secured in the gym. Carnegie wants the community to know that for the hundreds of youth and parents that have waited for the start of the season “The Mustang Nation lives on and its staff and coaches are more committed than ever. We will not be defeated in this manner. We will be true to our creed…we will never quit.”
The Latest & Hottest A monthly events calendar by the Grapevine Magazine
We track hundreds of events each month; see more online at www.powerbrokermagazine.com
For discounts and free offers exclusively for Power Broker readers, become our friend or fan on facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Mentor Recruitment Fair Monday, August 12, 2013 from 11AM to 7PM St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Boulevard Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10PM Fusion at Flambe, 615 Channelside Dr. in Tampa 813-857-7573 or 813-385-7352 A Degree or Better Productions presents the 2013 Edition of Vanilla Skies: An All White Affair. This is Central Florida’s premier all white attire event. This year’s event is being fueled by Crown Royal and will be featuring the All White Heavenly Lounge, complete with DJ and bar. Arrive early and prepare to indulge in top shelf cocktails, eargasmic sounds and eye candy wrapped in an enticing ambiance. DJ Silencer will be controlling the vibe on the main floor and DJ Rock-It-Rod will be in the sponsored lounge.
The Office of Strategic Partnerships, Family and Community Relations, is hosting a Mentor Recruitment Fair as part of the Get Engaged In Education Campaign for the 2013-14 school year. The goal of the campaign is to recruit, train and place 500 new mentors and/or tutors for PCS students during the 2013-14 school year. The fair will be a “one-stop” event where prospective volunteers can register, learn more about different schools and programs, go through the background screening process and attend the mandatory mentor training workshop. There will be food, entertainment and a “Stuff the Bus” with school supplies at the Fair.
Friday, August 16, 2013 from 12PM to 3PM St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. in St. Pete Price: $50 www.ywcaoftampabay. org Please join YWCA of Tampa Bay for an elegant luncheon and silent auction. Come celebratetheir mission, hear inspiring stories and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of women and children right in your own community
Friday Fest! Impulse Friday, August 16, 2013 at 5PM Price: Free www.vanwezel.org A Friday Fest Favorite, Impulse comes to provide
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a refreshing dose of reggae, zouk, and pop calypso which will set your weekend off on the right foot! The Island Foot! Get your dancing shoes on because these guys know how to get the crowd moving with their energetic stage presence and pulse driving rhythm!
corporate secretary to the UF Board of Trustees. Musical selections will be provided by the MLK Youth Choir under the direction of Min. Parrott of Mt. Zion Progressive MB Church.
Thursday, August 22,
2013 at 6PM Tampa Law Center 1700 N. Tampa St. Tampa
www.law.stetson.edu/ parttime Friday, August 16, 2013 at 8PM The Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. So. in St. Pete
www.themahaffey.com
WiLD 94.1 Presents Shut Up and Laugh with Bruce Bruce, DeRay Davis and Hannibal Buress this August! Urban League Sunday Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 4PM Bethel Community Baptist Church, 2901 54th Ave. So. in St. Pete Pinellas County Urban at 727-327-2081 or renerobinson5@yahoo. com The speaker for the event is none other than Mr. Jamal Sowell. Jamal A. Sowell is Special Assistant to the President of the University of Florida (UF), and assistant
Want to learn more about Stetson Law’s part-time program? RSVP for an information session on RSVP for an information session on Aug. 22. Students interested in the full-time program are also invited to attend. Stetson University College of Law enrolls new parttime J.D. students each fall. Each entering parttime class typically will have between 60 and 65 students. Part-time classes are offered in the evening; a limited number are offered on weekends.
Join Martin Luther King, III and Rev. Al Sharpton as they galvanize the American people to take action and realize the dream. PCDEC Summer Beach Bash Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 3PM Alden Suites, 5900 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach www.pinellasdemocrats. com Join your fellow Dems for an afternoon & evening of fun, fellowship, food, and beverage. Enjoy live entertainment, beach games, and raffle prizes.
Toni Braxton Live Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 7:30PM Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S. in St. Pete
www.themahaffey.com
Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 8AM Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC
nationalactionnetwork. net/mow/
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R&B, pop, jazz and gospel singer and the star of a hit reality series Toni Braxton will perform at The Mahaffey Theater for one night only.
in popular music history and pop culture of the late 20th century.
Beres Hammond in Concert Friday, August 30, 2013 at 7PM Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave. No. in Saint Pete www.jannuslive.com Enjoy the soulful voice of reggae singer Beres Hammond at Jannus Live.
Diana Ross Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 7:30PM Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S. in St. Pete Price: $69.50 & up www.themahaffey.com This consummate performer is one of the most iconic female singers and one of the most prominent women
Family and Friends Day - NAACP/ Buccaneers Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 4:05PM Raymond James Stadium in Tampa 813-205-3834 or 813-234-8683 There are a limited number of tickets left for the New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Bucs games. Call to RESERVE your seats now.
Tampa Bay Job and Career Fair Monday, September 23, 2013 from 10AM to 3PM The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. in St. Pete www.stpete.org/ coliseum/events.asp Over 80 employers will be on site for interviews, testing and more.
The Weeknd Billy Cobham Live Friday, September 20, 2013 at 8PM The Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. No. in St. Pete www.themahaffey.com Panamanian American jazz drummer, composer and bandleader Billy Cobham will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first solo album, Spectrum 40, bringing his groundbreaking “explosive power and exacting precision” to The Palladium Theater.
Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 8:30PM Straz Center, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Pl. in Tampa
www.strazcenter.org
On stage, Alt-R&B’s futuristic provocateur seamlessly merges his chaotically sexy music with haunting and hypnotic visuals, making for an immersive live experience that spares none of the senses. His impressive falsetto carries with the same tortured bliss on stage, creating a must-see evening for fans and newcomers alike. The Fall Tour comes on the heels of the release of his sophomore album,
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Kiss Land, which is due out at the end of the summer. Easily one of the most anxiously awaited albums of 2013, THE WEEKND has already given fans a preview of the record with the release of the title track.
Mixing Metaphors: The Aesthetic, the Social, and the Political in African American Art, Works from the Bank of America Collection Opening Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 9AM Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete
www.fine-arts.org
Carrie Mae Weems’ compelling photograph May Flowers (2002) is featured in this important exhibition of more than 90 works by 36 artists. This is the largest exhibition of African American art ever presented at the MFA. The image is
courtesy of the artist and the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York. Panel of Business Women to Address Impact of Career Choices During 2013 National Business
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 5:30PM Studio 620, 620 1st Ave. So. in St. Pete Price: $15 for BPW Members/$20 for nonmembers/$25 at the door
info@ BPWStPetePinellas. org or www. BPWStPetePinellas.org The forum will be in a panel format, followed by a question-andanswer session. A reception with light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will precede the discussion. BPW’s fall forum will feature
local businesswomen who will reflect on their varied experiences and backgrounds as they discuss how women in leadership roles and work-life effectiveness impact career choices. The all-female panel represents the diverse voices found among different work environments, multigenerational workplaces, and professional career stages. Panelists include: Angela Biever, Chief Administrative Officer of Raymond James Financial; Margaret Cooley, Director of the Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College; Gypsy Gallardo, Publisher of The Power Broker and Grapevine magazines; and Sara Stonecipher, Clothing Designer and Owner of MISRED Outfitters. Tami Simms, a local real estate professional and President of the St. Petersburg Downtown Business Association, will moderate the forum.
Let the Power Broker promote your events to 50,000 African Americans in Tampa Bay. Send them to: reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com.
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FREE premiere screening at the Tampa Theatre Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) Join WEDU PBS and community leaders as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with the exclusive premiere of the new PBS documentary THE MARCH. This FREE premiere atcome, the first Tampa event is free, open to thescreening public on a first serve Theatre basis. Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) RSVP and print your ticket by visiting www.wedu.org/themarch. Join WEDU PBS and community leaders as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with the exclusive premiere of the new PBS documentary THE MARCH. This event isthe free, primetime open to the public on a first come, serve basis. Watch broadcast onfirst WEDU PBS
Tuesday, August 27 ticket at 9 by p.m. RSVP and print your visiting www.wedu.org/themarch.
Explore the dramatic history of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a Civil Rights watershed that helped usher in sweeping legislation and a major change in public opinion. Fifty years Watch thesupporters primetime broadcast WEDU PBSis later, hear from and marchers. This on special broadcast Tuesday, August at 9 p.m. part of a larger effort 27 by WEDU PBS to honor those who stood for Explore dramatic of the 1963atMarch on Washington for freedom sothe many years history ago. Learn more www.pbs.org/bcc. Jobs and Freedom, a Civil Rights watershed that helped usher in sweeping legislation and a major change in public opinion. Fifty years later, hear from supporters and marchers. This special broadcast is part of a larger effort by WEDU PBS to honor those who stood for freedom so many years ago. Learn more at www.pbs.org/bcc.
#PBSMarch50
/WEDUpublicmedia
@wedupbs
WHERE TO WATCH: Bright House 3 or 1003 [HD] | Comcast Xfinity 3 or 440 [HD] | Dish Network 3 or 5158 [HD] | Direct TV 3 or 884 [HD] | Verizon FiOS 3 or 503 [HD]
FREE PREMIERE SCREENING SPONSORED IN /WEDUpublicmedia PART BY: #PBSMarch50
@wedupbs
WHERE TO WATCH: Bright House 3 or 1003 [HD] | Comcast Xfinity 3 or 440 [HD] | Dish Network 3 or 5158 [HD] | Direct TV 3 or 884 [HD] | Verizon FiOS 3 or 503 [HD]
FREE PREMIERE SCREENING SPONSORED IN PART BY:
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