Gulfport Votes: An Introductory Q&A
meetings after COVID is long gone. I want to reach out to younger residents and get them more involved in government.
By Gabber Staff
On March 9, Gulfport voters will decide on two council seats, Ward 2 and Ward 4. In addition to the February 11 candidate debates, the Gabber will highlight each candidate with Q&A coverage. In this issue, we asked each of the five candidates the same introductory questions – from their plans for Gulfport to their hobbies and pets.
Favorite book: “The Once and Future King” (By T.H. White). Your primary sources for state and national/world news: CNN, BBC, The Atlantic, WFLA. Three albums would you bring to a deserted island: “Tapestry”; “Eagles Live”; “Changes In Latitude”.
What do you believe Gulfport Council does well? It maintains a presence in the city. If you need something, everyone knows where to go and who to contact. Phone numbers, emails and a website provide adequate information, and residents and businesses know where the government offices are located.
Gulfport City Council elections are city-wide – all eligible voters vote for each council seat. Council terms last two years.
If elected, what will be your first priority on council? The city needs to start planning now for sea level rise. This would mean working closely with the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition and using the science developed by the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel to do a city vulnerability assessment and then develop a resiliency plan. What do you believe Gulfport Council can improve upon? Communication. I would like to increase community involvement in decisions that affect residents and businesses. I want to provide more access to city council with more office hours and a continuation of Zoom council
CHRISTINE BROWN
Current occupation/work background: Retired from government work in policy and planning. Education/degrees: BS-Biology, University of New Brunswick; MS-Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University; JD-(Law Degree), University of Washington; PhD-Environmental Policy & Planning, Virginia Tech. Hobbies/personal interests: Gardening, painting, bicycling. Organizations or other affiliations: Gulfport Sustainability Committee (Rain Garden Working Group); Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Board. How long have you lived in Gulfport: Four years. Why did you move to Gulfport: For over a decade visiting Gulfport for ambiance, food, music, waterfront, location, daughter’s wedding reception at Casino. Moved here right after retiring. Pets: Sophie, our gentle, loving, mixed terrier/beagle.
MIKE BAUER
Mike Bauer, Challenger Ward 2
If elected, what are your goals to be completed by the end of your term? The city has completed a vulnerability assessment and is developing a Sea Level Rise Resiliency Plan. The city has begun to alleviate parking problems. The city has designated a safe, easily walkable Cross Town Trail that links Wood Ibis Park to Clam Bayou via Clymer Park. Affordable housing for service industry employees is being addressed.
Christine Brown, Incumbent Ward 2 Current occupation/work background: Pinellas County mathematics teacher at Boca Ciega High School, 28.5 years. Education/degrees: AA degree, St. Petersburg Junior College; BS Mathematics, Eckerd College; M.Ed with a major in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida. Hobbies/personal interests: Family, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, volunteering. Organizations or other affiliations: American Legion, Florida League of Cities, Suncoast League of Cities, CERT.
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theGabber.com | February 11, 2021 - February 17, 2021
