ARTS

An Unflinching View of Life as a Mayor’s Wife

‘Accidental First Lady’ Tells Kerry Kriseman’s Story

By Tamara Lush

One of the most interesting anecdotes in Kerry Kriseman’s book, “Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics,” comes well into her husband Rick’s political career. He’d just been elected mayor of St. Petersburg, and the couple was attending an art event. While her husband was talking with someone, a businessman approached Kriseman.

“You’re really just arm candy, aren’t you?”

At the start of her husband’s tenure as mayor, someone accused Kerry Kriseman of being “arm candy.”

KERY KRISEMAN

Kriseman bristled, as any woman would. But she turned the moment around to talk about not only her husband, but her life.

“The man who wanted to affix the ‘arm candy’ label on me got an earful about my longevity as a city resident, my family, my volunteer work and my job as the public relations manager for a nonprofit that serves people with disabilities,” she writes.

Accidental First Lady is Kriseman’s first book, and it’s a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes machinations of local politics. While she does describe some of the glamour of being a political spouse, like attending events at the White House, she doesn’t gloss over the difficult times, either.

Kriseman describes not only life as a mayor’s wife, but some of the inner workings of local politics.

ST. PETERSBURG PRESS AND ISA CROSTA

Her son was targeted at school for being both the mayor’s son and Jewish, a police officer tried to curry favor with her in hopes of winning a promotion, and countless people attempted to criticize her husband through her during conversations that would be awkward for most of us.

Through it all, Kriseman remained balanced, courteous and patient, which is no small feat in today’s fractured political landscape. This book is a must-read for locals who want to delve into the nitty-gritty of Rick Kriseman’s tenure in office (which is coming to a close), and for anyone whose spouse is considering getting into politics.

Another first lady – Michelle Obama – said “Let our jobs and our lives speak for itself.” After reading Kriseman’s book about her time as the mayor’s wife, and considering her community work with Southeastern Guide Dogs, Creative Clay, and her ovarian cancer diagnosis, it’s apparent that she has, indeed, spoken her truth.

The Gabber spoke with Kriseman about her future, advice for political spouses, and her favorite Gulfport spot. Read the interview at thegabber.com/accidental-first-lady-tells-kerry-kerry-krisemans-story.

Kerry Kriseman will read from “Accidental First Lady” at the Dec. 11 Winter Market and at Tombolo Books on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., then at Book + Bottle on Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.; you can buy her book anywhere, but if you wish to support local businesses, you can get it at Tombolo Books.