Council District: St Petersburg City Council, District 6
Top 3 Priorities, If Elected:
I am running for re-election to continue the progress we’ve made during my first term. My priorities for my second term include creating more affordable housing, ensuring our economic and social recovery from COVID and continuing to make St. Petersburg safer, stronger, and more just. In regards to affordable housing, I’m pushing for neighborhood solutions that target support to meet our needs block by block, not one-size-fits-all approaches. I’ll also continue to put safety first – safety from crime, from COVID, and from economic decline.
Hometown: Wabash, IN
Years in St. Pete: 16
Age: 50
Current or Most Recent Non-Elected Occupation & Employer:
Sales and Marketing Manager – Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Petersburg
Current or Most Recent Elected Position:
Current St. Petersburg City Councilmember
5 Past or Present Community Service Roles or Projects:
In addition to my work on City Council and PSTA, I currently serve on the board of The Florida Orchestra. Prior to my election to City Council, I served as president of the St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association and on the board of the Downtown Business Association.
Up to 5 Endorsements of Your Candidacy:
I’m proud to have earned the endorsements of many current and former elected officials and top organizations. Five of them are the Florida NOW (National Organization for Women), Pinellas Realtors Organization, EMILY’s List, West Central Florida Labor Council, and the Equality Florida Action PAC.
Up to 5 Organizations You Financially Support or Are a Member or Officer of:
I am currently a member of the South St. Petersburg Democratic Club, Florida NOW, and the Florida Food Policy Council, and I serve on the board of The Florida Orchestra. I donate to or assist with fundraising for multiple non-profit organizations.
Family Details:
I am the oldest of six children, with two sisters and three brothers, and I have eight nieces and nephews.
3 Specific Actions, Policies or Programs I Can Influence, if Elected, That Will Make Life Meaningfully Better for African Americans in St. Pete:
As a member and current Vice Chair of the PSTA Board, transportation will continue to be a priority in my second term, launching the SunRunner bus rapid transit system and building on that success to create more efficient transportation options that lead to better jobs and a more equitable economy. During my first term I have also focused on improving the City’s Small Business Enterprise program as well as the South St. Pete CRA commercial grant programs so that more small business owners can access these resources to start or grow their businesses. I will continue to study results and bring new ideas to keep these programs relevant and accessible. Finally, affordable housing is one of the most challenging issues facing our city. I will continue exploring and advocating for various funding mechanisms, zoning changes and incentives to increase our affordable housing stock.