Why are you running for office?
After conversations with numerous stakeholders and focus groups there seems to be a general consensus that most people are not happy with the direction the city is going in. People are frustrated at the cost of living. People are frustrated that the reality of finding descent housing is out of touch for those who are not already housed. People are frustrated at the amount of development occurring without the assurance that we have the infrastructure to support the massive development efforts. People are frustrated that their utilities’ costs have skyrocketed and the explanations offered are complex and confusing. People are frustrated that they experienced massive flooding and destruction after years of living in the city, but the response from city leadership has been lackluster. People are frustrated with the political jockeying and favoritism that benefits small pockets of people. People are frustrated with the divisiveness often fostered by leaders in the city. People are tired of being tired and ready for new leadership! The news about me filing resulted in hundreds of social media responses, phone calls and texts. The overall consensus of those comments have been we are ready for someone who has consistently demonstrated her love for the city as evidenced through her work and not what clique she is attached to.
What is your top priority on day 1?
Establishing an amicable partnership with the city's 4,000+ employees, collective bargaining units, business community, other stakeholders and the St. Petersburg City Council. The problems facing the city are very complex. It is naive for any one person to think they can solve the problems facing the people of St. Petersburg alone. I see my role as a public administrator not a politician that fosters collaboration and partnerships that lead to positive results for the people.
Other than your day 1 priority, what keeps you up at night?
The desire to want to do the right thing by the people. I have no desire to build a kingdom unto myself.
What’s something you’ve heard from residents that really stuck with you?
People from throughout the city of St. Petersburg want to see their city moving into a positive direction and void of the factions and cliques that appear to dominate leadership in city hall. People want the slogan WE ARE ST. PETERSBURG to be more than a tag line; they want to embody the words.
For the seat you’re seeking, what is something you wish government did more of?
Strategic planning. The city of St. Petersburg is a jewel with great assets. I want to see us build on those assets.
For the seat you’re seeking, what is something you wish government did less of?
I wish the city of St. Petersburg did less spending on things that have no sustained value to the people of St. Petersburg.
How will you measure your success?
When my quality-of-life initiative show all quality-of-life indicators moving in a positive direction.
How do you recharge when you're not campaigning or working?
My church home, the Historic Bethel A.M.E. is a place of refuge in addition to hanging out at some of our local businesses like The Black Leaf Cigar Bar, Toriano's and Flute & Dram listening to some of our local awesome artists and just enjoying great people.