Where St. Pete mayor candidates stand on DEI
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The progress pride flag flies above City Hall. Photo Kathryn Varn/Axios
A question posed to candidates for St. Pete mayor at a forum last week took on extra importance, considering this month's recognition of Juneteenth and Pride.
- "How will you reassure voters that you will represent all communities across our city?" moderator Trevor Pettiford asked.
Why it matters: Whoever wins the mayor's race will govern a city that prides itself on welcoming all while facing restrictions from the Legislature and governor on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
- A state law that bans cities and counties from funding and promoting such programs goes into effect Jan. 1, less than a week before the new mayor will be sworn in.
Here's what the candidates had to say:
Ken Welch, incumbent: "I stood against the backwards legislation coming from Tallahassee. ... I renamed the Historic Gas Plant development from Tropicana Field, because it wasn't about a baseball field. It was about community."
- "Standing on those issues ... is what I have done. It's what I'll continue to do."
Charlie Crist, former governor and congressman: "I'll protect every resident from discrimination in their job, their housing, and their daily life, no exceptions."
- "I'll stand with our LGBTQ neighbors, our young people, and our families, and I will make sure City Hall has their back."
Brandi Gabbard, City Council member: "I just fundamentally believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are important economic drivers. They are important moral fabric compasses that we all need to be working towards, regardless of what Tallahassee says."
- "As your mayor, I will continue to push back."
Maria Scruggs, former NAACP St. Petersburg president: "To bring meaning to our tagline, 'We are St. Petersburg,' we have to ensure that every person in this city feels that they're valued, that their input ... does not depend on what clique they're in."
- "Far too long, we have made decisions based on who you're connected to."
Jim Large, former fire chief: "We need to stay neutral on issues — social issues, cultural issues, political issues — and focus on the core functions."
- "On top of that, I think everybody should have equal access, opportunity and a voice at City Hall."
Kevin Batdorf, former Shore Acres Civic Association president: "My platform is 'Together we can do this. United we'll shine.' ... I believe in that. I believe that we're all equal, regardless of who we are, what we are, where we are."
- "So my position as mayor would be the same."