ST. PETE BEACH — Incumbent Commissioner Betty Rzewnicki and political newcomer Al Causey clashed over how best to guide District 3’s recovery from recent hurricanes during a League of Women Voters of St. Petersburg forum that drew an overflow crowd to City Hall on Feb. 9.
Causey, a retired mechanical engineer and former Southwest Airlines pilot, said his schedule gives him an advantage in tackling the city’s post-hurricane challenges.
“I have eight hours a day to put into this job, and I feel like we need eight hours a day to get us back from this double hurricane disaster that we’ve had,” Causey said. “Being retired is going to allow me to serve you better.”
He said his engineering background positions him to address infrastructure problems, including “failing sewer lines that need attention.”
Causey also pledged to “vote 100% with the consensus opinion in District 3,” even when he personally disagrees.
Rzewnicki, a microbiologist-turned-teacher, said the city needs “steady, experienced leadership.”
“Through it all, I’ve stayed focused on three core priorities: resiliency, recovery and unity,” she said, adding that she spent “countless hours” helping residents navigate FEMA rules and city processes after the recent storms.
Both candidates identified infrastructure as the city’s greatest challenge.
Causey called the permitting process “tedious and time-consuming,” while Rzewnicki said the city must balance immediate recovery needs with long-term infrastructure improvements.
On development, Rzewnicki said the commission evaluates projects against infrastructure capacity, stormwater resiliency, traffic impacts and neighborhood character, “asking tough questions” and “requiring clear public benefit.”
Causey said he would spend time “in the neighborhoods on a weekly basis” to ensure residents understand proposed projects, adding that “projects that come to the city need to be agreeable to the majority of residents.”
The candidates differed on traffic safety solutions for Gulf Boulevard. Causey proposed a 25 mph speed limit and traffic signals at neighborhood intersections. Rzewnicki noted Forward Pinellas has proposed a traffic safety plan and said the city must work with the state, which owns the corridor.
When asked how they differ from typical politicians, Causey referenced the 2023 resignations of four commissioners who refused to fill out state financial disclosure forms.
“At that point, I realized I think I’m going to have to start paying very close attention to what’s going on around here,” he said.
Rzewnicki said she views herself as an advocate rather than a politician, citing her work lobbying the state Legislature for education funding and securing grants for the city.
District 1 Commissioner Karen Marriott was reelected unopposed.
The election for District 3 and mayor will be held March 10. Voters seeking mail-in ballots can contact the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.