St. Pete Mayoral forum. From left: candidates Kevin Batdorf, Jim Large, Maria Scruggs, Charlie Crist, Brandi Gabbard, and Ken Welch. Photo by Daria Mironov/WMNF.
On June 18, the League of Women Voters of the St.Petersburg Area held a mayoral forum at the SPC Gibbs Campus Music Center. All six candidates in attendance outlined their priorities for the city’s future ahead of the Aug. 18 primary election.
The hopefuls discussed affordable housing, traffic safety, electricity costs, youth programs, the Historic Gas Plant District, and Florida’s proposed property tax amendment.
Candidates’ vision
A key question was how the city would respond if the property tax cuts were approved.
Former Governor Charlie Crist said he supports lowering property taxes by increasing transparency and tightening budget controls, arguing that his plan would provide significant savings for city taxpayers.
Former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf also backed the proposal, saying it would provide tax relief to many homeowners, particularly those with lower-valued properties.
City Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard said future budget decisions should focus on maintaining funding for public safety and other essential city services, despite budget challenges.
Mayor Ken Welch opposed the amendment, arguing that losing an estimated $35 million to $50 million in property tax revenue would make it difficult to maintain the level of services residents expect.
Former NAACP St. Petersburg President Maria Scruggs said the city should begin by reviewing staffing levels and ensuring that departments operate efficiently before considering budget reductions.
Another candidate, former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large, also urged city leaders to closely examine spending on essential services to find potential savings and improve efficiency.
The six candidates – Ken Welch, Charlie Crist, Brandi Gabbard, Kevin Batdorf, Jim Large, and Maria Scruggs will face off in the Aug. 18 primary election.
After the event, the League of Women Voters also highlighted its online resources, including information on voter registration, changing party affiliation, voting by mail, and early voting. The organization’s Vote411 voter guide will launch July 11.