It’s tough for Anthony Cates to look through the windows of the now-closed Midtown Walmart in St. Pete.
- Former Walmart manager running for St. Pete mayor
- Anthony Cates running on campaign that promotes economic stability
- Cates wants to create thriving business community, etc.
"A broken, shattered window, an empty store with debris on the floor,” Cates notices.
Just a few months ago, Cates managed the store. He said the closing brought a sad reality to the people of South St. Pete and helped inspire him to run for mayor on a campaign that promotes economic stability.
"If I am elected mayor I will ensure that this community has not only a grocery store, it will have a thriving business community here,” Cates said.
The Boca Ciega High grad said he wants to break the cycle of untrustworthy politicians and has a laundry list of changes he thinks the city needs from sewage to schools.
To cut down on crime, Cates said he wants to focus on educating youth.
"We have to have more after school projects, all the way up to the national level,” Cates said. “Especially with Trump cutting the budget for after school programs, that is going to hit us hard."
When it comes to the city’s water woes, Cates said the past two administrations are to blame.
"As mayor, these are the things I will focus on. I am not just a mayor for four years, I am a mayor for the lifetime of St. Petersburg.” Cates said.
Cates is facing off against Mayor Rick Kriseman, former Mayor Rick Baker, Jesse Nevel and Paul Congemi on November 7th.