Both current St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman and former mayor Rick Baker were out touting their accomplishments on the South Side of St. Pete on July 7.
This tight election race between the current and former mayor may well come down to the which candidate carries the city’s African American vote.
- Kriseman pointed to 22nd Street developments, Deuces Project
- Baker asserts Kriseman has neglected Midtown
- African American vote makes up 20 percent of electorate
“We’ve had a number of ground breaking and ribbon cuttings along the 34th street corridor," said Kriseman. "We've had incredible stuff happening on 22nd street, there’s a Deuces Master Planning Project that's underway. Fourth Street South is really beginning to take off and a lot of jobs being created.”
Former Mayor Rick Baker, on the other hand, said Kriseman has taken his off the ball in Midtown. Baker pointed to Walmart pulling out and Sylvia’s restaurant closing as evidence of neglect, while also reminding residents of his work in the area.
“When I was mayor, we rebuilt the Jordan school, started Head Start programs, brought in Sweet Bay grocery store and rebuilt the Manhattan casino,” said Baker.
The African American vote makes up about 20 percent of the electorate. No candidate in modern history has won a St. Pete mayoral election without overwhelming support from the black community.