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The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here are the responses for the Nov. 8 St. Petersburg city election.

ED HELM: Candidate for mayor

As a progressive Democrat running for mayor, my vision of St. Petersburg differs from my conservative Republican opponent's. See www.EdHelm.com or visit my headquarters at 3914 Sixth St. S.

Starting in 1990, I worked to change the city charter so that citizens could directly elect the chief executive of our city - so that citizens would be "boss." As their "strong mayor," I will remember whom I work for, and I will require the same attitude from city employees.

My vision includes safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, improved services, a healthy environment and good jobs with benefits. It's time for the city to deliver for everyday people; then we can say it's a "great day in St. Petersburg."

My opponent supports unfettered high-rise downtown development (e.g., using PODs to waive faulty code compliance) without progressive housing policies to protect low- and moderate-income citizens. The city ignores Florida statutes during rental and mobile home development conversions, and residents go unprotected. He has a new sanitation tax without any new services. Crime is up - violent crime nearly four times the national average, murder up 36 percent from 2000, vehicle theft up 24 percent. (The church at which he spoke last Sunday had two cars vandalized during the service.) Firefighters and police are underfunded. Midtown unemployment is three times higher than the city average.

Voters, I offer you a choice. I will work for you, not the few. Please vote for me on Nov. 8.

EVE JOY: Candidate for City Council

While I applaud downtown's revitalization, I am running for City Council to get our city back from overreaching development that hugely increases population density without accompanying measures to alleviate traffic, crime, employment, emergency care and lack of affordable housing. I adamantly opposed Wal-Mart's construction on the wetlands off Gandy Boulevard and oppose my opponent's suggestion that the same wetland "would be a good place for a Publix."

Every city needs leaders who are ready to listen, will do their homework and are capable of leading. I AM SUCH A PERSON.

When elected I will work hard to do the following:

Within 30 days, produce an options paper to limit municipal eminent domain powers.

Within six months, produce options papers/proposals for affordable housing and a comprehensive pet-friendly hurricane plan.

Oppose increasing tax burdens (no matter how labeled) on homeowners and businesses, and seek tax credits for hurricane-proofing homes and landlords who offer affordable rentals.

Oppose irresponsible displacement of mobile home residents.

Support higher benefits for police, firemen, city-financed curbside recycling, and more practical building and zoning codes.

After 14 years as a federal government lawyer, and 11 years as legal advisor to a council similar to St. Petersburg's Council, I know how to get things done. I have been a high-school math teacher, a hog farmer and a businesswoman. I am a licensed contractor. I can think outside the box. Please check my Web site, voteevejoy.com. I will listen to your concerns. I solicit your vote on Nov. 8.

VIRGINIA LITTRELL: Candidate for City Council, District 4

When making its endorsement in Council District 4, the Times said it contrasted my service on Council with that of my opponent who served in the 1990s.

That is what I hope St. Petersburg voters also do on Nov. 8. I believe a careful review will show that the accomplishments during my term far exceed those of my opponent.

Here are just three examples:

Property taxes - When my opponent served on Council, our city's property tax rates were the highest in the county. In 1989, she voted for a rate of over 9.6 mills, 27 percent higher than our tax rate today which is the lowest it has been in 20 years.

Downtown redevelopment - My opponent served during the "Bay Plaza" years. In fact, as late as 1995, she voted to keep their contract going even after $26-million in taxpayer funds produced only one parking garage and many vacant lots. Under our current Council, unprecedented redevelopment has begun in our city. Right now over $1-billion in projects are under way.

Finally, Albert Whitted Airport - I fought the Times to keep open this airport, which is so important to so many. We succeeded and embarked on many projects to improve it. My opponent, on the other hand, actually voted in 1992 to ask voters for permission to turn over 15 acres of port and airport property for an unrelated venture.

I hope voters will compare the record and support me - the candidate who always listens to you while advancing your quality of life.

DARDEN RICE: Candidate for City Council

My name is Darden Rice and I ask for your vote. This election presents all residents with a very clear choice. Should we settle for indifference, or should we vote for a strong supporter of our neighborhoods and small businesses? We need a fresh start! The mayor has led the way in creating a newly energetic south St. Pete, and we deserve an energetic council member. This isn't an election about experience - it's an election about competence, sincerity, and passion for the job.

I love this city, but there is still plenty to be accomplished. I want to keep St. Petersburg safe! To do this, we need to expand the community-policing program by alleviating staffing problems at the police department. Our department has been understaffed for years and an independent managerial review is needed to find out why. Issues like affordable housing, education and a healthy environment will also highlight my term on council - a term that will be marked by sincerity and integrity.

Sincerity means not running for two offices at the same time or misleading anyone about my voting record. Integrity means not traveling the world on taxpayer money without bringing home a single benefit. I am dedicated to being the best council member possible, whereas my opponent has traveled to China, Russia, South Africa and Japan on city taxpayer money with no results.

On Election Day, vote for the only candidate that is here to stay! Vote for safer, stronger neighborhoods! Vote for me, Darden Rice.

[Last modified October 29, 2005, 02:09:08]