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Political Junkie

County takes its pitch to YouTube

By WILL VAN SANT
Published November 1, 2006

PINELLAS, CHEAP AND TRENDY: Pinellas County has joined the tide of politicos pitching their ideas on YouTube.com, the popular video-sharing Web site.

A consultant has helped the county produce several video spots urging voters to approve changes to the county charter that will be on the ballot Nov. 7.

A coalition of Pinellas cities opposes the changes and has launched its own public relations campaign, complete with television ads and fliers.

The county's spots, which feature a fluttering American flag backdrop, have gotten very few hits so far, but they are a whole lot cheaper than more traditional television advertising.

YouTube, recently acquired by Google for $1.65-billion, has become a brave new world for political advocacy across the country.

"There's minimal taping costs, then just posting them up there," said Kurt Spitzer, the county charter consultant. "We just don't have the budget to go onto other media. And also, there seems to be some buzz about YouTube."

To check them out, go to: www.youtube.comresults?search_ query=Pinellas&search=Search.

GOOD NEWS FOR BUDGET DIRECTORS: The county and the cities are likely pleased about one answer in recent polls both camps conducted on the proposed charter amendments.

Each poll asked: Do you want to extend the Penny for Pinellas tax? In March, Pinellas County voters will be asked to renew the one-cent sales tax from 2010-2020.

This extension is expected to generate nearly $2-billion in revenue, primarily for projects dealing with public facilities, roads, flood control, park improvements, preservation of endangered lands and public safety.

The county and cities share the money. Both polls showed that a significant majority would support the extension.

FIRST IN LINE: More than 15,600 residents have taken advantage of early voting this election season. On Monday alone, 2,700 voters cast early ballots, the most since early voting began Oct. 23.

PARTY CHIEFS FACE OFF: Pinellas Democratic Party Chairman Ed Helm and his Republican counterpart Tony DiMatteo, both bountiful sources of Junkie fodder, get to know one another today when they appear for lunch at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club in St. Petersburg.

The event starts at noon at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. The meeting is to be broadcast live on Bay News 9.

Lori Helfand and Will Van Sant contributed to this week's Junkie. For more political buzz, go to www.sptimes.com/blogs/buzz. Staffers can be contacted at politicaljunkie@sptimes.com.

[Last modified November 1, 2006, 07:06:05]