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Politics

New legislative delegation has bipartisan flavor

By WILL VAN SANT
Published November 15, 2006

NEW WORLD FOR PINELLAS DELEGATION: For the first time in at least 20 years, Republicans will not enjoy a majority on the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation. The 12-member group is now split evenly: six Republicans and six Democrats.

Those in the GOP column are delegation chairman Sen. Mike Fasano, Sen. Dennis Jones, Rep. Tom Anderson, Rep. Jim Frishe, Rep. Peter Nehr and Rep. Ed Hooper. The Democrats are Sen. Charlie Justice, Sen. Arthenia Joyner, Rep. Rick Kriseman, Rep. Bill Heller, Rep. Frank Peterman and Rep. Janet Long.

"It's going to be interesting," said Donna McGaughey, the delegation's assistant since 1986. "I think compromise will be the answer."

Another notable feature of the group: Many members formerly served as elected officials at the municipal level, and they may be more sympathetic to the needs of cities, as opposed to those of the county. See next item.

The delegation will hold its first meeting Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Auditorium of St. Petersburg College's Tarpon Springs Campus at 600 Klosterman Road.

NO THEY DIDN'T: It was a YouTube moment, and not in a good way.

The St. Petersburg City Council chose a rap to say goodbye to outgoing City Council member and state Representative-elect Rick Kriseman at a meeting earlier this month.

The group members, in poorly executed unison, spun in their chairs, put on sunglasses and began a rap to promote Kriseman's successes on the council. City Council member Jamie Bennett adorned chains and a city hat, which he turned sideways.

"Just don't forget us, we have a few bills, we're gonna need your help on Capitol Hill," said council Chairman Bill Foster, spinning one line over the beat of a drum.

The rap, which touted Kriseman's plan to make taped council meetings available on the Internet, among other things, was received with half-horror, half-laughter.

"Now I'm kind of disappointed that we do show streaming video," Kriseman said when it was finished.

To see it yourself, go to the city's Web site (www.stpete.org) and click on the TV link in the bottom right hand corner. It's part of the video accompanying the Nov. 2 council meeting. There's a special link to "Presentation to council member Kriseman."

RILEY TO HEAD REALTORS GROUP: Nancy Riley, the Feather Sound resident who was defeated in the House District 50 Republican primary, will be installed as president of the Florida Association of Realtors on Jan. 20 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort. Governor-elect Charlie Crist is scheduled to swear her in.

"Running for office was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity, and through running I believe the contacts I made will enable me to be an even more effective president of the Florida Association of Realtors," Riley said Tuesday.

FAR has 165,000 members statewide.

BRICKFIELD STEPS UP: Former Safety Harbor Commissioner Neil Brickfield announced he will seek the vice chairmanship of the Pinellas Republican Party at the group's Tuesday meeting. Current vice chairwoman Gail Hebert is stepping down. In December, the party will pick new leaders, and so far Brickfield is unopposed. Party chief Tony DiMatteo says he can see Brickfield succeeding him in 2008.

Brickfield would not comment on that possibility, saying he's focused on getting the party's support for the vice chairman's spot.

"I take nothing for granted," Brickfield said.

Demorris A. Lee, Aaron Sharockman and Will Van Sant contributed to this week's Junkie. For more political buzz, go to www.sptimes.com/blogs/buzz. Staff members can be contacted at politicaljunkie@sptimes.com.

[Last modified November 15, 2006, 06:51:50]