Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Politics

Williams will seek seat in Florida Legislature

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published December 12, 2007

Council member Earnest Williams will again attempt a run for the state Legislature.

"I want to be in a position to help our city and to help our state," Williams said Monday.

Williams, a Democrat, would run for the District 55 seat now held by Rep. Frank Peterman Jr., who must step down because of term limits.

Williams, who has served on the City Council since 2001, first announced plans to run in 2006.

At the time, Williams also was running for re-election to the council, which meant he would serve less than a year before vacating his seat if he won. When some constituents complained, Williams dropped out of the state race. His election to the Legislature would require the city to appoint someone to his District 6 seat mid term.

Williams, who owns an insurance agency, wants to encourage foreign trade. Specifically, the Tampa Bay area would make an attractive hub for foreign banks, he said.

"International trade is so important for the continued stability of our economy," Williams said.

Williams said he had no interest in pursuing a higher office with the city of St. Petersburg when his council term expires in 2010.

Already, council members Rene Flowers, Bill Foster and Jamie Bennett are on a crowded list of potential successors to Mayor Rick Baker when he leaves office in two years.

"Let them go at it," Williams said. "That isn't for me."

Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 12, 2007, 00:03:05]