Opinion: Williams for District 6

When Frank Peterman was elected last fall to the Florida House of Representatives, his colleagues on the St. Petersburg City Council were faced with an impressive list of applicants to replace him. Two men stood out then: civic activist Abdul Karim Ali and insurance agent Earnest Williams. The same two men stand out in the campaign to elect a permanent replacement.

In December, the council picked Williams. On Feb. 27, we think voters should, too.

Williams, 54, owns an insurance agency and has been a community servant for more than a quarter-century. Here's but a partial list of his activities: the city's Nuisance Abatement Board, the Community Alliance, the Southside Boys Club Board of Directors, St. Petersburg Neighborhood Housing Service Board, the Regional Workforce Development Board, the Pinellas School Readiness Coalition, School Bi-Racial Committee, Gulfcoast Jewish and Mental Health Services board, and the School Controlled Choice Task Force.

Williams and Ali represent experience and community service, and either would make a fine council member. Ali, 53 is a former chairman of the St. Petersburg Planning Commission, former president of the Highland Oaks Neighborhood Association and has worked with the Community Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, the Chamber of Commerce, and Neighborhood Crime Watch.

They are running in a council district, No. 6, that extends south of downtown. Other intriguing options are available for district voters. Dwight Chimurenga Waller, 50, best known as president of the National People's Democratic Uhuru Movement and a harsh critic of government, is becoming an increasingly persuasive candidate with a thoughtful message about economic equality. Ezell Boykins, 51, is known for his work with youth sports. And Chrisshun Cox, 35, is a neighborhood activist who resigned in protest from the Governor's "Front Porch" Revitalization Council of South St. Petersburg.

While Ali and Waller have made solid cases for representing their district, we recommend Williams, in part, because has a running start. In his brief tenure on the council, Williams has played a constructive role and been able to advocate for his district and the city at large.

To District 6 voters, we recommend Williams.

Opportunity to reply

The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Candidates should send in their replies no later than noon Monday to: Philip Gailey, editor of editorials, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. (Fax: 893-8675). Replies are limited to 250 words.

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