Kathleen Ford joins the crowd in mayor race

By LEONORA LaPETER

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 2, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- City Council member Kathleen Ford entered the race for mayor Friday, pledging to keep up the diligent fact-finding that has made her a thorn in the side of many city department heads.

What some perceive as nitpicking, Ford says is an attribute that will make her a good mayor. Ford acknowledged that her sometimes abrasive style might not ingratiate her with all people.

"I can understand some folks would perhaps feel threatened by my questions," Ford said. "I have been criticized for my style, and I've worked hard to keep it professional. I will admit that I become impatient sometimes when folks aren't responsive and when they don't tell the truth."

Ford moved to St. Petersburg with her husband, Harvey, in 1987. She was president of the North Shore Neighborhood Association before winning the council seat that represents the neighborhood in 1997.

The 43-year-old said she thinks the city needs a hard-working problem solver at its helm. She said she has a commitment to neighborhood revitalization and a desire to foster an atmosphere for business growth.

She said that the current mayor, David Fischer, hasn't addressed problems such as a need for more police on the street. She's also concerned about cost overruns and legal problems with the construction of Tropicana Field.

The mayoral race next March is shaping up to be a crowded ticket with familiar faces. In addition to Ford, council Chairman Larry Williams has announced he plans to run. And although Fischer would not confirm this week that he plans to run, City Council member Bill Foster said Fischer told him he plans to seek another term.

Other announced candidates for mayor include former Planning Commission Chairman Karl Nurse, former City Council candidate Ronnie Beck and St. Petersburg resident Harry Kitchen. Former Chamber of Commerce chairman Rick Baker has said he is thinking about running.

Foster and former mayoral candidate Bill Klein, both of whom had been considering a run for the mayor's seat, said this week they would not enter the race.

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