Opinion: New diplomat heads to Rome

Mel and Betty Sembler leave this weekend for Rome, where he will take up his post as U.S. ambassador to Italy. This is the second plum diplomatic assignment for the St. Petersburg developer and Republican fundraiser who served as ambassador to Australia in the first Bush administration.

Sembler's nomination as ambassador to Australia was mildly controversial at the time, criticized by some, including this page, as a political payoff for his fundraising (Democratic presidents, of course, have never played that game -- right?). Sembler worked hard at his diplomatic duties and, by all accounts, did a good job of representing his nation down under. Certainly the Australian government thought so. It honored him last year with the Order of Australia, one the highest awards that country and Queen Elizabeth II can bestow. This time, his Senate confirmation was a breeze.

Sembler, who is 71, goes to Rome at a time when the world is a far more dangerous place for American diplomats than when he served in Australia. U.S. embassies around the world are considered potential targets for Osama bin Laden's terrorists. Embassy compounds are being fortified, and security is being tightened around U.S. diplomats. Even so, Rome is an irresistible diplomatic post.

While St. Petersburg may not compare with Rome, Sembler has done his part to make his hometown a more vibrant and pleasant place. While he is tending to his diplomatic duties in the Eternal City, the rest of us will be enjoying BayWalk, the complex of theaters, shops and restaurants his company developed in downtown St. Petersburg. BayWalk has brought new vitality to the city center.

Meanwhile, we wish the Semblers well in Rome and look forward to their safe return to St. Petersburg at the end of their tour of duty.

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