Re-Elect James Bennett
For City Council, District 5
Learn The Facts About 'New Election'
Jamie Bennett’s opponent dropped out of the race, triggering a little known law that puts the category New Election on the ballot against Jamie Bennett.
Click here to find out about the $248,000 cost of New Election to tax payers.
Protecting Our Quality of Life
St. Petersburg is a very special city with unique neighborhoods and developing business corridors. I have proven experience in working with our city's neighborhoods and businesses to protect our quality of life. But we have diminishing help from state and federal sources. In the face of budget cuts, I know we have to be wise and make cuts where we can, but not lose the gains we have worked so hard for to make St. Petersburg neighborhoods special. I am dedicated to protecting all of our accomplishments that we have worked so hard together to implement in our neighborhoods.
Fiscal Experience
I have served during six budgets on the Budget, Finance and Taxation committee of city council. I have been closely involved in budget making, audit reviews, investment oversight and labor contracts. I am proof that one can be both fiscally conservative and fight for fair wages and conditions for city employees. In my business life, I know how to make payroll for my employees, pay taxes and insurance, make purchasing decisions and basically keep a small business successful for 25 years.
Protecting Albert Whitted Airport
One of my proudest accomplishments as a City Council member was my role in the fight to protect Albert Whitted airport as a part of our city's cultural heritage and unique identity. I helped organize the Albert Whitted group, publicly debated airport opponents in citizen forums, and was willing to risk support in the face of strong opposition by the local paper. By a 72% victory at the polls, we won protection of the historic Albert Whitted Airport.
Leads on Homelessness Issue
I served as Chair of the Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Network since its beginning in 2006. Homelessness is an issue that taps our community's greatest combination of strength, compassion, and vision. Our policies makes a statement about how our community balances its priorities and how effective and creative we can be to bring solutions about. I know what these different policies mean, and I know how to untangle the weave of government programs and challenges that confront us on this issue. I am not content with getting more government studies of the problem when we already have a plan. The next step is to carry out this plan with funding and committed leadership from the county and state. I have the experience and passion to push for solutions with the county and state to help alleviate our homelessness problem.
Protecting the Environment
Under my leadership, the Council introduced the Green Cities resolution strongly backed by both St. Pete CONA (Council of Neighborhood Associations) and Sierra Club. Recently, we obtained a silver rating for being a Green City and aspire to a gold standard because we can always push ourselves to do our very best when it comes to the environment. As your council person, I will continue to look for ways we can improve parks, water quality, and improve our energy efficiency in accordance with best practices that save money.