TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Foster wins race for St. Pete mayor

ADVERTISEMENT

By STEPHEN THOMPSON

spthompson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 4, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG - Bill Foster is this city's next mayor.

Foster beat opponent Kathleen Ford by fewer than 3,000 votes in an election where roughly 30 percent of registered voters turned out.

Foster netted 24,228 votes, or 52.76 percent, while Ford won 21,691 or 47.24 percent, according to the Web site of the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.

"We won," Foster said as he stood on two chairs before a throng of supporters at Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, a popular eatery near the city police station.

"This is something I felt really called to do," said Foster, a Baptist who believes in creationism. "I never shied away from my faith, because it is who I am, but I will govern under the Constitution."

Ford called Foster at about 8 p.m. to concede and congratulate him on a well-run race.

"I'm sad, a little disappointed with the outcome, but extremely thrilled with the amount of volunteer support and the amount of financial support, especially in these tough economic times," Ford said. She said the media had been one of her biggest obstacles to overcome and promised to continue to keep an eye on city government.

Foster, 46, and Ford, 52, are both former city council members. Foster will succeed Mayor Rick Baker, who finished two terms and is not allowed to run for re-election by law.

The candidates' campaigns touched on a variety of issues - from the disintegration of BayWalk, the city's once-popular retail and entertainment complex, to the number of high-paying jobs within Baker's administration, to the future of the Tampa Bay Rays.

To many, Ford, with her promises to overhaul and streamline city hall, and her often-combative style, appeared to be a force for change. Foster was seen as a continuance of the status quo. He won the endorsements of both Baker and his predecessor, David Fischer.

The position pays $158,355 a year. The mayor's budget for fiscal 2010 is $206.2 million and Foster will oversee 2,737 employees.

Reporter Samara Sodos contributed to this report. Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT