Foster wins St. Pete mayoral race

Bill Foster is this city's next mayor.

In Tuesday's election, Foster beat opponent Kathleen Ford by fewer than 3,000 votes, in an election where roughly only 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 Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Web site.

"We won," Foster said as he stood on two chairs before a throng of supporters at Ferg's, a popular eatery and bar across the street from the city police station.

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

"I'm sad, a little disappointed with the outcome but extremely thrilled with 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 looking to succeed Mayor Rick Baker, who finished two terms and is not allowed to run for re-election by law.

The two 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, in contrast, was seen as a continuance of the status quo. He won the endorsements of both Baker and his predecessor, David Fischer.

"We're going to bring people together," Foster said Tuesday night.

When Ford ran against Baker eight years ago, Baker beat her by 14 percentage points. Foster beat her by fewer than six.

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.