The Sentinel Editorial Board met with 28 of the 31+ candidates running for Mayor and City Council. Every seat on City Council is up for grabs, as well as the changing of the guard in the Mayor’s office.  This is by no means time for anyone in our community to stay home and not vote.

We have an opportunity to elect our first African American mayor, as well as 2 African Americans on City Council. Low aim, not failure is the crime, so whether you  agree with our choices or not, please vote. The issues of history demand we decide what is best for ourselves and our families.

Mayor
Thomas Scott
If not now, WHEN?

Everyone on the Sentinel Editorial Board, like most Black people in Tampa, have been in the trenches, at church, or on the other side of the aisle with these candidates  at some time or another.  However, we feel  Rev. Thomas Scott is the only person we can pick for the March 1st election. After meeting with all of the candidates for Mayor, some of the experiences were quite surprising, especially since this office is so important.

Thomas Scott has done more for Blacks in this town, than any of his opponents put together.  And this is why we feel he is ready…because he has served us with dignity and great ability.

Thomas Scott has been at the ‘table politics’ for the last 14 years, consistently.  The only other candidate that has been an active participant is Rose Ferlita. No, he does not bull you over with affection, or kisses everyone he sees , but he has been at the table when major decisions have been made, and has not been afraid to speak up on our behalf.

East Tampa has a CRA, because of Thomas Scott. He has been in the forefront and behind the scenes on many issues. He is a pastor and businessman, both attributes needed to be a good leader.  If not now, WHEN, will an African American be good enough, liked enough, respected enough to be Mayor of the City of Tampa?  This is our question?  What is your answer.  Vote for Thomas Scott.

City Council District 1 (Citywide)
Curtis Stokes
This seat was held by retiring Council person, Gwen Miller. Curtis Stokes jumped into the race after serving as an interim Councilman. Stokes is articulate, well rounded and is willing to serve all of the people.  He has served on numerous boards, and as the president of the NAACP. He is qualified and deserves our support.

City Council District 2 (Citywide)
Mary Mulhern
Well, Mary Mulhern has supported our community on most issues, but has disappointed us on one in particular. However, she is a person who feels strongly about communities as a whole, and  will change her stance if she is convinced that her position is not what’s best for that neighborhood.

City Council District 3 (Citywide)
Michael Ciftci
This very crowded race gave the Board a challenge.  The candidates for this seat went from the VERY CONSERVATIVE to the very moderate. We were impressed by Dr. Jason Wilson and Michael Citifci. Although City Council is not about Democrats or Republicans, it is obvious which side of the fence these candidates are on. After much discussion we liked Michael Ciftci, best. He is young, energetic and excited about the possibilities of serving our communities. Young people are our future, and we feel he would serve us well.

City Council District 4
Harry Cohen
This is the old seat held by John Dingfelder, and represents the South Tampa, Port Tampa, and MacDill area. Harry Cohen stood out among this very packed race. Adamant about serving his own district as well as the entire community. His vision and experience in politics will keep the Council on top of people issues.

City Council District 5
Frank Reddick
District 5  has has had an African American on the Council since single member districts were formed. However, this could change if we don’t go vote.  Frank Reddick served as the  an interim City Councilman before challenging Thomas Scott for the seat. Reddick has been a community activist and leader for a long time and gets along well with others. He will do what is needed within our community.

City Council District 6
Kelly Benjamin
In spite of attempts to discredit this young man, Kelly Benjamin is a young man who has had many of the same experiences young people in our community have faced. He has vision and energy. He’s running against Charlie Miranda who has not supported the African Americans in his district.  Mr. Miranda did not meet with our Board this time.

District 7
Lisa Montelione
Lisa Montelione is a businesswoman, a volunteer and has  a lot of good ideas that would help change things in city government. Dean Hale nor Charles Perkins could be reached to interview with our Board, so it leads us to wonder how responsive would they be to their constituents.  Joe Caetano who presently holds this seat seemed out of touch and tunnel visioned.