Press Release - August 29th, 2009

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL - On September 1, when the ballots are tallied in St. Petersburg’s non-partisan mayoral primary, Republican Bill Foster is expected to have enough votes to continue to the general election.  Should that happen, who will be his opponent in the general election and why does it matter?

After eight years under a mayor hostile to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, St. Petersburg has an opportunity to elect a leader who will work with all of the city’s residents to meet the city’s current challenges and provide the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next decade.

Earlier this summer, a screening committee formed by the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (whose mission is to help elect pro-equality Democrats) interviewed the leading Democratic candidates for mayor and found all three were better on LGBT issues than any of the Republican candidates (and, for that matter, the current mayor). While it was difficult to choose among friends, we determined that Scott Wagman is the best candidate to mount a viable campaign against Foster in the general election.

Scott Wagman’s background as a successful businessman shows he can guide the city through its current challenges, and will provide the forward-thinking leadership needed to ensure the city is well situated for the next decade and beyond. Using his proven executive skills, Wagman has the ability to work successfully on behalf of ALL of the city’s residents.

In contrast, Bill Foster is the wrong choice to lead St. Petersburg. More precisely, he is the wrong choice to lead St. Petersburg forward.

As a city council member in 2003, Foster voted against adding sexual orientation to the city’s Human Rights Ordinance. A conservative evangelical, Foster has advocated for teaching creationism in schools, and believes there is a link between teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution and the rise of Hitler and the school-shootings at Columbine.

Foster was clearly out of his element at a mayoral debate in June sponsored by St. Pete Pride, telling the crowd he did not consider the annual LGBT Pride festival suitable for families. The 75,000 LGBT people and families who have made the annual festival into the second largest Pride event in the south, would beg to differ.

Wagman has a long record of fighting discrimination against the LGBT community. His commitment to equality is genuine and unhesitating. He has pledged to support and promote St. Pete Pride because he recognizes the civic importance of this event that draws thousands of visitors to St. Petersburg from across the state and the country. He also believes the city’s Human Rights Ordinance should be fully inclusive.

As Florida’s fourth largest city, St. Petersburg is the hub of a “swing” county that plays a key role in determining the outcome of statewide elections. Last year, Democrats finally gained the advantage in the number of registered voters in the county and helped turn Florida blue in the presidential election.

If ever there was an election where “every vote counts,” this is it. Turnout is key. The LGBT community can play a major role in determining whether St. Petersburg becomes a fair-minded city that honors all of its communities, or is pulled backward as a city afraid to recognize diversity and equality.

Every LGBT voter in St. Petersburg needs to understand why it is important to vote for Scott Wagman. The Stonewall Democrats and LGBT activists from around the state and throughout the nation can help Wagman win this race by reaching out to these and other key voters. Contact the Wagman campaign today at www.scottwagman.com or 727-521-4581 to volunteer to help with the virtual phone bank operation or to make a contribution.  

Rick Boylan, President

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

http://www.stonewallpinellas.org