Three out of the five candidates for St. Petersburg mayor would proudly sign a proclamation naming June St. Pete Pride Month and attend the annual festival. The other two said they would not.
The candidates—Jamie Bennett, Kathleen Ford, Larry Williams, Bill Foster and Scott Wagman, all participated in the first-ever St. Pete Pride mayoral forum at the King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church on Monday, June 22. Bennett, Ford and Wagman all said they would support St. Pete Pride.
Williams said his values would prevent his support.
“I won’t sign the proclamation as mayor because I grew up with values,” Williams told the packed church. “I have to stand by my traditional beliefs.”
Foster said he wouldn’t support Pride “as long as it’s directed toward a mature audience.” Foster said he has attended St. Pete Pride in the past and was disappointed in the displays of mature content—from the festival goers themselves to the entertainers.
He did say, however, that “I recognize the impact of LGBTs on our local businesses and economy.”
Both Bennett and Wagman made it very clear that they support Pride and that they would be on hand during the festival on Saturday, June 27. Ford described Pride as a wonderful event and a chance to see “an incredible amount of goodwill.”
The candidates answered a total of six questions and only one other was specific to LGBT issues. The candidates were asked whether they would implement domestic partnership benefits for city employees.
“It’s a shame we don’t have those benefits already,” said Bennett, a former city councilman. “You have every right to have the same rights as others. I’d immediately implement the policy.”
Ford and Wagman both agreed and said adding domestic partnership benefits would be one of their first acts as mayor.
Williams and Foster were a little more vague in their answers. Williams said he would pursue it if it was financially viable.
Foster said he would look into creating a “competitive package so we can recruit and retain the best employees. If that means adding partner benefits, then absolutely.”
The forum was moderated by KOP pastor Candice Shultis.
