MC Film Fest co-owner and GaYbor Coalition President Carrie West would like to add another title to the list—that of Tampa City Councilman.
West officially filed his paperwork to run for the District 5 seat currently held by Rev. Thomas Scott. The election is in March 2011.
“I’m excited about the run for the seat,” West said recently during a walk through Ybor City. “I’ve gotten a lot of support.”
West sent out a letter in early October asking potential constituents if they wanted him to run for the office. The support is there, he said, so he moved forward with the paperwork and handed it in Nov. 4.
This will not be the first time West has sought public office. In 1998 West was the first openly gay candidate to run for the council. He came in second.
“We ran a good race,” he said, “but a lot has changed since then.”
New condominium complexes and museums have improved the city and the crime rate is lower—but there are still plenty of areas to improve upon, he said.
He said he’s concerned that the city continues to lose tax revenue, unemployment is high, roads are clogged, and too many streets have potholes.
“And Tampa is not yet a green city,” he said. “These are just a few things we are challenged with and need to work together on.”
He also wants to focus on jobs and working toward a better transportation system. He believes he’s proven himself in recent years.
“In the three years since coming to Ybor City, I have helped the resurgence of positive changes, the overall look and feel in Historic Ybor City,” West said. “I know I can help out other areas in the district, too.”
District 5 includes Channelside, College Hill, Downtown Tampa, East Tampa, East Ybor, Florence Vila-Beasley-Oak Park, Grant Park, Live Oaks Square, Highland Pines, Historic Ybor, Northeast Community, Northview Hills, Old West Tampa, Palmetto Beach, Ridgewood Park, Rivergrove, Ybor, West Riverfront, Woodland Terrace, and most of residential Sulphur Springs.
“Each neighborhood community has its own unique issues,” West said. “Tampa is a great city and I am running to help make it even greater.”
West plans to start meeting with local residents, homeowners associations, business groups and other organizations before the election.
“It’s an important race and I love this city,” West said. “I’m looking forward to the campaign.”
