James Scott is an environmental advocate.

ST. PETERSBURG – Environmental advocate James Scott kicked off his campaign for the District 6 seat on the St. Petersburg City Council this morning (April 18) with a press conference on the steps of City Hall.

Scott said he has led sustainability and community initiatives in St. Petersburg since his arrival in 2008. A graduate of University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s Environmental Science and Policy program, Scott established the Florida’s first student-led clean energy fund, secured USFSP’s commitment to carbon-neutrality, and led the net-zero energy parking garage project that was largely funded by a $1 million SunSense grant from Duke Energy.

As the student body president, Scott said, his successes included securing funds for the construction of the University Student Center, bringing the first student health services facility to campus, and establishing USFSP student representation on the USF Board of Trustees. As a student of the USFSP Florida Studies Master’s program, Scott recently authored the energy sector portion of the ambitious USFSP Climate Action Plan and led the Poynter Parking Solar Array project.

As a community organizer, James Scott served as co-campaign manager for the celebrated Suncoast Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 percent St. Pete campaign. The campaign successfully championed a transition to 100 percent clean energy for St. Petersburg, launched the St. Pete Solar Co-Op, initiated a flood vulnerability assessment with Pinellas County, instigated an energy efficiency assessment and upgrade of city buildings, and advocated for a municipal planning approach that precipitated the city’s Integrated Sustainability Action Plan.

Scott is the eighth person to enter the race for the seat currently held by Karl Nurse, who is term limited. Others already in the race for District 6, which covers the southeastern section of the city: Justin Bean, Eritha”Akile” Cainion, Corey Givens Jr., James Jackson, John Johnson, Sharon Russ and Maria Scruggs.

The winner will serve a four-year term beginning in January.

Qualifying for the St. Petersburg municipal election opens at 8 a.m. June 8 and closes at 5 p.m. June 23. The primary is Aug. 29 and the general election is Nov. 7.

For information about Scott, go to votejamesscott.com.

James Scott | St. Petersburg Council | Karl Nurse | Election | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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