“We need to keep trust in local government and Barclay will be a budget watchdog, an independent thinker and bring a fresh perspective to city council. Barclay has a clear vision that spending must be in-check and priority projects come first, not frivolous projects. We must continue to make transportation improvements in the district, including the Gandy Boulevard work and the San Martin Bridge. I stand with Barclay in his campaign and I support him as my successor,” Kennedy said.

Harless said, “I have watched Jim lead with a grounded conviction to fiscal responsibly and I am thankful for his support and advice. Jim knows District 2 and cares about the many neighborhoods here and around the entire city. I’m ready to roll-up my sleeves and continue Jim’s legacy in addition to being a voice for the northern area of our city.”

Harless said he plans to focus on finding commonsense solutions to issues surrounding the Pier, Tropicana Field, and the city’s wastewater systems. He is also committed to growing small, local businesses and engaging his district to better understand their concerns and priorities.

Harless has also been endorsed by St. Petersburg Council member Lisa Wheeler-Bowman; Pinellas School Board member Renee Flowers, a former St. Pete council member; and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 123.

A fifth-generation Floridian, Harless has been involved in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2010 with a bachelor’s in history, he went to work in the Midtown area of St. Petersburg for then-state Rep. Darryl Rouson, a Democrat, during the height of the economic recession.

He has served on the board of R’Club Childcare, is a member of Equality Florida’s advisory board for the Competitive Workforce Act and the Louise Graham Center for Regeneration for three and half years. Harless has been the state policy chair for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and has served on grant boards for the Suncoast United Way.

District 2 covers the northeastern section of St. Petersburg in the area around Gandy Boulevard and the Weedon Island Preserve. Realtor® Brandi Gabbard has also announced she is running for the seat.

Qualification begins 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 Barclay Harless, go to voteharless.com.

Barclay Harless | Jim Kennedy | Politics | Elections | St. Petersburg | Brandi Gabbard | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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