Pinellas County School Board member Rene Flowers is running for the District 7 seat on the Pinellas County Commission.

ST. PETERSBURG – Pinellas County School Board member Rene Flowers has picked up a heavy weight endorsement from St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman in her run for Pinellas County Commission.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Rene, of seeing her in action and watching her fight for what’s right no matter the circumstances or odds,” Kriseman said. ““Rene is the real deal. Her passion for serving all people and her deep understanding of  lo- cal government has her well-prepared to serve as our county commissioner.”

Kriseman served with Flowers on the St. Petersburg City Council. The two supported policy changes designed to improve housing, small business entrepreneurship, and youth services.

“I cannot express the sincere gratitude and honor to have Mayor Rick Kriseman’s support in this race,” Flowers said. “He supports so many of the same issues that I believe strongly in such as expanding affordable workforce housing, improving public transportation, addressing our climate  issues,  exploring clean energy resources, and growing small minority owned businesses. I look forward to working with Mayor Kriseman as your next Pinellas County Commissioner.”

In addition to serving on the St. Petersburg City Council, Flowers was elected to the Pinellas County School Board in 2012 to finish out the term of Lew Williams, who passed away while in office. Flowers also served as president of the Florida League of Cities from 2006-2007.

Flowers, a Democrat, is running for the District 7 seat on the Pinellas commission, which is currently held by Democrat Ken Welch, who is not seeking reelection. Welch has said he intends to run for St. Petersburg mayor. District 7 includes a portion of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena, Kenneth City and the unincorporated Lealman area.

The District 7 representative is chosen by voters who live within that district. Other announced candidates are Democrat Frank Peterman Jr.  and Republican Chico Cromartie. The primary election is Aug. 18. The general election is Nov. 3.

The Pinellas County Commission has seven members who govern governs all unincorporated areas of the county directly; municipalities may call upon the county for specialized services. The seven set policy, adopt local laws, adopt a budget, and set property tax rates. A paid county administrator is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the county government and for implementing the policies set by the commission.

The commissioners also serve as other Boards for the County, such as the Emergency Medical Services Authority, the Fire Protection Authority, the Mosquito Control Board, the Countywide Planning Authority, and the Water & Navigation Control Authority.

For information about Flowers, go to youknowrene.com or facebook.com.

Rene Flowers | Rick Kriseman | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News | News Tampa

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