The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association endorsed Mayor Rick Kriseman in March. Kriseman has also gained the endorsement of two Democratic groups.

ST. PETERSBURG – The Fraternal Order of Police, Pinellas Lodge 43, has endorsed Mayor Rick Kriseman for re-election.

FOP joins the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association and former Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats in endorsing Kriseman who is running for his second term as St. Petersburg mayor.

“The Fraternal Order of Police, Pinellas Lodge 43, is proud to endorse Mayor Rick Kriseman for re-election. From Mayor Kriseman’s leadership on appointing Chief [Anthony] Holloway, to bringing back community policing, he has moved our police department forward. Mayor Kriseman’s commitment to keeping Chief Holloway has made this an easy choice. Our department has seen a lot of progress since Rick Baker was mayor. Mayor Kriseman’s re-election will ensure public safety remains a priority for St. Pete,” FOP President Douglas Weaver said.

Since taking office, Kriseman has made public safety a top priority. Kriseman appointed Holloway in his first year. Since then, they have worked together to bring back community policing and revising the high speed chase policy, making St. Pete a safer place. Violent crime is down 26 percent and tips from the community are up. Complaints to the department have fallen dramatically to just 14 per year under Kriseman: Citizen complaints averaged 78 per year under Baker, according to the Kriseman campaign.

“I’m honored to receive the support of the Fraternal Order of Police,” Kriseman said. “Public safety has been a priority for me, and that’s why St. Pete has become a safer community since my opponent was mayor. Our success is due to the daily work of Chief Holloway as well as our men and women in uniform. With programs like park walk and talk, Chief Holloway has made all neighborhoods safer. While Mr. Baker has refused to commit to retaining Chief Holloway, I’ve made it clear that the Chief’s leadership is vital to making St. Pete a better and safer place to live.”

Kriseman has also received the endorsement of the Florida College Democrats and Florida Young Democrats. Both groups have to regular statewide phone banks, and both organizations will be organizing in-person campaign invasions to help supplement the Kriseman Campaign’s get-out-the-vote efforts.

“Mayor Rick Kriseman has been a bold, progressive leader for St. Petersburg. Now more than ever, it’s important that we elect leaders who will support policies that ensure a bright future for young people. Mayor Kriseman has been a leader on climate change, investing in quality of life, and bringing jobs and development to St. Pete that will retain and attract young professionals. For these reasons, we are proud to be supporting Mayor Kriseman for reelection,” Florida College Democrats President Justin Atkins said.

Florida Young Democrats President Jake Sanders said, “Mayor Rick Kriseman has shown himself to be a progressive mayor who has lowered the crime rate, increased job opportunities and earned a perfect score on HRC’s Equality Index. Florida Young Democrats are proud to stand with Mayor Kriseman as he runs for reelection in St. Petersburg, where he’s not only improved quality of life, but also focused on large infrastructure projects that will continue to do just that for St. Pete residents and business owners.”

Kriseman is facing challenges from Baker, Jesse Nevel, Paul Congemi, Anthony Cates, and Theresa Lassiter.

The primary is Tuesday (Aug. 29). If no candidate gets at least 50 percent plus one vote, the two top votegetters will move on to the general election on Nov. 7. The St. Petersburg mayor serves four years and earns $180,895 a year.

For information about Kriseman, go to krisemanformayor.com.

Rick Kriseman | Politics | Elections | Police | Endorsements | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

#RickKriseman #Politics #Elections #Police #Endorsements #TampaBayNews #TBReporter