Op-ed: Tampa mayoral candidate says ‘public dedications should reflect collective effort, not political choreography’

Hello, beautiful city,

This Wednesday, the City of Tampa will host a special dedication ceremony honoring former Mayor Bob Buckhorn for his public service and impact on the city’s future along the Hillsborough River.

Before I go further, let me start by saying that I believe it’s important to respect and honor leadership. Public service at every level deserves recognition. But I know Tampa is way too smart for something like this: this isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a signal. A very public one.

When I see events like this, it raises some very obvious questions: Why now? Why one mayor? Why not former Mayor Pam Iorio, whose leadership was critical in laying the groundwork for Tampa’s transformation? Why not a broader acknowledgment of the many architects of our city’s skyline—like the city planners, union workers, or local small business owners who make our Riverwalk feel alive?

Public dedications should reflect collective effort, not political choreography. Especially at a time when so many residents are struggling with housing affordability, transportation gaps, and an increasingly troubling rising costs of living—using city resources to enshrine one name—particularly a name that may be appearing on future ballots—feels incredibly out of touch.

We shouldn’t use the public square to anoint political successors. We should use it to lift up the whole city—and every neighborhood that still waits for the kind of investment the Riverwalk received.

To be clear, this isn’t about former Mayor Buckhorn; it’s about being honest: Tampa’s future can not & will not be built on legacy alone. It will be built by those willing to challenge the old playbook, expand the circle of recognition, and serve not for photo ops, but for the people.

I ask that voters be careful not to mistake ceremonies for substance, or dedications for direction. Tampa deserves so much better than staged succession and establishment signals. It deserves bold, inclusive leadership that looks forward—not just back.

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This article appears in Jun 19-25, 2025.