In Tampa City Council District 1, Alan Clendenin is the best fit to replace incumbent Joe Citro

Tampa’s District 1 City Council race includes Chase Harrison, a former Tampa cop who was unapologetic about the 10 sustained violations he earned while on the force. Dr. Sonja Brookins has been open to rent stabilization measures, sided with council on its recent move to send city charter changes to voters, and joined a chorus of opposition against Castor’s PURE wastewater plan.

In her Creative Loafing Tampa Bay questionnaire, Brookins declined to comment on possible expanded oversight capability—including subpoena power—for Tampa's police Citizens Review Board. But after this post went live, Brookins reached out to say her non-answer was in error, and made clear her position on the matter.

"My position is, and has always been, that the Citizens Review Board should and must have subpoena power and independent counsel," she wrote. "My position has never wavered or changed in that regard."

Alan Clendenin supported the charter amendment providing independent counsel for the CRB—something that’s been a point of contention in city hall. His willingness to take a stance, and the fact that he nearly made a runoff for this seat in 2019, combined with knowledge earned during his years-long involvement in local politics, make him best fit to replace incumbent Joe Citro whose time on the dais (and recently as council chair) has not yielded significant achievements outside of the “Ready for 100” green energy resolution that’s been symbolic at best.

CL endorses Alan Clendenin for Tampa City Council District 1 city wide.

See all of CL's endorsements and charter amendment recommendations here.

UPDATED: 03/01/22 11:08 a.m. Updated with response from Dr. Sonja Brookins.