This year, though, he's term-limited and running to stay on the commission via the countywide District 5 seat. He can legally do that despite a local law limiting commissioners' terms to two.
Longtime environmental activist Mariella Smith, announced Tuesday she is running for the seat in part as an effort to block Crist from walking into the six-figure salary for another two terms.
“It’s time to stop the musical chairs by the same old politicians who are more interested in deals for special interests than serving our citizens.” Smith said in a media release.
Anyone who's been to a commission meeting or two over the years should be familiar with Smith. She has made numerous appearances during public comment sessions, especially on transit and environmental issues, which she'll likely press over the coming months on the campaign trail.
“I will be a strong advocate for smart growth, good government, and transportation solutions that work,” she continued.
Smith has already gotten a nod from Commissioner Pat Kemp, who is the most strident environmental activist on the commission. In a media statement, Kemp called Smith "a tireless advocate for our neighborhoods and our environment" who "has spent decades working for smarter growth and transportation investments that will get us out of gridlock."
Smith will have at least four opponents in the Democratic primary in August. Mark Nash, Jamela Passmore, Elvis Jamine Piggott and Corey Reynolds have all filed, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website. Of those, Nash is perhaps the best-known. He's also raised the largest amount of money among Dem contenders thus far.
Crist, meanwhile, has two Republican primary opponents so far, Timothy Curtis and Angela Urbina Capo. Crist will likely have little in the way of a primary challenge, though, given his name recognition, establishment support and access to money.
Smith will hold a campaign kickoff and fundraiser Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Italian Club at 1731 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City.
This article appears in Dec 28, 2017 – Jan 4, 2018.