A neighborhood activist called me this morning to report getting a polling telephone call before Christmas that asked some curious questions — including how the public stands on lengthening term limits in St. Petersburg from eight years to 12.
On its face, such a notion would seem to benefit Mayor Rick Baker, who has expressed his great love for the job he currently holds and who removed himself from contention as a possible Charlie Crist appointee.
The survey also asked about perceptions about race relations, the mayor's job performance, downtown development and the possibility of a countywide mayor position being created. The unknown pollster then asked about several names, both in terms of recognition and favoribility. That list included St. Petersburg City Council members John Bryan and Rene Flowers.
Baker's second term expires in 2009, and if a change to the city charter were to pass voters' muster (and I'm guessing that would be a tough fight), he could seek a third term at that time.
Anybody else out there get this polling call?
This article appears in Dec 27, 2006 – Jan 2, 2007.
