“We wish to hear after which we wish to act on that,” he stated.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In just some weeks Ken Welch will change into St. Petersburg’s subsequent mayor.
Later this week, Welch is planning to carry a collection of what he’s calling “Group Conversations” as a chance for the general public to listen to his ideas on key points and for him to hearken to their recommendations.
“We wish to hear after which we wish to act on that,” stated the incoming mayor.
As St. Petersburg’s 54th Mayor, Welch can also be St. Petersburg’s first African American to carry the place.
That’s essential since there are a number of points at the moment impacting town’s African American neighborhood together with a rash of crime, a perceived lack of financial alternative, and a determined want for extra reasonably priced housing.
“As a child who grew up on the Deuces, across the gasoline plant, I’ve lived this expertise,” stated Welch. “And we wish to be intentional about fairness, about us all transferring ahead collectively. And that basically means listening to the oldsters who’re most impacted.”
RELATED: Ken Welch elected as St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor
Throughout his marketing campaign, Welch made reasonably priced housing a key situation.
He says he intends to make it his new metropolis administrator’s prime precedence, working with builders to assemble extra reasonably priced models and reducing via the pink tape to get it executed sooner.
“Expediting our planning and allowing,” stated Welch. “As a result of day by day that’s prolonged that will increase the price of the event.”
Violent crime has additionally been a giant concern in St. Petersburg. Applications exist, however advocates say town wants a frontrunner to deliver them collectively.
Welch says he’s ready to do exactly that.
“It’s not antagonistic. It’s not a zero-sum recreation. If we agree on what the purpose is, then we must always be capable to work collectively to make that occur,” he stated. “We’ve bought to have a holistic method to a toddler that we wish to educate. In the event that they’re coming from a house the place they’re hungry, or they’re the important thing caregiver, or they don’t have transportation. All these issues now we have to have a look at to have a holistic method.”
RELATED: The work begins: Mayor-Elect Ken Welch talks crime, reasonably priced housing following victory
Welch’s Group conversations will embody subjects resembling training and youth, equitable growth and enterprise, neighborhood well being and security, setting, infrastructure, and resilience and housing alternatives for all.
The classes are being held:
- Friday, Dec. 10: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at USF St. Pete
- Saturday, Dec. 11: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.at USF St. Pete
- Monday, Dec. 13: 6 p.m. to eight p.m. (just about)
Every neighborhood dialog will accommodate as much as 300 individuals. Individuals shall be damaged up into smaller teams for 30-minute brainstorm classes.
You’ll find extra data and register to take part right here.
“I’m very excited. Glad to get again to work,” stated Welch. “We’ve bought a full plate, however the alternatives on the market for our committee are nice. And we simply have to work collectively to make that occur.”