Why I'm Running
Hi, I'm Karl Nurse and I'm running for City Council District 6. Every morning I wake up thinking of what I can do to help our community.
When I was first appointed, there was some skepticism whether a white person could represent amajority black district. I understand those concerns. I am the first white representative from this district in 30 years. Our district is the most diverse in the city, and we have seen a lot of changes over the last 20 years. That is why I have knocked on doors throughout the district to introduce myself and hear what was on your mind. That is why I mailed surveys to voters to help guide my work and inform my decisions.
Whether a family is trying to figure out how to stay in their home, or a community is rallying to make their streets safe, or an unemployed person is trying to find work, those issues are not about race. Those are things that affect all of us.
I believe the role of local government is to be a measurable help to families in our community. I went to work right away on feasible economic solutions so that I could help make a concrete difference in our everyday lives.
This is why I have worked hard to:
1) Bring foreclosure prevention assistance to the community through Neighborhood Housing Services, Tampa Bay CDC, and Catholic Charities.
2) Move quickly to implement the Neighborhood Stabilization Program which will be rehabbing five homes per month in St. Pete starting in June.
3) Start a much larger energy efficiency grant program to help neighbors save money on their electric and water bills. We kicked this off last month by going door-to-door in Bartlett Park. The results were so positive that additional funds are coming which will allow us to go citywide by August.
4) Launch a program which will bring banking services to over 18,000 households in our urban communities. This program can improve the standard of living for these folks by 5-7%.
5) Get the city to engage aggressively in seeking Federal Stimulus money. St.Petersburg has moved faster than any local government in our region. Both jobs and a range of financial assistance are coming at a rising pace each week.
I am proud that I have received diverse support from many other elected officials whose districts and duties overlap mine. I will continue to work effectively with them, as well as my constituents, to bring accomplishments to District 6 that make a difference in our everyday lives.
My hero is Bobby Kennedy. He was tough on crime and soft on children. I share that philosophy and it guides my work. I have put my heart and soul into a job I love, and I am here 100% to continue to listen and work with you.
I humbly ask you to join me in my campaign to represent District 6 with love, dedication, hope, and an abiding sense to make our lives better.
Sincerely,
Karl Nurse
