The Buzz / Florida Politics
Three others are in a fight for the second runoff spot.
By Howard Altman / Tampa Bay Times / March 5, 2019
PHOTO: Tampa City Council District 1 candidates: (Top row, from left) Joseph Citro, David Loos, Alan Clendenin; (bottom row, from left) Craig A. Newman, Walter L. Smith.
TAMPA — Joseph Citro will move on to an April 23 runoff election for the Tampa City Council District 1 seat, but his opponent is still unclear.
With all 103 precincts reporting Tuesday night, three candidates are vying for second place and a chance to challenge Citro. Because they all appear to be within one-half percent of each other, there likely will be a recount to determine Citro’s challenger, said Gerri Kramer, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.
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District 1 is one of three citywide City Council districts and is currently held by the termed-out Mike Suarez, who ran for mayor.
Citro, 60, finished with more than 31 percent of the vote. He has served on the Ybor City Development Corporation, the Code Enforcement Board and most recently, the Tampa Charter Review Commission. A registered Democrat, he emphasized economic development and transportation growth in his election platform. His fourth City Council campaign raised $23,500.
Citro says his long record of service on city boards are part of a “master’s level curriculum” he’s designed for himself on city government.
“It’s time for me to take the next step,” Citro said during the campaign.
Walter Smith, Alan Clendenin and Craig A. Newman will now await the recount to determine who goes on to face Citro. Such a recount would take place immediately after the unofficial results are certified, said Kramer, who did not offer an exact timetable.
Walter Smith, 46, is an environmental consultant and community activist. He hosts a weekly radio talk show on WMNF 88.5 FM. He’s involved with a number of West Tampa civic groups and is running on a platform of jobs, environmental protection and social justice. The Democrat has raised about $7,500.
Alan Clendenin, 59, is an air traffic controller by trade. He’s also a Democratic Party activist running in part on getting Tampa ready for climate change. He’s won the endorsements of a litany of Democratic elected officials: Congressman Charlie Crist, state Sen. Janet Cruz and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Clendenin raised over $56,000 in his run for City Council — the most of anyone running in District 1.
Craig Newman, 63, is a licensed chiropractor who says he’s running to “help move this city forward.” A registered Democrat, he also wants to make Tampa a better place for businesses. He has raised more than $36,400 in his run.
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