Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

It’s Election Season! This year, you have an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on a local level with YOUR vote! After great consideration, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County have endorsed the following candidates in St. Petersburg and Largo Municipal elections…and we need your help to get them elected!

The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County Announce Endorsements for
St. Petersburg City Council and Largo City Commission

Charlie Gerdes, St. Pete City Council District 1
Charlie Gerdes is strong in his message that he wants to represent all of St. Petersburg. Our membership appreciated Charlie Gerdes approach to issues regarding equality as well as his vision for St. Pete. We are proud to recommend Charlie Gerdes for St. Petersburg City Council District 1. (Note: Mr. Gerdes was previously endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats for the August 30 primary, along with Josh Shulman.)

Councilman Steve Kornell, St. Pete City Council District 5
Councilman Kornell received the support of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County during his race in 2009, and we are proud to support him once again. As the newest member to the St. Petersburg City Council, Councilman Kornell has been one of our strongest leaders offering new ideas, common sense approaches, and advocating for the people. His campaign is just as strong as it was in 2009, and we’re proud to recommend Councilman Kornell once again for St. Petersburg City Council District 5. (Note: There have been rumors that Councilman Kornell has won his election after his opponent dropped out of the race. This is not the case. Councilman Kornell will be on the ballot against a “New Election”, so it’s extremely important that we turn out the vote to ensure victory in this race! Councilman Kornell has also been endorsed by the Victory Fund and Equality Florida as well as the Suncoast PBA, Firefighters, Labor Unions, Congresswoman Kathy Castor and numerous other organizations and individuals.) www.votekornell.com

Councilman Wengay Newton, St. Pete City Council District 7
Councilman Newton received the support of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County during his race in 2007, and since that time has been an ally for the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County. Although the Stonewall Democrats appreciate that his opponent Gershom Faulkner also sought the organization’s endorsement, members felt that Councilman Newton has a stronger record of support for the LGBT community. The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County feel it is vital to elect public servants who will represent all residents fairly and without prejudice. We are proud to once again recommend Councilman Newton for St. Petersburg City Council District 7. (Councilman Newton has also been endorsed by the Firefighters.)

Michael Smith, Largo City Commission
Michael Smith is a candidate for Largo City Commission, facing an outspoken, anti-equality, career politician Mary Gray Black. Our membership believes that the City of Largo deserves a fresh voice on the Largo City Commission. Michael Smith is running a strong campaign in Largo, has an exciting vision for the City, and will represent the City of Largo well. At our endorsement meeting, our membership and the Stonewall PAC contributed $1,000 for Michael’s campaign, and we are proud to support his efforts to serve the residents of Largo. (Michael Smith has also been endorsed by the Victory Fund, Equality Florida, Firefighters, and Pinellas School Board Member Linda Lerner.) www.smithforlargo.com

“These candidates have expressed solid support for equality”, said Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County President Rick Boylan, “Our membership is proud to recommend each of these candidates to voters.”

The Stonewall Democrats recommendation brings a commitment from the organization to promote the candidates to the group’s membership, the LGBT community and allies. The organization will also direct efforts toward canvassing, phone banking, and assistance with fundraising for targeted candidates.