Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, in uniform, praises state Rep. Kathleen Peters as a “tireless advocate” for mental health issues in her first video commercial of the campaign season.
The video, titled “Kathleen Peters: Tireless Advocate” starts with Gualtieri’s explaining that he was fed up with the state’s mental health and substance abuse efforts.
“I asked Rep. Kathleen Peters to fix Florida’s failed system where the jails had become de facto mental health facilities,” Gualtieri says. “Kathleen has become a tireless advocate for reform, passing legislation to provide better preventative services and treatment rather than jailing people.”
Peters then says, “We have made great strides, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done to improve treatment and to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health. With your support, I can continue my fight to improve the lives of families.”
Peters and Gualtieri are both Republicans seeking re-election.
Gualtieri is facing a challenge from write-in candidate Greg Pound and James McLynas, who has no party affiliation.
Peters is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Jennifer Webb, a director of community engagement at the University of South Florida, who is making her first run for public office.
Peters, who now lives in Treasure Island, is the former South Pasadena mayor. She is running for her third term as the HD 69 representative. She is the vice chair of the Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee and serves on the Economic Affairs Committee and the Justice Appropriations, Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations, and the Transportation and Ports subcommittees.
District 69 includes Gulfport, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, South Pasadena, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and parts of St. Petersburg.
The election is Nov. 8.
