Just as The Tampa Tribune announced it was backing Charlie Gerdes for re-election to City Council, mailers touting his opponent hit voters’ mailboxes.
The mailer is all-positive and touts Monica Abbott’s commitment to being accessible to constituents.
“I will not only listen to you, I will hear you and act on your behalf,” the back side of the mailer read. And it’s clear she’s serious about that.
There is a phone number, website and email address listed on each side of the mailer — with the phone number the most prominent of all means to communicate.
A phone call to the number listed, 727-235-6473, revealed the number was not her personal cell. An automated message begins the call by informing the caller that he or she may be recorded “for quality purposes.” The phone call then went to a voicemail that asked the caller to leave a message and repeated several times how important their communication was. “Your vote is your voice and I want to hear it,” the mailer said.
The campaign mailer asked voters, “What’s on your mind, what are your concerns, what do you want your city government to do for you and what does your neighborhood need?”
The mailer made several campaign promises that could be relevant to communities citywide, but also had a sprinkling of details specific to the West St. Pete District 1 seat Abbott is seeking.
“Monica Abbott is your advocate for government transparency and improved quality of life. She will work to reduce noise pollution, clean up alleys, clear out blight, promote reliable infrastructure and work on safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers,” the mailer read. “Monica Abbott will be your full-time representative, with regular, open office hours. She will talk to you at City Hall, your home, business, or neighborhood.”
The front of the mailer is brightly colored red, white and blue, with a stars and stripes theme. There’s also a photo of Abbott standing next to a St. Pete Welcome sign.
The back of the mailer is black and white, but contains most of the piece’s substance.
Abbott faces Gerdes, who is City Council chair, on November 3.
