Two campaign mailers touting City Council member Steve Kornell for re-election hit mailboxes Friday. Both are positive and highlight his past, current and future commitments to the city as well as previous accomplishments.
One mailer shows four photos of Kornell engaging with residents.
“Steve Kornell is focused on the issues that matter,” the header reads.
The photos highlight four areas including “protecting our environment,” “creating opportunities for kids,” providing “a better, safer community” and creating “new jobs and a strong economy.”
Photos show Kornell speaking with a boater on his boat, a family, a well-dressed businessman and a handful of schoolchildren on a playground.
On the back side of that mailer the header reads, “Steve Kornell makes a difference for St. Petersburg,” a quote from St. Pete resident Mary Gigilio.
It lists four bullet points touting Kornell’s “record of results for our community,” his investment in St. Petersburg and his efforts to create “opportunities for future generations.” Each point describes what he’s done since taking office six years ago.
“Steve championed the chronic nuisance ordinance, improving safety at hotels and apartment communities across St. Petersburg. Steve Partnered with neighborhood presidents to create the Skyway Marina District plan, which will increase the city’s tax base and bring new businesses and jobs,” the mailer read.
The mailer also touts Kornell as a strong advocate for recreation centers. Under his watch the city has expanded and renovated the Lake Vista and Campbell Park Rec Centers. Kornell has also been lobbying hard for a budget item included in the 2016 budget that would pay for a new Rec Center in Shore Acres.
“He established a partnership with the juvenile welfare board in which certified teachers provide a 21st Century learning program at all city recreation centers. He also secured land purchases to expand the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and ensure environmental treasures are protected for the next generation,” the mailer touts under “creating opportunities for future generations.”
The second mailer lists similar accomplishments and shows a photo of Kornell speaking with a constituent at a construction site with the heading “Steve Kornell has the right priorities for St. Petersburg.”
The back side shows an endorsement from Neighborhood leader Tom Ando.
“Steve knows what it takes to make St. Petersburg better,” Ando said.
The second mailer touts Kornell’s ability to build a stronger community and plan for the city’s future.
“Steve will continue to make St. Petersburg safer in the next four years by making sure police officers are well trained and equipped. Steve will also partner with the Chamber of Commerce to proactively recruit new businesses and create incentives for small, locally owned businesses,” the mailer says.
“Steve will expand the city’s youth employment programs so teens can develop job skills. Steve will also work to install solar panels on city buildings to lower energy costs, create local jobs, and protect our environment.”
Each mailer shows logos of major endorsements including the Police Benevolent Association, the local firefighter’s union and the Equality Florida Action PAC.
Kornell is also endorsed by The Tampa Tribune and a number of local residents.
His mailers also each show the recycling logo. Kornell was a champion for bringing universal curbside recycling to St. Pete.
Kornell faces re-election for his District 5 seat against challenger Phillip Garrett in a citywide vote at the polls November 3. Mail ballots began going out this week. They can still be requested at the Pinellas County Supervisor of Election’s website.
