In an attempt to improve her chances for the District 4 seat, Carolyn Fries received the backing of a former St. Petersburg City Councilmember.
Fries picked up the endorsement of Connie Kone, who served six years on the City of St. Petersburg Planning Commission, as well as two terms as Councilmember. Kone is a longtime St. Petersburg resident, and co-founder of the Friends of Weedon Island.
“I have been waiting for a District 4 candidate I could support,” Kone says in a press release. “I found her to be a very thoughtful individual, with the proven ability to build consensus in challenging situations.”
“I am proud to endorse Carolyn Fries,” Kone adds.
The period to qualify for the municipal elections is June 11 through 24. The primary election is Aug. 27.
Kone’s endorsement comes at an important time for Fries, a former Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association president. Her candidacy announcement in April creates a heated three-way race to replace term-limited Leslie Curran for her seat on the council.
In a recent survey by StPetePolls.org, Fries seems to face an uphill battle. She trails both civic leader Darden Rice and neurosurgeon David McKalip. The April 30 poll has Rice in the lead with 30.5 percent, followed by 17.4 for the tea party supporter McKalip. Fries, claiming no party affiliation, received only 9.8 percent, with 42.3 percent yet undecided.
“It is an honor, and a privilege to have Connie’s support.” Fries says. “I hope to serve her and all District 4 residents well as a member of the city council.”
