Ed Montanari announced Monday morning that he will be officially running for City Council this November. The announcement has been expected since at least last month.
During that time, Montanari has developed an impressive repertoire of support from community leaders, businessmen and elected officials.
The list of committee co-chairs includes both of Pinellas County’s state senators (Jeff Brandes and Jack Latvala), three former St. Pete mayors (Rick Baker, Bill Foster and Bob Ulrich), state Reps. Larry Ahern and Darryl Rouson and Councilmembers Bill Dudley and Amy Foster. Dudley is the councilmember Montanari will replace if elected.
“I have been humbled by the strong encouragement that many residents have given me as I explored the idea of running for office,” Montanari wrote in a statement. “People from all walks of life, including neighborhood, business, community, and church leaders have been very kind in wanting to assist my campaign to serve our city.”
Also co-chairing Montanari’s host committee is former mayoral candidate and businessman Scott Wagman, former City Councilmember Larry Williams and Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association leader Greg Holden.
Montanari’s finance chairs include nine community leader,s including St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees member Deveron Gibbons and famous pitchman Anthony Sullivan.
His list of supporters is also wide with more than 100 and growing. That list includes fomer Pinellas County Commissioner Nancy Bostock, state Rep. Bill Heller, St. Pete attorney and nuisance abatement board member Sean McQuaid, Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant Gonzmart family, architect Lisa Wannemacher and state Rep. Frank Farkas.
Montanari’s ability to bridge partisan and philosophical gaps is most apparent in his long list of support. Leaders from two competing Pier designs are already on board with his campaign. Lisa Wannemacher is an architect working on the public’s favorite design, Destination St. Pete Pier. Montanari has supported that design.
Despite his support for Destination St. Pete Pier, Alma-backer Richard Gonzmart has taken to team with Montanari as well.
This won’t be Montanari’s first time at the rodeo. He ran unsuccessfully for the same District 3 seat in 2007, but was upset by Dudley despite out-funding the incumbent. Montanari considered a bid again in 2011, but ultimately decided not to run.
So far no other candidate has emerged for the seat. Rumors of possible contenders haven’t even surfaced. Considering Montanari’s strong backing, it’s hard to imagine a candidate with as strong ties to the community as Montanari.
He’s currently a member of numerous organizations and political boards including the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Public Policy Council, the city’s community planning and preservation commission and city task forces convened to help solve issues surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays and the Pier.
Montanari is also a commercial airline pilot and has worked extensively on Albert Whitted Airport.
“Some of my proudest moments in public service include leading an airport task force that resulted in creating Albert Whitted Park, the John and Rosemary Galbraith Terminal at our airport, and the Salvador Dali Museum,” Montanari wrote.
Despite extensive support, Montanari isn’t holding any punches. He’s calling for more support from the community.
“As I ramp up the campaign, I will need assistance from friends and family in order to be successful, Montanari said. “I would love to have you join our growing list of supporters.”
Montanari will host his kickoff event on Tuesday April 28, at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House in downtown St. Pete. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
He’s launched an official campaign website, EdforStPete.com.
