TAMPA, Fla. — Ahead of the 2023 municipal elections, ABC Action News reached out to candidates running for office in Hillsborough County. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. Every candidate was given the same set of questions. These are their responses, unedited, in his/her own words.
Question 1: What is the most important issue facing your district?
Answer: Housing is the most important issue throughout the city of Tampa.
Question 2: How do you plan to address the affordable housing crisis in your district? What is your stance on rent control?
Answer: I agree with rent stabilization as a part of the puzzle, it would have halted the increase for a year per statute and allowed council to create and implement other ordinances that would keep tenants safe. I think we need to address the affordable housing crisis from all angles, land is the most expensive item when your buying a home, looking at zoning, ADU'S, impacts fees need to be reassessed.
Question 3: What is your position on development projects in your district?
Answer: I believe in smart development, I believe in community engagement also, I think the community should have input on what happens in their community. There has to be an assessment as to how many projects are currently on the books now to be completed, and if there needs to be a reevaluation of the project. The developers also need to take more of the Burden dealing with infrastructure and transportation.
Question 4: How do you plan to address the growing issue of traffic congestion and pedestrian safety?
Answer: People are moving into Tampa on a daily basis and I have been stuck in traffic, we do need smart transportation relief in Tampa. The All for Transportation bill did not pass due to the lack of transparency and cost. I think getting transportation into Tampa will take becoming creative, researching what has been done in other states so we do not reinvent the wheel and because this is OUR issue which means everyone, there will need to be private partnerships, state and federal to move forward.
Question 5: How do you balance the need for economic growth while protecting our natural resources?
Answer: While smart development is important there is an opportunity for us to do things differently, it may cost a little bit more up front but it will allow savings in the long run, we can include solar on homes when we are building. Provide more incentives for the developer and clients.
Question 6: Crime and public safety are issues of concern for your constituents. How do you plan to address them?
Answer: We need to have conversations with the communities to ask them what will make them feel safer and implement it , while creating more neighborhood watch groups. This is a large issue that can't be resolve overnight, there are more people moving into Tampa everyday.
Question 7: Specifically, there has been a uptick in shootings involving teens, what are some of your solutions to reduce teen crime?
Answer: I would first look at the home to see if there are any resources that are needed for the family i.e. mom and or dad may not be employed, how do we make sure the foundation has all that is needed to make the teen successful. We need to adopt policies and practices that create safe and supportive environments for teens. We really need to go back to basics beginning with a conversation with teens, teaching them skills to understand and handle social and emotional challenges.
Question 8: Is there anything else you would like to say that your constituents should know about your run for mayor?
Answer: My top priorities are Affordable Housing, Water Quality and Accountability, there is no one on the board like me because I am a community organizer by trade and I want to bring people back to politics. We are the check and balance for the administration and the community is the check and balance for city council. I have been working throughout the City of Tampa all of my life and made the decision to run after another disappointed no vote after council originally voted yes. I am committed, consistent and community centered, I believe in the power of the people and that once the community is informed, most of the time they will do what's best for them.
WEBSITE: https://www.voterobinlockett.com
