St. Petersburg – In a rarity in St. Petersburg politics, a candidate for city council has taken the low road with recorded phone messages attacking his rival candidate’s sexuality.
The message by Steve Galvin claims that Foster has only a vague connection to the city and criticizes her for her role as vice president of St. Pete Pride.
“Steve Galvin has a history of community volunteerism in our city from tutoring at New Heights Elementary to raising money for Gulfcoast Legal Services,” the message said. “His opponent’s major volunteer effort in St. Pete was being vice president of the gay pride parade.”
Galvin participated in St. Pete Pride this year, and had a float in the annual promenade.
The recorded call also criticized Foster for renting a home, rather than owning. Foster explained to the Tampa Bay Times that she has owned in St. Petersburg in the past, and will more than likely own a home in the future.
Foster, who is openly gay and handily won the primary election in August, has been endorsed by the Tampa Bay Times and continues to hold a significant lead in the polls. If she wins the District 8 seat, she would join City Councilman Steve Kornell as another of the city’s openly gay elected officials. Also seeking election in November is Darden Rice, who gay and is vying for the District 4 seat. Rice also won her primary election handily and is considered the front runner in her district.
The St. Petersburg City elections are Nov. 5.
