Future commissioners weigh in on bed tax
It's not known whether the county bed tax will play a role in a future Rays stadium deal. But at a recent NAACP candidate forum, contenders for two open County Commission seats were asked whether they would have voted to approve an extension of the tax for the now on-hold waterfront park proposal in St. Petersburg.
The candidates didn't offer yes or no responses, but County Commission District 3 candidates Darden Rice and Nancy Bostock both said they were not comfortable using the tax for a ball park. The other District 3 contender, Rene Flowers, said she's interested in exploring a new park as part of the Tropicana Field redevelopment.
In the District 1 race, Neil Brickfield said there was "no way in the world" he would support using the tax for a ball park. His primary opponent, Jane Gallucci, said she needed more information to make a decision.
Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to pursue plans for a new baseball stadium. Host 
And who was it who said the ballpark issue won't become a political hot potato?
No bed tax $$ UNLESS a convention & hotel component is part of the plan. If it's a baseball-only facility, then the Rays can pay for it themselves.
Posted by: John | August 06, 2008 at 10:54 AM
And who was it who said the ballpark issue won't become a political hot potato?
No bed tax $$ UNLESS a convention & hotel component is part of the plan. If it's a baseball-only facility, then the Rays can pay for it themselves.
Posted by: John | August 06, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Darden Rice will protect limited funds and is not a right wing fanatic like the other distric 3 'contenders'
Posted by: since1962 | August 06, 2008 at 09:09 PM
No to Darden Rice. Her affiliations, her resume, should be enough to say no to her at the poles.
Posted by: Haris Pilton | August 06, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Idiocy.
Posted by: Rick K | August 06, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Bullsh!t Bostoc and her Jesus Dinosaurs...
OR
Fake Flowers and her empty prayer book...
Are your other two choices informed electorate!
Posted by: since1962 | August 07, 2008 at 12:59 AM
What the heck is Rick K. talking about? Are we to be mind reading his rants now?
Posted by: Voter 13 | August 07, 2008 at 10:07 AM
1. It will be a baseball specific facility, with other uses.
2. The BOCC will approve an extension of the bed tax to finance a portion of the new stadium.
3. The pessimists will be proven wrong, but will refuse to acknowledge
Posted by: Carnack | August 12, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I wouldn't vote for any commission candidate who ruled out an extension of the current bed tax to support a stadium when baseball and the bowl game will bring millions to tourism industry.
Posted by: County Voter | August 12, 2008 at 09:38 AM
NO to Darden Rice!
I will definitely vote for Rene Flowers. It's common sense to want this city to grow and prosper.
GO RENE!!!
Posted by: St Pete Resident | August 19, 2008 at 04:26 PM