Steve Kornell files for Jamie Bennett's seat

ST. PETERSBURG -- Social worker Steve Kornell officially entered the City Council race Tuesday.

But the seat he is gunning for might not even be on the ballot this November.

Kornell, who turned in his campaign paperwork this week, wants to replace council member Jamie Bennett, who must resign from his District 5 seat to run for mayor.

Voters will get to pick Bennett's successor only if he resigns before June or if the council approves an ordinance allowing Bennett to stay on throughout election season.

Kornell, 42, works for Pinellas County Schools and has served as a city recreation supervisor in Child's Park and Shore Acres. Most recently, he worked on Charles McKenzie's unsuccessful campaign for state representative.

Kornell is the only council candidate to have filed as of this morning. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

City Clerk Eva Andujar said Kornell can accept campaign contributions like any other official candidate, but if the District 5 seat doesn't make the ballot, he will have to give the money back.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[Irish Eyes]

I though the Gala WAS the Stonewall party?

[8:05 pm]

10:26 Yes, I know Steve and he is "smart, thoughtful, serious". I do not live in Steve’s district but I have already told him he will have my support because he is smart, thoughtful, and, serious!

Helm is also smart, thoughtful, and, serious! His is also verrrrrrrry sane. But, Helm has nothing to do with Kornell and vice versa. Stop thinking you can invoke Helm’s name every time you want to trash someone else in the Party. You are obviously from the Republican wing of the PCDEC and will have lots to answer for in the not too distant future.

8:05 "Helm is also smart, thoughtful, and, serious! His is also verrrrrrrry sane."

I don't know who Steve Kornell is - but after this statement I would have to guess that he is one step away from the funny farm

I love crazy democrats

Steve and Ed are very different. Any attempt to link the two is laughable.

So is Steve hot?

Steve is hot if you like old men with a limited grasp on reality

What issues is he running on - I have never heard of him?

6:31 - whatever Ed Helms tells him

[Rick B.]

Kornell is one of the most thoughtful,serious young men-well I think he's 42-I have met on the political scene. He would be a great asset to the St. Pete City Council.

Steve Korn-what?

tadump-tishhh!

9:29 - toooo funny

I saw him speak - he is clueless

Check out the website
http://www.stevekornell.com/

Pretty good for a laugh

[Zen Master]

Contrary to the obvious troll, Steve is a very nice guy who is smart and friendly. He will make a great Councilman.

Also to 3:25 Max is NOT a Democrat. Just because he ran in our primary does not make him a Dem. He has been a R and a Reform party person and next year probably will run as Libertarian. Which would work for him as they are as crazy as he is.

To 11:12.. When did the Stonewalls take over? So we have a gay State Committeeman big deal. That doesn't put them in charge of the Pinellas DEC.

Zen Master - what are you smoking?

Zen Master - what are you smoking?

I never heard of Kornell - but I checked out his website. He seems to be a good guy - but he needs to get a new webmaster. Hopefully as he raises money he can hire a professional.

4:54 Not taking over? Have you ckecked out the number of officers and members of the DEC are members of the Stonewall group.