Former Council Member, School Board Member Seeks Commission Seat

Clearwater FL

01 November, 2020

8:55 PM

Description

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Patch sent out questionnaires to all candidates for local and state races. The following is the response from Rene Flowers, D, who is running for the Pinellas County Commission District 7 School Board District 7 seat against Maria L. Scruggs, no party affiliation, and write-in candidate Anthony Hart. Background /Education Graduated from Dixie Hollins High School, received an associates of arts degree from Tallahassee Community College, a bachelor's degree in organizational studies from Eckerd College, a master's degree in public administration from Capella University and a is a doctoral candidate in public administration at Capella University. Experience/Occupation Flowers has been employee education and professional development manager for the Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services Inc. since 2009. Prior to her current position, she served as vice president of health education and prevention services at the Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free St. Petersburg Inc. from 2001-06 and was health and preventions specialist at the Community Health Centers of Pinellas Inc. (formerly Johnnie Ruth Clarke) from 1986-1999. Prior Elected Office Pinellas County School Board Member from 2012 to currentSt. Petersburg City Council member 1999-2008President of the Florida League of Cities in 20061st vice president of the Florida League of Cities in 20052nd vice president of the Florida League of Cities in 2004 Priorities Affordable workforce housingSmall minority and women-owned businessesTransportationEnvironment Why Are You Running? As a lifelong resident, growing up in public housing and attending schools in Pinellas County during segregation, I know what it is like to have the odds stacked against you. I understand what it is like to own your own business and not receive the same support as a start-up that persons of another race does. I know what it is like to have individuals assume that you are less than because of where you live. And I know what it is like to have medical needs with no insurance. I refuse to believe that we cannot provide essential services to residents in Pinellas County. I know I can do it because when I called, you answered. Together, we have risen to the occasion. As a city council member I've worked on the HOPE VI project and helped add $3.2 million for infrastructure, building affordable housing by funding General Home Development for Habitat for Humanity and expanding voucher programs. Why, because everyone deserves safe clean and affordable housing. I served on the board of the PSTA and was successful in adding solar-powered bus stops for safety reasons and coverage for the elements, adding the bus hub on Central Avenue and expanding routes for persons with disabilities. As a school board member, I signed for $68 million in bonds to build a brand-new Melrose Elementary School (had not been touched since 1947), rehab Lakewood High School, $36 million to rehab St. Pete High, hiring more minority teachers and revamping the way discipline is handled, especially when addressing disparities in punishment. I supported passage of the referendum to increase teacher salaries and starting teachers out at $40,000 when the Florida Legislature only provided a 47-cent increase. Finally, we will be faced with increased unemployment, a lack of health care, food insecurities not to mention those recovering from COVID-19. The person elected must have leadership skills as well as be open to creating and maintaining partnerships. I honestly believe that I am that person.