Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

The District 6 candidates facing off in the primary next Tuesday include a pair of Republicans, and a trio of Democrats.

The Democratic primary features Bob Buckhorn, a former Tampa City Council member famous for the (now largely unenforced) rights-trampling six foot rule. Buckhorn said he knows how to work across party lines, and his first order of business will be restoring public respect. Another choice would be Ed Austin, a former Tampa Bay Rowdies professional soccer player promises to help keep the commission from getting distracted with small issues and will concentrate on big ones. He supports a strong urban center, and is endorsed by the Times and the Tribune. Political newcomer Willis “K.C.” Bowick said the biggest challenge facing the county is homelessness. As a commissioner, he said he would concentrate on creating jobs and developing programs that help people find work. He cares about neighborhoods, safety, children and seniors, and is also an advocate of a light rail system. He has something of a criminal record.

In this race, Blogwood suggests anyone but Buckhorn, and with good reason. Sticks of Fire will also recommend Ed Austin. And it’s not only because his website details that he is: • A rotten, but reasonably enthusiastic golfer and • A Beatles and Bruce Springsteen aficionado.