The Rays/Sox stand is the toughest ticket in town these days, but if you're a government official, getting in can be a breeze. As part of St. Petersburg's agreement for Tropicana Field, the city has regular use of 16 suite tickets and 10 at field level.

Mayor Rick Baker's office this week contacted County Commission Chairman Bob Stewart, who helped the city land a major league team, and gave him 10 field seats, six for tonight's game and four for Saturday night. Stewart said he wanted to pass out the tickets to fellow commissioners, but several are out of town, so he had to mix some top Pinellas officials into the gift list.

County Attorney Jim Bennett, Assistant County Administrator Elithia Stanfield and Stewart are among those slated to go tonight, Stewart said. County Commissioners Ronnie Duncan and Karen Seel each were given two tickets for Saturday night, he said.

Fair? Stewart said it's just karma.

"What you would call a perk," he said, "I would call a recognition of support in the past."

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer