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Rick vs. Rick 2.0: Debate rekindles St. Pete's mayoral race

 
Incumbent Mayor Rick Kriseman (left) and former Mayor Rick Baker at Tuesday night's candidate forum at City Hall. It was the first time the two mayoral candidates faced off against each other since the Aug. 29 primary. [CHERIE DIEZ   |   Times]

Incumbent Mayor Rick Kriseman (left) and former Mayor Rick Baker at Tuesday night's candidate forum at City Hall. It was the first time the two mayoral candidates faced off against each other since the Aug. 29 primary. [CHERIE DIEZ | Times]
Published Sept. 27, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — The two Ricks engaged in a subdued nearly hour-long debate Tuesday that broke little new ground, functioning more as a refresher course in what has become the most expensive grudge match in the city's history.

SUNSHINE CITY SHOWDOWN: Keep up with the Tampa Bay Times coverage of the St. Petersburg mayoral race

Mayor Rick Kriseman continued to paint his opponent, former mayor Rick Baker, as symbol of the city's past while Baker rebooted his campaign, repeatedly urging residents to check out his blueprint for the future at his campaign website.

Mostly, Kriseman and Baker played it safe. They talked at length about how children are the future and how important their families were to them.

They complimented each other on their musical skills. Baker is a better guitar player, admitted Kriseman. The mayor is a better singer, Baker offered.

But, while the zingers were scarce, familiar lines of attack surfaced between the two candidates who were separated by just 70 votes in Kriseman's favor after the Aug. 29 primary election.

Kriseman subtly touted his administration's performance before and after Hurricane Irma, praising non-profits and community groups that stepped up to help residents in need. Baker was more direct, detailing how he and allies like Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards had helped about 600 people fill out FEMA applications for disaster relief.

Perhaps the most bare knuckle moment came when Kriseman said the city might only have to dip into reserves because of overtime costs associated with Irma.

In fact, the city has already temporarily borrowed $3.8 million from reserves to pay for sewer projects. That money is scheduled to be paid back when the city issues bonds early next year.

"Mr. Kriseman must be able to read the future because he went into reserves before Irma ever hit," Baker said.

Kriseman scored some points, too. In response to Baker's criticism that he ignored voters' wishes on the design of the new Pier, Kriseman had a ready retort.

"As an attorney, he should know that state law prevents a decision of who you hire as an architect by a vote. It can only be considered as a part of the criteria," Kriseman said.

There were a few new wrinkles. After Kriseman said Baker's environmental ideas were undercut by his disbelief in the science of climate change, Baker answered "yes" when asked if he believed in the science behind climate change.

Previously, Baker has said that while he believes man has contributed to a changing climate, he doesn't know how much human activity has driven climate change.

Moderated by the League of Women Voters, the forum was held at City Hall before a sedate crowd that, unlike its primary counterpart, left some empty seats.

But one question hadn't been asked in the several previous forums throughout a campaign: What is the biggest misperception about you?

Kriseman chose to address a frequent attack line from Baker: That the mayor isn't engaged and leaves too much of city business to aides.

"There are some who say that I insulate myself," Kriseman said. "I like to think of myself as one of most open people I've ever met. I look in the mirror and see a normal guy who is just trying to do the right thing."

After his narrow primary loss in August, Baker appeared to many as angry during a speech to supporters. On Tuesday, Baker answered the misperception question with a nod to what appears to be a new, lighter campaign style:

"Some people think I'm a good guitar player."

SUNSHINE CITY SHOWDOWN: Keep up with the Tampa Bay Times coverage of the St. Petersburg mayoral race.

It's Rick vs. Rick: Former mayor Rick Baker will challenge incumbent St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman (May 8, 2017)

Rick vs. Rick: Closing Albert Whitted sewage plant could impact St. Petersburg mayor's race (May 29, 2017)

Rick vs. Rick: Which St. Petersburg mayor paid the highest salaries at City Hall? (June 12, 2017)

Rick vs. Rick: St. Petersburg sewage crisis edition (June 24, 2017)

Rick Kriseman says management style is his strength, rival Rick Baker's weakness (July 12, 2017)

Rick Baker says he'll get St. Petersburg back on track (July 13, 2017)

Rick Kriseman's administration lashed in St. Pete sewage report (July 21, 2017)

Rick vs. Rick vs. Irma: How to run for mayor during a hurricane (Sept. 19, 2017)

FOR MORE COVERAGE: Click here to read all the Times coverage of the mayor's race.