Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Tampa, Florida roundup


Florida is holding elections, including for Tampa City Council, on March 7, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Feb. 16, 2023. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Incumbent Lynn Hurtak (nonpartisan) is running for Tampa City Council District 3 At-Large and the general election is on March 7. Here’s how Hurtak responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“It’s no secret that I have a passion for trash, and Tampa has a lot of room to grow in its solid waste policy! We can save significant money in solid waste by directly addressing waste practices of residents and moving toward more efficient and sustainable practices; there’s no better way to achieve this than by working directly with the people, providing workshops and materials that improve education around our garbage, including how to recycle and compost…Too often, larger development projects ignore the neighborhoods they’re in, breaking the “lived in” aesthetics of their surroundings…we can craft an ordinance that would require large-scale developers to meet with community members before the rezoning process, ensuring that our people feel enriched and not colonized by growth…I am dedicated to ensuring that women and doctors in Tampa will not face prosecution for seeking or providing reproductive care.”

Click here to read the rest of Hurtak’s answers.

Sonja Brookins (nonpartisan) is running for Tampa City Council District 1 At-Large and the general election is on March 7. Here’s how Brookins responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“Equity and equality for all individuals with a balanced allocation of funds in needed communities.”

Click here to read the rest of Brookins’ answers.

George Feshev (nonpartisan) is running for Tampa City Council District 3 At-Large and the general election is on March 7. Here’s how Feshev responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“I am personally passionate about public policy concerning Safety, Lower taxes and Accountability from all elected and appointed officials. Also, the public policy concerning homelessness, overbuilding and transportation. I will work with the City Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to make sure our city is growing in the right way.”

Click here to read the rest of Feshev’s answers.

Rick Fifer (nonpartisan) is running for Tampa City Council District 6 and the general election is on March 7. Here’s how Fifer responded to the question: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”

“I am about [improving] our diverse neighborhoods. I have been active in the Greater Seminole Heights area of Tampa for over 30 years.”

Click here to read the rest of Fifer’s answers.

If you’re a Florida candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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