ABOVE: Darryl Rouson (at the mic) and Ken Welch to his right at a press conference thanking then Mayor Rick Baker for his decision to discharge the police chief in the wake of racial controversy. Also visible are Gwen Reese, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Pastor Frank Peterman, Ernest Fillayu, and Pastor Louis Murphy (photo courtesy of Darryl Rouson)
Just two years ago, Florida Senator Darryl Rouson (District 19) was one of a large handful of high-profile Democrats who endorsed then City Council candidate Robert Blackmon, a Republican, for the District 1 seat.
Though the move drew criticism from several well-positioned Democrats, Blackmon won the seat over Democrat John Hornbeck, and he and Rouson remained close – both personally and professionally.
Today, however, Rouson is squarely backing Blackmon’s opponent – Ken Welch – in the St. Petersburg mayoral race that will come to a close on November 2nd.
We asked Senator Rouson to expound on his choice.
“Why did I choose to endorse Welch, regardless of my friendship or relationship with Blackmon?” Rouson asked pensively.
“Because after study and reflection, my relationship with Ken is deeper and longer lasting – from family to community to issues that impact St. Petersburg. It’s not about why I didn’t endorse Blackmon, it’s about my relationship with Ken Welch.”
Rouson recently helped Blackmon win state funding for the renovation and reopening of the Science Center as a hub for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education for children and teens.
But he and Welch have worked together for 20 years on tough issues, and “that counts for something,” said the second-term senator.
“One of our earliest successes was when I was NAACP President, and Ken helped strategically position minority business contracting as a component of the Park Shore Towers development in downtown St. Pete.”
Following that success and at Rouson’s urging, Welch attempted to push the County Commission to allow the first-ever contract for a Black-owned law firm to work on a local government bond deal, according to Rouson. “Welch introduced it to his colleagues on the County Commission. Though it died for lack of a second supporters, he fought hard for the opportunity.
“Welch’s leadership in overhauling the Pinellas County small business purchasing program wasn’t a new thing for him. He has always fought for equity and inclusion,” said Rouson.
He also credits the Welch family’s ingrained legacy of service as part of his decision. Rouson recalls fondly the support he received from David Welch, Ken Welch’s father and the city’s second African American City Councilmember.
“It was January 2008 and I decided to run for the state house seat vacated by Frank Peterman when he was appointed to state office. My opponents had been in the running for a year. I had only 90 days to campaign, with no campaign headquarters and no money for one. David Welch allowed me to run my campaign out of his office.”
The 13-year legislator says he respects Blackmon, but that none of the candidates in the race had Welch’s depth of experience and track record of getting things done.
The two men’s fraternal tie was likely another factor in the senator’s choice. Welch and Rouson are members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a group whose members are strongly backing Welch.
Rouson’s endorsement last week made him one of over a dozen local elected officials supporting the Welch campaign.
Statement on Senator Rouson’s Endorsement from the Welch Campaign
“Ken is a third generation St. Pete native who I’ve known and worked with for decades. I know there is no one better prepared and committed to inclusive progress than Ken Welch and I’m proud to endorse him to be the next Mayor of St. Petersburg.” said State Senator Darryl Rouson.
“We are at a critical junction in the story of St. Pete – Ken’s historic administration, he will be the first black Mayor, first from South St. Pete, and the most prepared Mayor from day 1 in a generation given his experience as County Commissioner for 20 years. Ken will serve our entire community at this important crossroads. It’s time for our city to come together – and I’m excited to support Ken in pursuit of a more equitable future for all residents in St. Petersburg.”
“Senator Rouson is a legend in St. Petersburg. His story, his commitment to the community, and his tireless efforts to fight for what is right, have changed the course of our city forever. His support at this moment is crucial as we move towards November 2nd and I’m proud to have him by my side as we work for a new partnership for progress in the city that we all love so deeply.” said Ken Welch
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