Good Morning. Today I am announcing for re-election.
Our headquarters will be at 1315 W. Kennedy Blvd. (the former Ferman car dealership) I’ll be at the headquarters today from 1:30 to 3:00.

Thanks,

Pam

Announcement of Mayor Pam Iorio for Re-election

January 3, 2007

Four years ago I stood on the bank of the Hillsborough River at Plant Park and announced my candidacy for Mayor. I shared my vision and plans for the future – to make Tampa a more livable and a safer city, improve basic services, create a residential downtown, and focus on neglected neighborhoods in need of revitalization.

Four years ago I said that “I want my administration to be a can-do organization of real accomplishments – making life better for people in real, tangible ways…” As I look back over these past four years I see just that – real, tangible achievements that collectively make Tampa a better place to live. These have been four years of change - a new team in place at City Hall, a new emphasis on issues that directly affect the quality of life for the citizens of Tampa, a new vitality in our downtown.

Here are highlights of major accomplishments over the past four years:

A 29.4% decrease in the crime rate- a figure unmatched by any other major jurisdiction in the state of Florida.
An emphasis on neighborhood improvements with a 138% increase in funding for street improvements, more aggressive code enforcement, an emphasis on park improvements, and the creation of the Clean City Division whose whole focus is on keeping Tampa clean.
A first time ever long-term plan to address long standing drainage problems with a $60 million five-year capital stormwater program. The renaissance of downtown into a residential community with residential projects being built from Franklin Street to The Channel District. Since my administration began in 2003, 2800 residential units are either complete or under construction representing $857 million in private investment. An additional 7620 units are planned representing a potential private investment of $2.6 billion. In addition, we have seen the Embassy Suites Hotel completed with 360 rooms and the $30 million renovation of the historic Floridan Hotel is underway.
Launching of The Heights project which will transform 48 blighted acres just north of downtown in Tampa Heights into a residential community representing the best in new urbanism development.
The approval of a CRA and TIF for Central Park area and the approval of the rezoning and partnership with Bank of America for the redevelopment of Central Park Village.
The creation of four additional CRAs and TIFs which provide for 30 year plans and funding for East Tampa, Drew Park, the Channel District, and an additional area of Ybor City.
An emphasis on the redevelopment of East Tampa which spurred $125 million of private investment, $31 million of public investment, and an 87% increase in property valuation since the creation of the CRA.
The completion of the master plan design for the Riverwalk which allows for its construction. The kick-off of a private/public partnership with Friends of the Riverwalk to raise funds for the project. The re-design of the Curtis Hixon Park which will become Tampa’s premier central park – access from the Riverwalk - a special place that will house both the new Tampa Museum of Art as well as the new Children’s Museum. The relocation of the site of the proposed Tampa Bay History Center to Cotanchobee Park, the site where Tampa’s history actually began. Real progress on the 40th Street widening – a project that has languished for decades. Segments are either completed, under construction or in right of way acquisition.
A visioning plan for Ybor City that calls for a unique urban neighborhood – a blend of residential, office and retail uses in harmony with a quality entertainment district. Enhanced law enforcement in Ybor has resulted in a 67% decrease in Part I crimes since 2003.
The creation of the innovative Lights On public art program, supported by the business community.
The establishment of a Hurricane Reserve Fund to help the city through a major storm event.
A $60 million program to replace aging water and wastewater infrastructure.
The refunding of various bond issues saving taxpayers $12 million.
The issuance of a $17 million bond issue to improve parks and recreation facilities throughout the city.
An upgrade to the City of Tampa’s bond rating which will save taxpayers money in future borrowings.

So, today, as I announce for re-election, I look to the next four years as an opportunity to continue this progress, to complete projects I got underway in my first four years and to start new ones that will continue to improve everyone’s quality of life.

If elected to a second term I will focus on the following:

One – Mass Transit and Better Transportation for the city and the region.

This region’s continued growth is undeniable- our assets make us one of the most desirable places to live. We bear a responsibility to the public to build a transportation system that works for today, tomorrow and the next generations. An investment in mass transit is critical. I have reached out to leaders on the regional level to begin the dialog, so that we can bring all jurisdictions together to form a sensible long-term plan to serve our residents and visitors. This plan should include a much - improved bus system, the construction of bus shelters, circulator systems in highly urbanized areas such as downtown and Westshore, and some form of rail service that links major employment centers and counties. I will devote my energy to this issue – to develop a plan that is achievable, cost efficient and looks to the future.

Two – A continued investment in neighborhood improvements.

We will implement the $17 million in new parks projects from our recent bond issue, place an emphasis on new fire stations and additional fire personnel and continue to increase funding for street level improvements that are so critical to our daily quality of life. Adding to our successful stormwater program with federal, state and local grants will be a priority.

Third - The completion and seamless integration of our downtown projects.

Downtown is undergoing enormous change. In addition to new residents we have an array of major projects that should be under construction and completed in the next four years. This includes the Riverwalk, the Curtis Hixon Park, the Tampa Bay History Center, the Tampa Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum. Ensuring that each project compliments one another and provides a quality experience is critically important to our city’s future.

Fourth – A focus on our CRAs - long term planning and short term projects.

The City of Tampa has more CRAs than any other city in the state. Each one represents a 30 year plan for redevelopment. Our downtown CRAs are nearing the end of their 30 year timeframe, but others are new and how we strategically spend our TIF dollars and reinvest in these communities is important to the long-term health and vitality of the city. There is an enormous amount of work to be done. East Tampa needs a comprehensive plan for the investment of its fast growing TIF revenues. Drew Park will see a plan for significant stormwater improvements. The Channel District will require careful implementation of its plan to ensure that street level improvements are done in a quality way to create a unique urban neighborhood. Ybor City must continue to invest in its uniqueness as a historic, culturally significant neighborhood. The Central Park CRA is geographically located as a key link between downtown and Ybor City. For too long, it was ignored and left to deteriorate. But the necessary pieces are being put in place to have this pivotal part of the inner city shine as a vibrant neighborhood.

While West Tampa is not a CRA, we have seen positive redevelopment of this historic neighborhood over the past four years. Working with civic leaders and the business community we must continue this momentum.

Finally, when I announced for Mayor four years ago, I also talked about the importance of focusing on people, particularly our youth. Over the past four years our administration, partnering with the School Board, has created programs to help our young people grow and learn. We have created the Mayor’s Youth Corps, the Mayor’s Mentoring Program, the Mayor’s Arts Education Fund, and the Mayor’s Make the Grade Program. I will continue to focus on our young people, to show them how they can play a role in shaping their community.

It has been an honor to serve as mayor of this great city. If the voters want me to serve for another four years, I will do so with continued energy, enthusiasm and commitment. I love this community and want to make life better for all who call Tampa home.
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