Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker has been advising Pensacola Mayor-elect Ashton Hayward. In a telephone interview, Hayward said that he has had several conversations with Baker, who was elected St. Petersburg mayor in 2001 and reelected four years later with more than 70% of the votes cast.
Baker focused on five areas: education, economic development, public safety, neighborhoods and improving city services. Hayward plans to do the same. He plans to spend the next few weeks meeting with council members, city staff and community groups—spending more time listening than talking. He aims to focus one or two big projects immediately upon taking office, projects that fit into the context of his 20/20 plan. Hayward has been pleased with the reception he has gotten from the community since the election.
“People want to be part of the solution,” Hayward said. “We have so many untapped resources in this city.”