There is a group trying to convince DeeDee Ritchie to run for mayor of Pensacola. The former state representative is seriously considering this re-entry into public service. Ritchie was the Florida teacher of the year when she taught at Gulf Breeze High School. She served for a brief time as Escambia County’s economic director and has been a very successful commercial real estate agent and broker.
Spoke with Ritchie and she does believe the mayor can do more to help attract jobs to the area. She is interested in running if she believes she can truly help move the City ahead.
Could DeeDee Ritchie win? Hard to say. She is a strong, experienced campaigner. She can raise the funds to run. But Pensacola is a fickled town – The good old boys will be more comfortable with the established and predictable Mike Wiggins. Remember Fogg, DeSorbo, Nobles and Wiggins have been serving to together since 1994. Only Fogg isn’t seeking re-election.
Ritchie will be making her decision over the next week. If she decides to run, Pensacola politics will get very, very interesting.