Michael Ingram says that young people need representation in politics

Michael Ingram says that young people need representation in politics

NS. PETERSBURG, Florida – On August 24, voters in St. Petersburg will decide who will be the next mayor in the Tampa Bay area’s second largest city. There are currently 8 people running for the top spot in St. Pete.

Candidates include current Alderman Robert Blackmon and Darden Rice, Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, State Representative and Former Alderman of St. Pete Wengay Newton, Restaurante Pete Boland, Galley, Ship’s Hold and Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern includes, 20-year-old USF St. Petersburg student Michael Ingram, Stepping Stone Homeless Shelter founder Torry Nelson, and Kenwood Organic Produce owner Marcile Powers.

ABC Action News highlights every candidate for mayor including Michael Ingram.

Ingram is just 20 years old. He’s never run for a political seat, but he thinks that’s an advantage.

“Young people are one of the most underrepresented groups, not only in the elected offices, but also in the surveys. The reason for this is that young people have no representation, ”he explained.

Ingram’s top priority is the environment, including the need for clean energy and combating sea level rise.

“Parts of St. Pete couldn’t exist in my lifetime. You will be underwater, ”he added.

If elected, he would like to start taxing property developers who refuse to invest in affordable housing.

According to a survey by Realty Hop, St. Pete was recently rated as one of the most unaffordable places in the country.

“Realistically, with the award that St. Pete has, I will not be able to live here much longer because I am awarded here like many other families and individuals in St. Petersburg,” he said.

Ingram also plans to create a youth councilor that will give children under the age of 18 a voice in the future of St. Pete.

“I’m sick of watching older people implement policies that will affect me 50 years from now and the effects of which they will not see. I wanted a representation that we could hold responsible in 50 or 60 years, ”he explained.

The St. Pete primaries will be held on August 24th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, the first two will face each other in November.

To view Ingram’s candidate website, click here.

The post Michael Ingram says that young people need representation in politics first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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