McKenzie in District 55
Voters in Florida House District 55 must feel a sense of dejÀ vu, since they just voted in April for a successor to former Rep. Frank Peterman Jr., now secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The same names are on the ballot, except for one. But the appearance of a write-in candidate closed the Democratic primary to all district voters. No Republican is running in this race.
House District 55 is a largely minority district that winds through most of south St. Petersburg as well as portions of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Running against freshman incumbent Darryl Rouson, 52, is educator Charles McKenzie Jr., 51.
Rouson, former president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP, switched parties before the March primary, but says he will remain a Democrat. Known for his confrontational style, he once called for Midtown to secede from St. Petersburg.
Although less well known, the more low-key McKenzie has an impressive civil rights resume. He was a community activist in Sarasota, taught in middle school and spent a decade as state coordinator for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Though both have a history of community involvement, they differ markedly in style. In House District 55, the Tribune recommends Charles McKenzie.
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Rep. Darryl Rouson hasn't had long to prove himself to his state House District 55 constituents.
He was elected just four months ago to finish the term of a representative who vacated the seat when he was appointed to higher office. Now, it's already time for Rouson to run for a full term.
The Democratic primary for the post pits Rouson against Charles Mc-Kenzie, who ran against him in March. The winner faces a nominal write-in candidate in the Nov. 4 general election.
Rouson and McKenzie both live in St. Petersburg, the heart of District 55 -- a gerrymandered construct that includes several economically challenged communities south of Tampa Bay: north Palmetto, Tallevast, east Bradenton and Newtown.
Newtown is on the cusp of major redevelopment work; Tallevast is dealing with the legacy of toxic industrial waste. All of the areas have crime problems, need jobs and face educational achievement gaps.
These minority communities need a strong voice in the Legislature, but they are at a disadvantage because of their distance from the core of District 55.
McKenzie, who lived for decades in the southern part of the district and has strong ties to Sarasota and Newtown, seems best suited to meet this challenge. Rouson won their last matchup, but McKenzie outpolled him considerably in areas south of Tampa Bay.
A teacher, minister and longtime advocate for economic justice and civil rights, McKenzie has not been elected to major public office before. In the art of building public support for a project and shepherding it to success, his record is underwhelming. However, his commitment to education -- probably the most important issue on any legislative agenda -- is a powerful mark in his favor.
We by no means dismiss the abilities of Rouson, a rising political star and former NAACP leader in St. Petersburg. A recovered drug addict, his climb to success reveals his tenacious spirit. A former Republican and member of the recent Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, he has useful connections to the governor and other influential politicians.
Rouson is an impassioned but sometimes polarizing speaker. Recently, for instance, he was criticized for his statement (made two years ago) that "homosexuality is morally wrong." He has since apologized and explained that he has "evolved."
McKenzie said he "evolved to that point a long time ago," adding that his "respect for egalitarian values prompts me to care for the just treatment of all people."
Both Rouson and McKenzie say the state's economic problems and insurance costs are vital issues, but neither candidate has put forth detailed solutions.
Rouson deserves credit for reaching out to the stranded precincts south of the bay. McKenzie already has earned credibility and the respect of this community.
We recommend Charles S. McKenzie Jr. in the Democratic primary for state House District 55.
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