Fighting for Equal Representation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC — the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation and power across all levels of government — endorsed Florida leaders Ken Welch for Mayor of St. Petersburg and Caprice Edmond for Pinellas School Board. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Ken Welch for Mayor of St. Petersburg and Caprice Edmond for Pinellas School Board. Ken Welch currently serves as a member of the Pinellas County Commission, and for the past 20 years, he has brought focus to the issues of economic development, transportation, equity, housing, criminal justice reform and fighting poverty. If elected Mayor St. Petersburg, Commissioner Welch will lead the city forward through principled progress.
Caprice Edmond is running to remain on the Pinellas School Board representing District 7. If elected, she will continue to work towards equity in education, academic success, school safety and recruit and retain educators. The Collective PAC is ready to support Ken Welch and Caprice Edmond as they work to bring progress to every neighborhood and school in their community.”
Ken Welch has deep roots in the St. Petersburg area as a third-generation resident. From working on his grandfather’s woodyard that was displaced by the construction of an interstate highway to learning from his father who was a city council member, Commissioner Welch saw firsthand the challenges and successes the city of St. Petersburg has faced. Before becoming a Pinellas County Commissioner, Mr. Welch worked as an accountant for Florida Power Corporation and served as Technology Manager for his father’s accounting firm. Ken Welch has the experience and dedication to St. Petersburg to make government more accountable and responsive.
Caprice Edmond is a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg and a proud graduate of the University of South Florida where she received her Master of Educational Leadership and Certification in Infant Family Mental Health. Before her election to the school board, Ms. Edmond worked within the foster care system and advocated for and championed children at school, in court and at their group home. Her work with children in foster care led to her passion for education and the need to break down barriers to success. Ms. Edmond not only has also worked as a teacher and science coach in Pinellas County Schools, but is also a parent of children attending Pinellas County Schools.
ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC
The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.