Q&A: Meet Trevor Mallory, St. Pete City Council District 6 Candidate

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Voters in the Nov. 3 general election will decide between Trevor Mallory and Linsey Grove in the race for the St. Pete City Council District 6 seat.

District 6 represents downtown St. Petersburg, the Edge and Innovation Districts, and neighborhoods like Coquina Key and Colony Point.

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Mallory and Grove were the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 18 primary, which sent them to the Nov. 3 runoff.

Patch sent a questionnaire to both candidates. Below are Mallory's unedited responses.

• Name: Trevor Mallory

• Office Sought: St. Petersburg City Council, District 6

• Political Party Affiliation: Democratic Party (but this is a nonpartisan race)

• Age: 54

• City or Town of Residence: St. Petersburg

• Education: Lakewood High School

• Occupation: President, Neighborhood Home Solutions

• Family Background:

I was born and raised in St. Petersburg and grew up in the Lakewood neighborhood. After playing professional baseball, I returned home to build my career and raise my family. My wife and I have been married for 20 years, and we have four daughters.

• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?No

• Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I served on the St. Petersburg Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Citizen Redistricting Commission, and the Affordable Housing Lot Disposition Committee.

• Campaign website and social media:

Website

Facebook

• Why are you seeking this office?

When I came back to St Pete after playing professional baseball, I started looking for ways to give back to the community that invested in me. That work eventually led me into affordable housing, where I have helped families find homes they can afford and helped them become first-time homeowners. With affordability becoming one of the biggest challenges facing St. Petersburg, I want to put that experience to work on City Council.

• What sets you apart from the other candidates seeking this post?

I have spent my life in St. Petersburg and have a record of serving this community long before running for office. My work in housing has given me firsthand experience addressing one of the biggest challenges facing our residents. I have also served on city boards and spent years coaching and mentoring young people. I would bring that practical experience and community perspective to Council.

• What issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Affordability is my top priority. A lot of a family's budget can get drained through housing costs, so that's a big area for improvement. I also want to strengthen our infrastructure and storm resilience, plan responsibly for growth, invest in young people, improve public safety, and support efforts to stop data centers.

• What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As President of Neighborhood Home Solutions, I have worked directly with families trying to purchase their first home, build credit, avoid foreclosure, and build generational wealth. I have also served on city boards dealing with housing and redistricting. My experience running a business, working in city government, and coaching young people has taught me how to listen and how to work with people from different backgrounds. Above all, I'm focused on solving problems for the people of St. Petersburg.

• What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never forget where you came from, and always find a way to give back to the people who helped you get where you are.

• Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

St. Petersburg gave me opportunities that changed my life, and I want future generations to have those same opportunities. I believe good government starts with listening to residents, working with people across the community, and focusing on solutions that improve people's lives. If elected, I will bring that approach to City Council every day.