Council chairwoman Bea Griswold, who would be forced off the council in March 2001 because of term limits, is thinking about campaigning to become one of the county's constitutional officers next fall. Council member Kathleen Ford is the only one playing coy, refusing to comment on her political future. Even as they talk about their ambitions, council members are quick to say they have not made final decisions. Most guess that only half the council will end up pursuing different jobs. I'm frankly looking for new council members.
City officials say it's a combination of term limits, a push from voters and raw political ambition.
A number of state legislators could lose their jobs because of voter-imposed term limits, which go into effect next year unless the Florida Supreme Court throws them out. State Rep. Lars Hafner, D-St. Petersburg, could lose his District 53 seat to term limits. Republicans have interviewed Kersteen as a potential candidate, and Democrats have talked to Lasita about the same post. Kersteen did not return repeated calls for comment.