Photo by Monroe Roark
Meet the 2025 Kenneth City Town Council Candidates
This week, The Gabber Newspaper asked the candidates for Kenneth City Town Council’s Ward II seat to tell us about themselves and their goals and hopes for the city. Here’s what they told us.
Why did you choose to run for mayor?
Photo courtesy of Bob Arrison
Bob Arrison (Incumbent)
As a resident of Kenneth City since 1973, my decision to seek election as mayor was the realization that the commitment and dedication to serve the Town of Kenneth City that I have shown as serving mayor needs to be continued. Citizens have encouraged me seek the mayor seat because of all the positive changes that have been accomplished in the last six months that have benefited our town. And I am eager continue to serve, with the knowledge that I am not the perfect candidate but will work everyday to the best of my ability.
Photo courtesy of Bonne Noble
Bonnie Noble
I chose to run for mayor because I care deeply about Kenneth City and believe the town needs steady, ethical leadership focused on residents. I have prior experience in local government, understand how the town operates, and want to help restore stability, transparency, and trust. I’m ready to move the town forward in a constructive, professional way.
What are the three main focuses of your campaign?
Arrison:
One, community engagement by willing to listen to the concerns of all citizens with responsive solutions; two, proven leadership, integrity, with transparency which results in promoting public trust; [and] support our town manager form of government as stated in our town charter and ordinances.
Noble:
My campaign focuses on good governance and transparency, maintaining and improving infrastructure and core services, and strengthening communication with residents. These priorities are essential to building trust, ensuring responsible decision-making, and protecting the quality of life in Kenneth City.
[Read more below]
Vote in the 2025 Kenneth City Mayoral Election
The 2026 Kenneth City municipal election will take place on Tuesday, March 11. The last day to register to vote is Monday, Feb. 10. To vote by mail, contact the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office at 727-464-8683 or visit votepinellas.org. The last day to request a mail ballot is Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.
What is working well in Kenneth City? What needs to be fixed?
Arrison:
Unity within Town Council Meetings where citizens share with the council and town staff their concerns and answers are given, both during public comment and after town department reports. This is a positive change that I have initiated since accepting the responsibility of serving mayor. Initiatives lead by our town manager to inspect and improve stormwater drainage, and street paving need to be continued to completion.
Noble:
Kenneth City has a strong sense of community, engaged residents, and dedicated staff. Its small-town character is a real strength. What needs improvement is consistency in governance, long-term planning, and clearer communication. The town functions best when decisions are transparent and focused on residents’ needs.
The Gabber Newspaper? We Go There
In 1968, our founder, George Brann, started The Gabber Newspaper, then called the Gulfport Gabber, to hold Gulfport City Council accountable. Read more of our city council coverage, and learn about our policies on reporting, fact-checking, and funding.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the average Kenneth City resident? What is the biggest challenge facing the average business?
How do you believe the city can help address these issues?
Arrison
The biggest challenge to both residents and business within our town is the high cost of living. Consumer cost of goods continues to rise forcing business to raise their prices of goods and services to residents. This also affects the cost to run our town and provide the services to residents that they are entitled to. The town can help by responsible financial budgeting which does not raise property taxes to residents but provides a balance town budget with wise decisions as to where every dollar is spend. Along with promoting local business within the town.
Noble
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As a newspaper, it is not our job to have an opinion about the campaigns and candidates. Our job is to report what happens, what key players say and do, and any legal activity concerning the campaign. This includes reporting on campaign finance, basic investigation into the candidates (and, as warranted, their families), and any unusual activity involving the campaigns. Read The Gabber Newspaper’s full statement on our elections ethics.
