‘My review of the mayor’s plan leaves me wondering why he is assuming so much responsibility for what Watts didn’t do,’ questions Dr. Goliath Davis.
BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — I read Mayor Welch’s plan with great interest and take this opportunity to offer some insight that may help to clarify some issues he may be misinformed about. Although I have never held an elected office, I have had the opportunity to serve in various responsible positions for over 40 years and have developed a following of constituents along the way. Consequently, I am sometimes called upon to voice their issues and concerns.
Fire Chief Keith Watts
Three key issues that resonate within our community are equity, diversity, and inclusion. In fact, the mayor states that it is central to his administration, and those who followed his campaign know it was also a key issue during his campaign. He notes that at no other time in the history of St. Petersburg has there been an African American in three prominent positions: police chief, mayor, and fire chief.
However, it should be noted that former Mayor Kriseman appointed the police chief, Mayor Welch appointed Chief Watts, though not his first choice, and the people elected Mayor Kenneth Welch. Holloway is the second Black police chief, and Watts is the first Black fire chief. And the salient question regarding diversity and inclusion in the higher ranks of the fire department remains: Where is it?
Given our history with race in public safety employment and promotions (Courageous Twelve and The Fire Pioneers), many wonder why, with the election of a Black mayor and the appointment of the first Black fire chief, progress is still slow and wanting in St. Pete Fire Rescue. My columns were not criticisms, as the mayor noted, but rather opportunities to ask the salient questions so many wondered about and to provide some clarity and context. The columns have been factual, and I have never interfaced with anyone on social media. The mayor is mistaken on both points.
At no time did I criticize Chief Watts as an individual. Instead, I simply called upon him to do what he had promised, as he had done so many times while traveling throughout our community soliciting support for his appointment. Mayor Welch indicated a simple phone call would have accomplished my objective. However, do I need to remind him that phone calls to City Hall are not promptly answered or returned, and he is reported to have stated that he does not have time to “shoot the breeze” when constituents complained earlier about their attempts to speak with him?
I commend Mayor Welch for all the fire-related events he has attended in the past, but he readily admits he did not attend the first major initiative of Watts’ young career as fire chief, the June 20 promotion of 12 all-white firefighters to various command ranks in St. Pete Fire Rescue. He cites a scheduling conflict as the reason. However, since he is the mayor, the chief executive officer of the City of St. Petersburg, one must ask two simple questions: Did Watts inform him of the ceremony, and why, given the importance of such a significant event, was the promotional ceremony not rescheduled? Answers to both of those questions only fuel further speculation.
I also commend Mayor Welch for selecting two Black females to serve on the interview panel that screened the candidates for the fire chief position. However, this does not negate the fact that there are promotable Blacks in the St. Pete Fire Service who were not advanced in rank. Not even one out of 12, when there were ways to accomplish the task.
Given our history with race in public safety employment and promotions, many wonder why, with the election of a Black mayor and the appointment of the first Black fire chief, progress is still slow and wanting in St. Pete Fire Rescue.
Like me, I am sure others await the unveiling of the “intentional, objective, sustainable plan” Chief Watts has developed. Hopefully, it will be shared with the community soon and address issues identified in the management studies and recent community conversations.
Mayor Welch spent considerable time discussing the fire cadet program and recruitment, as well as other initiatives that began under former Chief Jim Large, seemingly to suggest they originated with Watts. Perhaps Watts made some improvements; if so, kudos to them. However, I served with Large and worked with him to develop the initiatives, given that we had done the same in the police department.
Mayor Welch, I offer the following information to assure you that while I am loud about the community’s disappointment regarding the June 20 promotions, I and others have had personal interactions with Chief Watts, heard his stated philosophy, and remained shook by his actions as his talk doesn’t match his actions to date.
I have had numerous conversations with Chief Watts in his role as assistant fire chief and subsequent conversations since his promotion to chief. As recently as May 29, I had lunch with Chief Watts for over an hour and a half regarding the June 20 promotions. Since that time, community members have come forward and reported that, like me, they had hoped for a better outcome given Watts approached them for letters of support when pursuing the chief’s position. These individuals reported they favored Watts’ positions on diversity, inclusion, and fire department reform, but were disappointed by his first major act as chief.
My review of the mayor’s plan leaves me wondering why he is assuming so much responsibility for what Watts didn’t do. It begs that age-old question: “Why does he protest so loudly?” Mayor, your constituents want better from the fire chief, and it is still not too late. I’d rather spend my time writing about the improvements in the fire department. As you indicated in your plan, the police department is an excellent example of how to create organizational diversity. I am well aware of that fact; thus, the reason I recommended Chief Watts consult with Chief Holloway.
Chief Watts, it is still your move. Where is the Watts Plan and a reorganization replete with command-level Black firefighters? Once again, there is promotable Black talent within the ranks of St. Pete Fire Rescue.
Dr. Goliath Davis, a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor, advocates for education in Pinellas County, with a particular focus on improving the academic achievement of Black students.
As a longtime St. Petersburg resident who has lived, worked, and played in this city for over 35 years, I want to thank Dr. Davis for speaking so clearly and courageously on an issue many in our community are concerned about.
His recent article was thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in facts. It rightly called attention to the gap between the promises made around equity and inclusion and the actual outcomes we’ve seen, particularly with the recent promotions in St. Pete Fire Rescue.
The appointment of Black leadership is a milestone, but it must be followed by real structural change. Representation without meaningful advancement is not enough.
I appreciate Dr. Davis for asking the hard questions and holding leadership accountable. I also echo his call for Chief Watts to release a clear, actionable plan that reflects the values of diversity and fairness our city claims to stand for.
We all want to see progress, but as Dr. Davis reminds us, progress requires more than good intentions—it requires action.
Respectfully,
Cleven Wyatt
St. Petersburg Resident (35+ years)
Business Owner and Community Member