TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa residents heard from some of the candidates looking to fill a city council seat vacated earlier this year when the very popular Gwendolyn Henderson suddenly passed away.

Take it from the man selling watermelons on 29th Street. Or the woman whose family has lived in East Tampa for more than a century. They said District 5 needs a leader who will get things done.

“For the people that are running, I hope their intentions are to do their best for the community,” said Richedean Hills-Ackbar.

“It’s real hard out here. But you got all the elected officials that get in talking about they are going to do something for the people, [but] when they get in there they don’t do nothing,” said Rome Harmon.

The race is packed with 14 registered candidates. Seven of them showed up to a forum Thursday night. Common themes they spoke on were housing, opportunities, experience, and strategy. Many of the candidates spoke about the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency Funding or CRA.

“We really want to see community built up with those dollars,” said candidate Fran Tate.

“I would really focus on CRA and go back to the original vision and original intent of the $200 million dollars that was supposed to be going to small businesses,” said candidate Thomas Scott.

Scott told voters he helped create the CRA, touting his experience on city council and the Hillsborough County Commission.

“If experience was what we needed then we would not be sitting in these rooms having these same conversations,” said candidate Naya Young.

“To me, it’s all about this district getting it’s equity first before anybody else,” said candidate Darrell Dundey.

Candidates ended with their plans and why they believe voters should choose them to fill the seat.

“I want to help, that’s what I want to do, I want to represent our most marginalized communities,” said candidate Thomas DeGeorge.

“My job as a city councilperson is to do what I can to help the city grow,” said Albert Cooke, another candidate.

“I make sure big chains won’t come inside District No. 5, we need to strengthen the people who still own business,” said candidate Jose Vazquez.

You must request a mail-in ballot in order to receive one. Early voting is Sept. 4. Election day is Sept. 9.