Former mayor Pam Iorio feels Tampa is ready for RNC

TAMPA - Tampa's former mayor is also a proud author.  Her book, "Straightforward," is a guide on ways to lead, and has had multiple publications. 

And just within the past few days, she has also been asked to lead the Children's Board of Hillsborough County as interim CEO. 

But one of her proudest moments was in May, 2010, when a phone call confirmed -- after two failed bids -- her administration won the right to host the Republican National Convention.

While Iorio has plenty of reasons to be proud, she remains modest.

"I am just a small part of it.  I am just a part of Tampa's story," she said.

And she's content to sit back and watch.  She said she would not miss being in the middle of all the excitement.  "Because we all have our time in the sun.  I had eight wonderful years where I was always in the thick of it all. I had a great time representing Tampa, but this is not my time any more," said Iorio. 

"It is someone else's time and I am good with that because we all have our time and I think it is important to know when our time is and when it is not. And I am ok with not being in the limelight."

She is confident Tampa will flourish in the national spotlight, and the source is one main component.

"Absolutely, I think Tampa is ready for the RNC. The main preparedness is with our police and we have the best police department in the country. I would not have bid on the RNC If I did not have the faith and confidence in the world in our law enforcement capabilities," Iorio explained.

But what's next for Iorio?   There has been speculation on Tallahassee and a bid for governor.  Is she is contemplating a run? 

"I don't know.  I just don't know.  I liked my previous life, and I like my current life.  I really can't say," Iorio said.

ACTION NEWS also asked if she was surprised her name had been mentioned as a possible democratic candidate for Governor.

"I am a little. I am surprised on how much it dominates. When doing a book-signing, whether it is Costco or Barnes and Nobles, it seems to be a dominant theme.  So I am a little surprised at that."

And when asked if it was fair to say she was not ruling out a bid, Iorio answered,

"I don't think you should rule anything out. I have learned from experiences in life you just don't know. I never thought I would be Mayor in Tampa! Really!"

In the meantime, Iorio takes on her new challenge,  And like an ordinary citizen, she's excited to see what the RNC will bring.