Rick Baker, pick up the phone and congratulate Rick Kriseman

Unlike the night of the primary election in St. Petersburg, when his red-faced remarks were so frightening they would become fodder for television ads, Rick Baker smiled as he graciously conceded before the dispirited crowd at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House.

“St. Petersburg is still an incredible place,” Baker said Tuesday night, encouraging supporters to strive to make St. Pete a “seamless city.”

“For every child and every neighborhood, no matter where they live,” he added, “has an opportunity to live in safety, to be able to dream big dreams, to be able to get a great education and to be able to achieve the American dream.”

Baker’s concession speech was another, perhaps final reminder of how much he truly loves this city. In fact, in his post-election email to his supporters, Baker pledges to remain “St. Petersburg’s biggest cheerleader.”

Mayor Baker — you’ll always be Mayor Baker to me and many others — that cheerleading begins with supporting the city’s quarterback, even if he’s not choice to lead the team.

It’s time for you to pick up the phone and congratulate Mayor Rick Kriseman on winning a hard-fought campaign.

Unfortunately, according to a senior adviser to Kriseman, as of noon today, a congratulatory call has still not been made to the Mayor.

You’re better than that, sir.

If Hillary Clinton can call Donald Trump and congratulate him after the brutal race they ran against each other, you can call Mayor Kriseman and wish him the best.