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Mischler and Taylor are quietly re-elected
By ANNE LINDBERG, Times Staff Writer PINELLAS PARK -- Mayor Bill Mischler and council member Ed Taylor were re-elected Tuesday when no opponents appeared to run against them. "I appreciate the confidence that the residents had in me. I just felt if I really wasn't doing their wishes, I would have had competition," Mischler, 59, said Tuesday. "I like to feel I am doing a good job." Mischler, who has had no opposition since 1984, will be serving his third term as mayor. He will earn $15,000 a year. Taylor will be serving his second term on the council. "It's personally gratifying, but it more so reflects the community support for our entire council and the leadership of Mayor Mischler," Taylor said. "I think four years ago they said, "Yep, we acknowledge we need some change.' And I think they like the change they've seen." Voters will have a choice for Seat 2, as Chuck Williams decided not to seek re-election. All three candidates for that seat are political newcomers, but two of them have names familiar to longtime Pinellas Park residents. Sandra Bradbury is the daughter of former Mayor Cecil Bradbury. Ralph Marlow is a nephew of Harry Marlow, a well-known community activist. The third candidate is Alan Swartz, a local accountant who has served on city boards. Bradbury, 37, did not return a phone message asking for comment. She is a member of the city's Board of Adjustment. Marlow, 43, is a project manager for his uncle's surveying company. He serves on Pinellas Park's recreation board. He is a former full-time member of the Florida Army National Guard. "The biggest reason I'm running is (that) I'm a citizen-soldier, always have been, always will be," Marlow said. He's happy with the city's current leadership, but said some projects need to be completed before new ones are begun. Among those are parking at Youth Park and road widening for 94th Avenue and 43rd Street N. When he imagines Pinellas Park five years in the future, Marlow sees "a clean city. I wish I lived in a city clean of trash and debris. . . . I also wish I lived in a city that was free of crime." He also wants all children to have "the heart of a Boy Scout or Girl Scout." As part of that, Marlow wants to "build a bridge between our youth and our retirement community." Swartz, 43, owns his own accounting firm on Park Boulevard. He frequently attends council meetings and workshops. He is the head of one of the city's three pension boards. He has served on the Charter Review Commission. Swartz formerly worked for the firm that used to do the St. Petersburg Times' books. He also handles accounting matters for the estate of his deceased former partner, who was the father of Alison Steele, one of the Times' attorneys. "I'm running because the background I have in financial matters, I believe, will add value to the City Council as it's currently comprised," Swartz said. "I believe I have an understanding of financial matters and it'll help me in dealing with the city's matters." That's especially true, he said, now that Williams is leaving the council. Williams is an auditor. In fact, Swartz said, financial matters are going to be particularly important in the coming years as the council grapples with the cost of providing employee health insurance, fixing drainage along Park Boulevard, and building additional recreational facilities. The biggest issue facing the city, he said, is "being able to do all the things citizens expect of their government and not having to raise taxes." The Pinellas Park City Council is composed of four members and the mayor. They set policy for the city, approve large contracts and oversee the budget. The mayor serves a two-year term and council members are elected every four years. City Council members run at large for numbered seats. The winner will be paid $13,000 annually, plus life and health insurance, and is eligible for a city pension. The winner also will get a pool pass, a recreation pass and a badge. The election is March 5. Closing date to register to vote in that election is Feb. 4.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
