Zephyrhills pair decide not to seek re-election

The mayor and a 28-year political mainstay will not run for new terms in office, opening the door for a sea change in policymaking.

By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 1, 2002

ZEPHYRHILLS -- No matter what happens on municipal Election Day in April, one thing is certain: The face of Zephyrhills city government will change.

Jim Bailey, a fixture in city politics for 28 years, will not seek re-election.

Neither will the Mayor Roy Burnside.

"I just decided it was time," Bailey said Tuesday outside his home in the Silver Oaks community. "I've really enjoyed the last 28 years. But I wanted to take a break."

Bailey, 69, said he and his wife, Pat, plan on traveling the country in a van. As early as this summer they plan to head out West and perhaps tour New England, he said.

Burnside, who has served only two years to Bailey's 28, doesn't count on sitting around at home, either. He said he and his wife, Izzie, will travel the country with the Methodist Nomads, a group that helps victims of major catastrophes rebuild.

"Two years is enough," Burnside said. "We've got other people who can put some new blood in (the council). I think that's what we need."

Burnside, 77, moved to Zephyrhills from Wesley Chapel in 1983 after a long career with Borden's Dairy, where he worked in sales and management.

In December 1985, he went to work for the city as a building inspector. Five years later, he was promoted to building director, overseeing code enforcement, permits, building inspections and licensing.

He worked there for 10 years until his retirement in 1996. He won in 2000 in his only bid for mayor.

Although Burnside's position is largely ceremonial, Bailey's isn't.

Bailey, who retired from Florida Power in 1994, has served as mayor twice, once for an eight-year stretch. But he has spent far more of his time as a voting member of the council.

He has witnessed -- even helped create -- much of the city's history, from a recall election in 1976 to major growth along U.S. 301 to the revamping of city streets and sidewalks.

He has lasted through 28 other council members, six city managers, three city attorneys and three other mayors.

Bailey also has remained fiscally conservative through the years, insisting on keeping city taxes and spending to a minimum.

"I always voted what I felt was right, voted my conscience," he said. "It wasn't always popular. But I didn't care how anyone else voted."

More often than not in recent times, Bailey has voted alongside City Council member Mike Bussell and council president Cathi Compton.

Because the three currently hold a steady majority over council members Elizabeth Geiger and Clyde Bracknell, Bailey's departure means the direction of the council could shift dramatically, depending on who fills his seat.

Although that question will no doubt receive attention as the election draws near, most people, even his so-called opponents, seemed content Thursday to talk about what Bailey's service meant to the city.

"Even when I have disagreed with him, I think he always cared about this community," said City Manager Steve Spina, who has shared a particularly rocky relationship with Bailey in recent years.

"We've had some history that was cordial and friendly. And we've had history of some animosity. There have been many times I've looked up to him and admired his opinion. I wish him and Pat the best."

Geiger, who also has butted heads with Bailey, undoubtedly wants Bailey's replacement to agree with her more often than Bailey did. But she said it will be strange to see a different face after sharing the dais with Bailey for a decade.

"For 10 years we've been on the same side of many issues," Geiger said. "Lately we've been on different sides. But he is a known force in Zephyrhills. He is respected by many people."

Mike Bussell said he will lose more than a fellow council member. He's losing a friend, too.

"It's going to be hard for someone to step in and take his place," Bussell said. "The city is losing an outstanding man."

As for Burnside, he said his parting wish would be for a council that got along better than the one he has seen the past year.

"We need to operate smoother," he said. "Nothing gets settled when it's harsh and critical and there are bad feelings.

"We have to learn to trust each other."

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