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A pair of City Council candidates say personal money problems - in one case, twice - would not affect leadership.
By ANNE LINDBERG, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 13, 2002
PINELLAS PARK -- As part of their job, council members oversee an overall $91.6-million budget, deciding how that money is to be spent.
But two council candidates have had financial problems of their own that resulted in bankruptcy.
Ralph Marlow declared bankruptcy in 1986 and again in 2001. The second case was closed on Jan. 8.
Alan Swartz declared bankruptcy in 1992. He apparently has had no financial problems since.
Both said their past financial problems would not affect their ability to be good council members or to help handle the city's budget.
"I have managed classified material, big budgets in the Army," said Marlow, 43. Besides, he said, the city manager and finance department produce the budget and make sure the city is fiscally responsible.
It's more important, he said, that the community elect someone who cares about the people.
"My heart's not in my pocketbook," Marlow said. "I have nothing to hide. My heart is clean. My heart is pure."
Swartz, also 43, said he declared bankruptcy after his attorney advised him to do so. Swartz was leaving a company to form his own accounting firm.
"It doesn't have any bearing on anybody's ability to serve the city's needs and govern the city accordingly," Swartz said.
He said he has had no financial problems since. "I'm in very good shape financially," Swartz said.
Marlow discussed his most recent bankruptcy during an interview with Neighborhood Times this year. But when asked if he had had any other problems, Marlow failed to mention the 1986 bankruptcy and said the 2001 bankruptcy was "not me."
When asked Tuesday about the 1986 case, Marlow declined to comment, saying the situation was "extremely personal" and "would devastate my family."
When Marlow declared bankruptcy in 2001, court records show that he and his wife, Sherry, claimed assets of about $120,102 and debts of $154,682.
The problems arose, Marlow said, when he decided to leave the Florida Army National Guard to return to civilian life. He and his family were trying to support two homes, he said. That, combined with some bad investments, resulted in the bankruptcy.
"Those were circumstances that were beyond my control," Marlow said.
Marlow and Swartz are facing Sandra Bradbury, 37, in the March 5 election for Seat 2 on the Pinellas Park Council. The seat was vacated when Chuck Williams decided not to run for re-election.
The council is composed of four members and the mayor. They set policy for the city, approve large contracts and oversee the budget.
The winner of the council seat will be paid $13,000 annually, plus life and health insurance, and is eligible for a city pension.