Editor's Note: The Times gives candidates not recommended by its editorial board the opportunity to write a response for publication. The following responses were received from Largo City Commission candidates Charles Graul and Mary Laurance after the newspaper's recommendation of their opponents. In the March 5 city election, incumbent Pat Burke is opposed by Charles Graul for Seat 1, and incumbent Mary Laurance is opposed by Charlie Harper for Seat 2.
--
Charles Graul
To the Times and Largo citizens who have questions or doubts about me, I am sure those thoughts were the same about most any candidate that was elected for the first time. The biggest difference between the incumbent and the challenger is the record the incumbent has established. Remember, they were challengers once and they were elected to prove themselves (with or without the Times' recommendation).
Although I have the least amount of time in Largo than my opponent or the Seat 2 individuals, I am a resident and a businessperson who wants to be involved in my city and its government workings. As one of seven elected individuals that serve Largo, a commissioner is one member of a team that tries to do their best for all the residents they serve. Their input and affectivity is only as good as the efforts they put into it and as much as the rest of the team allows.
Let me assure all of you that my 38-plus career years have been mostly in management where I did effect many changes and, when needed, quickly. I believe I can do some things better and get things off the ground faster because I work extremely hard at what I do, and do the research needed to make it happen.
My ability to articulate what or how in enough detail for the city is really dependent upon me being a commissioner, serving as one of the seven, and the subject matter that needs to be defined. If I said how I would be articulating something, that may be totally wrong for what may be done because it takes all the commissioners and mayor, with citizen input, to exact what really would happen. My input, as a commissioner, may only be a piece of the puzzle, not the total pieces.
Rest assured, I can do the job with a 110 percent effort. I don't let grass grow under my feet, I am not a yes man, and I do the research needed to get the best resolve to the situation at hand. Again, all incumbents were challengers once and you voted on them to prove themselves. I am the challenger who won't let you down.

Mary Laurance Whether in business or government the proof of the pudding is in the bricks and mortar of accomplishments, not promises of what you are going to do. Here are some hard facts of achievement during my term in office:

Supported the widening and beautification of West Bay Drive.

Pushed to save the historical Ulmer Park site, which was a proven citizen mandate.

Supported development of the 35-acre nature preserve which is opening this June.

Support a continued partnership with the Renaissance Festival.

Encouraged development of the future library.

Support downtown revitalization.

Pushed to keep property taxes low and supported decreasing city expenses.

Voted to forego commission raises and gave back my salary increase.

Supported the new aquatic pool for children and youth.

The citizens of Largo know my record and on that they can rely! Three years ago I was led by a love for the city of Largo and became a credible decisionmaker for our city. I am a public high school teacher and have a master's degree in administrative leadership.

Citizens need an independent voice who listens to every idea and a dependable voice in which you can trust. What makes an outstanding leader? A person who has the ability to convince the majority towards honorable and beneficial outcomes. I have been endorsed by the Largo Professional Fire Fighters and the Communication Workers of America. Largo can be proud of the role I have played as city commissioner, and I believe in the firm old saying that one good term deserves another.
--

Back to North Pinellas news

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

Special Links

Mary Jo Melone

Howard Troxler

From the Times
North Pinellas desks