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Blush, Ellsworth return to seats
By KATHY SAUNDERS TREASURE ISLAND -- In a show of support for the new bridge, downtown beautification and ongoing redevelopment, voters on Tuesday returned Barbara Blush and Irving "Butch" Ellsworth to the City Commission. The results looked much like they did two years ago with the incumbents defeating the same two challengers. Ellsworth, from District 2, received 75 percent of the votes, compared to 25 percent for his opponent, John D. Hadsall. District 4's Commissioner Blush defeated Don Callahan, collecting 69 percent of the vote. Ellsworth, 55, said this term, his third as a commissioner, likely will be his last. The general manager of the John's Pass Marina said he doesn't believe being a commissioner should become a career. But Ellsworth said he wanted to serve one more term to finish some of the projects started by the current commission. Namely, he wants to be part of the final decisions surrounding the $55-million Causeway Bridge planned for construction next year. He also wants to participate in upcoming discussions about changes to the city's Land Development Regulations. "The voters looked at the direction the city was going. They thought it was a good direction, and they voted in that direction," Ellsworth said Tuesday night. Blush, 54, a homemaker and registered nurse from Sunset Beach, said she enjoyed her first term as a commissioner and wanted to keep the job another two years. "It's wonderful. The people are very happy with the way things are going. Let's get back to work," Blush said. Callahan, 73, a retired college professor, said the city is spending too much money. Ellsworth's opponent, attorney J.D. Hadsall, agreed with Callahan and campaigned for more public involvement in city decisions. Commissioners Ellsworth and Blush will be sworn in during the next Commission meeting, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 120 108th Ave. Treasure Island commissioners earn an annual salary of $5,400.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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