Candidate responses

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 Ed Hart and Patricia Bates-Smith, candidates for Clearwater City Commission, after the newspaper's recommendation of their opponents, Frank Hibbard and Hoyt Hamilton, in the March 12 city election.

Ed Hart, candidate for Seat 2

"What kind of commissioner has Ed Hart been?" The Times' editorial answer was a criticism of my style; my response is to define my substance.

My No. 1 objective has been to represent the interests of the citizens and taxpayers of Clearwater. I have fought hard for quality of life improvements such as libraries, parks, recreation centers and infrastructure improvements. And most importantly, I have fought equally hard to limit the increasing cost of our city government.

I sought openness in our government, including the ability of any commissioner to attend meetings. I have encouraged citizen involvement and equal access in all government processes, fighting against special interest profits at the expense of your tax dollars.

I have been a strong advocate of neighborhoods, including traffic calming projects and support for economic development of North Greenwood. I opposed the SPJC site for the new Phillies stadium on environmentally sensitive land, and to preserve the quality of life in the College Hill neighborhood.

Although I was not on the commission when the beach roundabout was approved, I have sought cost effectiveness in city projects, including the redesign of the roundabout. Working with a citizen's advisory committee, the cost of reconstruction was significantly reduced as will be annual maintenance cost and potable water usage.

Finally, I have been more concerned with city government's value to its citizens than with the appearance of commission unity. As Howard Troxler stated in his March 4 column, "Only Hart separates Clearwater from, as Hibbard puts it, unity. But unity, unchecked, always goes too far, and builds another crazy roundabout on the beach, or some other such thing."

I will continue to ask the tough questions. I will continue to be your voice at City Hall. My only political agenda has been to make Clearwater a better place for our children and grandchildren. I stand ready to bring the same substance to my next term of office.

Patricia Bates-Smith, candidate for Seat 3

I decided to run for Clearwater City Commission to give the voters in Clearwater a choice. I have run my grassroots campaign on "no strings attached" contributions and the premise that the City Commission needs a new majority to express the will of the taxpayers.

I want to be part of a new majority that will encourage and listen to the voice of the people at commission meetings; that will get involved in height restrictions and land development and not leave the responsibility of growth management to a non-elected board; that will work with downtown business owners and give incentives to new businesses to increase our tax base; that will protect neighborhoods from code violations and poor infrastructure; that will be less extravagant with our tax dollars; that will be environmentally aware and preserve our green spaces and our beach for the citizens of Clearwater.

These are the concerns that taxpayers have brought to my attention as I have walked the precincts. These are also my concerns. As part of a new majority, I will work to address these concerns. I have not been endorsed by any special interest groups. I have been endorsed by the voters, whom I have met in Clearwater neighborhoods and at candidate forums. I am extremely encouraged by their support. To those of you whom I have not met, I ask for your vote, also. More importantly, I ask that all of you exercise your right to vote on March 12. I look forward to serving the citizens of Clearwater as part of a new majority on the Clearwater City Commission. I am your candidate for Seat 3, Patricia Bates-Smith.

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