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Hamilton wins; Hart defeated
By CHRISTINA HEADRICK, Times Staff Writer CLEARWATER -- Capping a rancorous campaign season, banker Frank Hibbard toppled Ed Hart from his seat on the commission in Tuesday's election. Meanwhile, incumbent Hoyt Hamilton held onto his commission seat, brushing aside a challenge from political newcomer Patricia Bates-Smith, who ran a low-budget campaign. Hamilton won with about 59 percent of the vote, while Hibbard garnered about 53 percent. Hibbard thanked his supporters for the win as he celebrated with them at a victory party on the deck of the swanky Island Way Grill on Island Estates. "For the next three years, we're going to get things rocking and rolling," Hibbard said, drawing cheers from a crowd of more than 100. Many of them were clearly gloating over the defeat of Hart, who butted heads with city officials and other people over the past three years. Hibbard made Hart's clashes an issue in the campaign and criticized flip-flops in Hart's voting record. "Commissioner Ed Hart lost touch with the people who elected him three years ago, and he didn't realize it until tonight," said Clearwater attorney and political adviser Ed Armstrong, who helped the Hibbard campaign. "I hope Ed Hart realizes now he really isn't the voice of the people." Among the guests at the party were Mayor Brian Aungst and Commissioner Whitney Gray, who gave Hibbard a big high-five when she entered. Former Commissioner Ed Hooper, whom Hart once suggested didn't do enough homework on some issues, was also there. "I studied the issues this time," Hooper said.
In contrast to the joyous mood at the Hibbard party, the atmosphere at Hart's packed gathering at Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar went from upbeat to somber, with a few people crying at the end of the evening. Hart occasionally left the party to step out into the parking lot to hear updates on the results. His shoulders seemed to sag as the night went on. Hart declined to comment about his loss, although he told some supporters he could now have his life back. Hart's campaign emphasized his experience on the commission. And his final days of campaigning included having supporters dress up in life-size heart costumes and wave signs on street corners. Some of Hart's closest supporters expressed discomfort with what they described as the "negativity" that marked the final weeks of election season. Hamilton hosted his victory party at his family's Palm Pavilion Inn on Clearwater Beach. "I believe the voters have made a statement that they are confident in the way the city is heading and they want to see us continue this way for another three years," Hamilton said. Bates-Smith, a longtime resident of Old Clearwater Bay and a former antique store owner, ran the most low-key campaign of all the candidates. She sent out only one mailing and spent much of her time knocking on doors in neighborhoods, talking to potential voters. Bates-Smith, who had planned to wait for election returns with friends at her house, could not be reached. Several voters leaving the polls on Tuesday said they chose Hamilton and Hibbard because they seemed like young men with energy and good ideas. Tina Brown, who was voting on Island Estates, said that she thinks Hamilton and Hibbard will help the city grow in a "positive, careful way." Voters were aware of Hart's past conflicts, and that influenced some people. "Ed Hart seems to be a disrupting influence," said James McKenzie, who voted in Countryside. Voter participation was a little bit better than is typical for a city race with two commission seats and no mayoral race up for grabs. About 18 percent of the city's registered voters turned out to vote. -- Times staff writer Lisa Greene contributed to this report. Clearwater election resultsSEAT 2
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