Mayor, commissioner re-elected

Nearly 22 percent of the registered voters in Safety Harbor turn out to give Pam Corbino, Robin Borland wins.

By LEON M. TUCKER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 13, 2002

SAFETY HARBOR -- Incumbent Mayor Pam Corbino and City Commissioner Robin Borland were elected to the Safety Harbor City Commission Tuesday, soundly defeating their challengers.

Corbino, who will enter her second term as mayor, received 1,715 votes while her challenger, downtown merchant Sherrie Pennington, received 666.

"We have done a great job over the last three years and the next three will be even greater -- I couldn't be happier," Corbino, 53, said. "People recognize that and they want us to move forward with positiveness and good will."

Borland, who enters her second term after being elected to a one-year commission term for Seat 4 last March, received 1,884 votes while her challenger Cynthia O'Donnell received 465.

"Going door to door and listening to what people have to say is always a highlight," Borland said. "But it is also exciting to hear someone say they have been following (your progress) and that they are going to vote for you."

Out of the 11,158 registered voters 2,434, or 21.8 percent, cast ballots.

During her campaign, Corbino spoke most about her involvement in renovating Marina Park and the gazebo on Main Street, constructing a veteran's memorial and helping secure a parking lot on Second Avenue.

The 15-year resident, who took the day off from her teaching job at Safety Harbor Middle School to campaign, spent much of her time doing some last-minute hand shaking at the Rigsby Recreation Center.

"The most exciting thing about this campaign was the number of people who reached out and wanted to be apart of it," said Corbino, who raised $6,905 for her campaign. "To me that is the most heartwarming thing."

Borland spent much of her last day barefoot and waving at passersby from the corner of Main Street and Bayshore Boulevard.

A four-year resident, she campaigned heavily on her work last year building ties to residents and city workers. She cited meetings with residents and working with city employees to lay sidewalks and pick up trash as ways she has learned about the city.

"Today went well," the 35-year-old said. "I heard a lot of positive things so I think I did a good job getting the word out on the work I've done over the past year."

Both Pennington and O'Donnell said they would continue their involvement in the community despite losing their bids for office.

"It was a worthwhile experience," said Pennington, 55, the owner of the Crimson Moon bookstore on Main Street. "It was wonderful to be out there with the residents -- it was just exciting."

O'Donnell, who runs Confidential Medical Services Inc., a home-based medical screening business, agreed.

"I will always be involved in the community," the 43-year-old said. "I wish Robin Borland the best of luck -- I'm here to stay."

Safety Harbor election results

MAYOR

Pam Corbino 1,715 votes (72.03%)

Sherrie Pennington 666 votes (27.97%)

SEAT 4

Robin Borland 1,884 votes (80.20%)

Cynthia O'Donnell 465 votes (19.80%)

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