Mayor seeks brevity, harmony

After all the spats and apologies, Bob Jackson outlines how he and other commissioners will change.

By MICHAEL SANDLER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 9, 2002

LARGO -- With his colleagues behind him, Mayor Bob Jackson vowed Wednesday to modify his style, mollify his opinions and bring a new vision of leadership to Largo city government.

Jackson, appearing upbeat and focused after an intense week of nonstop criticism from his peers, promised to tighten City Commission meetings and cut down on the ubiquitous debate that many complain prolongs the evening agenda.

To do that, he plans to encourage commissioners to come prepared, make concise points and move along, with less theoretical conversation and ramblings.

Furthermore, Jackson intends to lead a discussion on commission rules, proposing they limit commissioners from speaking more than once on a subject before others have had an opportunity to speak. He also wants each to disclose more about individual meetings with the city manager.

For his part, he has promised to support the majority once a decision is made, even if he disagrees, and work harder to hear their concerns.

"We are going to work on it," the first-term mayor said. "We all need to work on it. It has to be a commitment of seven people."

In recent days, at least five of the six other commissioners said they had lost faith in Jackson's ability to lead. The statements were sparked by the mayor's court testimony April 29 that the city could accommodate the Bay Area Renaissance Festive, even though the commission had voted 5-2 that it could not.

Commissioners were flabbergasted to learn that Jackson sat behind the opposition's attorney, passed her notes and was seen walking out with her. They also did not appreciate a letter from festival owner Jim Peterson thanking Jackson for his "cooperation" and inviting him to Minnesota for vacation.

At Tuesday's meeting, commissioners chided him for his actions before accepting his third apology in a week.

One lesson Jackson hopes they all have learned is that they need to communicate more effectively, especially when they are unhappy with one another other.

"My hope is that it cleared the air, and the things that have been bothering people for a period of time are on the table. Don't let it build up again," he said.

Jackson said changes should not be limited to his seat. He hopes the commission will support his suggestions and not discount them "without due consideration." He noted the support past commissions gave the late Thom Feaster when he was mayor. But Jackson also recognized his pattern of encouraging various points of view on most every issue.

"We supported Thom on a number of issues we did not necessarily agree with," he said. "We felt we owed it to the mayor to do things we did not necessarily agree with. I guess it is a difficult council now. Maybe I'm a victim of my own thing."

One thing he is certain of is that last week's controversy has not deterred him from running for re-election in March, provided his health is good. If anything, it has motivated him.

"I may be more determined," he said. "You can't run away. Let the people decide if I have done what is expected of me. The only way I can do that is by running for re-election."

-- Michael Sandler can be reached at 445-4174 or sandler@sptimes.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

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