Tarpon Springs candidate responds

EDITOR'S NOTE: Tarpon Springs City Commission candidate Roger Sellew submitted the following in response to the Times' editorial recommendation of candidate Peter Nehr in the Feb. 4 city election. Two other candidates who were not recommended did not submit responses by Wednesday's deadline.

I would like to thank the St. Petersburg Times for describing me as "exceptionally bright, articulate, visionary and fully capable of providing outstanding leadership to Tarpon Springs."

I am most proud and grateful for the recommendations of the Pinellas Realtors Organization, our local Firefighters and Paramedics Association, Mayor Frank DiDonato and Commissioner Jim Archer.

I believe it is important for you, the voters, to understand how I differ from the other candidates:

Proven strong technical- and business-based background and education.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex for-profit and nonprofit organizations effectively.

Spearheaded award-winning business redevelopment projects that parallel Tarpon Springs' current needs and vision.

Active community involvement, producing positive change, benefits and successful results.

Skilled consensus-builder; seeks to eliminate dissension and take action.

My vision for Tarpon Springs is to:

Aggressively encourage environmentally friendly business redevelopment, while maintaining the ambiance of Tarpon Springs as a Mediterranean fishing village.

Continue to develop and implement a community-supported, long-range plan.

Apply my past business and multicultural experiences to our city government.

Enhance our city's relationship with both county and state governments.

I would like to challenge the voters to examine the public records regarding campaign contributions, as reported in the Times Jan. 11. Seventy-nine percent of my contributions came from within our city, while my primary opponent had only about 37 percent from within our city.

I am a proven leader and businessman who is a committed, enthusiastic and hard-working candidate who will listen and respond to the citizens of Tarpon Springs. You can contact me for further information at 942-7321 or e-mail me at rsellew@aol.com. With your support, I look forward to serving you as a dedicated commissioner.

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