Voters put new faces on Dunedin board

Two political novices grab the lead in a six-person field that included a pair of longtime forces on the commission.

By LEON M. TUCKER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 12, 2003

DUNEDIN -- Newcomers Julie Scales and Dave Eggers emerged from a crowded election field to become the city's newest commissioners.

Scales, a former assistant county attorney, and Eggers, a commercial real estate broker, defeated four other candidates Tuesday -- including longtime political forces in Dunedin, Manny Koutsourais and Mary Bonner.

"I feel pretty good," a beaming Scales said, surrounded by a sea of supporters who had gathered inside City Hall to wait for the election returns.

Scales, 56, said a "combination of my message and walking half of the precincts myself" contributed to her victory.

"I'm really honored the voters put their trust in me," she added. "I intend to honor that to the utmost."

For Eggers it was broad-based support from the business community, retirement community and the youth sports community that he said helped him to victory.

"It's been about 10 years in the making because that's how long I've been active in this city," the 45-year-old said between hugs and handshakes at City Hall. "I'm excited, but I'm very humbled to have that type of support."

Scales received 2,488 votes and the Eggers 2,352. They take office March 6.

Dunedin voters also approved an amendment to the city charter that is supposed to clear up confusion such as occurred last fall when two city commission vacancies needed to be filled.

It was approved 3,524-629.

Both real estate agent Bonner and retired pharmacist Koutsourais had been mayor in Dunedin, as well as having served as commissioners.

"I'm very comfortable with the decision the voters made and I'm sure they will do a good job for the city," said Koutsourais, 65. "I'm disappointed I didn't win, but I think they earned what they got.

"I have never lost a local election, so they had to beat the best," he added. "And the only way they were going to beat me was outwork me -- and that's exactly what they did."

Koutsourais received 1,571 votes.

"I went in this for one reason -- I thought the commission needed experience," said Bonner, 65, who received 1,285 votes. "But if the people decided they wanted someone else, that's fine. I wish them well."

Former Gulfport police Lt. Mike Quill received 1,217 votes and retired physical therapist and real estate broker John Skolte 127.

"What a disappointment," said Quill, 44. "We ran a real hard, above the board race, but the voters have spoken."

Quill, who spent nearly $21,000 on his campaign, said he will support the winners.

"I respect the voters and I will give the two winners my support," he added.

Skolte could not be reached for comment.

Earlier in the day, voters trickled into the polls to cast their votes, later emerging hopeful their picks would come to pass.

"I like Bonner and Koutsourais," said Willie Marcor, who lives on N Douglas Avenue. "They have been there, they have the experience and they know what's going on."

But in the end, it was voters like David Kelly of Pasadena Drive who called it.

"It's good we had a few new faces in there because I like Scales and Eggers," Kelly said. "It will be nice to have some new ideas in there."

-- Leon M. Tucker can be reached at (727)445-4167 or tucker@sptimes.com .

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