 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Gulfport
By ANGEL BEDINGHAUS ZENT GULFPORT -- Two incumbent Council members face challenges in the March 4 elections, but the Ward 2 and Ward 4 races so far have generated little debate. No candidate forums have been scheduled, and the challengers have little comment on the current council's performance. Joyce McMahon, who is trying to unseat Dawn Fisher in Ward 2, said she is running because she wants to be a part of the redevelopment of 49th Street and make sure it moves forward. City leaders have been planning improvements to the corridor for several years. This spring or summer, the city begins construction of a multipurpose hall with a police substation on the old Bay Machine property at. Fisher, who can be seen most days picking up litter around town, agrees that 49th Street is the biggest issue facing Gulfport. But as a council member, she said she likes listening to the everyday problems of residents, and trying to get them solved by bringing them to the attention of the city staff. Ward 4 council member Larry Cooper, who is seeking election to his fourth term, said he likes getting his "two cents" in and listening to what others have to say, but the main issue for him is the 49th Street and Tangerine redevelopment project. He wants to make sure everything stays on track and looks forward to working with the city of St. Petersburg and coordinating the redevelopment of its side of the street. Political and residential newcomer Mary Stull sees council work as a great way of becoming involved in the city. She said her newness is an asset in that she will bring a different perspective to city business. There are two referendums on the ballot. One asks voters to amend the city charter to eliminate runoff elections. If voters pass this referendum, the candidate who gets the most votes in an election will win. According to a report by the city clerk, three elections went to a runoff in the past 12 years. In each case, the candidate with the most votes in the general election won the runoff. The cost to stage a runoff is a little less than a regular election, which is estimated to be $5,700 for 2003. The second referendum will be determined by the 60 registered voters on Premier Drive, Horan Way and 59th Street S who will be asked if they want to be annexed into Gulfport. THE JOBCity Council members must reside in their wards, but they are elected byvoters citywide. They serve two-year terms, receiving $600 a month. WHERE TO VOTEWard 2: Gulfport Presbyterian Church, 5313 27th Ave. S. Ward 4: Gulfport Church of the Nazarene, 1000 55th St. S. Annexation referendum vote: Gulfport Recreation Center, Room B,5730 Shore Blvd. S. (Only registered voters living in the proposed annexation area may vote.)
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times South Pinellas desks |
