Opinion: Tampa's cautious contenders

You'd think Tampa's mayoral candidates would take advantage of any opportunity to say something -- anything -- to the large undecided vote. But Pam Iorio, Bob Buckhorn and Frank Sanchez have been doing the opposite, refusing to stake ground or to challenge their opponents on their record or their plans for the city. For example, at a televised debate last weekend, it was left to the two candidates regarded as trailing in the polls, Don Ardell and Charlie Miranda, to show any personality or sense of conviction.

The live debate, sponsored by WTSP-Ch. 10 and the St. Petersburg Times, kicked off the final full week of campaigning before the March 4 election. There was plenty of raw meat to pounce on -- Buckhorn slighting south Tampa, Iorio ducking questions, Sanchez fumbling to describe a city he left 20 years ago. Ardell and Miranda showed candor and humor. They weren't afraid to challenge or criticize the others or to acknowledge their own weaknesses as candidates. The leaders were as alive as those waxed troglodytes you buy at the zoo.

Most polls show Iorio ahead, and clearly she doesn't want to say anything that could slow her momentum. But if Iorio can't find a comfort level when she's 30 points ahead to criticize Tampa's old-boy network, then when would she as mayor? The others were let off easy, too. No one challenged Buckhorn when he dismissed a new tax for drainage work as "frivolous" spending, claiming the problem could be addressed with existing funds. Sanchez allowed the others to frame his message and experience. Instead of playing Mr. Nice, he should have challenged Miranda's claim that he is unprepared for the job.

Ardell was the only one who offered any serious criticism of Mayor Dick Greco, and Miranda was the only one to acknowledge, in these heady days after the Super Bowl victory, how much the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cost this community. The others were spinning themselves dizzy. Buckhorn bragged about his police union endorsement, never addressing why the union historically has pushed lousy public-policy issues. Iorio promised to be a role model, without dwelling on the sort of mayor she'd be. Sanchez talked about living in better cities.

The $1.4-million the candidates together raised should have produced a more focused race. Instead many voters are struggling with the same dilemma they had the first week of the campaign. Poll after poll has shown one thing: People have been unimpressed and unsatisfied. As the clock winds down, we understand why.

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