CLEARWATER - Pinellas County commissioners have agreed on 11 of the 13 people for a board that reviews the County Charter. But the debate continued Tuesday on the final two slots as some commissioners questioned not having a St. Petersburg City Council member in the group.
Every six years the commission asks a panel of elected officials and non-office holding residents to look at the charter and recommend changes.
Commission Chairwoman Karen Seel this week presented 13 names for consideration - four elected officials and nine members of the "public at large."
All seven commissioners felt comfortable with State Sen. Jim Sebesta, R-St. Petersburg, Sheriff Everett Rice and incoming County Commission Chairwoman Susan Latvala serving.
But three commissioners questioned having Dunedin Commissioner Robert Hackworth represent the cities.
"I feel not having the city of St. Petersburg, the largest municipality, on a charter review process is a serious omission," said Commissioner Bob Stewart, a former St. Petersburg City Council member who lives in the city.
The concern was echoed by Commissioner Ken Welch, whose district includes St. Petersburg.
They suggested St. Petersburg council member John Bryan instead.
Stewart also raised concerns about including John Landon as one of nine public members. Landon serves on a countywide subcommittee studying redevelopment in Pinellas.
Stewart took exception to recent Landon comments, saying Landon suggested making the Pinellas Planning Council the final voice on countywide planning, instead of the County Commission.
Commissioners will vote on the final two slots in December. The names must be selected by year's end. The committee has until July 31, 2004 to propose charter amendments.
