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AARON SHAROCKMANOldsmar City Council candidates Suzanne Vale and Ed Richards sell their ideas and abilities to about 100 city and business leaders Wednesday.
OLDSMAR - One talked about creating a lively downtown lined with shops and restaurants. The other touted his campaign experience and familiarity with government.
Speaking before 100 city and business leaders Wednesday, City Council candidates Suzanne Vale and Ed Richards brought two different styles to a lunchtime discussion of their visions for Oldsmar's future.
The two candidates, who are hoping to fill the council seat being vacated by Marcelo Caruso, told members of the Oldsmar/Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce what they'll do in office if they win the March 9 city election.
Richards, 63, has been down this path before. A maverick who sometimes clashed with other council members, Richards served two terms on City Council from 1997 to 2001. Term limits prevented him from seeking a third term.
For Vale, 46, Wednesday's luncheon was her first public appearance in her first political campaign. She stressed developing the city's downtown as her top priority.
"We need a downtown that is exceptional," Vale said. "That people want to visit."
Vale said she pictures a downtown that mimics other Pinellas County destinations, namely Tarpon Springs and Dunedin. She said she wants to attract a mix of retail shops and restaurants to State Street.
Right now, she said, the city's downtown is virtually barren.
"I envision the Oldsmar downtown becoming a vibrant place where people want to visit," she said. "We're right on the brink of turning the downtown into something fantastic."
Vale, a registered nurse who now works in her husband's real estate business, said she wants to be a part of that renaissance.
Richards stressed his political know-how and ties to prominent Florida Republicans, which will help Oldsmar position itself for state money.
A retired U.S. Army sergeant and a former letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, Richards said he has worked on campaigns for Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, and President George W. Bush.
"I can go to Tallahassee and bring back money," Richards said.
Richards didn't tout any specific issues or positions during his talk to chamber members. Instead, he said he would focus his time in office listening to what citizens want. He said local government directly influences people's lives and that participation is crucial.
"It wasn't what we wanted," Richards said of his four years on City Council. "It was what you needed."
The two also answered questions about the proposed city cultural center on the former Kumar property. Now that the City Council has decided to demolish the unfinished first floor of a 1920s hotel, Richards said he wanted to make sure a new building fits in with the surrounding residential neighborhood along Shore Drive.
Vale said she had concerns that the number of people using the cultural center could disrupt the otherwise peaceful neighborhood. She said a residential community might not be the best place for the city's arts hub.
Vale and Richards are vying for Seat 2 on the City Council. The winner will serve a three-year term and be paid $600 a month. The race is nonpartisan and the winner will take his or her seat at the City Council's March 16 meeting.
Both Vale and Richards will take part in the city's candidate forum 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at City Hall.
- Aaron Sharockman can be reached at 727 771-4303 or asharockman@sptimes.com