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SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADAIn placid times in Redington Beach, an incumbent and two newcomers focus on individual talents.
REDINGTON BEACH - Unlike past election years, there appears to be no prevailing controversy to occupy the candidates. They agree that the town is headed in the right direction.
Instead, each candidate is highlighting special backgrounds and expertise that would enhance the town's current efforts to solve its drainage problems, standardize its building and zoning codes, and preserve the town's residential character.
Two at-large commission seats are open this year, pitting one appointed incumbent against two political newcomers. The two highest vote-getters will win seats on the commission.
Alberto V. Baraybar, 43, has been serving almost two years but will face voters for the first time this month. His opponents are Leslie Peck-Epstein, 51, and Herbert Hintz, 73.
Baraybar says his engineering and development background has helped him as the town's building commissioner. During the past two years he has worked with Pinellas County building officials and planning agencies to update the town's building and zoning regulations. He says he also has helped to seek grants to develop a master drainage plan.
"It's easier for someone with my construction background to understand and work on these issues," said Baraybar, who describes the current commission as a hands-on group that works well together.
Peck-Epstein says that over the past two years she and her husband have fallen in love with the town. "There is a genuine caring here, and so many in the community are helping each other."
As a member of the town's property owners association and the Neighborhood Watch - and, she hopes, as a member of the commission - Peck-Epstein wants to keep the town from falling back into the "old days of fighting."
She says her "skill set" as an executive assistant for corporate CEOs would enhance her work with fellow commissioners and residents. "I am particularly detail oriented and know how to really listen to people," said Peck-Epstein, who supports the town's efforts to establish long-range budget and residential development planning.
Hintz says he wants to "give something back to the community" by bringing his life experiences and good judgment to the commission. He describes himself as a fiscal conservative. He supports the town's drainage efforts but is concerned that the town might adopt unproven solutions. He also wants to ensure that the lowest bidder gets contracts.
"If elected, I will challenge the (commission) to implement a policy of thorough background checks of all employees, including the mayor and commissioners. In the past, too many frauds have damaged the progress of free government by infiltrating municipalities," Hintz said, while adding that the commission's work over the past few years has been impressive.
Residents can meet and question the candidates Thursday during a moderated public forum sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and the Redington Beach Property Owners Association. It will start at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 105 164th Ave.