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Mayor stops by for a chat

Mayor Pam Iorio makes an impression by visiting neighborhoods, listening and providing some answers.

By DEMORRIS LEE
Published April 22, 2005

NORTH TAMPA - The questions ranged from do cars need a permit to park on the sidewalk to what is the city going to do about the homeless and how to improve public transportation.

With poise and a sense of sincere concern, Tampa's mayor answered the questions. And when Pam Iorio didn't have an answer, she had her staff on hand to pitch in.

That's the tone of the series of town hall meetings Iorio is having throughout the city. No frills. No thrills, just a simple conversation with her constituents.

"We just think it's wonderful," said Juanita Dusek, who has lived in the Lowry Park area since 1986. "Her being here shows that she's really trying."

"She really seems to listen," said Joanne Jones, who lives off Armenia Avenue.

Pete D. Johnson, a community activist from Temple Terrence was among the nearly 100 people at the meeting Tuesday night at Chamberlain High School. He said with this type of interaction, the mayor is bridging a gap between City Hall and Tampa's far-flung neighborhoods.

Four such meetings are planned over the course of the year. Iorio will visit Middleton High School in August and Jefferson High School in October.

Guests received information about transportation, stormwater, parks and code enforcement projects.

"As much as possible, I want to put as much money back into the neighborhoods," Iorio said, drawing applause.

Marty Fay, of the North Tampa Community Crime Watch, came away with a positive impression of Iorio's administration, saying, "I didn't feel like they were blowing smoke."

- Demorris Lee can be reached at 813 310-8481 or dalee@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 21, 2005, 08:33:10]