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Politics

Now it's a race for mayor in Oldsmar

Don Bohr says he will vie with Jim Ronecker in the March election that will select the city's next mayor.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY
Published October 5, 2006

OLDSMAR - City Council member Don Bohr announced Tuesday night he would run for mayor in March, setting up a contest with fellow council member Jim Ronecker.

"We've come a long ways the last 5½ years," Bohr said at the end of the council meeting. "I want to see it continue and be a part of it."

Term limits will open Mayor Jerry Beverland's seat in March. Ronecker announced his candidacy in June, months after winning re-election for Seat 1.

Bohr is a 70-year-old retired code enforcement officer for Clearwater. Ronecker is a 42-year-old small business owner.

Council members, including the mayor, serve three-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Bohr's second term ends in March. He can't run for another open council seat but can run for mayor.

For months, Bohr had told people he hadn't made a decision to run. He said he was watching the health of his sick brother. Bohr said he wanted to make sure he could devote enough time to the job. The day of the council meeting, Bohr said he decided he could.

"I think it's going to be a very fair and good race," Bohr said. "Jim is a good man."

Ronecker's decision to run for mayor, opening his seat, which will have two years remaining, surprised few of his colleagues.

Bohr's decision, however, was unexpected.

"I'm surprised. See my eyes? I'm surprised," said council member Suzanne Vale, who also recently announced she would seek re-election in March.

Ronecker said he was surprised but undeterred by Bohr's decision.

"I wish him the best," Ronecker said. "However, it's my intention to win the election."

Ronecker spoke to Beverland as they passed each other after the meeting.

"You're going to support me, right?" Ronecker said.

Beverland nodded.

Beverland has vocalized his backing of Ronecker for mayor even before Ronecker announced his candidacy.

"I asked Don many, many times if he was going to run, and he always said he didn't know," Beverland said. "Don's a personal friend, but I've already committed to Jim."

Bohr said he had no problem with Beverland's support of Ronecker.

"No matter who they say they're going to support, it's what they do at the ballot box," Bohr said.

[Last modified October 4, 2006, 22:50:15]