2006 Know Your Candidates

So, you want to be mayor? Then let's talk taxes

Crystal River Mayor

By ELENA LESLEY
Published October 25, 2006

Mayoral candidates are facing a tough crowd this year.

Still reeling from a whopping increase in taxes, many Crystal River residents and business owners are fed up with what they say is a bungling council unable to balance a budget. As other political bodies - Inverness, Citrus County, the Citrus County School Board and even fractious Inglis - reduced their tax rates this year, Crystal River officials spent months slashing, just to keep their millage rate steady.

Taxpayers have taken note.

When residents find out that Bruce Garrison is running for mayor, they generally have a pointed question for him: "Why would you want to do that?"

Garrison is an idealistic newcomer on the political scene. Some, particularly the other three candidates, can't seem to get enough of Crystal River government, no matter how contentious it is.

Mike Gudis is a former council member. Roger Proffer holds Seat 2 on the council. Ron Kitchen is the mayor.

But whether they're seasoned Crystal River watchdogs or political newbies, all four candidates say the city must take steps to cut spending.

Kitchen, who was unsuccessful in trying to introduce a slimmer budget at the last minute in late September, said the council can't distinguish between wants and needs.

"I might like to hire all my relatives," he said, "but we can't afford it."

Of all of the candidates, Kitchen said, he is most strongly advocating cuts to the budget. Proffer, Gudis and Garrison said they might make significant reductions, such as reducing the police force, once they have more information.

Another issue: the manatee, Crystal River's main cash cow.

Manatees need clean water, and Kings Bay has become overgrown and polluted. Cleaning up the bay is the focus of Gudis' campaign.

"Right now, we're creating more problems every day," he said of septic runoff.

While Garrison agrees that the bay needs work, much of his platform centers on making Crystal River feel more like a community.

It's a "cool, little city," he said, adding that he would like to promote a walkable environment and more civic events and community festivals.

Proffer's campaign focuses more on the inner workings of the council, which he said has a reputation for "screamin' and hollerin'."

If elected mayor, he said, he will bring a calming presence to the body.

THE CANDIDATES:

Bruce Garrison

Garrison, 48, was born in Hoboken, N.J., and moved to Crystal River 10 years ago. He has an associate's degree from North Shore Community College, served in military intelligence from 1978 to 1983 and works as a Realtor for Remax Realty. Garrison is on the city's Community Redevelopment Agency and is the legislative committee chairman for the Realtors Association of Citrus County. He is separated and has two children. Assets: Duplex. Liabilities: Mortgage. Sources of income: Realty job, rental income.

Mike Gudis

Gudis, 70, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and previously has served as a Crystal River council member. He has a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and has taken continuing education classes. He is a self-employed accountant and financial adviser and served as a councilman elector in Montgomery County, Md., from 1978 to 1990. He is single. Assets: Property, financial accounts. Liabilities: None. Sources of income: Accountant income, Montgomery County council pension, Social Security, dividends and interest on investments.

Ron Kitchen

Kitchen, 50, the incumbent, was born in Spangler, Pa. He has a bachelor of science degree in business management from Liberty University. Kitchen is the president and chief executive officer of Barbaron Inc., a golf course builder. He is married and has two children. Assets: Property, stocks. Liabilities: Loan. Source of income: Golf course construction company.

Roger Proffer

Proffer, 65, was born in Flint, Mich., and serves on the Crystal River City Council. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and spent three years overseas in the Far East, including a stint in Vietnam. Proffer has served as a Baptist missionary to Mexico and operates his own business, Military Outlet Inc. in Crystal River. He is married. Assets: Property, stocks. Liabilities: Mortgages, loans. Source of income: Retail store.

THE JOB:

Mayor

This year, council Seat 4 will be eliminated and the mayor will take on a new role as one of the voting council members. In addition to normal council duties, the mayor will facilitate meetings and serve as an ambassador for the city. The term is for four years, and the annual salary is $5,400.

[Last modified November 3, 2006, 15:26:33]