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Politics

Two so far seek mayor's position

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published November 8, 2006

The dust is still settling from Tuesday's election, but already two candidates have filed papers to run for Seminole mayor in March.

The first is no surprise.

Jimmy Johnson, 63, announced his intention to run weeks ago. Johnson, executive director of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, is in his second term on the City Council.

The other is Arden Ford. Ford, 67, owns A-1 Auto Service on Seminole Boulevard. He did not return a phone message asking for comment.

The pair may not be alone.

Mobile home activist Leo Plenski announced over the summer that he would run, although he has not filed papers. He has until mid December to file and qualify.

Also interested is Dan Hester, vice mayor. Hester, a banker, is serving his first term on the council.

"I haven't made any decision as to what my plans are come March, whether I run for mayor or run for re-election," Hester said.

The heavy interest is likely because candidates won't face an incumbent. Former Mayor Dottie Reeder's resignation was effective election day because of her bid for state House District 51.

That means Seminole is currently without a mayor. The City Council is scheduled to select someone Tuesday to fill the rest of Reeder's term.

The interim mayor will almost certainly come from within the council, creating a vacancy that also will need to be filled.

That person will likely be Bob Matthews, a former council member, who was the next highest vote-getter in the March city election.

For John Counts, the choice for short-term mayor is easy: Pat Hartstein.

"In my opinion, she would be the logical choice to fill out Mayor Reeder's term," Counts said. Hartstein has the needed experience and objectivity, he said.

Hartstein also has another advantage, Counts said. She's not interested in running for mayor.

"I just believe it would be appropriate to have someone who is not going to run for mayor to finish out the term to avoid an unfair playing field," Counts said. It also would avoid any appearance that the council is endorsing one candidate over another, he said, or that there was any "back-room, good old boy dealing" to give someone a leg up in the race.

"I don't want Jimmy to have any leftover ill will," Counts said.

Hester said he has no real opinion about the choice beyond wondering if there is precedent for elevating the vice mayor into the position.

"Regardless of who is selected from council, it's an interim position," he said. "I'm fine with whatever the outcome."

Tom Barnhorn predicted that Johnson would be the choice.

"I think he's the next face of the mayor in our community just because he goes everywhere and does everything," Barnhorn said.

That's at least in the short term. In the long term, Barnhorn said, the voters will make the choice.

Hartstein said, "I am leaning toward Jimmy if that's what he wants to do. ... He's taken the initiative to pull papers. ... I like his style of working with people."

Hartstein said she is definitely not interested in the position.

"I have the skills, but I don't have the time or the energy," she said. "I think I'm too shy for that kind of stuff. I'm a thinker, not a talker."

Johnson is willing to serve "if that is the wish of the council. ... It would be an honor and a privilege."

Johnson said his platform for the March election will be tax reduction, redevelopment and building of a new senior center.

Johnson also vowed to establish quarterly town meetings to inform people about what's happening in city government.

[Last modified November 8, 2006, 07:37:13]