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Tarpon campaign season begins

Five candidates have registered to compete for three city government positions.

By ROBIN STEIN
Published December 2, 2006

TARPON SPRINGS - It might seem like the last of the leftover campaign signs finally disappeared just a few days ago. Yet, here in Tarpon Springs, the 2007 campaign season is officially under way.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, the qualifying deadline for candidates rolled around, ending months of speculation and rumors of a last-minute rush at the City Clerk's Office. The result was a modest and somewhat unusual slate of five contenders for three city races.

Two incumbents - Mayor Beverley Billiris and City Commissioner Peter Dalacos - will face challengers in the March 9 election, while a newcomer will enjoy a free pass.

Harry J. Andropoulos, 55, a first-time candidate and retired lawyer who dabbles in residential construction, is taking on the mayor. Dalacos will be on the defense against another political novice, David C. Bolton, 36, an ordained minister, ophthalmic technician and full-time student.

Meanwhile, Chris Alahouzos, 55, was the only candidate for the commission seat vacated by Peter Nehr, who stepped down last month to serve as a state legislator.

Now, Alahouzos, a Verizon network manager by trade and veteran member of the city's planning and zoning board, is by default also a city commissioner-elect.

While it might be several months before boots hit the ground in the two contested races, all four candidates said insurance, taxes, redevelopment and tourism topped their list of priorities, suggesting that style and personality will be the predominant campaign themes.

Andropoulos, whose back yard borders Billiris', said his run was prompted by concerns that City Hall has become too impersonal and the City Commission too preoccupied by the threat of lawsuits.

Andropoulos said he moved to town about 20 years ago from Santa Barbara, Calif., with his three sons and wife, DeRose, a first-grade teacher at Sunset Hills Elementary School.

"I like the small-town atmosphere, having access to government," he said. "It's one of the true small towns we have in this area of Florida."

Andropoulos said many residents tell him they agree things have changed. "They go down to City Hall and they get the run-around. They don't really get their problems solved," he said.

Andropoulos, currently treasurer of the parish council at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, questioned the basis of some recent commission decisions. But he declined to offer specific examples.

"I would also like to have the mayor and commissioners stand on their own two feet a little more and vote for what's right for the community and not just what they might be sued over," he said.

Billiris disagreed on both fronts, saying that her "strong open-door policy" might be more evident to Andropoulos if he had spent more time in City Hall.

"I've been a very active and visible mayor. ... It's a very warm and friendly atmosphere," she said. "Probably some experience on city boards or being at meetings might clarify some of his questions."

Billiris said prudence, not fear, guides commissioners' decisions.

"You do not face lawsuits when you have attorneys telling you you don't stand a chance," she said. "Right now we're in the middle of a lawsuit with the county."

Billiris said after the holiday season, she looks forward to another door-to-door tour like she did during her first run for mayor, when she visited more than 8,000 homes.

* * *

David C. Bolton, meanwhile, will be working to get name recognition and support to unseat Peter Dalacos, whom he describes as a rogue commissioner.

"The type of negative energy that Peter Dalacos brings to the city, he does nothing but criticize." Bolton said. "Our city staff are belittled and don't enjoy coming to work because of the atmosphere he creates."

Bolton recently stepped down after six years as youth minister at First United Methodist Church to finish his undergraduate degree in business and religion. Now he works at the Macula Center in Palm Harbor and attends Southeastern University in Lakeland full time. He lives with his wife, Grace, a corporate trainer and graduate of Tarpon Springs High School.

Bolton said the commission has been taking the city in the right direction, but believes his fresh perspective and ability to build bridges can help facilitate progress on issues such as the water treatment plant and revitalization of Sponge Docks and historic downtown.

Bolton said the biggest difference between the two "is my ability to work as a team player. Even when I disagree I am able to work together without creating dissension."

Dalacos said he knows he cannot please everyone. He concedes that some may see his style as gruff, but said his challenges are directed toward city leaders and management, not the staff, which he holds in high regard,

"I call it as I see it," he said. "I sometimes think that's necessary to shake things up."

[Last modified December 1, 2006, 23:52:50]