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Politics

Largo voters choose moderates over critics

Upbeat Woody Brown and incumbent Harriet Crozier roll to convincing Commission wins.

By LORRI HELFAND, Times Staff Writer
Published November 8, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Woody Brown, a civic booster and recreation advisory board member, earned 74 percent of the vote for a Seat 6 victory. Harriet Crozier, who has served the commission for 13 years, promised experience and consistency.

LARGO - After a turbulent year in city politics, Largo voters Tuesday chose two upbeat, moderate candidates over opponents who called for sweeping changes.

For Seat 6, Woody Brown, a civic booster and recreation advisory board member, earned 74 percent of the vote to defeat government critic Curtis Holmes. Seat 6 is being vacated by Commissioner Gay Gentry, who didn't seek re-election.

For Seat 5, incumbent Commissioner Harriet Crozier garnered 72 percent of the vote to beat newcomer John Mandujano.

"It really is a testament to running a good, clean, positive campaign and being a positive person and working hard," said Brown, 37, a Largo chiropractor. "We certainly worked hard to encourage people to get out and vote."

Crozier said the vote showed the community's support of the City Commission's controversial decision to fire former City Manager Steve Stanton after he announced his plan to become a woman.

She also said voters recognized that her opponent, who chose to run because he opposed Stanton's firing, lacked the experience to take on the job.

"I think people picked up on that," said Crozier, 63, who serves as vice mayor.

Voter turnout for the city's first November election compared favorably with past elections. About 12.3 percent of Largo's approximately 45,300 registered voters participated Tuesday.

Last year, 13.8 percent turned out for an election that included a mayor's race. In 2005, just 6.1 percent voted.

Brown, a member of the Largo Rotary and the Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, exuded a positive attitude throughout the campaign and pledged to build a consensus when his viewpoint conflicted with other city leaders.

Crozier, who has served the commission for 13 years, promised experience and consistency.

Brown's opponent, Holmes, 58, criticized Brown for not having a personal agenda and vowed to be an independent agent of change. Before launching his campaign, Holmes requested an investigation into all officials who knew about Stanton's plans to become a woman.

On the other side of the spectrum, Mandujano, 52, a computer systems analyst and Stanton supporter, spent much of the campaign criticizing his opponent's record and offered a plethora of controversial ideas, including disbanding the Police Department.

Several voters at the polls Tuesday said they supported candidates who were positive and called for preserving city services.

Wanda Kuzmeskus and her husband, Alfred, said they supported Brown because of his background and youth.

"I read all of his credentials," said Wanda Kuzmeskus, 84. "He's a young and vibrant person. He's willing to work and he's knowledgeable."

William Elsie, 52, said he voted for Crozier and Brown because he felt they would support the city's parks and recreation programs.

And Scott Kibler, 33, said he voted for Brown because he heard the most positive things about him.

Voters Tuesday also approved five changes to the city's charter.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at lorri@sptimes.com or 445-4155.

[Last modified November 7, 2007, 22:19:10]