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Politics

Cretekos, Doran think city will weather Amendment 1

By Mike Donila, Times Staff Writer
Published February 13, 2008

CLEARWATER - Since walking into office unopposed last March, City Council member George Cretekos has taken what he calls the whirlwind tour of the city.

He's checked in books at the library, gone on a police ride-along, followed code enforcement officers through neighborhoods and mowed grass with a parks and recreation crew.

"I just want to show my appreciation and let the employees know that what they do is important," Cretekos said. "I want them to know that their roles aren't insignificant and to also have a better understanding of what those departments do, the role they play. This helps me when we're looking at the budget and helps me justify the services."

Cretekos came in last March to replace Hoyt Hamilton, who resigned to move to the Atlanta area. He was up for re-election to a three-year term on Jan. 29, but automatically won, since no one came forward to challenge him.

Before running for Clearwater office, Cretekos was a longtime aide to U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores. The St. Petersburg Times met with Cretekos before the election to talk about his time in office and what lies ahead. Afterward, the Times asked whether the passage of Amendment 1, which is expected to reduce local property tax revenues, changed his outlook.

Why do you think you didn't draw any opposition this year?

I don't know, but I'm flattered.

Talk about your last eight months in office.

It's been interesting and an entirely different experience from the work I handled at the federal level. I'm surprised at the lack of mail we receive, but I know when I meet with people in the community, or in the neighborhood meetings or at a civic club or library, that their minds are on insurance. It's the No. 1 thing on everybody's list, but we can't control it. I think we've done a good job in Clearwater and emphasized the hard work of employees. It's amazing how many of them spend 9-5 on their shifts, but then go out into the neighborhoods on their own and work, talk to residents to make sure that we're responsive to their needs.

Name something you spearheaded that makes you proud.

Looking back, as the council would have disagreements, I think I've been able to find ways to help compromise. I'd like to think of myself as a compromising agent. For example, if you look at the (beach) marina plan, there were a lot of things they planned to do, but I think I helped tweak some of the plan, helped make it more acceptable to those involved (by lowering user fees) and suggesting that the proposed increases are raised over a longer period of time than initially suggested.

Is there anything you'd change?

Probably not. I don't like to second-guess myself. But I do wish we didn't have to do any of the traffic calming or speed bumps (in the Morningside neighborhood) because they were a reaction to a tragic event, and I wish that accident hadn't occurred.

Talk about what would have been your potential campaign issues.

My platform would have been the same as it was six months ago (to continue redeveloping the downtown and helping city leaders strike a fair balance between the interests of builders, homeowners and visitors.) And to provide the experience I've had in working in government at the federal level and the experience I can bring from being a lifelong resident of this area.

I also want to work with the rest of the council to provide services...help attract economic development and tourism and continue to provide the services that residents expect. I think we're going in that direction. For example, we're identifying the Cleveland Street district (through a $10-million revitalization effort) and making it unique. I want to broaden that, though, and help the east gateway, help take back the neighborhoods over there. I'll continue to support the Morningside Recreation Center. I think that's vital.

What are some future issues Clearwater will face?

We have to make sure what is being done at the beach is successful, not only for tourists, but for residents, too. We have to make sure the Cleveland Street district is filled with residents, and we need to increase our efforts to provide affordable housing. We have excellent police and fire departments and a top-notch parks and recreation department and library (system), but we have to find ways to maintain them, and that's going to be difficult in the coming years if the budget is further strapped.

How has the passage of Amendment 1 changed your outlook for the city's future?

I think the city's future still looks great because we have a terrific place to call home, we have all the amenities you can possibly want and we're going to make it even better. (But) we're going to have to work hard as a community. As I look at Amendment 1, it will be tough for the next few years, but I think the economy will turn around and all the new development online, planned and talked about, well, in the next few years we'll overcome the initial challenges Amendment 1 will present.

George Cretekos

Age: 61.

Occupation: Longtime former aide to Congressman C.W. Bill Young; Clearwater City Council member.

Family: wife Carolyn.

Education: Political science degree from Davidson College in North Carolina and a master's in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Hobbies: Playing computer games. He also says he's become an altar boy again at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Clearwater.

Words to live by: "My feeling has always been to never ask someone to do something you yourself aren't willing to do."

[Last modified February 12, 2008, 20:51:41]