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Letter to the editor

Politics

Candidate responses: Tarpon Springs City Commission

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 28, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: The St. Petersburg Times received the following letters from Tarpon Springs City Commission candidates Herb Elliott and Susan Slattery in response to the newspaper's editorial recommendation of their opponent in the Seat 2 race, Tod B. Eckhouse. A detailed editorial explaining that recommendation was published Feb. 22. The election is March 11.

Herb Elliott

Had the St. Petersburg Times asked, I would have replied that I have worked well with the city attorney for 20 years, and that my election will be a benefit to him and the city.

In 1987, as city attorney, I supported a Tarpon Springs Police Department free from political interference. That position was opposed by a commission which removed me, the police chief, a Civil Service Board majority, and City Manager Blaine LeCouris.

Thereafter, Mr. LeCouris asked for a state attorney investigation. A grand jury presentment only urged that the Police Department be disbanded, but if not, then the city itself. My work was not criticized.

A few years later, a new City Commission asked me to come back as city attorney. I was honored to do so, and most of that board later privately apologized to Blaine and me.

In 1996, the board didn't like my opinions concerning a heated dispute with our Hospital Foundation. They even voted that I stay completely out of the debate, and the then-mayor thought I should resign (she is now a strong supporter of my candidacy) and I obliged. The circuit court later fully affirmed my opinion, and the electorate, despite huge publicity expense, rejected the commission's strong desire to sell our hospital.

In each case, I am proud of my independence and opinions. If those boards had a commissioner who knew its legal limits, those problems would have been avoided and millions of dollars in fees would have been saved.

Government simply needs to cut its costs. I offer my 32 years of city residency, and my expertise, as a basis to avoid trouble, and to cut costs and taxes fairly, without layoffs and hiring freezes, while still preserving public services.

Then let's take another look at the roadblocks downtown.

Susan Slattery

I remember growing up here in Tarpon Springs and graduating from Tarpon High in 1982, which is why I want to preserve our heritage while preparing for our future.

I remember the natural beauty of Tarpon before all the development, which is why I support smart growth and green initiatives that protect the environment and save tax dollars.

I own a small business in Tarpon, joined the Chamber of Commerce and became a chamber ambassador, giving me the knowledge and experience to serve Tarpon's small businesses as well as its citizens.

I remember the voters' decision to lower property taxes while supporting education, which is why I want a leaner, not meaner, government.

I serve as treasurer of the Tarpon High PTSA, which helps give me an understanding of Tarpon's youth, their need for recreation activities and their desire to participate in local government.

I remember when Pappas attracted visitors to the Sponge Docks, which is why I want that closed site developed as an anchor for our tourist industry.

I remember the 2005 marathon City Commission meeting where the citizens of Tarpon Springs left their hearts at the podium, arguing against the approval of the Wal-Mart site plan. I left that meeting disheartened at the outcome and disappointed that I had no vote on the issue. I awoke later that day not defeated, but determined to make a difference.

It is now 2008, and the City Commission may have another opportunity to decide the fate of environmentally sensitive land on the Anclote River where Wal-Mart intends to construct a big-box store only 5 miles from the newly approved super Wal-Mart at Alderman Road.

I humbly offer myself as the candidate best prepared to remember our authentic Tarpon Springs heritage as we, together, determine our shared future.

[Last modified February 27, 2008, 21:36:24]