Empty ballot worries officials

Candidates won't be at issue March 7, but nine charter amendments will. Amendment supporters fear few will vote.

By ANNE LINDBERG

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 27, 2000

PINELLAS PARK -- There are no candidates, but there will be a city election March 7.

Voters will consider nine amendments to the city's charter. The most important of these proposals would make it harder for council members to eliminate the Police Department.

Now, three of the five City Council members can vote to dissolve the department and hire the sheriff or another agency to handle Pinellas Park's public safety. The charter amendment, if approved, would require a unanimous vote.

Police officers last spring lobbied for the amendment with the Charter Review Committee. But it's on a ballot without candidates, which could result in the smallest turnout in Pinellas Park history.

That a small number of voters could affect the future of the department is "a definite concern for the officers," police Chief David Milchan said.

He has not involved himself in the campaign because he's an administrator, but Milchan said he thinks it's up to the police union to advertise the election and prompt people to vote.

On Friday, neither Pinellas County Police Benevolent Association president Jack Soule nor executive director Bill LauBach could be reached for comment to discuss plans.

Council member Rick Butler, who with Mayor Bill Mischler and council colleague Patricia Bailey was re-elected without a challenge, said one possible solution is for council members and others to talk about the election when they're out in the community. That should help the turnout a bit, he said.

It if doesn't, then Butler's nightmare could come true.

"This morning I was thinking, what if we throw an election and nobody comes?" he said. "It could happen."

Pinellas Park elections for changes to the city charter will be March 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.