Mayor bids a humble farewell

Thomas Feaster tells the audience at his final City Commission meeting as mayor: "Nothing is impossible in Largo."

By SHARON TUBBS

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 29, 2000

LARGO -- Mayor Thomas Feaster stepped down from the dais Tuesday to address his fellow commissioners in the last City Commission meeting he will lead. Next week, he will install a new mayor and relinquish his position as one of Largo's most powerful and, in recent times, controversial political figures.

Although some have reckoned Feaster a heavy-handed and overbearing mayor, the 53-year-old funeral manager by trade showed a humble side Tuesday rarely unveiled to the public.

"No, I haven't walked a totally straight line, I have to admit," Feaster said, standing at the lectern reserved for the public, his typewritten speech in hand.

In fact, his ego contributed to some of his troubles and negative media coverage, Feaster said during the 15-minute speech that left him and a few other officials red-faced and holding back emotions.

But Feaster maintained that his focus has always been on moving Largo forward.

"I was elected to do a job," he said. "And I have done it. I regret nothing and I wouldn't change a single vote."

Clad in a navy business suit, Feaster summarized a number of city accomplishments over the past seven years. Largo has maintained low sewer rates, expanded the reclaimed water program and acquired more land for the east side of Largo Central Park, he said.

"Nothing is impossible in Largo," Feaster said.

He encouraged the commission and Commissioner Bob Jackson, who was elected to succeed Feaster as mayor, to maintain good relations with City Manager Steven Stanton and the city staff. "I'm proud to say, Steve Stanton has been a major success story in Largo," Feaster said.

He was witty at times, noting how he'd seen Jackson's hair turn from black to gray.

To Commissioner Jim Miles, who lost in the mayoral contest, Feaster said, "For us has-beens, I have enrolled Jim and I in (St. Petersburg Junior College) in a political withdrawal class."

Referring to a tense time when Commissioner Marty Shelby accused him of stifling discussion, Feaster said, "There are times when you need to let the conversation flow -- right, Marty?"

Feaster's political career began as a city commissioner in 1974. In 1979, he was elected mayor, but he left the political scene three years later. He returned in 1993 when he was elected mayor again. In the fall, he decided not to run for re-election, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and do other things he enjoyed.

By all accounts, Feaster was stronger during his second stint as mayor, quickening the pace of downtown redevelopment. Under Feaster, Largo decided to move City Hall, pushed forward with an aggressive plan to widen West Bay Drive and built the cultural center and Largo Central Park.

Whether residents agreed with his leadership style or decisions, few could deny that Feaster was among the most popular men in the city. Having come to Largo from New Jersey as a young man to work with his brother, George, in the funeral home business, Feaster became well respected among city natives and newcomers. In his last two bids for mayor, Feaster was unopposed.

But in recent years a contingent of opposition formed. Some residents felt he did not give the people enough say in city business. They rallied others to run against Feaster for the mayor's seat before they realized he intended to step down anyway.

Jackson won the election earlier this month, beating out Miles and former city attorney Gerald McClelland.

Feaster had publicly endorsed Miles to succeed him. With the loss, Tuesday was also Miles' last city meeting from the dais. But Miles, a commissioner for 18 years, offered no farewell remarks. He opted instead to shake a few hands after the meeting and leave, for the most part, in silence.

Feaster said he will continue to be active in civic circles, but has no political plans. His final suggestion to commissioners was that they name the city's Military Court of Honor after Miles and the now-deceased shopping center developer Richard Leandri, both of whom were integral in establishing the court.

After Feaster's speech, officials said little. "You've been a city manager's dream" was all Stanton could muster, adding, "I don't want to get emotional."

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