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The challenger defeats Tim Ippolito after raising more money, making more signs and shaking hands at the polls all day.
By BRADY DENNIS
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 11, 2001
ZEPHYRHILLS -- The lone race for a seat on the Zephyrhills City Council ended in a way that characterized the quiet campaign: with a handshake.
Challenger Mike Bussell defeated incumbent Tim Ippolito in a race this city hardly noticed, a race marked by candidates full of compliments and void of controversy.
Bussell received 361 votes, or 54.5 percent of those cast. Ippolito finished with 301 votes, or 45.5 percent.
Only 662 voters cast ballots Tuesday at Alice Hall Community Center, slightly more than a 10 percent turnout. It was a marked decline from last year, when 1,173 of the city's registered voters, or nearly 20 percent, showed up.
There were three contested races in that election. But Tuesday, incumbents Cathi Compton and Council President Clyde Bracknell, both up for re-election, coasted back into office uncontested.
In the end, Tuesday's race might have come down to determination.
Bussell raised more money, made more campaign signs, bought more advertising and knocked on more doors. He even consumed his bacon, eggs and toast and coffee in time to arrive at the polls before 7 a.m. Tuesday, where he stood until they closed at 7 p.m.
"I just thought it was important to be here and meet people," said Bussell, 59, his balding head tanned to the shade of leather from the day in the sun. "I met 500 people today; it was a great day."
Ippolito, while disappointed, wasn't too distraught that his six-year run on the council had ended.
"I've had a good ride," said Ippolito, 37. "I'd like to leave by saying I'm not going to seek another term rather than getting beat. But it was probably meant to be. I'm not going to cry over spilled milk."
Ippolito, a Tampa firefighter who finalized a divorce earlier this year, was on the verge of not running. He seemed almost relieved Tuesday to be returning to life as a private citizen.
"It's good news for me either way," he said. "There hadn't been anybody keeping me here. I'm here until July at least. But I'll probably move to Tampa. I'm proud of my record here."
Bussell has been on Ippolito's side of returns. He lost last year to incumbent Elizabeth Geiger. The second run proved a charm.
"I'm just absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to serve on Zephyrhills City Council," he said. "I respect Tim for the time he's given the city. He has done well, and he ran a good campaign.
"But the city has spoken, and they are looking for a change in the way the council has been headed."
And what were Bussell's plans for celebration?
"I want to take a shower and get something to eat."
- Brady Dennis covers the city of Zephyrhills and police news in east Pasco. His phone number is (352) 521-5757, ext. 23. His e-mail address is dennis@sptimes.com.