Candidates focus on experience

The winner of South Pasadena's special election will complete the term for Al Edmiston, who died in February.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 30, 2000

SOUTH PASADENA -- The two candidates competing in the May 9 special election are making political experience a defining issue.

Lou Ippolito says his six years on the City Commission (prior to election defeats last year and again in March) make him the best choice for the job.

Wayne C. Barr says his very lack of political experience is his best asset. "I think it's better that I don't have political experience, and that I do have a lot of business experience and skills that can be transferred to serving the city," said Barr, who is making his first run at elective office.

Both candidates pledge to keep tax rates low and preserve South Pasadena as a small, friendly community.

Ippolito wants the city to better manage large projects such as Galatea Gardens and the new public works building. "We need to do one thing at a time until it is completed before taking on another project," Ippolito said. "I don't want the city to spend any extra dollars than it needs to."

The former commissioner, who has clashed publicly with city officials in the past, believes the current commission is favoring Barr in the election. He faxed a letter last week to City Hall protesting that he wasn't invited to a special coffee for Barr that also was attended by Mayor Fred Held and Commissioner Chris Burgess.

Held confirmed that he and his wife, who has contributed to Barr's campaign, attended the coffee as did Burgess. According to Held, the apartment complex did not invite Ippolito because it had met with him during previous election campaigns.

"I like Mr. Barr as a candidate, but my personal endorsement does not mean that the commission is endorsing Mr. Barr," Held said. "The city is absolutely not endorsing any candidate."

Ippolito also has filed a police complaint about missing campaign signs: "I had seven campaign signs out, and now there are only three."

Barr's campaign literature says he will "bring respect and courtesy" to the commission. He supports the city's vision plan, promoting protection of the environment and exploring expansion of public busing.

The winner will serve 22 months, finishing the term of Al Edmiston, who died in February.

South Pasadena Commission

The job

South Pasadena commissioners serve a three-year term and earn a salary of $475 a month. The winner of this election will serve the 22 months remaining in the term of Al Edmiston, who died in February.

The candidates

LOU IPPOLITO, 62, was first elected a commissioner in 1993 and served two terms before his re-election defeat last year and his failed attempt in March. Ippolito has lived in South Pasadena for 10 years, moving here from Long Island, N.Y., where he worked 22 years with the Suffolk County police department. He received an associate's degree in criminal justice from Farmingdale University and his bachelor's degree in behavioral science from the New York Institute of Technology. Ippolito says he is active in the community in a number of organizations and volunteers regularly. He is a member of the South Pasadena Civic Association, the American Legion, and the city's Citizens Emergency Response Team. Ippolito is married and has six children.

SOURCES OF INCOME: Social Security, retirement pensions and investments.

ASSETS: Condominium at Bay Islands, 7400 Sun Island Drive.

LIABILITIES: none listed.

WAYNE C. BARR, 63, has lived in South Pasadena for nearly 10 years, permanently for the past several years. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from Washington Jefferson University, and worked more than 40 years as an executive before retiring. This is Barr's first entry into town politics. He is treasurer and a board member of the Harbourside Condominium Association, rear commodore of the Harbourside Yacht Club, a member of the Shriners and served as a United Fund manager. He is divorced and has one daughter.

SOURCES OF INCOME: Social Security, a Trans World Airlines pension, and investments.

ASSETS: Condominium at Harbourside, 7963 Sailboat Key Blvd. S.

LIABILITIES: none listed.

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