Incumbents to compete in Safety Harbor race

SAFETY HARBOR -- In the months leading up to the city's next election, two commission incumbents have announced they will pursue second terms.

Mayor Pam Corbino and Commissioner Robin Borland will compete in the March 12 election.

Corbino, 52, is a Safety Harbor Middle School teacher who served seven years on the commission prior to being elected mayor in 1999.

"When I first ran, I ran because we were having so much discourse on the commission. I wanted to bring a more business-like presence to it," Corbino said. "I think we have been able to do that, and I think people like and appreciate that."

Borland, 34, was elected in March after she defeated Jan Tracy, who had been appointed to the spot eight months earlier. The seat was vacated after Commissioner Rollin Yanchar resigned because he moved out the city.

"I enjoy serving the people of Safety Harbor," said Borland, who so far has raised about $1,000 for her campaign.

"I just love walking the neighborhoods, finding out what their concerns are, and what they think are the good things about the city and what we can improve on."

The four-year resident said door-to-door meetings with residents and working with city employees to lay sidewalks and pick up trash are what she's most proud of.

"In doing that ... I found out they needed to have a cement truck; so when the request came up (on the commission agenda), I knew exactly what they were talking about," Borland said. "That's the kind of information you can't get unless you go out and talk to the people who work for the city. They know what's going on."

Corbino has lived in Safety Harbor for the past 15 years. She said she's most proud of her involvement in renovating Marina Park and a gazebo on Main Street, constructing a veteran's memorial and helping secure a parking lot on Second Avenue.

"We've always been progressive in enhancing our community but maintaining that look and feel we have," said Corbino, who so far has raised about $3,300 in campaign money. "I want to continue looking downtown so that will enhance what we already have."

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