Vote March 15, 2022

I was born and raised in Clearwater and have enjoyed raising a family, building a business, serving my community and being a homeowner since 1972.  I’ve been married for 45 years to my wonderful wife Maryhelen, who worked in Pinellas County schools for 39 years. I’m a proud father of three grown children; two sons and a daughter, three grandchildren and a great granddaughter. I’m a 60 year member of First United Methodist Church.

 

I’ve spent almost three decades in civic leadership in Clearwater, the last four years as your City Councilmember.

 

In the past 3.5 years the council has, with no raise in the milage rate accomplished the following;

 

1. Completed and opened Morningside Recreation Center.

2. Finished the $5.7 million renovation of Crest Lake Park.

3. Started construction of Imagine Clearwater (Coachman Park), a project that was supported by 68% of Clearwater voters in a recent referendum.

4. Negotiated a land swap with PSTA for a future parking garage for Imagine Clearwater

5. Negotiated with the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team for another 25 year contract. This new contract would extend a relationship with Clearwater that generates more than $125 million per year to our City’s economy.

6. Approved an Intermodal Center that has been talked about for more than a decade.

7. Helped with the creation of a second Community Redevelopment Area in the North Greenwood area to help this blighted area of the city.

8. Hired a new City Manager and City Attorney replacing ones that have been in Clearwater for 20 and 27 years respectively.

 

This and more, all while under a crushing pandemic for almost 2 years.

 

I’m asking for your vote for another term as your Council Member because I want to see these projects completed that were started in my first term.

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My platform for 2022 remains based on five foundations for the health of our City.

 

1. Support the safety of our neighborhoods & citizens

2. Lay Foundations for a strong friendly business environment.

3. Support healthy and vital neighborhoods.

4. Support a strong transportation program.

5. Provide the most efficient and effective City services.

 

Our Clearwater city government should remain effective and lean, a need that will become more and more severe for local government organizations as our budgets continue to be squeezed. 

 

I believe our city government should continue to be thoughtful stewards of the people's money by continuing to engage the citizens of Clearwater in our budget process. Our neighborhoods can only remain strong by active engagement between citizens and elected officials working together.

 

I believe in the property rights of landowners and maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. I believe in the strength of our relationships, the commitment of our city staff, our love for the city, and our passion to make Clearwater the most desirable place for us, our children, and our grandchildren to live, work and play.