Candidates address priorities, relations

Seminole City Council hopefuls introduce themselves and respond to questions at a luncheon.

By JULIANNE WU, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 24, 2002

SEMINOLE -- About 115 people turned out at the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday to hear the five City Council candidates explain -- in no more than six minutes -- why they should be elected.

The candidates who participated in the luncheon event at Banquet Masters included: incumbents Carol Hajek and Bob Matthews and political newcomers John Counts, Ed Dobyns and Janet Long. There are three seats open in the March 5 election.

Each had two minutes for introductory remarks. The order was picked randomly, as it was for each of two questions and their final statements. Ken Burke was the moderator.

Then, each candidate had the same opportunity: 1 1/2 minutes' worth to answer the first question and then the same amount of time for a second question. The questions were given to the candidates the day before the forum.

Here are highlights of the candidates' opening statements, in the order they appeared:

DOBYNS: He is 85. He cited his 35-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service as good background for serving on the City Council. "I know budgeting, personnel and how to meet people. I'm confident I will be able to serve people in Seminole."

HAJEK: She is 67. She said she was proud of her six years on the council and mentioned that, since the recent annexations to the city of Seminole, there are now 17,400 residents and of that, 10,000 registered voters. "I feel I have good input on controversial issues and would love to remain on the council."

LONG: She is 57. She said her work as a public service and consumer advocate and being on several governmental committees for more than three decades has prepared her for the job as a City Council member. "I do know the know the meaning of the word "commitment,' " she said.

COUNTS: He is 35. He mentioned his background with the Bank of America and as a Junior Achievement volunteer as good reasons to serve on the council. Counts, who has lived his entire life in Pinellas County, said: "I hope to bring a new perspective to our city."

MATTHEWS: He is 57. On the council since 1990, he said: "During that time, I saw the transition from a strong mayor type of government to a City Council/city manager government. That has worked out well." He also cited various improvements he is proud of: the purchase of the property for the Seminole Recreation Center, the approval of the joint-use library (between the city and St. Petersburg College) and more.

The following are the candidates' main points on Question 1 and 2, again in the order they appeared.

Question 1: As a member of City Council, what would be your priorities for the city of Seminole?

HAJEK: Annexation issues and maintaining the city's tax-millage "or possibly lowering it if we could maintain our present quality of life or improve it."

LONG: Focus on smart and sound annexation. "Also, our solid foundation with the Florida Economic Development Council will allow us to bring in resources to help us develop vacant properties in Seminole."

COUNTS: He stressed continued beautification and annexation and added: "and a more defined borderline system is needed for the city."

MATTHEWS: Continued development of recreational facilities and the joint-use library. "More services at minimal costs. Also, I'd like to continue beautification of the roadways and Lake Seminole."

DOBYNS: Supports recreation facilities for all. He also wants: "Negotiation and an equitable completion of our annexation plan. And, we need to work with the Sheriff's office (Pinellas County Sheriff's Department) to keep people from running red lights."

Question 2: How would you ensure, if elected to the council, that city government and city services are responsive to the needs of the citizens and business community of Seminole?

LONG: "I have already talked to civic organizations, elected officials and others ... and would continue to solicit input from citizens."

COUNTS: "I'd have an open door policy and better communications. I would have an anonymous survey among city employees ... with no fear of repercussions."

MATTHEWS: "We need to continue to have good communications with the community and to work for occupancy of vacant properties in the city."

DOBYNS: "I would assist the council to preserve property values of individuals and businesses using my negotiating skills."

HAJEK: "I interface with a lot of people and I take their concerns and needs to the city council."

Final statements were limited to one minute each.

Meet the candidates

Another candidates forum will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Seminole Gardens auditorium, 8324 112th St. N. It is open to the public. Contact: Leo Mutchler, 394-1104.

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