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Voters will pick from five candidates, including an incumbent, and decide three referendums, including pay raises.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 24, 2002
SOUTH PASADENA -- On March 5, voters will pick among a slate of commission candidates that include an incumbent, a former commissioner, and three neighbors new to politics.
Three candidates -- incumbent Chris Burgess, Diane Sheldon and Robert Small -- are running for two commission seats. The top two vote-getters will fill the three-year seats.
Two other candidates -- former Commissioner Joe Catalfamo and newcomer Carol May Clark -- will compete to fill the remaining year of the seat vacated by Dick Holmes.
The only recent issue that seemed to draw resident anger has been the sewer lift station installed last September in the middle of the road at the entrance of Shore Drive S off Pasadena Avenue. Residents complained the structure was both ugly and a safety hazard.
Small was a leader in the lift station protest and wants the city to move the structure. Most candidates agree the tower is unsightly, but differ on what to do about it.
"We're trying to correct it, but it is very difficult. We do want it to look nice and for people to be happy in South Pasadena," said Burgess, who stresses that she is the only experienced candidate running for a three-year seat. "I think continuity is important because it takes a year or more to learn the job."
Burgess, 75, is proud of the development of Galatea Park and street paving projects completed during her tenure. She wants to continue to emphasize beautification and business development.
Sheldon, 60, says she is running because she feels it is her civic duty to contribute to the city's improvement. Her top issues are keeping city taxes low and personal safety high through better lighting, particularly in city parks.
"I think I can help keep harmony on the commission. People should act like adults and be responsible," said Sheldon, adding that "some people" are trying to make an issue that she still works and is not retired.
"It's not an issue at all. My schedule is very flexible and I have my employer's support."
Small, 51, says he will bring a new face to the commission that will be pro-business and work to ensure there are no "empty stores" in the city. He also wants to press for beautification along Pasadena Avenue "so people will want to get off the trolley and do some shopping here."
Catalfamo, 79, says he is not actively campaigning for the one-year seat and is running "because I was asked to" by some people concerned that the commission needed experienced members. "I can hit the ground running," Catalfamo said.
Clark, 62, says she has the experience and ability to handle any regulations, ordinances or legal matters that may face the city. She says she decided to run because she feels people need a choice.
"I want South Pasadena to continue to be a safe, beautiful and prosperous place to live," said Clark, adding that she would promote a dialogue between the commission and the community.
Two ballot questions, if approved, would give the mayor and commissioners automatic cost-of-living raises and would allow them to run for four consecutive terms instead of three.
A third referendum would change the procedure for filling seats that are vacated between elections. In the case of three simultaneous vacancies, there would not be a quorum that could legally appoint new members. The question before voters calls for the state governor to make appointments in such circumstances.