School Board: Political newcomer Starkey 'just ecstatic' with victory
Activist Kathryn Starkey is a proponent of smaller, more community-centered schools.
By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published September 1, 2004
Kathryn Starkey is taking her energy to the Pasco County School Board.
The local community activist with the familiar name claimed a strong win against Daniel "Woody" Wodstrchill in her first bid for public office Tuesday.
"I'm just ecstatic," said the 46-year-old Starkey from her New Port Richey home. "I'm just going to start flying with the ideas from day one."
Starkey will represent west Pasco's District 4, a seat held by Pam Coulter for the past 12 years.
While working for her family's development firm, Starkey has created a name for herself lobbying to improve Pasco's appearance through sign ordinances, landscape requirements and other scenic regulations.
When she gets on the School Board in November, Starkey hopes to bring her dreams of smaller, more community-centered schools to the crowded 57,000-student district.
Wodstrchill, 61, a local New Port Richey Realtor and retired Air Force colonel had little to say about the results but congratulated Starkey on her win.
"I think Kathryn will make a good board member," he said.
Wodstrchill campaigned on raising teachers' salaries, though he didn't offer any specific ideas on how that might be accomplished during fiscally tight times.
Asked if he might pursue public office again, Wodstrchill said it's not likely. "I'm not a political person," he said. "I just say it like it is."
School Board members are responsible for setting policy and hiring staff. The job pays $32,906 a year.
