Council candidates address city issues

By BOB McCLURE

Article published on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009

Photo by BOB McCLURE Linda McGeehan, center, of the St. Petersburg area League of Women Voters moderates a candidates forum Jan. 21 at Seminole Garden Apartments that included, from left, Thomas Barnhorn, Patricia Plantamura, Jim Quinn and Leslie Waters.

SEMINOLE – A crowd of more than 60 residents got their first glimpse at the field of Seminole City Council candidates Jan. 21 during a political forum at Seminole Garden Apartments.

The event, organized by the St. Petersburg area League of Women Voters, featured incumbent Thomas Barnhorn, along with challengers Patricia Plantamura, Jim Quinn and Leslie Waters.

The top two vote getters in the March 10 at-large election will serve three-year terms.

The candidates were permitted a short introduction statement and closing remarks sandwiched between a series of questions that addressed a variety of issues.

To no one’s surprise, when asked what the single, most important issue facing the city was, all agreed it was the budget or issues related to economics.

Barnhorn, a financial consultant who grew up in Pinellas County who is seeking his second three-year term, said he is against budget cuts in city services and would lobby heavily to maintain what residents currently enjoy.

“We have been frugal and cost-efficient,” he said, “and I believe we will be able to continue to offer the same services because of that.”

“Certainly the budget,” said Waters, who formerly served eight years in the Florida Legislature. “We need good oversight on our fiscal status, which is good, and we need to make sure we don’t overspend. Also, the continued safety and security of residents is very important as well.”

Plantamura pointed to finding answers that would make living in Seminole more affordable. The fourth-grade school teacher said her concerns centered on a declining tax base and keeping the city affordable for its residents. She questioned whether a 25 percent rate increase by Progress Energy is something the city should support.

Quinn, a former highway superintendent for the city of Enfield, Conn., echoed Plantamura’s statements but admitted not everything can be accomplished by a local legislative body.

“There are some things we can’t control and are out of our hands,” he said. “But there are some things we can control.”

Quinn praised the current city administration and said he would listen to the residents of Seminole in an effort to solve their problems.

When asked what their vision for the city was, most offered solid suggestions.

“We have four fire stations and two need to be upgraded,” said Waters. “Also, we need to address upgrades to the business corridor and the (Emergency Operations Center). Those are the three important things.”

“By being on City Council, I would want to be a help to those already there,” said Quinn. “The (Seminole) mall is going to be torn down and apparently is going to be rebuilt. I think that’s an important focus.”

Quinn later acknowledged he had no information when the mall would be razed and said it was purely speculation.

Owners of the Seminole Mall have not announced future plans for the property and have not submitted a site plan to city officials for consideration, a precursor for any redevelopment.

Plantamura said her goal would be to “maintain what we have,” referring to police and library services. “Unfortunately, Amendment 1 is going to cause some budget cuts,” she said.

Barnhorn said his vision is to keep Seminole “a place we can be proud to call home. A safe place for all ages.”

When asked how they would improve Seminole, the candidates varied significantly in their responses.

“A free lunch for everyone,” Quinn joked. “Seriously, I would work with the management team already in place. I know the nuts and bolts of how a city should be run and would offer my expertise.”

“There’s a Publix across the street (113th Street) that will require us to come up with some traffic solutions (for residents of Seminole Garden),” said Plantamura. “Maybe a cross walk and other safety issues could be addressed.”

“I’m in favor of an increase in activities and amenities,” said Barnhorn. “Also, we need to address architectural standards and beautification (along the business corridors) to help bring back our property values.”

Waters said the potential redevelopment of the Seminole Mall would rank high.

“A Downtown Seminole could be a gem to the area,” she said. “Also, I would like to see citizens become more involved in the political process before the vote (by City Council) on issues, not after.”

When asked what they will do for Seminole, the answers varied.

Barnhorn pointed to the continuation of public education seminars he has provided on Florida amendment proposals and a drug discount program made available to city residents through the National League of Cities.

“I’ve walked to over 1,000 houses since the first of the year,” said Waters. “I’m out there finding out what’s on people’s minds. The only thing I’ll pledge is that I won’t embarrass my mother.”

“I want to listen to the people of Seminole and help them solve their problems,” said Quinn. “My way is to listen to citizens and find out what is wrong.”

Article published on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009

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