02/28/2002 - Candidate ForumCANDIDATE FORUM – CITY OF CLEARWATER
Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater
February 28, 2002
Nick Fritch, Member of the Sand Key Civic Association, called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and
a moment of silence.
City Commission candidates Frank Hibbard, and Patricia Bates-Smith were present as well as candidate and Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hart and candidate and Commissioner Hoyt P. Hamilton.
Also present was Board Reporter Brenda Moses.
Mr. Fritch said although Mayor Brian Aungst could not attend this evening’s forum due to an out of town commitment, his wife would arrive shortly to receive any messages the public wished
to convey to the Mayor. Mr. Fritch thanked Sheraton Sand Key Resort management for offering to host tonight’s forum.
Mr. Fritch urged everyone to write their questions of candidates on index cards that were collected by volunteers. The questions were given to a panel of volunteers, Kevin Teismann,
Jay Stagg, and Dick Reuben. Opening statements were limited to 2 minutes.
Dick Reuben monitored the time clock while candidates responded to the following audience questions through 2 panelists, Kevin Teismann and Jay Stagg: 1) All candidates, what will you
do to help Sand Key with beach renourishment in 2004; 2) Commissioner Hamilton, what will you do to ensure the owner of the Cabana Club will be held accountable for the condition of
the Cabana Club? Will you ensure it will be repaired or demolished within 6 months of your taking office; 3) Candidate Bates-Smith, the Belleview Biltmore upgraded their golf course
but not the Cabana Club Restaurant, which they also own. How would you deal with owners that treat their property in that manner; 4) Candidate Hibbard and Commissioner Hart, what percentage
of City taxes is represented by Sand Key residents; what percentage of City services is allocated to Sand Key; and what would you do to be sure Sand Key’s fair share is returned to Sand
Key; 5) Candidate Hibbard and Commissioner Hart, do you view the Church of Scientology’s development as a positive or negative to the future of downtown, and why; 6) Candidate Hibbard
and Commissioner Hart, what would you do with the Calvary Baptist Church property; 7) Commissioner Hamilton and Candidate Bates-Smith, many voters are against government entities subsidizing
professional sports players/teams. Why should Clearwater subsidize the Clearwater Phillies when enough is enough; 8) Commissioner Hamilton and Candidate Bates-Smith, what is the rationale
for your opposition to additional high rise condominiums on the beach but favoring hotels; 9) Candidate Hibbard and Commissioner Hart, you have said that your opponent has taken money
from developers; you have received significant contributions from persons identified as developers and have been accused of being more receptive and less demanding; please respond to
those allegations; 10) Commissioner Hart, please respond to allegations in some editorials you have been accused of being negative and a divisive factor on the City Commission and lacking
credibility from constituents and City staff; 11) All candidates, state your position on Charlie Siemon. Is he worth what he has been paid; 12) All candidates, did you know Florida
is 46th in the number of pedestrian accidents in the country; Pinellas County is #1 in the State. What would you do to address this problem; 13) Candidate Bates-Smith, if the scheduled
beach renourishment in 2004 for Sand Key required a
significant commitment by the City, would you support it; 14) Commissioner Hamilton, you stated beach redevelopment is a top priority and infrastructure versus redevelopment is important.
What is your rationale for Coronado and Gulfview not being maintained? Is there a strategy regarding their condition that I don’t understand; if proposed development in that area is
2-3 years out, what is your current position; and 15) Candidate Hibbard, do you feel you can appropriately serve the City while holding a full-time job.
Candidates gave closing statements.
Mr. Fritch expressed appreciation for everyone who assisted with meeting arrangements. He encouraged everyone to vote on March 12. He reminded everyone that the Sand Key Civic Association
meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Sailing Center.
The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.