03/04/2002 - Candidate ForumCANDIDATE FORUM – CITY OF CLEARWATER
Clearwater High School, 540 South Hercules Avenue, Clearwater
March 4, 2002
John McGuire, spokesman for the Morningside Meadows Homeowner Association, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. at the Clearwater High School Auditorium, 540 South Hercules Avenue,
Clearwater.
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. McGuire introduced the candidates and explained the forum format. He said Mayor Aungst’s wife and son were present. The Mayor had a prior commitment and could not attend this evening’s
forum. Commissioner William Jonson also was present.
Candidates responded to the following audience questions: 1) Why do you think you can do a better job than your opponent; 2) do you support giving up a City-run Fire Department if it
saves taxpayers money; 3) what is your position on requiring landlords in residential areas to obtain occupational licenses; 4) how can all traffic that will pass over the new bridge
be handled when it gets to the Roundabout; 5) why can’t we focus on the area vacated by the auto dealership on Cleveland Street? It is centrally located and would be a great area for
a movie theater; 6) why can’t our water bills be determined on usage? What plans do you have regarding continued growth and water needs; 7) how can we provide an adequate tax base without
opening the door to excessive development; 8) should the City spend more money (up to $3 million) for a Phillies stadium; and 9) why did you vote to limit citizen impact at City Hall;
would you vote to limit citizen impact at City Hall.
Mr. McGuire encouraged everyone to test the new voting machines in the back of the auditorium.
Candidates gave closing statements. Mr. McGuire thanked the residents who attended and the candidates for their interest in serving the City.
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.