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CRITICAL POWER and other considerations during a tropical day at the Beach. By Paola Lombardi |
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Believe me: Clearwater is the lifestyle you've always dreamed of. It's a small town of friendliness, affordable housing, good schools and growing business opportunities. It's a true—officially voted—beach lover’s paradise, it's the new 9-million dollar Cleveland streetscape, the new multi-million dollar beach walk, the new downtown marina with gorgeous water taxi that will take us back and forth from the white sand beaches and all the new shopping and restaurants of downtown. What more can we ask for? Apparently our Mayor Frank Hibbard dared to ask for much more than that and to many that was very politically incorrect. It will probably take a miracle to grant our mayor's wishes, but given that it is over a decade since there has been a good miracle in Clearwater, (ever since the Blessed Virgin Mary briefly chose to appear on the dark-tinted window panes of an office building on the side of US19 highway back in 1996. This made Clearwater world famous almost overnight) I think it’s time for another, and I hope I could help.
Mayor Hibbard transmits a real love and dedication for this city and its people. I like him. You might think my humble opinion is rather unnecessary and I should go back to write about real estate. At any rate, if you are still with me, I feel there is more I need to say on this subject. This is not just about local politics, this is about new developments, this is about turning this city into a vibrant, beautiful, alive community that everyone truly enjoys. And that is my field, too, so my opinion here becomes quite important.
Mayor Hibbard has
been a driving force behind a lot of good changes for Clearwater.
So what did he asked for that sparkled so much criticism?
He came up with the idea of switching to a strong-mayor form of government. Concentrate power in one high office, rather than diluting it between a city manager and council. A form of government that could bring in new business, improve city services and rejuvenate civic pride. He would also gain broad authority over day-to-day management of the city budget. The city will be equipped to succeed in fast-changing times. Scared yet? Don't be. Yes, Mayor Hibbard has broached the subject of change in Clearwater government. But that is just common sense for a better Clearwater. Something that many other cities have already done.
All he has really done is show the courage to ask for the authority to carry out the responsibilities of his job, that shows even more to the citizens that he is a true leader; and sometimes, as a fellow citizen suggested in a letter, "Leaders need to lead in the deep water as opposed to the political safety of the kiddie pool. We should consider reacting in gratitude for and contemplation of the suggestion, rather than being fearful and suspicious of an individual servant of Clearwater." Well said. It makes absolute sense to try the strong-mayor approach. If the elected mayor doesn't measure up, it will be the voters who castigate him, not politicians who say one thing and do another. If the elected Mayor does not do a good job, you the voter can remove him and replace him with somebody different at the next election, and there is a greater chance that you will see change. Think about this: under the old system, you could never vote the city manager out of office for not doing a good job. I have not personally discussed the mayor's ambitions with him, so I don't know what he might aspire to, but I look at the job he’s done, inspiring developers, investors, retailers, businesses, and citizens alike. I hope each one of you will be able to judge correctly in case we will be ever called to vote on this issue, no matter what criticism you will read in local newspapers. He does have an authentic desire to carry out major projects and reforms that are genuinely needed. To me it does not seem like all he wants is personal power. Actually, I cannot help but wonder ... maybe he is aspiring to a better Clearwater after all. __________________________________________________________
Paola Lombardi is the Owner and Broker of VILLAGE REALITY of Clearwater, Inc. –Her career includes over 3 years in politics with the largest Italian party "FORZA ITALIA" and 13 years as an accredited journalist. She can be reached at paola@ClearwaterPostulate.com www.NewCondosClearwater.com
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I would be happy
if he gets what he asked for. I like him. I only had a few chances to
meet him personally, but every time I left thinking, "He is good for
Clearwater". It could be that he is young, the youngest to get that
office at 34. It could be that he is more a business man than a
politician, he is polite, good looking, and you know what? He is one of
the people. I go to a high society benefit, he is there in his tux. I go
to the groundbreaking of the Station Square condos, he is there with the
hammer in his hand helping to start demolition, one of the guys. Member
of the Leadership Florida class of 2007, city’s representative on the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Foundation, Secretary of the Pinellas County
Metropolitan Planning Organization, President of the Mayor’s Council of
Pinellas County and a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida
League of Mayors. Sunday school teacher, family man. 
Copyright (c) 2007. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this article in full or in part is prohibited without
the express consent of the author.
is,
you can get