Meet the Candidate: Ray R. Irvin

Bio:

Ray R. Irvin was born in Indianapolis 66 years ago. His father was a lifelong military man, so he spent five years of his childhood living on an estate in England and another five years in a Quonset hut in rural Alaska.

The early exposure to military life and aviation led him to join the Air Force, where he flew refueling missions in Vietnam; he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and ended up with a commercial pilot’s license and an affinity for public service. He is also an avid boater who has sailed all over the world. 

“I’ve led a full life,” he said. “I like doing things.” 

Irvin enjoyed a storied career as an active member of government in the state of Indiana. He served on a number of commissions, consulted for various departments and was named the state’s first Director of Greenways, Bikeways and Blueways before "retiring" three years ago. 

“I didn’t have intentions to run (for commissioner),” he says of his foray back into politics. “But the mayor (Andy Steingold) decided to run for judge, which left a seat open.” 

“I’ve always been involved, I’m a big believer in public service,” he added. 

Irvin's Plans For Safety Harbor:

As an avid outdoorsman and someone who was instrumental in preserving parkland and green spaces in Indiana, Irvin is adamant about protecting the natural beauty of Safety Harbor. 

But he also believes the city needs to grow, by adding new businesses and industry while maintaining a balance between development and oversaturation. 

Here is where Irvin stands on some key issues facing the city right now:

-Firmenich Property Proposal

"We have to have it but we have to be sensible. It’s going to be a traffic disaster five days a week." 

"Florida has a history of selling out to developers. I’m not against developers, but they’re opportunists. As soon as the opportunity is gone, they move on. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do it, I’m saying let’s be sure we do it right." 

-Waterfront Park

"One thing we could do down there is a band shell, where we can hold concerts and people can put a blanket on the lawn and enjoy the surroundings. It’s cheap and people would love it, and it gives us time to decide what we want to do with it." 

"Passive space is best at this time. We’re rushing into this. We haven’t even owned the land for 90 days! Let’s look at what our community wants for this precious piece of valuable property."

-Bishop Creek Stormwater Damage

"I’m a big advocate of our city maintaining our right-of-ways ... Whoever thought about putting a 90-degree turn in the creek ... it was a quickly thought-out idea. Water will destroy whatever is in its way eventually." 

"The more we develop hard surfaces up that creek line, the more runoff we’re going to create. We need to plan ... to put something there that’s going to last." 

-Downtown Development

"I believe arts and culture are a big part of the community. We need to focus on getting more shops and galleries downtown, not just bars and restaurants." 

"We’ve been good about attracting new restaurants downtown, but some of them are struggling. The pie isn’t big enough yet. It’s getting there, but it’s not there yet." 

Final Thoughts:

The registered Independent is a self-proclaimed “fiscal conservative, social moderate and cultural libertarian”; he has a lot of ideas and beliefs that don’t jibe with just one party. 

But Irvin, who still owns a consulting firm and a handyman service company believes in making decisions that will positively impact the community in the long term, not just the present. 

And whether he works with Republicans or Democrats, he believes in working together, hand-in-hand with citizens, to make the community the best place it can be. 

“One of the great problems with politicians is they like to build monuments to their time in office. I’m a reluctant politician. I’m not seeking the spotlight. I do things because I believe in them, not to see my name on it.”

"The issues we're dealing with are complex and will affect our community well into the 21st century and beyond. Let's convene everybody...and get people involved in a vision for our community not just for today, but for 25-50 years down the road."

The three commission candidates will take part in a forum on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.