Forum Focuses on Tarpon Commission Candidates' Goals

The Rotary Club of Tarpon Springs hosted a forum for four commission candidates at the Tarpon Springs Yacht Club on Thursday.

Each candidate was allotted four minutes to speak about his strengths, focal points and goals.

First up was Jim Bouldin. He talked about his journey to Tarpon Springs and his decision to run for a seat on the Board of Commissioners. 

"My desire to serve on the Tarpon Springs City Commission came after considering why I believe I'm qualified for this position," Bouldin said. "I have long been known for my enthusiasm and steady flow of fresh, new ideas."

Bouldin went on to explain his previous experiences in city government before handing the mic over to candidate Tommy Frain.

Frain grew up in Tarpon and talked mostly about his interest in economic development. 

"I do believe we are on a positive track," Frain said. "I believe that our positive track is growing businesses here."

Frain said that his background in economics mixed with his knowledge of Tarpon Springs would yield new perspective.

David Banther was then welcomed to the podium, where he talked about one of his main focuses as a candidate: pumping the brakes on using the city's reserve fund.

"We have been using our reserves to balance our budget when the times have been rough here," Banther said. "We need to have commissioners that are serious now about finding new sources of revenue and savings, so we don't have a crisis on our hands in two years."

To make that happen, Banther offered ideas such as utilizing the city's economic developer, promoting the city and supporting local businesses.

Then it was commission candidate Tim Keffalas' turn. His points showcased his involvement with local organizations as well as a mention of the city's reserves.

"The city has been improving its reserve status in the last three years," Keffalas said. "In 2011, according to executive summaries, we had $9.6 million in reserves, and we are now at, in this budget, expected to have $10.6 million in reserves."

Keffalas was unable to finish because his four minutes were over just as he began to talk about what he believed to be the main issues the city is facing. 

Tarpon Springs Mayor David O. Archie is running unopposed in Tarpon Springs' municipal election next month and was in attendance to close the forum.

Archie expressed his gratitude to the city and revealed a first-person perspective on his position.

"You look out and you see friends on one side of the issue and you see friends on the other side of the issue and now you've got to make a decision," Archie said. "But I try to make decisions on what's best, I believe, for the city of Tarpon."

Residents of Tarpon Springs will head to the polls in March to decide who will fill City Commission, Seat 4 for the next three years.

Related Coverage:

Check out past Patch stories for full coverage of the upcoming city election and where the candidates stand on various local issues.

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