Northpinellas: Six on ballot for city election

Marty Shelby, 45, a three-term commissioner, resigned his commission seat last week to run against Mayor Bob Jackson. Jackson, 69, has served on the commission since 1974 and is completing his first term as mayor.

Commissioner Pat Gerard, 53, will be challenged by newcomer Tom Robbins, 52, for Seat 3. Commissioner Jean Halvorsen, 72, will face Ernest Wm. Bach, 65, for Seat 4.

The election will be March 4.

The mayoral race pits two politicians who've been at odds several times last year. Much of the tension stemmed from their opposing views on the city's plan to build a $21-million library. Jackson is a strong supporter of the library, but Shelby is calling for a public referendum on the project.

Jackson, a retired middle school principal, said he will continue with the library project as well as pursue city annexation efforts if he is re-elected. He also said he'll work to get more community members involved in city issues. Citing the growing interest in Largo's citizen academy, he said he wants residents to feel a close tie with their government.

"I think I've always tried to get out into the community," Jackson said. "If people take advantage of the public meetings, then we'll listen and implement their ideas. In the last three years, involvement of citizens has grown substantially."

Shelby, an attorney who says he has taken time off to be a stay-at-home father, declined to comment on the race, telling a reporter he was too busy to talk.

In a written statement released late Tuesday, Shelby said as mayor he would "work in harmony to end disputes with other government agencies" and "insist on a responsive city government that listens to the people."

Two relative newcomers to Largo city government will face off for Seat 3. Gerard, a programs director for a local nonprofit organization, is finishing her first term as commissioner. Robbins, a nursing home administrator in Pinellas Park, hasn't held city office in Largo.

Gerard said she decided to run for the City Commission in 2000 because she wanted to help shape the city's vision. Serving on the city's library board for four years before running for the commission, Gerard said she fully supports the library project.

Bettering race relations in Largo is one of her priorities, she said.

"I think its important to get diversity in the city staff and to make sure we're a safe place for minorities to work," she said. "We're already looking at internal policies within the city to prevent harassment and discrimination and to provide diversity education."

Robbins did not respond to several phone calls.

Neither candidate in the race for Seat 4 is a novice at Largo politics. Halvorsen, a retired stenographer, has served on the commission since 1985. Bach, who serves as executive director of Largo-based Florida Action Coalition, a consumer advocacy group, served on the commission from 1987 to 1990.

Bach said he decided to run against Halvorsen because he thinks it's time for a change on the commission.

"I think Halvorsen fits the terminology I used when I said the commission is becoming too complacent and is not representing all of the citizens," he said.

If elected, Bach said he'll try to change the focus of the library project to a smaller building, saying the current plans are too big for the city's needs.

Halvorsen disagreed. She said she's enthusiastic about her role as commissioner and the current focus of the commission, including the library, and wants to focus more on maintaining city infrastructure, such as sewer and water lines.

"I've got a lot of experience and enthusiasm," the six-term commissioner said.

-- Staff writer Michael Sandler contributed to this report. Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 445-4224 or at vansickle@sptimes.com .

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