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Mayor resolves McProblems, gives advice at local eatery
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
| Article published on Friday, April 13, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/041307_par-01.jpg) |
| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Mayor Bill Mischler, right, and his wife, Joan, listen to one of many people who seek advice or help at the Wal-Mart McDonald’s Restaurant. |
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PINELLAS PARK – The city’s mayor often is seen at public events, running City Council meetings or holding court at the Wal-Mart Superstore McDonald’s Restaurant on U.S. 19.
No official city business is conducted at the restaurant because of the state’s Sunshine Laws, but plenty of advice is handed out to anyone who asks.
Mayor Bill Mischler has been a part of the city administration in one form or another since the 1980s. As the city’s chief executive he presides over a government that serves about 50,000 residents.
“People come here all the time looking for help or advice,” Mischler said. “They know where to reach me when I’m not running from one place to another.”
They will ask questions about construction projects, where to go for help about a barking dog or to just talk about local politics.
Mischler long ago earned a reputation as a “people’s mayor” and has often rejected offers to run for higher office.
“I like being mayor of Pinellas Park,” he said over coffee. “Eventually there will come a time for me to move on, but right now is not that time.”
Over the years Mischler has met thousands of folks, from homeless people to Congressmen and everyone in between.
“If someone needs advice or help I’m there for them,” he said.
If Mischler doesn’t have information someone requests then he gets on his cell phone.
McDonald’s is a place to meet all kinds of interesting people. The morning crowd often consists of retirees who once held important positions in life. There are former executives, a retired college professor and even an old Air Force B-52 bomber pilot who sits quietly in a favorite booth each morning to read the paper.
“Helping people is what being mayor is all about,” Mischler said.
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Article published on Friday, April 13, 2007
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