In the March 10 election, Redington Beach residents rejected a proposed pay increase for town commissioners and the mayor.
Maybe in the wake of budget cuts this year, residents felt that it was not appropriate to give their elected officials raises. Perhaps some felt that any pay for commissioners serving a town so small as Redington Beach is enough.
However, the compensation for commissioners is paltry and out of line with that of other neighboring towns. Commissioners make $50 a month, compared to $300 for North Redington Beach commissioners. Redington Beach’s mayor makes $100 a month compared to $500 for North Redington Beach’s mayor.
The pay for Redington Beach commissioner hasn’t been increased since the 1970s. Certainly, town commissioners shouldn’t expect to receive substantial pay for their work, and there is no indication that they do. They have been practically silent on the issue.
The voters have spoken. But the small margin by which the proposed pay increase was defeated at the polls could be a motivating factor for advocates of the pay increase to put the issue on the ballot again in the next few years.
Time shall tell.
Some local mayors who have served their municipalities well have ended their terms in office.
Mary Maloof stepped down as Treasure Island mayor, serving the city as a city commissioner and mayor for 12 years.
She has been a calming voice on many issues and a leader, in the words of a former mayor, “who led us through some tough times.”
Among her many accomplishments was the replacement of the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge.
Jody Armstrong served as mayor and town commissioner of Redington Shores for six years before stepping down March 11. Among the commission’s leading accomplishments while she was in office was the undergrounding of town utilities and a stormwater project.
Bob Hackworth, who made an unsuccessful bid for Congress last year, relinquished his mayor’s position in Dunedin.
First elected to the City Commission in 2002, he was elected mayor in 2006. During his years in office, Dunedin received much acclaim nationally as a desirable place to live. Hackworth, fellow commissioners and city officials have worked hard to promote green initiatives and set high environmental standards, while still maintaining the city’s charm and historical values.
Here’s hoping that all three public servants will continue to be active in their communities.
