Moore challenges Parker in mayor race
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005  |
MADEIRA BEACH – Charles Parker, who was appointed mayor last August after the resignation of Mayor Tom De Cesare, will face former commissioner Doreen Moore in a contest that highlights differences in style and direction for the city’s future.
Doreen Moore
Former Commissioner Doreen Moore is running for mayor this year because she feels she can provide the leadership and direction needed “to put the city back on track to move forward.”
Moore played a leading role in the city’s visioning process several years ago, which brought citizens and city officials together to chart a course for the city’s future.
“People told us (in the sessions) what they wanted to see and that they wanted the city to move forward in a controlled, positive way,” she said.
Moore said that she feels the city has lost the sense of direction put forward by the visioning committees.
Moore said that she would like to see better utilization of the city’s assets, with a focus on improving the neighborhoods ... looking at areas such as sidewalks, curbing, the undergrounding of utilities and the creation of “pocket parks” at street ends.
“We have to plan long range the things that we are going to do and make sure that the neighborhoods are at the forefront of the budgetary process,” Moore said.
Moore said that she would recommend future development projects be reviewed by an independent architectural design consultant before being passed on to city staff and commissioners. She said that a review by an independent expert would help assure that projects meet the city’s aesthetic and design criteria and follow the master plan guidelines.
If elected mayor, Moore said that she will take an active role by serving on county boards and building on relationships she has established with civic officials “to make sure we get our fair share of benefits and services.”
If elected mayor, Moore said that she will provide the time, energy and vision needed to lead the city forward in a way that “we can all be proud of.”
Charles Parker
Mayor Charles Parker described himself as an independent thinker who does what he thinks is correct for the people.
“I am my own person, not bound by business interests or other forms of personal gain,” Parker said during a recent interview.
Parker, a 12-year veteran of the Board of Commissioners who was appointed mayor last August, is seeking his first elected term in the mayor’s chair. Parker said that his background as a military officer and attorney with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has given him the skills needed to lead the city as mayor.
During his tenure as commissioner, Parker said that he has paid close attention to the city’s financial state. He said that the city has been financially sound at all times during his watch.
“I keep an eye on the money and I feel the funds have been spent wisely and in the best interests of the citizens,” he said.
Madeira Beach is moving forward under his watch, Parker said, and he cites the renovation of John’s Pass Village, completion of Causeway Park and 140th Avenue beautification as recent accomplishments that show the city’s vitality.
Parker said that recent changes enacted by the city commission, though sometimes controversial, have been good for the city. He mentioned the replacement of the Board of Adjustments with a special master, the hiring of City Manager Jill Silverboard and the recent turnover of members of the Planning Commission as actions that have made the city more responsive to the citizens.
“The citizens are running the city, where before there tended to be favoritism,” he said.
If elected mayor on March 8, Parker said that the citizens can expect to see a continuation of his independent ways and decision-making.
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Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005
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