MADEIRA BEACH – Political newcomer Terry Lister and former city Planning Commission member Tim Adams will vie for Arnold Alloway’s District 1 seat. Commission candidates in Madeira Beach, though representing specific districts, are elected by voters from the entire city.
If elected, District 1 commission candidate Terry Lister wants to practice “front porch politics.”
“I want to see people just come in and talk,” Lister said during an interview held recently. Lister believes one-on-one contact with citizens will help reunite what he termed a divided city.
Lister outlined his ideas for projects that he believes will benefit the city.
The city’s parks and green spaces should be studied with the objective of creating a citywide park system, Lister said.
A professional planner should be brought in to look at demographics and areas where the parks could be better utilized. Perhaps more playgrounds are needed to accommodate young families in the area, Lister said.
Some smaller parks which Lister said currently look like vacant lots could be improved and adapted to active or passive uses. Residents should be made aware of the city parks’ locations and encouraged to use them.
“The parks are nice, but are not being utilized to their fullest potential,” he said.
Lister is dubious of a recent proposal to build boat slips around the ball field near city hall. He thinks a better place would be Causeway Park across from the city marina. He envisions an elevated pedestrian walkway connecting the marina with the park.
“The marina is a jewel. The (overhead connector) would be a perfect entrance into the city. And you could walk over to your boat (from the marina to the park),” Lister said.
The referendum issue to preserve the log cabin at Archibald Park is “an expensive venue not advantageous to the city,” Lister said.
The cost of upgrading the cabin could run over $200,000, he said. Lister would like to see Archibald Park go back to its original intent of benefiting veterans. A state-of-the-art rehabilitation site could be established in conjunction with its use as a recreational park for residents, Lister said.
Money is needed to finance projects and improve the city. Lister said he is willing to spend money on projects that will beautify the city.
He believes city staff could be “streamlined” and that more money can be raised through grants … he said the city’s grant monies have dwindled to a few thousand dollars, which he termed “unacceptable.”
“If you make good decisions, they will benefit future generations,” he said.
As a self-employed businessman, Lister said he has the time and dedication to be a part of the leadership in Madeira Beach. He has made Madeira Beach his home since 1982 when he married Kathy Beggs, daughter of Don Beggs who founded Don’s Dock at John’s Pass.
“Lead with compassion, lead by example, lead with your best” is his motto.
