September 17, 2018
CLEARWATER – When it comes to the decision voters will soon face regarding the city’s structure of government, residents on Sept. 17 heard from both sides of the strong-mayor issue and even from the middle.
A panel of three former city leaders debated the topic before a crowd of about 80 people in the Arts Auditorium on the Clearwater campus of St. Petersburg College. Former mayor Brian Aungst Sr. (1999-2005) was in favor of the idea of a change from today’s council-town manager system, while former council member John Doran (2005-2012) was against it. Former mayor Frank Hibbard (2005-2012) was neutral on the matter.
“This is one of the most important decisions we’ve faced in decades,” Aungst said in his opening remarks.
On Nov. 6, a special referendum will be on the ballot. A “no” vote means things should stay as is, and a “yes” vote means things should change.