GOP Club of Largo Sets Oct. 15 Debate for Commission Candidatesby Leo Coughlin LARGO - The Republican Club of Greater Largo will hold its annual non-partisan debate of candidates for public office in Largo at Alfano's Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. October 15. Charlie Harper, a former member of the Largo City Commission, will be moderator for the debate. This event is done for the benefit of the public so voters will know the candidates. The evening will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. with the debate itself beginning at 6:45. Cost of the dinner is $18. Candidates who are expected to appear are Curtis Holmes, a well known figure in Largo who has attended every meeting of the City Commission for years and is a frequent speaker during citizen comments at commission meetings. He is thoroughly informed on issues in the city. His opponent is Louis Brown, an unknown, who has a connection to the Chamber of Commerce and is viewed as one-constituent candidate with the chamber as his constituent. Holmes and Brown, who was never seen at a commission meeting prior to October 1, are candiates for Seat 6 on the commission that was vacated with the retirement of Gay Gentry. Vice-Mayor Harriet Crozier is seeking re-election to Seat 5 and her opponent is John Mandujano, a newcomer and apparently a transplant from Massachusetts who wasn't on the Largo scene until recent months. Crozier has had a long history of service to the city and is a veteran on the City Commission. Mandujano first surfaced some months ago during the controversy over Steve Stanton, the former city manager, who wanted to remain on the job while dressed in women's clothing. Mandujano supported this idea and was an outspoken supporter of people of one gender who want to dress in the clothing of the other gender. The format of the debate will have questions directed at the candidates with two minutes provided for an answer and two minutes for opponents for rebuttal.
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