Three Candidates Line Up for Three Council Seats
By Renee Burrell
BELLEAIR BEACH - Councilmember Richard Crowl submitted necessary documents before the qualification time ended last Friday for a second run on the Belleair Beach city council. He joins incumbent Mitch Krach and newcomer David Dumville, who earlier in the qualification period submitted documents for their candidacy.
The city of Belleair Beach will have three seats open March 11 as Crowl and other council members Mary Schoonover, and Krach's terms expire.
Below Dumville and Krach describe for readers their positions on a couple of city issues. An offer for Crowl to participate was made.
David Dumville
Gazette: Why are you running for office?
Dumville: I believe that I am very fortunate to live in Belleair Beach and want to give back to the community that I first visited about 25 years ago. I would like to maintain the residential integrity of the city. And I want to work with the Mayor, City Council and other city officials to provide sound financial management within our community.
Gazette: What are your thoughts concerning the new city hall?
Dumville: I am in favor of the new city hall; we live in a beautiful community and the city hall should represent our community. The existing facility -- while it served the community well and could be renovated -- the funds spent toward renovations would only postpone the need for a new facility.
Gazette: How do you feel about city taxes?
Dumville: I am not a tax proponent which is why I will work to support financial responsibility within the city.
Gazette: What is your stand on commercial or home-operated businesses in Belleair Beach?
Dumville: One of the reasons I am running for city council is to maintain the residential quality of the community. As such I am not in favor of commercial or in-home businesses that would detract from the city's residential values.
Mitch Krach
Gazette: Why are you running for office?
Krach: I am running for City Council in the City of Belleair Beach to contribute my skills in community management, capital projects, and budgets to maintain our city as one of the best places to live in the County.
Gazette: What are your thoughts concerning the new city hall?
Krach: I believe the new city hall, or more appropriately "Community Center" will be a great asset to the citizens of Belleair Beach. Our building committee, of which I am a member, has worked very hard to address costs, efficiency of operation, and neighborhood concerns to develop a plan that will result in a new facility that our residents will be very proud of.
Gazette: How do you feel about city taxes?
Krach: The Council has teamed up with the City Manager, Finance Officer and staff to reduce city taxes significantly below state mandates as part of the 2008 budget process. A lean and efficient city operation will always be my priority to keep taxes at a minimum while maintaining required services.
Gazette: What is your stand on commercial or home-operated businesses in Belleair Beach?
Krach: One of the unique qualities of our city is the all residential aspect of our community. While it would be difficult to police web based businesses operating in the city, I believe the city should maintain its current position on commercial enterprises operating in Belleair Beach.
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