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Palm Harbor Honorary Mayor's Race Transformed

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: June 28, 2008

PALM HARBOR - This year's Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce honorary mayor's contest has been transformed into a popularity contest for local restaurateurs.

The 4-month-long contest has also been expanded to allow more candidates to participate.

Palm Harbor is not yet a city, so each year the local Chamber of Commerce holds a mock mayoral contest as a fundraiser. The winner gets a chance to ride in the Christmas parade, kiss babies and preside over local business ribbon-cuttings.

The "popular election" is touted as the only mayor's race in which candidates can legally buy their way into office.

Candidates garner a vote for every dollar collected. They hold fundraising parties and put out campaign signs around the Palm Harbor area, waging campaigns that sometimes turn into lively competition.

Each candidate keeps their war chest a well-guarded secret, so no one can sweep the election at the last minute by padding the ballot box.

The winner is announced at the chamber's yearly banquet in September.

Chamber President Connie Davis said this year chamber officials decided to add a theme to the election since local restaurants are so popular.

The race will solely be opened to restaurateurs. The first six to file applications will be chosen as candidates in this year's honorary mayor's race, she said.

Area restaurateurs can get an application from the chamber office, at 1151 Nebraska Ave., east of Alt. 19, or call 727-784-4287.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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