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Suncoast Pinellas News

Tarpon Mayor accuses Dalacos of grandstanding during meetings

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BY MARK SCHANTZ

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

Published: September 13, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - Tarpon Springs Mayor Beverley Billiris has effectively told fellow Commissioner Peter Dalacos to put a sock in it, during City Commission meetings.

In a Sept. 4 memo to Dalacos the Mayor wrote: "out of respect to the other commissioners, staff and residents, I feel it is my duty as Mayor to address the concern of lengthy meetings."

"You have shown no regard to the rest of the board or anyone else in the audience who may have an item that is at the end of the agenda for the evening. You have a history of spending over 45 minutes of questions on one agenda item," she wrote.

With the amount of time you spend collecting background for meetings, I would think you would be able to be more precise and direct with your questions," she continued.

"In the past, when asked to curtail your dialog, you have responded, 'that's what we are here for.' Actually it gives the perception of grandstanding," the Mayor told Dalacos.

She asked him to be more direct in his questioning and take up less of the commission's time.

Billiris said having meetings that last more than six hours is just not productive for anyone. "Lets be productive and effective in our decision making by asking pertinent questions but limiting the length of dialogue so we truly will have government at its best."

Tuesday, Dalacos' fellow commissioners said they understand his quest for information, but added he could shorten his remarks.

Commissioner Chris Alahouzos said while Dalacos should be allowed to ask the questions he needs to make an informed decision, he should readjust his remarks to be more precise.

He said city staff can also help to shorten meetings by not scheduling multiple presentations at the beginning of meetings.

Commissioner Robin Saenger said Dalacos can still educate the public, as he tries to do, while at the same time being more concise. People cannot sit through a six or seven hour meeting, even if they watch it replayed on television.

However, Commissioner Susan Slattery told The Suncoast News, while she agrees Dalacos could shorten some of his comments, she does not think the Mayor should have spoken for the entire commission on such a topic.

Slattery said she does her research and asks questions of staff, but does not rehash all the information at the meeting.

She agreed, staff should not be questioned for 45 minutes to an hour by a commissioner, just to present the information to the public.

Monday, Dalacos told The Suncoast News he is on the commission to bring transparency to government.

When asked about the Mayor's comments he said he does not see his questioning and comments as grandstanding, but rather having a full discussion of the issues to educate the public on the process of their government.

Residents want their commissioners to ask questions, Dalacos said.

"Maybe the Mayor should be asking more questions," he added

In the past staff briefed commissioners before a meeting and the public was left out of the process, except to hear the vote taken, Dalacos said.

He sometimes asks staff questions to allow them to explain the process that went into the decision-making, he said.

Dalacos said he will not be stifled in his comments during meetings.

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