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THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: September 27, 2008

Monday night, Tarpon Springs Planning and Zoning Board members John Tarapani and William Vinson wisely chose to honor a request from a Wal-Mart attorney that they not take part in the board's deliberations on proposed changes in the development for the retailer's proposed store on U.S. 19. Tarapani and Vinson are on record as opposed to Wal-Mart's plans to one of its giant retail complexes adjacent to the Anclote River.

The Wal-Mart attorney also asked the Planning and Zoning Board's chairman, Jeff Larsen, to not take part in the board's actions regarding the proposed plan changes. Larsen's wife, Dory, is a leader of Concerned Citizens of Tarpon Springs. The group is opposed to building a Wal-Mart on the riverfront site on environmental grounds. Furthermore, Jeff Larsen's name is on legal actions the group has filed against the proposed retail development, according to the Wal-Mart lawyer.

Larsen said his wife's views on Wal-Mart won't influence his decision. He doesn't know why his name is on the Concerned Citizens' legal actions, Larsen said.

Let's take Larsen at his word on both points. Even so, his participation in the board's consideration of the Wal-Mart development order changes is a mistake. If nothing else it risks creating additional complications this long-running and often emotionally charged saga doesn't need. Since the board took no action Monday night on the Wal-Mart matter, Larsen has time to reconsider before its next meeting.

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