Bob Langford Decides to Run After All
The New Port Richey City councilman wants to be part of the city's turnaround.
New Port Richey City Councilman Bob Langford, who previously said he wasn't running for re-election this year, has changed his mind and is seeking another term.
Last month, Langford said he didn’t plan on running in the upcoming April 9 city council election. During the elections, voters in the city limits will have the opportunity to elect two people to the council.
Langford said Thursday that he has decided to run for one of those seats after all.
“I just want to be part of the city turning around,” he said.
He has filed his qualifying documents.
Langford has served more than one term as a city council member, according to city records. His first term started in 2003. He served as deputy mayor during part of that term. He is currently in another multi-year term that ends in April.
The city council was faced recently with a budget that called for layoffs and tough decision-making. Projections last year estimated the city faced a five-year deficit that looked dire.
At the end of last year, however, the city finance director projected the city’s multi-year deficit has fallen. He credits decisions made this past budget season, like ones to raise the city’s millage rate and storm water and streetlight fees, for the change.
Langford says he wants to be part of the city’s turnaround.
When revealing last month that he didn’t plan to run for re-election he said he hoped “a good candidate will enter into the race.”’
Now he says: “I do want fresh ideas, but I want somebody who has at least some experience in how government is run.”
He said he also has fresh ideas and welcomes fresh ideas as a councilman.
However, he said, “This is too important for our city to let anything start slowing down any of the things we started."
Deputy Mayor Rob Marlowe holds the other council seat up for grabs. He made it clear last month he was not running for re-election and has not announced otherwise or filed any documents to qualify for the race.
Marlowe said the following in a post on Patch on Friday: "I gave away my campaign signs a couple of years ago. They were recycled into direction signs for the Coteeman Triathlon. I'm still not running for reelection this year."
Want to know who else is putting their name in the running for election to the city council? See our article.
Story modified 5:52 p.m., Feb. 15
Zoobiedood
10:53 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Would love if the Patch hosts an open town hall-type forum where city residents can ask the candidates questions and hear their ideas for the city.
Alex Tiegen
8:10 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Thanks for the feedback. I'd love to hear from any one else who wants usto hold a candidate forum...
Rob Marlowe
7:26 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
I gave away my campaign signs a couple of years ago. They were recycled into direction signs for the Coteeman Triathlon. I'm still not running for reelection this year.
Advertising and promotion are a part of any good business budget. The City's support of Chasco and participation in the parade fall in that category. Anyone who thinks you can run a business without promoting it has obviously never run a business.
Bob Langford was a key part of the efforts that has resulted in us having balanced budgets all six years I've been on council and he wasn't afraid to make the tough decisions that resulted in us identifying and eliminating the 17 million dollar budget hole we were facing over the next five years. That is leadership. I haven't agreed with Bob on everything (most recently last week), but that is as it should be. We've both called things as we've seen them and sometimes, we simply agree to disagree and move on to the next issue.
I'm pleased to see so many folks throw their hats into the ring this year. There are some excellent candidates lining up, with a mix of experience and fresh ideas. It should be a great election for the City.
Alex Tiegen
8:51 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Hi Rob, my understanding isn't that the 17 million deficit has been eliminated, per se. My understanding is that the total deficit hole has been reduced.
Michael Malterer
8:23 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
I look forward to a debate where there can be a fair exchange of ideas and thoughts rather than innuendos of other candidates opinions and such.
Michael Malterer
8:37 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
or open forum rather than debate.
Rob Marlowe
3:49 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
Alex, Assuming the city can come to an agreement on pensions, the financial hole we've been attempting to fill over the past year can be considered filled. There is an item on the agenda for Tuesday night to restore some of the position cuts we had last summer.
I agree with Michael that an open forum where voters can meet and hear all the candidates would be a great thing this year. By all accounts, there are some great folks who have or are planning to qualify to run and each one brings different ideas to the table. I've love to be able to listen to them all and then decide who deserves my vote.
Alex Tiegen
3:58 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
Thank you for the clarification.