Bob Langford Decides to Run After All

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