Meet Chopper Davis, City Council Candidate

In advance of the April 9 election, candidates running for New Port Richey City Council answered Patch's questions about their campaigns.

There are two city council seats up for grabs in the election. There are seven candidates vying to join the council.

Candidate Chopper Davis told us a little about himself and his stances on city issues in an e-mail interview.

Davis, 65, touts experience with business ownership and sales. 

He's the former owner of Jilly's in downtown New Port Richey and now works for Financial Transaction Services.

Davis has lived in New Port Richey 30 years, and the community organizations he has been involved in are too numerous to mention he says.

Currently, he sits on the New Port Richey Fireman's Pension Board, is an active Leadership Pasco member, is a FHSAA Referee and Umpire and committee member for the run and bike portions of the Coteeman Triathlon.

The following is a (mostly) unedited Q&A Patch participated in with the candidate over e-mail.

Why is Davis running?

Here’s what he says:

I feel at this point I have the time to bring my experience, knowledge and maturity to the council.

Davis on His Qualifications

Patch: What makes you the best candidate for City Council? 

Davis: Experience, knowledge and maturity. Also the ability to listen, communicate, and learn.

Patch: What makes you a good steward of taxpayer money?

Davis:  30 year of business experience in New Port Richey.

Davis on the Issues

Patch: What are the top 3 priorities of your campaign? 

Davis:  Financial responsibility, neighborhood crime, community development to help promote an atmosphere for business and tourism.

Patch: Redevelopment continues to be a major issue for the city. What
would you want to change to spur redevelopment?

Davis: Along with the DOT we need to identify NPR on U.S. 19.

Patch: What is the biggest issue New Port Richey neighborhoods face and how would you tackle it?

Davis: Crime - Awareness, Education and Watches.

Patch: What ideas do you have for helping the Recreation and Aquatic center raise its revenue?

Davis:  I think they are on the right path by hiring a marketer.

Patch:  Should the city continue its Animal Protection Unit?  Should it be moved to another department?

Davis: The whole program needs to be reevaluated

Davis on Leadership

Patch: What makes you a good leader?   

Davis: See "What makes you the best candidate for City Council?"

Patch: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you or your campaign?  

Davis: I have demonstrated my leadership qualities through the many non-profits that I have helped with consensus building and have risen from volunteer to event coordinator. I was selected and carried the Olympic Flame in 2001 on its way to the 2002 Winter Olympics for my community involvement.

Check back with Patch for more on Davis' and other candidates' thoughts on specific topics in the coming days.

Want to meet the candidates in person?

Come to New Port Richey Patch's Candidate Forum and hear them talk about their campaigns at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, at New Port Richey City Hall, 5919 Main St.