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Sparkman To Run For Commission Seat

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

PLANT CITY - A former city commissioner and six-time mayor is planning a political comeback.

Mike Sparkman, 63, who gave up his commission seat in 2005, said he has notified the city of his intention and asked for a candidate packet to run in 2008.

The terms of Commissioners Bill Dodson and Robert Brown expire next year.

Dodson said Monday that he plans to seek re-election. Brown said he would consult with his family and announce his intentions regarding his candidacy in January.
Sparkman said he's not sure which seat he would seek.
Sparkman said a lot of people have asked him to consider a return to the commission.

"I am highly impressed with the work being done on the commission by Mayor Rick Lott," Sparkman said. "I would love to work with him and share his vision for Plant City. I also see a need for some positive action from the commission that is presently not getting done."
Sparkman specifically mentioned some areas in and near downtown that he said are in need of improvement, including the site of a fire that destroyed nearly a block of historical downtown, a nearly vacant corner at Wheeler Street and J. Arden Mays Boulevard and the aquatic weed-infested lake at Sam Cooper Park.

"It's an embarrassment to take visitors by those sites. It's shameful the city allows properties such as these to degrade the attractiveness of the city. I wouldn't put up with it," he said.
Sparkman became a commissioner in 1989 and served almost continuously until 2005. He served as mayor for a record six terms.

Since Sparkman last sat as commissioner, he sold his convenience store and gasoline station businesses. He said he spent the past year researching real estate deals and spending quality time with his family.

"During the last three years I have continued to remain active in national, state and local politics," he said. "I haven't lost touch with contacts and government officials in those arenas. I particularly have watched the local political culture, and I think I can strengthen the city by more direct involvement."

Sparkman said he won't officially announce his candidacy until the first of the year.

"I fully intend to run but I am not getting an election team together until 2008," Sparkman said.

The window for qualifying is Feb. 11-15. At that time a candidate must announce which seat the candidacy is for.
Sparkman said he wants to be onboard as the city replaces City Manager David Sollenberger, whom he anticipates will retire in the next couple of years.

"Finding a suitable replacement for him and other city staff positions will be crucial during the next few years. I want to be a part of that process. I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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