TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Veterans Return To Office

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEORGE WILKENS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

PLANT CITY - Mike Sparkman returned to office Monday night, sworn in to fill the Plant City Commission seat he last held in 2005.

The oath of office was also administered to Rick Lott, re-elected by commissioners to a second one-year term as mayor.

Commissioner Bill Dodson also took the oath, marking the start of his third three-year term on the five-member board. Dodson was automatically re-elected when he drew no opposition to his Group 3 seat in the April 8 municipal election.
Sparkman received nearly 59 percent of the vote against businessman Dean Snyder.

"I look forward to getting back on the city commission," said Sparkman, whose tenure totals 16 years on the board, including a record six years as mayor.

"Thank you for your support. Thank you for your confidence in me," he told the "multitude of friends who helped me so much" during the grassroots campaign that marked his return to public office.

As his first act of business after joining the commission, Sparkman nominated Lott for mayor. Nominations were promptly closed and Lott was unanimously re-elected.

"It's been an honor," Lott said of his initial year as mayor. "It's a lot of work, it's a lot of commitment," but that is dwarfed by the fruits of the labor, he said. "I look forward to us having a good year."

Dodson, the first to be sworn in, reflected on his six years on the commission. "I find service to our community is fulfilling and stimulating," he said, thanking fellow commissioners, city employees and supporters. "Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know."

The Group 4 seat to which Sparkman was elected was vacated by Robert Brown who announced in January he would not seek a second term. Brown, who served as vice mayor, was in the audience for Monday evening's ceremonies.

Lott named Commissioner Dan Raulerson as vice mayor.

During commissioners' remarks near the close of the meeting, Sparkman was welcomed back by colleagues.

"I'm glad to be back," Sparkman replied. "I look forward to working with all of you on the commission" and with the city's employees.

Asked later if he had entertained ideas of being mayor during his first year back, Sparkman said he did not.

"No, I need to get back involved and get my feet wet again," Sparkman said. "He's got a year in and is getting experience," he said of Mayor Lott. "And he's doing a good job."

The commissioners select a mayor from their ranks each year.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT