TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
New Mayor, Councilwoman Go To Work
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Published: April 15, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY - A newly elected mayor and city councilwoman will be sworn in at a special ceremony tonight at City Hall after emerging victorious in last week's elections.
Scott McPherson, who handily won a challenge for the city's top job in last Tuesday's municipal election, will take over the council gavel from outgoing Mayor Dan Tipton.
McPherson, 43, is a lawyer who campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility and professional management in this west Pasco municipality of about 16,000 residents.
Unofficial elections results indicate he won more than 60 percent of the vote in the race against former council members Tom Finn and Bob Langford.
Going into effect with this election is the three-year mayoral term set under city charter changes approved by voters in 2005. The job pays an annual stipend of $4,200.
Judy DeBella Thomas, who beat Glenn Hanff and Susan Clark in a razor-thin victory, will take the place of Councilwoman Ginny Miller, who is running for county commission.
Thomas, 56, is director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street and has been heavily involved in city business for several decades as a volunteer and committee member.
The job is for one year and pays $3,600. She will have to run for re-election next year.
The mayor and council set policy for the city manager, who is responsible for city departments, about 240 employees and an annual budget of about $50 million.
The swearing-in ceremony will be held prior to the regular council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in city hall, 5919 Main St.
Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (727) 185-1082 or cwade@tampatrib.com.
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