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Mayoral Candidate Seeks City Revamp

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By CARL ORTH, The Suncoast News

Published: January 28, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Lawyer Scott McPherson wants to get Main Street Landing moving again, and that's one of the reasons that he is running for mayor.

"The bottom line is that it needs to get back on track," he said of the long-stalled condo-commercial project.

Restoration of the Hacienda Hotel is another goal. "I used to go in there as a kid," McPherson recalled in a recent interview.

He said the effects of property tax reform could again be a challenge for New Port Richey if Florida voters approve Amendment 1 on Tuesday.

"The only campaign promise I would make is to be hard-working, professional and accessible," said McPherson, who entered the race last week.

He said he would "continue to project the same professional demeanor" as incumbent Dan Tipton.

Tipton is vying to succeed the retiring Jed Pittman as Pasco clerk of circuit court. Paula O'Neil and Robert N. Altman also are seeking the clerk's job, which Pittman has held for 30 years.

McPherson, a New Port Richey native, is the first candidate to announce his intentions in the mayor's contest. He is inspired in part by the example of his father, Jack B. McPherson, one of the longest-serving city attorneys in New Port Richey history during the 1970s and '80s.

The candidate's resume includes working as a Pasco County paramedic from 1983-89. By 1995, he had graduated from law school and later took over the family personal injury practice at Main Street and Grand Boulevard.

McPherson has been heavily involved in the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, serving as chairman of the Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade from 2001-06. He is next in line to become the chamber board's chairman in July.

He also is president-elect of the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, which chose him as its Rotarian of the Year in 2004.

McPherson lives in the downtown area with his wife of 25 years, Kimberly. They met at Gulf High School and have three sons, Scott, Zachary and Jack.

The deadline to qualify as a candidate in the April 8 city election is Feb. 19. Deputy Mayor Ginny Miller's council seat also will be on the ballot.

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