Jim Bouldin for proven, real life leadership experience

Writing an occasional blog for Tarpon’s hometown digital publication has afforded me an opportunity to stay in touch with a great number of you out there who have supported me through the life of my Tarpon Springs City Commission campaign.

Today I will address you a final time before next Tuesday’s election to remind you why I decided to run for the vacant Seat #4 – and why I believe I am the best choice to become your voice in the affairs of city government.

Let’s get right to it. Here are my top three reasons why I believe I am the clear choice in this election race:

1. Proven Leadership in volunteer work. I have always believed that building a successful business and paying a hefty amount of taxes is not enough of a contribution to the community I call home. Taking on a leadership role, however, is the most valuable gift one can give to those in need and those who simply long for a new direction along life’s sometimes tough terrain. During the most recent 25 years of my professional life I have served as a leader, supporter and mentor in the following organizations: Pinellas County Job Corps Center, Tarpon’s “One in a Million” cancer support group, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Kiwanis, Optimist and Lion’s clubs, Tri-County (Kansas City, MO) Mental Health Services, Excelsior Springs (MO) School District’s Education Foundation, The Good Samaritan Center, and the Excelsior Springs (MO) Historic Preservation Commission. 

2. Proven Leadership in business. Make no mistake about it, city management is a business - and I believe my job as your next City Commissioner will be greatly aided by my decades of successful business management. To me, the best part of building a successful business is the resulting addition of jobs and the general financial benefits it brings to the community where I work. As a Chamber of Commerce member, Board of Directors member and eventually, its President, I have an exceptional working knowledge of not only business, but also the way in which business leaders can work together to build a successful and lasting local economy. True leaders lead by example, and when it comes to proven accomplishments in business and community fundraising activities, I am your clear choice in the March 12 election.

3. Proven source of fresh and progressive ideas. Just the other day I was asked by a local resident, "Since you are new to Tarpon politics, what do you think you can bring to the table?”  Great question – and my answer goes to the heart of exactly why I’m running for office, and why I feel I am the most desirable candidate. When you consider the fact that our current City Commission is comprised of five members whose combined years of residency total well over a hundred years, you can rest assured that the group has a wealth of local knowledge to draw from as part of their decision making process. While this perspective is certainly valuable, I believe the “new set of eyes” I will bring to the Commission’s 4^th Seat will add a fresh, new perspective and an unbiased flow of creative thoughts and ideas to our team of city servants. With this in mind I have great confidence in the productive contribution I will bring to the Commission when my term begins after the March 12^th election.

In closing, I will add that my only motivation for running in this Commission race is the sincere belief I hold that the time is right for me to make a contribution of service to Tarpon Springs. I see the opportunity and I’m going for it. As a career newspaperman I have, at times, been a watchdog of city government, and at other times worked closely with elected leaders in joint community support projects designed to benefit the citizenry as a whole. Every mission over the years has added to my base of knowledge and experience – and with your vote on March 12th, I will use these tools to help make Tarpon Springs the best community of its size in Florida.