Largo City Commission candidates answered seven questions posed by Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce President Tom Morrissette at a breakfast forum held at the Palms of Largo on Sept. 26. The scripted questions came from the chamber, citizens and businesses, Morrissette said. Only one city commission seat is contested this election. Longtime Commissioner Gigi Arntzen is not running for re-election. Running for Seat 4 are Robert Hunsicker and James Robinson. Each candidate gave a brief introduction. Hunsicker has lived in Largo for 25 years and is a semi-retired engineer. He is running to …

Question: In five years, Largo's new sign ordinance fully takes effect. As a commissioner, what will you do between now and then to assist businesses in preparing for what will be a very costly business expense to many? James Robinson: The city should have started being proactive a few years ago. That of course is in the past now. Now there should be more programs to let businesses know what the city is doing. Robert Hunsicker: Think the sign ordinance has to be altered. The cost is going to choke off small businesses. Want to change parts of the sign ordinance. Largo is Largo, not Beverly …

Question: If elected as Largo City Commissioner, what specific issue would you want to see immediately addressed by the City Commission and why? James Robinson: Bring some more staff to the fire and police departments. They have been under manned, would work on public safety standards. Obviously, all city departments have lost personnel with city budget cuts. Robert Hunsicker: Honor campaign pledge to Paradise Island and clear up why they endured sewer gas for the past dozen years. Editor's Note: Candidate answers are paraphrased, if you would like the City of Largo will televise and stream …

Question: We hear from businesses and citizens each day about the many empty businesses and storefronts across our community. What would you propose to promote business development in the city, and how would you work to "jumpstart" redevelopment? Robert Hunsicker: Sometimes the best thing government can do is get out of the way. Would manage the system better, assign a mentor to shepherd applicants through the community development process. Shared responsibility (of helping applicants) means no responsibility. Would loosen up the sign ordinance. It's the small restaurants, antique stores, if …

Question: Last week, the City Commission approved a property tax increase to help offset the years of declining revenues. This followed several years of budget cuts. Next year, should more cuts become necessary, where would you make them? Or, would you settle for another property tax increase? Or both? James Robinson: There should not need to be any cuts with the current increase. If budget cuts were necessary, I would try to provide balance all around, keep cuts to the minimum and spread them around across departments. Robert Hunsicker: As an engineer I am always looking at ways for more …

Would you like to run for city commission? There's still time to enter the race. Mayoral and commission candidates have from July 2 until July 16 to qualify. The mayor and commissioners are elected for three year terms. So far, four candidates have opened up campaign accounts and picked up petition cards: Mayor Pat Gerard Commission Seat No. 3 Curtis Holmes Commission Seat No. 4 Robert Hunsicker James Robinson