Robinson Wins Largo City Commission Race

James Robinson is the Largo City Commissioner-Elect in Seat Four.

Robinson beat out Robert Hunsicker with about 59 percent of the vote in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial results on the Pinellas Supervisor of Elections website.

Robinson manages the Largo Feed Store. He has lived in Largo for more than 30 years. In his campaign he supported balanced funding of public safety, family recreation and small business interests within Largo's tight city budget.

Robinson and his supporters held a watch party at the new Buffalo Wild Wings at the Largo Mall. Robinson was overwhelmed and speechless.

"I am glad to have the opportunity to help my community. I want to thank everybody who has supported me in the last five months. The list is too long to name. I hope I can do good for my community," Robinson said.

Largo Professional Firefighters supported Robinson's bid for commission.

"We are very pleased with the voter turnout," said Dale Rosko, president of the Largo Professional Firefighters. "We are very happy with the way our members pulled together and worked hard on this campaign. We are very pleased with the outcome of it," 

Hunsicker is a semi-retired engineer. He has lived in Largo for 25 years and has served on the Planning Board for almost eight years. He ran for commission to improve public safety, help improve the city's infrastructure with his engineering background, help attract more small businesses to Largo, and improve the utilization of the city's recreation facilities.

Huniscker decided not to hold a watch party and chose instead to have a supporter appreciation party at a later date.

"I tried as hard as I could, I am sorry I was not selected," Hunsicker said.

Referendum Question

Largo voters approved a referendum question, which allows the city commission to create an ad valorem tax exemption program for new or expanding businesses. The businesses must create new full-time jobs in Largo.  

In 2011 the state legislature gave counties and municipalities the authority, with voter approval, to set up ad valorem tax exemptions for new businesses and expansions of existing businesses that create full-time jobs. The program would need to follow provisions in the state statute.

Go here for complete 2012 election results.