City Commission Changes Leadership Amid Resignations

TARPON SPRINGS — Significant developments unfolded at the City Commission meeting on October 1, with the induction of new City Manager Charles Rudd and the appointment of former Commissioner David Banther to a vacated seat. This came about after Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias was chosen to serve as mayor until April following Costa Vatikiotis’ resignation in August.

The appointment process was not straightforward and involved intense discussions, reflective of the typical proceedings in Tarpon Springs. Former Commissioner Pete Dalacos expressed his interest in serving on the commission, proposing ideas for addressing pending issues. However, none of the current commissioners supported his candidacy.

Commissioner Frank DiDonato stood apart in his view, as most commissioners agreed that Acting Mayor Koulias should ascend to mayoral duties until the next election scheduled for March. Commissioner John Koulianos rationalized his support for Koulias, citing the importance of continuity and stability following a recent hurricane. “We need some form of consistency,” Koulianos stated during the meeting.

Koulianos further added that since he is slated to become vice mayor in November, he should assume the role immediately to ensure a solid leadership team. He backed David Banther as the person best equipped to fill the commission seat due to his vast experience.

However, Commissioner DiDonato argued that favoring Koulias for mayor could offer him an unfair advantage in the upcoming election, as he is a declared candidate for a commission seat. Despite these concerns, in a 3-1 vote, Koulias was appointed mayor, with Koulianos and Commissioner Seth Eisner supporting him, and DiDonato dissenting in favor of Banther.

After settling on Koulias as mayor, the commission agreed on Koulianos serving as vice mayor until the March election, where he will also be a mayoral candidate. When it came to filling Koulias’ commission seat, Eisner proposed Carrie Root, known for her service on local committees, but the nomination did not pass.

Finally, with the support of Koulias, DiDonato, and Koulianos, David Banther was selected to rejoin the commission, opposed by Eisner. Banther, a real estate broker with a long history in city service, including two prior terms as city commissioner and service as vice mayor, will officially assume his new office on October 15.