(Editor’s note: this week’s lead piece was written before we learned of the passing of 94-year-old J.B. Johnson on March 7. To those who served with J.B., he was the moral compass of the City Commission in the late 1990s - a man of strong convictions and uncompromising integrity. The city of Clearwater is a better place because of him).

Some shining Clearwater city officials

It’s Election Week in Clearwater. As we mentioned last week, there is not a lot to be excited about this time around. But the election got us thinking about some outstanding city officials we have been blessed with in our fair city over the past, say, quarter century. Some names that come to mind – J.B. Johnson and Dick Fitzgerald – both steady hands in times when there was just a bit of turmoil in city government. Then there was John Doran, who transformed from city watchdog to city official and did both extremely well. The analytical Bill Jonson has been a fiscally conservative voice for many years. Ed Hooper and Karen Seel (you may have forgotten she once was a city commissioner) brought a period of solid growth to Clearwater on many fronts. And two mayors stand out - both with very differing styles but both very effective in what they did for their city – Rita Garvey and Frank Hibbard. While many of us are quick to criticize city hall, we also need to be thankful for these eight (and probably a few others we’ve overlooked) for their outstanding service to their city.

Around Tampa Bay

1. In this, let’s say unusual, election year a thought from free thinker Robert Ingersoll circa 1892, “Each side would be glad to defeat the other if it could do it without electing its own candidate.”

2. Alternate quote of the week: Clearwater parking manager Eric Wilson on trying to fix the parking mess at the Clearwater Marina (RANTS – March 6, 2016). “Right now, it’s like trying to please 10 wives with one husband.” Huh?

3. The Tampa Tribune’s Steve Otto recently asked the question of what notable Floridian should stand in the Hall of Statuary in the Capitol alongside John Gorrie who was instrumental in developing air conditioning thus making our state habitable. Hard to think of any public figure present or past for the honor but we like one name Otto came up with even though he is not a native of Florida or even lived here much but like Gorrie sure had a dramatic impact on the state – Walt Disney.

4. Two of our local bridges, the Gandy and the Sunshine Skyway are on a list of the 20 Scariest Bridges in the world. Not sure why. Scariest bridge we ever encountered was the old, creaky Grace Bridge connecting Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, S.C. It was replaced by a new span about ten years ago.

5. You’ve lived in the bay area a long time if you remember the Sportatorium on North Albany in Tampa which was recently auctioned off. For many years, it was home to Championship Wrestling from Florida featuring names like the Great Malenko, Eddie Graham, Haystack Calhoun, the masked Assassins and many others including Gordon Solie who did a masterful job playing straight man to all those characters.

The diamond, the media and other stuff

6. Our nation bids a tearful farewell to Nancy Reagan, part of one of America’s true love stories.

7. The late Bud Collins made pro tennis as interesting as it can be. He also was one of very few men who could pull off a bow tie. Most men (including a couple local politicians) can’t. Collins’ flair on and off camera will be missed.

8. Yet another gem from the 5:05 newsletter: Reverend Al Sharpton said he might leave the country if Donald Trump is elected president in November. Minutes later Las Vegas listed Trump at even money to carry all fifty states.

9. The website Point After has a fascinating look at all 30 franchises and their “All Time” rosters. Take a look at your favorite team and see if you agree. A couple things caught our eye – Ryan Howard not the first baseman on the Phils all-time team. And neither Maddux, Glavine nor Smoltz could make the Braves all-time roster. A few guys make more than one team’s all-time roster – Ozzie Smith, ARod and Carlton Fisk to name three.

10. Speaking of Ryan Howard, saw him at a local restaurant a couple weeks ago. The guy looks to be in fantastic shape.

Another angle to the designated hitter controversy

Admittedly, it doesn’t make sense for the two major leagues to play under different rules. The DH or lack of, puts the NL at a disadvantage in AL parks and vice versa. There’s another interesting aspect to the DH. The rule is the reason that when Albert Pujols, Brian McCann and Miguel Cabrera left their original NL teams (Cards, Braves and Marlins) they all departed for the American League where they could get a day off but still have their bat utilized – particularly important for people like McCann who play the most demanding position in baseball. If and when they leave their original teams, you can bet Buster Posey, Jonathon Lucroy and Yadier Molina will all head to the American League increasing even more the talent imbalance between the two leagues. We’re playing devil’s advocate here – we still don’t like the DH and how it eliminates so much strategy from the game.