Former Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard talks abrupt resignation, his hopes for city’s future

[@ps603]

This guy is exactly who the city needs. The others need to go.

[@cf9017]

Especially the woman to his right in the meeting video. Looks like her panties are on too tight.

[@HoneyBear13]

That's exactly what I came here to comment. You could tell the lady next to him was stunned.

[@AlsoGrewUpInScientology]

They're ignoring his strong support of Scientology and their attempts buy up downtown property and not let anyone but Scientologist owned business enter the area. Maybe you're a Scientologist and support that, but not everybody does and Scientology is a minority of the cities population.

[@LuciusC]

they should lock the doors and don't let anyone out until they pass a balanced budget or resign. It is NOT optional, they are playing games with money that isn't theirs, taking risks that aren't theirs to take and accruing debts that won't be theirs to pay.

[@johnswigler6512]

He is tired of the Government spending too much money. He's over it.

[@Knights2theEnd]

The police are the government

[@markwalls4765]

As am I.

[@krikeydial3430]

I can barely keep my car running because so much of my money is stolen by corrupt pigs. Bastille day is coming and the pigs are fatted for slaughter.

[@RexInOz]

A MAN OF SANITY - Well said Sir!

[@letricblue]

If only all government, federal, state, and local was as fiscally responsible and cared about taxpayers and citizens as this guy does, our country would be a better place!! Kudos!!!

[@markwalls4765]

Well said.

[@letricblue]

If only government officials had a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayer instead of qualified immunity and had to defend their actions with their own money and liability insurance rather than use taxpayer funds, living by private sector rules, they wouldn't play fast and loose like they do!

[@DaleQueen]

@@letricblue bingo.

[@kingtut1735]

Keep dreaming lol then it wouldn't be called government. You can't give anyone power of people. People are hard wired for self preservation and it will happen.

[@greg33770]

Sounds like a good guy !! Sick and tired of government wasting tax dollars !

[@endangeredone]

What a sensible man.

[@ttran1075]

A very gentle way of informing the public to be aware about the corruption taking place among the city counsels. I hope the public open their eyes and ears.

[@starspark9471]

He said there isn't corruption. He just doesn't agree with the purposes for spending of the money.

[@chimichangas2783]

I believe there is corruption

[@benji3900]

It's wasteful use of public funds. That isn't corruption. Just stupid decision makers making bad decisions and refusing to listen to a guy who's giving good advice

[@NomineName]

Ya i disagree with this. He clearly stated that the cause was differenting opinion with regards to tax money spending. Wish we had one of these guys in my city; i live in Sweden and ofc we see the same issues here - local politicians want to erect massive buildings that noone asked for, meanwhile, everyone struggles to find a spot to park their car..

[@bornagainbeliever1429]

He’s a stand up man and will be sorely missed! 🙏🏻

[@donsullivan1137]

The council members probably have contractors (friends) lined up for the construction.

[@Dpsnadress]

He knows what's coming! All the waste and theft of hour's and money missing.. he knows

[@arepadetrigo]

Cut taxes??? Oh the horror of it!

[@SFbayArea94121]

That woman next to him slamming her glasses in disguist is a typical woman and what keeps our country somewhat afloat: needs to spend every last penny for some unjustified reason to never even use what she demanded it be spent on for it just sit there. Never get married folks or if you have a good one that’s different try to make it work

[@davidwelty9763]

This guy makes a lot of sense. A loss for Clearwater.

[@HomesteadDNA]

Its a shame that the good people are forced to leave to leave a message, but that only leaves behind those that dont do the right thing to power.

[@davelindgren5245]

The problem is that the other members of that council just got rid of their only road block. With that said, I can't blame him, you can only hold back the crazy people by yourself for so long

[@joeshmoe4671]

Look for Clearwater to start going back. Bet that council does not like DeSantis.

[@aaronhiggs]

That council is almost all Scientologist or affiliated for better or worse, you decide.

[@aaronhiggs]

It’s a very moderate council. But they are just too fiscally irresponsible. It’s because they can’t get overcome the biggest landowner in the city being a church , thus paying next to no taxes.

[@quarterhorse9772]

Sounds like someone that has good sense, ashamed the others wouldn't work with him.

[@Cabledeluz1977]

Good sense and a quitter?

[@ericwalker8382]

​@Cabledeluz1977 Mayor gets blamed for everything bad in a city. He saw that he would be left holding the bad for their moronic fiscal agenda and retired. Goofball.

[@omanhamad8905]

What a great mayor! He knows the money of his city is going to be spent in insubstantial projects therfore it is better for him to resign on airstream in front of all Americans. Let them pick up a corrupt guy instead of putting their blames on him at the end. He has exposed everything spontaneously. Well done and a well decision. Big theives are fighting each other.

[@Cabledeluz1977]

You can’t be great and a quitter

[@omanhamad8905]

@@Cabledeluz1977 when you see who are around you working like a mafia to steal the money of your city whereas you can't stop them, it is better for you to resign and let them expose themselves by themselves in front of all Americans. You will be great in front of your family and your community. Let theives fight each other running behind their greed. Give them some time.

[@stenbak88]

When you have to much money you are supposed to save it but as a government a rainy day fund is absolutely key

[@johncarter1137]

I don't have a dog in that fight, but that reporter's tone when asking the tax reduction question suggested he loves paying taxes.

[@henrlima87]

Dont we all? 😂

[@squiggyg.8415]

Let me guess the city Council members just moved here from somewhere else where they just spent with reckless abandon and then they had to leave

[@intelligenceisrarethesedays]

I was thinking the same thing. Look at what they want to do with the St.Pete neighborhood's to accommodate more people moving here from other states. It's a terrible idea.

[@artlife6210]

California and New Yorks finest

[@Diamondviper911]

According to another videos comments, the lady sitting next to him in that meeting he walked out of is from Michigan. That’s all I know, but I would bet you’re on the right path.

[@ct-lg4gm]

There are Scientologists on the council fighting everything tooth and nail.

[@mrs.c5471]

And THIS is why we true Floridians need to keep our ears/eyes OPEN! We are going to wake up one day and realize we’ve been turned into cesspools like California! Those people who swarmed here aren’t here because of our political/social beliefs, they are here because the community THEY created, the FANTASY world they live in, crashed and burned around them, and they ran like rats, only to infect the next state with their wokeness! I wish our governor had been a little more cautious about opening our borders.

[@aleydasosa1134]

One honest person, rarely you found this days, God bless him and his family. ❤

[@brucesteele3052]

A Mayor with a moral compass.

[@aaronhiggs]

Facts. He was great. Wasn’t a push over for Scientology either. He co- existed with them and made it a better situation.

[@MyIOnU]

The problem with the Govt is that they keep spending and spending. Then put all that bills back on the working people.

[@pajowi46]

Someone with values in government!!!! Wow! Your wife should be very proud of you!

[@easygoing2479]

But now, for Clearwater, it's back to the norm: Someone with values NOT in government.

[@arktos298]

public safety last on the list - SMH

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

Yep. And the Drew Street Speedway will continue to be a "Drive for your life situation."

[@glmorten]

We need more people like this man. Integrity means most when most wouldnt be watching....

[@evan22303]

I loved visiting Clearwater during the course of his mayoral years. I wish him well in his post-mayor life. I hope the next mayor can carry on his legacy. I'd like to come back for a long weekend in October this year.

[@ConcernedCitizenSays]

The irony is that he's the exact type of person that Clearwater needs as a Mayor.

[@Bobcat9]

Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

[@Bobcat9]

@Mike Mike well, I never abandoned my oath of duty when I served in the Army for 20 years so people like you could try assailing my character as if what I said were untrue. This man is abandoning his post, which he fought to possess, just to tell us “he’s not the leader we need” ? When did that happen? Was he the right leader for the last three elections of his? Also, his statement of resignation doesn’t really express why at all the obstacle he faces is so immovable, and coming to the conclusion that his leadership won’t prevail? I agree it takes humility to accept defeat, to accept we are powerless, but he wasn’t elected to acquiesce to defeat. What is so busted that is beyond his leadership ability? The fact this man feels he must resign is proof the evil he was fighting, lives to prevail another day. And who’s the replacement? Is this where a lousy liberal democrat gets elected in a special election and really undermines everything? Or will the next mayor be just as good as this one, except won’t resign in defeat? Your criticism of me has no bearing on the fact of what this mayor is abandoning, and the comment I made still stands. What did you today but read comments on KZbin, passing judgment on people you don’t know?

[@Bobcat9]

@Mike Mike Right now, I am prevailing the evil you're projecting upon me. And what I said in the beginning still stands. You're a failure in proving me wrong on that. Next, I am not confusing one contract of service for the other. Service members and civil servants alike take a very similar oath, both SWEARING to protect and defend, ergo it is YOU who are confused about what "service" is. Next, a seat on a city council is in fact a post, if it weren't, then just anyone could pop in there and sit/chair these councils He was ELECTED to be there, because he campaigned for it, because he wanted it, because he USED to think he WAS the right leader for the job. You're right, he's free to resign any time he wants, but again, he never gave the reason to resign. He just said he was and then left the room, and left the city hanging. That's not honorable, and neither is your rebuke of my comments, and an ad hominem argument such as yours is not valid here. You implied he'd be a fool for staying in that position, based on your assumption that it's "basically designed to fail" - which gives further credence to my point in the first place... that evil prevails when good men do nothing. That's like saying Trump shouldn't run for a second term because only a fool would try and fix something "basically designed to fail." And since you think you're so much better than me, then maybe it's you who should be running everything, because apparently only your opinion matters and what I said in the first place isn't true. This man fought and campaigned to be the mayor, and now he's quitting without giving a good reason. I can respect a person who throws in the towel when they know they've been defeated and admits it, but that's not what this mayor said he's doing. He's quitting because he's 'not the right leader for the job' - and that just makes me wonder, who is? If what you said is true, then why does anyone run for any office, if it's "basically designed to fail" ?? And when did he stop being the right leader for the job, after three terms in office? And why? Why does he think he's not? He never says why, we'll never know, and the fact remains, the evil in his town will prevail because good men have acquiesced to defeat. Your criticism of me has failed to prove me wrong, in any context, because it's based on a stereotype which is in fact false. Your criticism of me doesn't invalidate the statement I made.

[@Bobcat9]

@Mike Mike Neither of us are local to the war in Ukraine, does that mean any of our criticism of that is "worthless" ? Do you even know what a logical premise is? You haven't spoken a single one without error. Joe Biden has been in politics for a hundred years, doesn't make him a good leader, that alone is not the measure, as your statement illogically implies. "Fund distribution concerns and fiscal irresponsibility" is EXACTLY the evil he campaigned to champion over, exactly the evil that will prevail because THIS "leader" just can't, by his own admission. Look at the 81 million sheep who voted for Biden, "look at all the other comments" where the majority "sides with our former mayor" - again, mere popularity does not right make. 81 million people can be wrong, and so could the hundreds of comments here. Another failed logic argument. And please explain, how your armchair criticism of me isn't the last thing I need? Because I'm not local my opinion must be wrong/illogical/irrelevant? Citing locality as a premise of right/wrong or need/don't need, is yet another logical failure in your rebuttal.

[@Bobcat9]

What if Trump, or Biden even, decided to resign because of opposition? Can you imagine where we'd be if either of them quit on account of "fiscal irresponsibility" ?

[@danv.872]

​@@MikeMike-th4fuThe man should have served the term he was elected to serve and not run for reelection. That would have been the honorable thing to do.

[@randymullins3555]

How is this not corruption by allowing these fiscally irresponsible city representatives to push forward utilizing tax payer dollars unnecessarily to ultimately put the city in debt

[@shelley7975]

I'm thinking it's his round about way of exposing them. Good for him. Imagine what this country would look like if men had integrity like this man.

[@randymullins3555]

@@shelley7975 However, isn't this the similar to running from problems. Millions flee California and New York for conservative cities and states vs standing against

[@alexlong3714]

@@randymullins3555 He is NOT running from problems, he has been out numbered by his fellow councilors. Therefore, he don't want to be responsible for the wrong decision made by the majority in the council. That is his basic RIGHT. No? 🤔🤔🤔

[@randymullins3555]

@@dazeddee8485 He's left the building?! How's this taking a stand? They'll replace him with a cowardly shell who'll go along to get along!

[@randymullins3555]

@@alexlong3714 The courageous and ethical right would be to combat these tyrants and communicate with the voters at every battle to further empower his responsible base, and ultimately remove these cancerous council members!!

[@napolitanotile2919]

What a class act,Didn't throw any stones,Still lifted up his community until the very end,WE SHOULD ALL TAKE NOTES!!!! Another prime example of GOD'S angels giving direction and showing humility and how to be humble! Well done dear Sir!

[@rasbijalpatel310]

Know when to stay and when to go. Courage shown,in Clearwater. Kudos to you and time on hand.

[@elizabethlane8455]

He is an honest man

[@markwalls4765]

Definitely appears to be, unfortunately there's a 'Resource' that we are desperately in need of... All of us.

[@youwonder472]

Imagine all politicians would be like this one.

[@user-lq3dj3eo8k]

Sounds like a wonderful man who cared about his job.

[@seanmaclennan7249]

I'm out of here before the knife hits my back.....

[@mikekuhn214]

This guy has a conscious 4 the people of Clearwater FL. Good 4 him. I support him while the city council waste people’s dollars!

[@patrickclifford5313]

Wish there was more people like him out there and City and government I was told there's only about 5%

[@W9HJBill]

I agree with the former mayor 100%. Spending tax payer money on basically needless things is a waste and his actions will force the city council to be held accountable. What's wrong with the old city hall?

[@johngalt6525]

Integrity wins , Clearwater loses .

[@SFbayArea94121]

The rest of the city council: Yeah why do we need police of fire/EMS? Lets just Build a new arena for us to hold our two day per month meetings in. it’s why our whole human society is so f’d, greed, corruption and incompetence. People who shouldn’t hold the power or positions they do to run our lives on needless spending

[@BartT75]

A year ago the City Hall plan was quoted at 30-34M and was mostly 'covered'. Mayor Frank thought it was frivolous then. Now they come back with 90M, and you know how good govt is with spending - it'd prob end up taking 3 years and 30m more than expected. As remote and virtual as municipal services are for the public now, there is no need for a huge $90M complex. Still, as principled as Hibbard may be, his quitting like that has precluded him from serving in the gov't again - I wish his wife had told him that on the 5min phone call.

[@andycommonsincanada]

Just imagine if every municipality had a mayor like that.

[@jonnyrush1]

Especially in Canada

[@debbiebranidis5980]

Finally someone working for the people

[@judykessinger3552]

Very well spoken. Much Success to you and your family

[@jonnyrush1]

This is a man of integrity Honour common sense humble selfless and fiscally responsible representing the people of Clearwater we need more men and women principled and standing for goodness thank you sir From British Columbia Canada

[@powhana6019]

Their existing city hall is super nice. I worked there

[@scottkramer481]

Imagine running your household and being the only one that is fiscally responsible.

[@stuartanderson6785]

This guy is great. It's a shame he felt he had to quit. But I get fighting uphill battles you can't win. Wish him the best.

[@chrisrauschning7376]

The only problem, when good people quit and leave who is left to hold the line, and keep up the good fight.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Wow, foresight and a moral compass. Definitely not a politician just seems like a solid guy going where his convictions guide him. I watched his resignation he did what was right for him and his family. 👍👍

[@michaelm4021]

I first met Frank over 20 years ago when he first ran for the (then) Clearwater City Commission. I always respected Frank, finding him to be a very fine, very honest person, a man of high integrity who was very serious in his approach to government and public service. I completely agree with his concerns about government overspending. His idea to locate a municipal services building and council chambers in the Main Library is absolutely brilliant, one that other municipalities throughout our state and nation could emulate. Still, I believe he will come to regret this decision to resign. Now more than ever, the city of Clearwater (a strong mayor form of government) needs strong, steady leadership - and the mayor does much more than simply oversee budget negotiations and spending. Nonetheless, I wish him and his family well, and appreciate his many years of good service to our Pinellas County community. -Michael Mayo

[@lucasdog1]

Come to Michigan, Mr. Hibbard. We could use a bit of your way of thinking here.

[@shelley7975]

lol...Only a fool would leave Florida to come to Michigan.

[@kdmigloo]

Why dont you go there, this guy is a cult lackey worse than stretchen gretchen

[@MaiProject2024]

I feel him. I have friends in the public sector and there are a lot of spending that could've been avoided or audit.

[@patriciab.9625]

Fundamental Disagreements. Absolutely! I agree with you, Frank. 👍

[@picklesgherkin]

in my opinion the Clearwater residents should have a say in who's taken over the mayor

[@jame2182]

NOW FIRE THE OTHER FOUR

[@shagwaaone1432]

I was greatly impressed by his resignation speech, to bad for this city

[@drios007]

What a genuine man. God bless you sir.

[@stanhenline3547]

We need more people like this with ethics and honesty. God bless you on your journey.

[@pegasus8873]

Good job throwing the truth out there without looking like you’re throwing the truth out there! 👍

[@minervasunset]

Kudos Mayor!

[@axelsharpshire6457]

Cutting Taxes instead of spending? That's INSANE!!!!!

[@randoir1863]

God damn ! This man is truly a breath of fresh air in an era of spend , spend , spend ! He makes too much sense in fact . I hope any municipality in Florida that needs responsible fiscal leadership seeks this man out to be the mayor !!!!

[@pstewart5443]

This is what a man of principle and conviction looks like. All too rare in today's society.

[@hardamtripathi6956]

The mayor is speaking truth!

[@meaganarnold6587]

Class act sir. 👏🏻

[@lronhubbard8031]

Vote me for new Mayor.

[@nathanielaustin1420]

He sounds nervous. The resignation that broke the bank. Pocket book shook too it's core.

[@juliuscaesar3000]

Imagine if we had a thousand of him in all of levels of government.

[@slowpoke2122]

Crossed that line and he said adios. Spend spend spend why not its not their money. They just lost a good mayor

[@meowmeow1733]

So many people in high positions around the world need to follow his example. Not just politics,....also in business.

[@truthrebel1958]

$90 million???!!! For a new city hall??? Not housing for low income? Road improvements? Downtown development? Police and fire departments? Sad. Vote the bums out.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Exactly who we all need in government.

[@Dahbz14]

I work with state DOT departments and the waste is mind boggling and something you can’t just get over unless your completely soulless.

[@RJKYEG]

"Just because you have money doesn't mean you have to spend it, you either want to build up reserves or you want to think about reducing millage rates."

[@vonrollveeg]

I wish this guy would come to the city where I used to live but could not tolerate the mismanagement any longer.

[@scottr237]

Dignity above all.

[@sneakyquick]

I am on a city council and we pass a budget but the mayor takes the heat for their decisions from the public.

[@markwalls4765]

I'm in Tennessee - and this story is gaining 'traction' here locally. Appears that this village retained a 'host of fellow village idiots' upon abdication of the sane!

[@amandagermain4914]

Great job Hero

[@24juan68]

If the city is making so much money, lower the taxes and stop spending… give the people a break for once

[@muaddib7685]

Most City's today are spending millions and tens of millions in bonds dedicating tax dollars 20 years out to develop unessisary projects to attract business and people. People will keep voting for spending more and constantly want more too. Just wait until they have 2 cent taxes on everything from sale

[@kellymunsey2341]

When you see a $30mil boondoggle balloon to a $90mil money pit for a new city hall before ground is broken and you can't talk sense into anyone you have to step away and wash your hands of it... Glad he at least has some sense 👏

[@mr.boniato6402]

Smart move by Hibbard. When the 💩 hits the fan, he's already out!

[@DogCbone]

Just remember the council members who disagree with the mayor. Time for them to go....

[@mysticalsprings1998]

This guy needs to run for president!!!!!! We need so much more of this! Entrenched interests need to understand they can't just spend like drunken sailors!

[@mymydelilah]

He wants the best for this town Clearwater, Florida. It wears him out budgeting, etc. mind-boggling, to maintain his sanity he resigns🌷🌷🥀🥀🌹🌹

[@customdioramics7961]

Now he people of Clearwater should vote out the entire City Council and the re elect him to office.

[@alBngnnuyn8070]

His priorities for the city are definitely right on point. Monuments for decades aren't what the people of the city are asking from from their elected leaders, but safety and prosperity.

[@elmerfudd7674]

"Simple Math" All we need to know.

[@connielynnchadwick5582]

Sad part is that this the EXACT kind of person we need in government. Everyone else should have resigned.

[@sidneyoutlaw39]

I live in Virginia. I believe this guy should remain mayor and the rest of the council should resign. I hope the people of Clearwater stands up

[@jq8974]

Sad that he felt he had to leave. I understand being frustrated, though. Sometimes nobody really wants to listen.

[@secondsun765]

Heroes don't always wear capes.

[@mikespallino376]

This guy knows what he is doing.

[@rayquitana1453]

He is right, Clearwater, is well ran and winning. However, he is a Man of substance and usual those type of me are bend but dont break.. well < they > did something he just could not stand.

[@choke2122]

Probably tired of dealing with the cult in the city.

[@adpitre5128]

Wow .. this is the mayor every city needs .. he seems special and does not want to use tax payers money for nonsense.. had enough of his colleagues badgering him

[@badgrampagramps8445]

Guaranteed the new guys been decided before they forced him to quit