Outgoing Vice Mayor Alahouzos: 'Involved,' 'Inspirational'

After serving two consecutive terms on the City Commission, Chris Alahouzos will leave that post on Tuesday, April 2.

will be sworn in, replacing Alahouzos, who has "termed out."

If it were up to Alahouzos, he would remain on the City Commission. However, city limits prohibit any Commissioner from serving more than two consecutive terms.

According to fellow City Commissioner Townsend Tarapani, Alahouzos isn't the only one who's thinking along those lines.

"I hope he isn't gone long," Tarapani said. "Once you fill that role for six years, it's hard to just kind of have that void."

As the youngest City Commissioner, Tarapani recalls Alahouzos being somewhat of a hero to him when he first decided to get involved with city government.

"Chris was inspirational to me," Tarapani said. 

He added that Alahouzos' experience in the corporate world helped with the infrastructure and stability of the Board of Commissioners.

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Originally from Greece, Alahouzos emmigrated with his family to Tarpon Springs when he was just a boy. Growing up in the area, it was inevitable for Alahouzos to grow deep roots in the community and its rich culture.

He served on the city's Planning and Zoning Board for nearly six years when residents began to encourage Alahouzos to run for the City Commission. 

"It wasn't my idea to do it," Alahouzos recalled. "It was the people of Tarpon Springs who thought that I would be a good representative for them."

There was so much support for Alahouzos that he ran unopposed in 2007 for Seat 4, where he has remained. 

In 2011, Alahouzos was appointed Vice Mayor for the City of Tarpon Springs. 
"It made me feel good that the people wanted me to serve and it's a privilege to do that," Alahouzos said.

When it comes to city government, a lot can happen in six years. 

Alahouzos said that some of his most memorable moments were:

• Supporting the senior citizens of Tarpon Springs with transportation
• Providing playgrounds and recreation areas for Tarpon Springs youth
• Forming the Budget Advisory Committee 

Commissioner-Elect David Banther said that he believes Alahouzos is leaving some big shoes to fill.

"He is very involved with the community and has done a lot for our Sister Cities program," Banther said. "It will be missed to have someone with that connection."

Alahouzos' leadership has been bountiful, from a spot on the Board of Directors for the PSTA to being a member of the FBI Community Engagement Council.

It is evident that Alahouzos sincerely cherishes his time serving the city. He said that there is nothing more satisfying than public service.

"I think we all have the responsibility to be able to serve the city," Alahouzos said. "You get the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to you."

To mark the end of his term, Vice Mayor Alahouzos will speak at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.