George N. Cretekos (born January 26, 1947) is an American politician from the state ofFlorida. A member of theRepublican Party, Cretekos is the former mayor ofClearwater, Florida. Prior to his election as mayor, he served as a congressional aide toBill Young for 36 years, and served on the ClearwaterCity Council.
George Cretekos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Clearwater | |
| In office February 13, 2012 – March 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Frank Hibbard |
| Succeeded by | Frank Hibbard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1947-01-26)January 26, 1947 (age 78) Tampa, Florida,U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Carolyn |
| Education | Davidson College (BA) University of Pittsburgh (MPA) |
Biography
editCretekos is fromTarpon Springs, Florida. He graduated fromTarpon Springs High School[1] andDavidson College, where he received abachelor's degree inpolitical science.[2] While at Davidson, Cretekos interned for a member of theUnited States House of Representatives, and attended the1968 Republican National Convention. After graduating from Davidson, he earned hismaster's degree inpublic administration from theUniversity of Pittsburgh'sGraduate School of Public and International Affairs.[1]
After graduating with his master's degree, Cretekos accepted a job as a legislative aide forBill Young, who had been elected to theUnited States House of Representatives, starting in 1971. He served in the role for 36 years.[1] Cretekos was elected to theCity Council ofClearwater, Florida in 2007,[3] filling the remainder ofHoyt Hamilton's term. He was elected without opposition.[2][4] He was re-elected in 2008,[1] and was sworn in as Vice Mayor in 2008.[3] He was elected mayor of Clearwater in 2012.[5][6]
Cretekos was considered a potential candidate in the2014 special election to replace Young, representingFlorida's 13th congressional district.[7] He declined to run, saying he is "a local kind of guy".[8]
Personal
editCretekos isGreek Orthodox, and thought about becoming a priest when he was young. After leaving Young's office, he spent a month inIndonesia as amissionary.[2]
Cretekos and his wife, Carolyn, live in the Sand Key section of Clearwater.[1] His father, Nick, worked as a mail carrier and auctioneer. He has three siblings.[9] His grandfather was a sponge merchant.[1] His grandfather'ssponge diving boat, theGeorge N. Cretekos is on the United States'National Register of Historic Places. The Cretekos family are related toMaria Callas.[10]
References
edit- ^abcdefHarwell, Drew (January 14, 2012)."Clearwater mayoral candidate George Cretekos touts his experience". Tampabay.com. RetrievedOctober 10, 2013.
- ^abcDonila, Mike (February 4, 2007)."New city servant brings a pedigree: Incoming Clearwater council member George Cretekos has won praise from both parties". Tampa Bay Times. RetrievedOctober 11, 2013.
- ^abDailey, Lester R. (April 8, 2008)."Matters of noteClearwater Citizen – Tampa Bay Newspapers". Tbnweekly.com. RetrievedOctober 10, 2013.
- ^Diane Steinle, North Pinellas Editor View all Articles."Diane Steinle: New council member braves the heat, passes first big test". Tampabay.com. Archived fromthe original on February 13, 2017. RetrievedOctober 11, 2013.
{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^"Rep. Young Congratulates Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos | Congressman C.W. Bill Young" (Press release). Young.house.gov. February 16, 2012. Archived fromthe original on October 12, 2013. RetrievedOctober 10, 2013.
- ^Leone, Jared (February 1, 2012)."Cretekos Is Clearwater's Next Mayor – Government – Clearwater, FL Patch". Clearwater.patch.com. RetrievedOctober 10, 2013.
- ^Smith, Adam C."Scramble begins for Rep. C.W. Bill Young's congressional seat". Tampabay.com. RetrievedOctober 10, 2013.
- ^"Rick Baker won't run for Rep. C.W. Bill Young's seat, but David Jolly will".
- ^"Northpinellas: Nick G. Cretekos, 87, mail carrier". Sptimes.com. RetrievedOctober 11, 2013.
- ^"Floridian: Nurturing a legend". Sptimes.com. RetrievedOctober 11, 2013.
External links
edit- "Mayor George N. Cretekos". The City of Clearwater, Florida. Archived fromthe original on October 12, 2013.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Frank Hibbard | Mayor of Clearwater, Florida 2012 – 2020 | Succeeded by Frank Hibbard |