5 questions: Rich Piper, former professor and political activist

Dr. Rich Piper of Largo spends much of his time going door-to-door. This winter, he rang doorbells to make sure Joe Barkley won re-election to the Belleair Bluffs City Commission. This spring, his aim is to help push Charlie Justice to the U.S. House and Kendrick Meek into the U.S. Senate.

In 2008, after a 32-year career as a professor of government and world affairs at the University of Tampa, with 12 years spent as director of the honors program, Piper took early retirement to work full time as a volunteer in the Obama campaign.

He has no regrets. "I loved teaching, but the Obama campaign was the experience of a lifetime. It gave me the chance to promote the kinds of change that I believe America needs,'' he said.

Because of his efforts, which also include helping to start the Largo/Mid-Pinellas Democratic Club in February 2009, Piper received the Chiles-Graham Award for Grassroots Leadership at the Pinellas County Democrats' annual Kennedy-King Dinner on Feb. 27.

We visited him at his home last Thursday, where the 63-year-old sat still just long enough for us to ask him five questions.

1I see a photo here with you and President Barack Obama. When was it taken? It was taken at Legends Field in October 2008. It was a rally, and I was there with a team of volunteers working on his campaign.

2When did you realize you had an interest in political science? There were a few instances, but first of all, I had a grandfather who was a history teacher at Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pa.). He was an outspoken Democrat. I also had a Republican uncle, and so there was always heated political discussion going on around me. Then, I got excited when I was in middle school. I took part in a Kennedy-Nixon debate during a civics class. And finally, when I was 13 and got to see John F. Kennedy at the Pittsburgh Airport; I got to shake his hand, and that was inspiring.

3Clearly, you're Democratic, but you do believe in a two-party political system, correct? Absolutely. It wouldn't be good if this country only had one party, and I don't think they need multiple parties, but they do work elsewhere. I just wish the Republicans right now would be more reasonable.

4So in your opinion, what would make a good Republican? A good Republican would be someone who presents alternatives to what Democrats are offering. I would suggest they look to the British Conservative Party for ideas. And a good Democrat is someone who sticks to principals which surround social justice and global cooperation whenever possible. I think right now both parties are too influenced by big business.

5Do you think citizens in Largo are politically aware? They're generally aware, but the turnout for the last election was about 14 percent. That had a lot to do with the fact that the mayoral race was uncontested, yet still, it is cause for concern. That's a big part of what we're working on right now. We don't want a horrible turnout like that again. An election doesn't reflect public opinion when turnout is that low.

Piper Castillo, Times staff writer