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Hillsborough Needs Sharper Plans, Commissioners Say

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By MIKE SALINERO

msalinero@tampatrib.com

Published: December 12, 2008

TAMPA - Hillsborough County needs to quit talking about attracting high-paying jobs and start getting specific about what it will take to become an economic powerhouse, county commissioners said Thursday.

At their annual goal-setting meeting, several commissioners expressed frustration with what they characterized as vague notions such as visions and strategic goals that never move the county off dead center.

"We need to make economic development - high-wage job creation - priority No. 1," Commissioner Mark Sharpe said.

Commissioner Jim Norman, the longest-serving board member, said the county must get serious about buying land that can be made ready for industries. The county has also procrastinated on modifying its urban service boundary to allow water and sewer lines to be extended east along the Interstate 4 corridor, Norman said.

"We have conflicts throughout comprehensive plans," he said. "That's why Polk County, that's why Lakeland have jumped way ahead of us."

Sharpe said the immediate target for partnerships with high-tech companies should be around the University of South Florida.

"I-4 is the future; USF is right now," he said.

Other commissioners argued that strategic planning is important, but that the plans ought to be sharpened with specific goals and timelines.

"From what I see, it's not really a plan," said Commissioner Kevin White. "In any plan, you've got to prioritize and find out what's actionable. Some of these goals we ought to be able to achieve sooner rather than later."

Sharpe said a strategic plan with specifics is important to assure residents who worry about hidden agendas, such as sprawling development.

Commissioner Rose Ferlita agreed, saying residents should be brought into the planning process early and consulted along the way.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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