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Newcomer Is Looking To Unify Commission

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By MIKE SALINERO

msalinero@tampatrib.com

Published: November 8, 2008

TAMPA - Kevin Beckner campaigned on a platform of ending divisive politics on the Hillsborough County Commission and seeking practical solutions for problems such as sprawl, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Beckner's convincing, 48,000-vote victory over incumbent Brian Blair raised hopes he can bring openness and collegiality to a commission seen by many residents as unresponsive and ideologically driven.

Blair, a social and fiscal conservative, epitomized the commission's shortcomings to many, pursuing an unabashedly pro-development agenda while drawing the ire of environmentalists.

"Kevin won't take those way-out and divisive stands that Blair did about social and environmental issues," said former commissioner and Democrat Jan Platt.

"I think Kevin will be a strong protector of the environment where Blair was not."

To accomplish his goals, though, Beckner will have to mend fences on a commission he vilified as out of touch on the campaign trail.

Some observers think his best hope is teaming up with commissioners Rose Ferlita and Mark Sharpe. The two moderate Republicans have often been on the losing end of 5-2 and 4-3 votes, including the original vote on Blair's proposal to end county wetlands protections.

Former Republican commissioner Chris Hart said if Beckner is truly interested in pragmatic problem-solving, he may be a perfect fit with Sharpe and Ferlita.

"Whether it's fiscal issues or environmental issues, or practical good government issues, I think they were more practical," Hart said. "You'll see some new alliances in terms of philosophy."

Even if he does find kindred spirits on the commission, Beckner will find it hard fulfilling his campaign promises of stronger growth management, mass transit and environmental protection. Such initiatives can be costly and are unlikely to gain traction in a weak economy with dwindling tax dollars.

Ron Weaver, a Tampa land-use lawyer, said voters would likely turn down a new tax for mass transit. But Beckner could look for creative solutions, such as giving developers expedited permitting and denser developments in return for land for rail and bus stations.
Beckner will also find it difficult reining in sprawl, predicted Apollo Beach land-use lawyer Mike Peterson.

A principal element of growth management is higher-density development, something established neighborhoods consistently oppose and often defeat.

"He now gets to be the bearer of the news to a lot of citizenry who may not have understood that strong growth management under our comprehensive plan is going to bring higher densities into existing neighborhoods," Peterson said.

Despite the challenges, Beckner is approaching the job the right way by promising to work with other commissioners rather than pursuing his own agenda at all costs, said Scott Paine, a political science professor at the University of Tampa.

"He didn't plan to bring in anything right way," Paine said.

"That's the mark of someone who's looking at how he can get things done as opposed to, 'I'm here and the world is never going to be the same.'"

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

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