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For Commission: Two Veterans, Newcomer

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2008

Members of the Hillsborough County Commission appear to be, for the most part, well-intended individuals. But when a majority believes that making political donations constitutes moral courage or that smart growth comes from letting developers have their way, it's clear the commission needs some fresh perspective.

Nevertheless, the commission's make-up is unlikely to change much this year. Two of the three incumbents up for re-election face only token opposition. But the third race gives Hillsborough voters an opportunity to obtain stronger, better leadership.

District 2

In District 2, which covers north Hillsborough, incumbent Republican Ken Hagan faces write-in candidate Harold "Bud" Gleason.

Hagan has done some good work on transportation, pushing for road improvements and acknowledging the need to develop a mass transit system that includes rail.

Though he often sides with the development industry, Hagan did show independence in supporting higher school impact fees to make growth pay for itself. He also has been a strong proponent of red-light cameras, championed dog parks in Lutz and Temple Terrace, and pushed a cultural center in Carrollwood.

Since becoming commission chairman, he's proven himself a quiet, though considered, leader - even if the commission continues to lack a vision for the county's future.

Hagan stumbled badly, however, when he recently brushed off a woman who returned her Moral Courage Award after commissioners named it for the late Ralph Hughes, a political powerbroker who showered supporters with contributions and attacked opponents with a vengeance.

Nevertheless, Hagan's write-in opponent represents no credible alternative.

For Hillsborough County commissioner, District 2, the Tribune backs Ken Hagan.

District 4

Incumbent Al Higginbotham is being challenged by Pete Gifford, no party affiliation, in District 4, which covers east and south Hillsborough.

Higginbotham was something of an unknown when he was elected to the commission after chairing the local Republican Party. And he's been something of a surprise since. He listens hard, does his homework and avoids petty squabbles. But too often, he goes along to get along.

That said, Higginbotham did successfully advocate a ban on gifts from lobbyists. And before voting against the Championship Park proposal pushed by fellow Commissioner Jim Norman, he visited a number of parks and found few families supported the elaborate complex.

Though a strong advocate for agriculture, Higginbotham refused to support an effort to eliminate county control of wetlands, as some development and farming interests wanted.

Higginbotham regularly takes the bus to work from Plant City and appreciates the importance of mass transit, though it is unlikely he will push for rail anytime soon. With his own mobility restricted by a hunting accident, Higginbotham understands the needs of the disabled.

In District 4, the Tribune recommends Al Higginbotham.

District 6

In countywide District 6, Republican incumbent Brian Blair faces Democrat Kevin Beckner, a financial planner and political newcomer.

The amiable Blair is not the sharpest commissioner, but he has grown in office. He's helped curtail extravagant salary increases for county employees, supported cuts in property taxes and advanced worthy measures such as go-slow traffic zones around communities for seniors.

Yet he remains prone to rash pronouncements, as when he complained that cutting his $600 monthly car allowance would take food out of his children's mouths.

While eager to please, Blair also appears to be easily led.

Early in his tenure, he patterned himself after former County Commissioner Ronda Storms of Brandon, who stoked a city-county divide for political upmanship. There was just one problem with Blair's copycat strategy: His district includes the city. But that didn't stop him from disparaging downtown interests, trying to mothball the trolley and preventing Tampa residents from serving on a county board asked to imagine an improved transportation system, complete with spending recommendations.

Blair also pushed hard to privatize the county's indigent health-care system, though he says political contributions from WellCare and other private health-care management companies did not influence him. Fortunately, Blair was unsuccessful. Today WellCare stands accused of defrauding Florida's health agencies of more than $20 million.

Blair also mounted an attack on environmental regulations, and listened hardest to developers who wanted to eliminate local wetlands protections. A public outcry caused the commission to retreat.

Since Storms left the board, Blair has become more reasonable. He promises to make city concerns his concerns, too. But his behavior is not easily forgotten.

In contrast, Beckner comes across as thoughtful, more independent and more likely to listen to a broad range of views.

He stresses the need for better planning and understands that sprawling development makes the county a more expensive place to live, a negative when trying to attract high-wage companies.

The former police officer believes the county should better prioritize spending and focus on building infrastructure that supports job growth. Beckner rightly believes the county can do a better job of partnering with its municipalities, and its state delegation, to advance the region's interests.

Beckner would approach each issue with an open mind and seems unlikely to be swayed by special interests. His role models on the commission are Mark Sharpe and Rose Ferlita.

The commission could use a new voice, one that is independent of special-interest agendas. Beckner would provide that. In District 6, the Tribune recommends Kevin Beckner.

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