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Backers Of Hillsborough Mayor Plan Tout Veto

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

A sign along I-275 between West Shore Blvd and the Howard Frankland Bridge promotes the Hillsborough County mayor veto question.

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By CHRISTIAN WADE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2008

TAMPA - The county mayor question won't be on the ballot next month, but Hillsborough County voters still will have a opportunity to define the scope and authority of that position.

On the Nov. 4 ballot will be a question asking voters whether they support giving the county mayor, a position that doesn't exist, veto power over the seven-member county commission.

Supporters, who argue it would provide stronger leadership, say that giving the mayor veto powers over the commission will be an essential tool for the job, if it's eventually created.

So a pro-mayor group is pouring thousands of dollars into advertising in an effort to convince Hillsborough voters they would be better served by an elected mayor instead of the current county administrator style of government.

The Elected County Mayor Political Committee has rented space on several billboards with the slogan: "Vote YES County Mayor: Veto. Elected County Mayor Coming Soon!"

Tampa lawyer Mary Ann Stiles, the initiative's chief advocate, hoped to have it on the ballot two years ago, but it got delayed until this year.

Opponents, who say it would concentrate too much power in one person, challenged the referendum in court and prevailed, but the veto question is still on the ballot next month.

If there's no county mayor, why is the veto question still on the ballot?

It's one of two charter amendments proposed on the county mayor issue. The other one asked voters if they wanted to create the position, but that was knocked off the ballot after a lengthy court battle. No one challenged the veto power question, however, and county elections officials say they don't have the authority to take it off the ballot.

If the county mayor veto question passes, what will change?

The referendum is binding and if approved will be added to the county charter. If the county mayor question makes the ballot in the 2010 election and is approved by voters, the newly created position would have veto power over the commission.

What will be the scope of those veto powers?

If approved, veto power would be limited to ordinances and the budget. The mayor would not be able to veto zoning, master- or land-use plan issues. The commission would be able to override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

What do supporters say about the veto powers question?

Pro-county mayor advocates say if the veto question passes it will serve as a litmus test for how voters feel about it.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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