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Hillsborough Board Renames Award For Controversial Activist

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

  Ralph Hughes

TAMPA - An award created to honor Hillsborough County citizens who take courageous stands against government was renamed today to honor controversial conservative activist Ralph Hughes.

The county commission voted 5-2 to rename the Moral Courage Award for Hughes, who died July 27. All five commissioners voting yes had received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Hughes when he was alive.

Commissioner Jim Norman proposed naming the award for Hughes, saying the conservative businessman fought for what he believed in even if opposed by a room full of people.

"The Moral Courage Award is about challenging government," Norman said. "I personally believe that the challenging of government symbolizes Mr. Hughes."

The move angered community activists, however, nine of whom came to the podium to denounce the idea.

"Hughes used his money and power to get his way," said Cam Oberting, who received the first Moral Courage Award in 1992. "He gave big campaign contributions, paid for commissioners' meals. … But to public officials or candidates who disliked him, he intimidated those that didn't agree with him."

In addition to Norman, commissioners Ken Hagan, Al Higginbotham, Brian Blair and Kevin White voted for renaming the award. Commissioners Rose Ferlita and Mark Sharpe voted against.

Ferlita said Hughes visited her in her pharmacy when he learned she was running for the commission. Ferlita said Hughes offered her financial help but made it clear he would want her to vote his way.

"I found out very quickly that Ralph expected something back from me if I was going to be one of his chosen candidates," Ferlita said.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 or msalinero@tampatrib.com.

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