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Hillsborough Elections Chief Earns Praise

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By JOHN W. ALLMAN

jallman@tampatrib.com

Published: March 19, 2009

TAMPA - Just 10 weeks into her tenure as the county's elections supervisor, Phyllis Busansky continues to benefit from a simple fact: She's not Buddy Johnson.

The Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a request from Busansky for a budget increase of $285,601.

The money will be used for training and education and to hire one new employee and fill four existing, but previously unfunded, positions.

Commissioners heaped praise on her for improving the office formerly held by Johnson.

"I think you have done an incredible job getting this department back solid," Commissioner Rose Ferlita said.

Busansky said after the meeting that she doesn't anticipate having to ask for more money before Oct. 1, unless a state audit finds that her office must repay federal funding meant for voter education.

Last year, Johnson's office used nearly $1 million in federal Help America Vote Act funds and about $1 million in county taxpayers' money, on voter education prior to the Nov. 4 general election.

Poll workers were reportedly paid $100 apiece to campaign for Johnson, which would be a violation. Federal funding cannot be used for campaign purposes.

Questions about how Johnson spent the money prompted Secretary of State Kurt Browning to call for an independent audit.

"If it ends up we owe because the funds have been co-mingled, then we have to repay that," Busansky said. "Browning would like us to pay for the audit. ... If we do, that's going to be expensive."

In other action Wednesday, the county commission:

•Received a county audit on purchases made through a contract with Office Depot. Dan Pohto, audit director for the Circuit Court Clerk, said his office reviewed more than 15,000 purchases and found the county is not being overcharged for office supplies. The commission unanimously accepted the findings.

•Approved a resolution to allow Jim Barnes, the county's internal performance auditor, to hire a temporary employee to assist with administrative needs. The commission voted 6-1, following a testy exchange between Ferlita and Barnes. Ferlita voted against the request.

Reporter John W. Allman can be reached at (813) 259-7915.

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