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Frustrated Iorio Will Televise Sports Authority Meetings

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By WILLIAM MARCH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 25, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, frustrated about the firing of Sports Authority Executive Director Henry Saavedra, can't do much about it.

But there is one thing—admittedly a small thing—she can do. Iorio has directed the city public access cable television station to begin televising all Sports Authority meetings.

"Maybe if someone isn't doing a good job it would become apparent to everyone," she said. "We can see the level of debate and discourse, how everyone comports themselves."

Saavedra suddenly and unexpectedly resigned last week under threat of being fired with little explanation, following a second successful Super Bowl held under his leadership.

The firing has been widely seen as a part of the battle on the Sports Authority between county representatives, led by County Commissioner Jim Norman, and city representatives. Critics have contended the lack of discussion of reasons for the firing indicated the decision was made behind closed doors.

Iorio called it unprofessional.

"There were no real clear issues raised, but it seemed a number of people were of like mind without there being any clear discussion what their issue was," she said.

Iorio said staff members from the City of Tampa TV station had contacted the Sports Authority to arrange televising both the full Sports Authority board meetings and meetings of the executive committee, which includes Norman and two others.

"We got the word back there would be no problem," she said. "I don't think there could be any denial – it's a public meeting."

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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