New Hillsborough chair focusing on economic development

Chosen by a majority of his colleagues Tuesday to be the face of Hillsborough County Government, new county commission Chairman Al Higginbotham said he is also ready to lead on economic development.

Higginbotham beat out Commissioner Mark Sharpe for the chairmanship in a 5-2 vote. Sharpe was then elected vice-chairman and former commission Chairman Ken Hagan was chosen board chaplain. The votes came after a reception honoring the three newest commissioners, Republicans Sandy Murman and Victor Crist, and Democrat Les Miller.

Higginbotham said he plans to meet personally with executives of industries considering moving to the county or expanding their existing operations here. Over the past year, Higginbotham said he met with chief executive officers of nearly 50 companies. Most of the CEOs said they never received visits from elected officials except at election time.

"Rather than talk a lot about job retention and bringing new jobs here, I'm going to get out in the trenches with our economic development teams and make presentations," Higginbotham said. "If it means traveling, I'll go wherever I need to travel to."

Higginbotham suffered a spinal injury about 15 years ago when a tree fell on him during a hunting trip. He now gets around with the help of metal crutches, defying doctors' predictions that he would never walk again.

"I've overcome long odds, and learned in the process that perseverance, integrity and an unwavering commitment pays unbelievable dividends," Higginbotham told the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. in a speech last week. He told the business leaders he was not afraid to be the county's economic development leader and will "work the phones and hold the meetings with business leaders from across the country."

Elected in November 2006, Higginbotham represents District 4, covering most of east Hillsborough and some of South County. Before his election, he served as chairman of the county Republican Party. For the past three years, Higginbotham chaired the commission when it met as the Environmental Protection Commission. The new EPC chairman will be Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

Crist, Murman and Miller, all former state legislators, bring a total of 26 years of experience in Tallahassee to the county commission. Facing a standing-room-only audience at the county center, the three former lawmakers swore to serve and protect the Florida and U.S. constitutions and the county charter. Also sworn in were Hagen and Sharpe, Republicans who won re-election Nov. 2.

With the new arrivals, the board maintains a 5-2 Republican majority and will continue to have one female member, Murman. Rose Ferlita did not seek re-election this year and is a candidate for mayor of Tampa.

The Tuesday ceremony started solemnly with a color guard and prayer, but the mood lightened after the oaths. Beckner joked that it would be the last time the new members faced a mostly smiling audience. Several board members, after making their initial statements, asked for more time because they had forgotten to thank vital supporters.

A red-faced Sharpe had neglected to thank his wife the first time around.

"OK, I forgot my wife," Sharpe said with a nervous chuckle.

Several commissioners remarked on the challenges the board faces as the county continues to struggle with stubbornly high unemployment and a devastated housing market.

"We have to get results now," Murman said. "The voters spoke loud and clear."

Commissioners also chose positions on various boards and councils: Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Miller; Arts Council, Beckner; Aviation Authority, Crist; Children's Board, Beckner; Expressway Authority, Miller; Hillsborough Area Regional Transportation board, Beckner, Murman and Sharpe; Hospital Authority, Hagan and Miller; Metropolitan Planning Organization, Beckner, Miller, Murman and Sharpe; Port Authority, Murman; Tampa Bay & Company, Hagan; Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, Hagan; Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Crist and Sharpe (alternate); Tampa Bay Water, Murman and Sharpe; and Tampa Sports Authority, Hagan.

Mike Salinero(813) 259-8303