Time for Bean to resign

Ask Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean her goals and she will explain she wants to duplicate the success of the fleet management department, which has taken innovative steps to cut fuel use and where Bean is justifiably proud of hiring the enterprising director, Sharon Subadan.

But that's about as inspiring as Bean's vision gets. There's little talk of helping develop a rail system that would bolster the economy and promote efficient growth patterns. Or of forging partnerships with other governments to improve services and cut costs. Or of reinventing county government to cope with a future of diminished revenues.

Bean's focus is on the familiar nuts-and-bolts of government, not positioning Hillsborough for future prosperity.

This is one reason Commissioner Mark Sharpe plans to seek Bean's ouster when the commission evaluates her Wednesday.

We hope it does not come to that. Bean has served the county loyally and effectively for more than 31 years. We know her to be dedicated, knowledgeable and accessible. But she should see it is time to move on.

It's not simply a matter of vision. After all, as Bean is quick to point out, she serves seven commissioners who are elected to determine the county's direction. But an administrator's candid counsel and innovative ideas can help them determine the appropriate path.

Bean these days seems more interested in maintaining the support of a commission majority than in exploring new approaches. At the same time, her deft management touch has suffered. Among recent revelations:

• She gave herself and nine staff members 1 percent raises in 2007 under questionable circumstances without commissioners' approval. And she gave select staff members double-digit raises last year at a time of major cutbacks and then initially resisted commissioners' demands that the increases be rescinded.

• Her handling of the county's $110 million budget shortfall this year was clumsy and divisive. She offered across-the-board cuts that would have eliminated many critical or popular services. After citizens protested - and offered thoughtful alternatives - the commission found ways to avoid many cuts.

• Bean also tried to blame the county's budget woes on the sheriff's office, whose budget she does not control, though the county provides the funding. But Sheriff David Gee had aggressively reduced spending and returned more than $40 million to the county. Gee, understandably, did not appreciate the cheap shot.

Similarly, Bean has been uncooperative with Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio at a time when government collaboration is vital. Bean seems quick these days to blame others for problems.

• The affordable housing office was mismanaged under her watch and had to forfeit $2 million in grants because it did not meet federal deadlines.

All this lumped together may make it seem Bean has done a poor job since taking over as administrator in 2003.

But for the most part, she has capably managed a large and responsive operation. She pushed efficiency. The county enjoys sterling bond ratings.

But as the economic downturn and legislative mandates dried up public revenues and changed the governing landscape, the questionable decisions piled up, and Bean's enthusiasm for the task obviously faded.

She says she is ready for new challenges, and maybe she is, but they should come elsewhere.

Bean may be able to counter Sharpe's effort to bring in a new leader who is not tied to the status quo.

Some commissioners, though unhappy with Bean, are worried they would be required to pay her $226,000 annual salary if she is fired before the beginning of 2012, when her contract expires.

But Bean should see there is little to be achieved - for the county or her legacy - by limping through two years with the board's half-hearted support.

There is a time when even the most accomplished leader needs to call it quits. Ask Bobby Bowden. Bean should work with the board on a reasonable severance package.

She can take pride in what she has done for the people of Hillsborough.

But if Bean cares about doing what is best for them now, she'll give up a job that now needs a fresh perspective.