Pro-Developer 

Many observers of our Board of County Commissioners over the past decade have noted that the Board favors development without concern for its negative long range or cumulative effect.  But in the recent 5 years, the Board’s decisions have created a very intense Pro-Developer and Anti-Community atmosphere.  Certain commissioners have earned that reputation more than others.   

Commissioner's land-use voting falls short of claims
Out of 265 land-use votes by the District 2 Commissioner, he only voted against the applicants (often developers and their attorneys) 19 times.   No other commissioner was less likely to oppose development. 
St. Petersburg Times,         Published Aug 27, 2004                     read the article

County Commission Backs Residents' Stance Against Project
Most commissioners voting NO for a development in District 2 because it was out of character for the area but our District 2 Commissioner voted YES for the developer.
Tampa Tribune - Tampa, Fla.,          Published  Jan 18, 2003       read the article

Rezoning rejected for subdivision
Most of the Commissioners voted against the development but the District 2 Commissioner voted to approve it.
St. Petersburg Times,         Published March 10, 2006                 read the article

A vote against public safety
The four member majority talk endlessly about public safety and first responders, and the first chance they get they weaken both.
St. Petersburg Times          Published Oct 4, 2006                       read the article

Workshop Yields Surprise
County commissioners bolstered developers and angered residents by striking down guidelines meant to control growth.  Led by the District 2 commissioner, the commission gutted changes to its comprehensive plan that would have strengthened requirements for more pedestrian friendly, environmentally sound neighborhoods.
St. Petersburg Times,         Published March 30, 2007                 read the article 

Did Wetlands Controversy Create A Tipping Point?
More and more people are noticing that our Hillsborough County Commission is broken.  And asking themselves: who are these people - and whose priorities and values do they really represent?   The “Gang of Four” have - by outing themselves as renegades – given us another reason to show them the door in the 2008 elections.
The Tampa Tribune,           Published: August 29, 2007              read the article

Citizens Deserve A Voice
Developers are pushing the County Commissioners to put two more developers on our City – County Planning Commission, so they can gain a clear majority.  Comprehensive Plan amendments that they approve will line developers' pockets while putting taxpayers on the hook for expensive infrastructure, and sticking us with more traffic-jamming sprawl.  Citizens will lose confidence in the process and in our elected officials who rigged the system. 
Tampa Tribune,   Published: September 19, 2007                      read the article

County's Got That Fishy Smell
Massive sellouts to special interests, attacking our environment, and a huge fundraising event by his developers have left a smell at County Center.  Now we have to deal with the reality of our community imploding under the weight of the pro-development attitude of our commissioners.
Tampa Tribune    Published: Sep 30, 2007                                  read the article