Tampabay.com
OCTOBER 12, 2006

A failed petition, a $64,000 question

During the critical period when a citizens group was seeking more time to put a county mayor initiative on the ballot, Hillsborough Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson said his office was too busy to grant an extension.

He did not answer the group's letters. Nor did he return their phone calls.

During this time, Johnson did accomplish something else: Beginning July 7, and every business day through July 17, Johnson sold blocks of his restaurant stock, according to Securities and Exchange Commission records. His profit after selling 22,500 shares of Star Buffet stock, excluding expenses: $64,032.

The Taking Back Hillsborough citizens group now says its effort to get the county mayor question on the November ballot failed, in part, because of Johnson's neglect and mismanagement. Story here.

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