Advertisement

Tampa candidate's photo with city seal draws complaint

 
If Jackie Toledo, a candidate for Tampa City Council District 6, is cited for a municipal ordinance violation, she could face a fine of up to $500. Election day is March 3.
If Jackie Toledo, a candidate for Tampa City Council District 6, is cited for a municipal ordinance violation, she could face a fine of up to $500. Election day is March 3.
Published Feb. 21, 2015

TAMPA — It's been nine months since City Council candidate Jackie Toledo made news with a photo showing her in front of the city seal in Mayor Bob Buckhorn's office.

On Friday, a supporter of one of her opponents filed a complaint with City Hall that Toledo has used the seal for political purposes in violation of the city's code.

By displaying the photo online, Toledo "has used the city seal as part of her official campaign hundreds of times," said West Tampa restaurateur Joseph Procopio, who supports one of Toledo's opponents, District 6 candidate Guido Maniscalco.

Procopio said he began to look into the use of the seal this week after news about Toledo running a TV ad with video shot at an Interstate 275 construction site. The Florida Department of Transportation said she did not get permission to shoot the video and did not provide the required proof of $1 million in liability insurance.

Maniscalco said going onto the interstate without permission was the more serious matter because it could have put people at risk and because, as an engineer, she should have known better. He said his campaign is looking into that as well.

"If this is the way it's going to be campaigning, what can we expect on City Council?" he said.

Last May, five experts in digital photography told the Tampa Bay Times that Toledo's photo consisted of her image superimposed on a portrait of Buckhorn.

Using the photo with the seal creates "the perception that she's somebody official," Procopio said. "It's misleading. … It's a pattern, and we want the people of Tampa, especially in District 6, to see this pattern."

Tampa's code says it's unlawful for anyone "to use, display or exhibit in any manner or for any purpose whatsoever" the city seal without permission.

City Attorney Julia Mandell said that "if, in fact, there were a violation of the use of the city seal" the user could be cited for a municipal ordinance violation, which, she noted, is not a criminal offense.

The city code provides for fines of up to $500 for municipal ordinance violations, but they can be less.

"It would be up to a judge to ultimately adjudicate a case and assess any fines," Mandell said.

Toledo campaign consultant Anthony Pedicini met reporters outside of Maniscalco's jewelry store after a news conference to announce the complaint.

"If this is all they have to talk about 10 days before a City Council election, then I would urge the voters to look at the candidates," Pedicini said. "There are two people who are complaining in this race, and one person who is meeting voters and offering solutions."

As for going up on I-275 and doing the TV ad, "we didn't ask for permission," Pedicini said. "That's a mistake. We're sorry about it, and we move on."

Maniscalco, Toledo and Tommy Castellano are running to replace Charlie Miranda in District 6, which covers West Tampa and parts of South Tampa. Early voting begins Monday. Election Day is March 3.