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Tea party would like to move Merrill out as Hillsborough county manager

 
Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill, right, speaking here in 2009 with former Commissioner Mark Sharpe, is a target of tea party interests.
Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill, right, speaking here in 2009 with former Commissioner Mark Sharpe, is a target of tea party interests.
Published Sept. 30, 2016

Depending on the outcome of the Nov. 8 election, some tea party-style Republicans are hoping for a move by the county commissioners to replace Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill.

Right now, they concede, the votes aren't there.

But East Hillsborough conservative activist Sam Rashid said, "If I read the tea leaves correctly, I think he's going to be out of a job this time next year. We'll wait and see what happens in the election."

Tampa 9-12 Project leader Tim Curtis plans to run for a commissioner's seat in 2018, and says if he wins, "I will do everything I can" to remove Merrill.

But he thinks it could happen earlier if Republican Tim Schock defeats Democrat Pat Kemp for the countywide seat now held by Kevin Beckner.

He believes that could influence commissioners Al Higginbotham and Sandy Murman, up for re-election in November, to join Stacy White and Schock in a move to oust Merrill.

"Any time you have a change in the board it can change the dynamics," said board gadfly Sharon Calvert.

But Schock was noncommittal.

"I haven't discussed it with anyone, no one's actually asked me point-blank," Schock said. "If they did, I wouldn't take a position on it. It's an employment issue."

Lee moves, hopes to change tag to 'R-Thonotosassa'

Also packing for a move to qualify for his new state Senate district is Tom Lee, R-Brandon, who will become "R-Thonotosassa." Lee's longtime Brandon home is now in a district belonging to Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, thanks to redistricting.

Lee, a homebuilder, is also worried about a housing bubble, but said he got a good price on his house, and expects his family to stay there indefinitely. Lee is unopposed for the new district, which covers the adjoining corners of Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough counties.

Young getting endorsements, contributions in Senate race

Boosts for Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa, in her campaign for the state Senate District 18 seat:

• She just got endorsements from the firefighters unions for both Tampa and Hillsborough County; she already had the Police Benevolent Association.

• She raised more than $112,000 in the two weeks after the Aug. 30 primary. That included $45,333 from the state GOP.

• And if you were still wondering whether her campaign is a party priority, the crowd at her Palma Ceia Country Club fundraiser Wednesday included incoming Senate President Joe Negron, incoming appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, Majority Leader Bill Galvano, future Senate president contender Wilton Simpson, and banking and insurance chairman Lizbeth Benacquisto – plus some actual donors.

Young's latest financial report shows another $4,000 in contributions from U.S. Sugar subsidiaries. Environmentalists have criticized Young over contributions from phosphate and sugar industries and her environmental voting record.

Montelione lives outside district, but planning to move

Tampa City Council member Lisa Montelione, a Democrat running against District 63 state Rep. Shawn Harrison, R-Tampa, lives just outside the House district, by two blocks, she said.

But she has signed a lease on an apartment in the Terrace Park neighborhood inside the district, and plans to move by Oct. 11, the deadline to change her registration so she can vote for herself.

Considering a potential new real estate bubble, Montelione said, she believes it wiser to rent initially, "until I find just the right house."

Contact William March at wemarch@gmail.com