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Hillsborough, Tampa ballot questions

In print: Saturday, October 18, 2008

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Hillsborough County voters face two ballot questions on Nov. 4, and voters in Tampa face an additional one. Provide county mayor with veto power? Yes.

This may be confusing. The larger companion question — whether to create a county mayor — was remov ed from the ballot. But this is still a worthy idea.

Given that the drive for a county mayor is expected again in two years' time, it makes no sense to force supporters and the elections staff to spend months and roughly $100,000 to poll voters a second time on the veto. A mayor would need veto power to function in an executive capacity. As a practical matter, the power does not amount to anything unless voters approve the creation of a county mayor. Nearly 40,000 voters petitioned to put this on ballot. It deserves to pass or fail on its merit. The Times recommends yes.

Extension of a program to purchase environmental lands? Yes.

Hillsborough has acquired 44,000 acres of endangered land since the preservation program emerged in the 1980s. Funded by a small portion of property taxes, the program has leveraged county money to obtain tens of millions of dollars from outside matching sources. Along with protecting creeks, rivers and lowlands from development, the program has also preserved riverfront, parks and shorelines, and enabled rural, agricultural lifestyles to continue in Florida's fourth most populous county. By extending this program now, in a down real estate market, the county might be able to scoop up valuable lands for a bargain. The Times recommends yes.

Should the Tampa City Council hire its own attorney? Yes.

Approving this change would ratify a practice that already exists. Under the city charter, the council attorney works for the city attorney, who is appointed by the mayor, and is available for other routine work. In practice, the council attorney spends all of his or her time working for the council. This change would allow the council to hire its attorney. It creates no conflict between the mayor and council, and it does not create any gray legal area. The city charter makes clear that only the mayor and the city attorney speak for the city. This is largely a housekeeping matter. The Times recommends yes.