Too-Tan Charlie Has A Problem

With the unfortunate passing of Phyllis Busansky, Hillsborough’s Supervisor of Elections, our Gov has a big problem.

He soon has to appoint a replacement. And his conundrum is: does he appoint a competent Democrat to replace Busansky, an elected Democrat, or does he appease his Republican support and appoint a Repub.

Governor Chas is rather unpredictable, but he is running for U.S. Senate and needs no criticism from his Republican base.

Seams like, every day brings us new applicants to Charlie’s office.

The latest surprise is Earl Lennard, former school district superintendent. Earl can’t need the money, and at 67 years old……what the hell, Maybell. He must be bored. His real problem is: he became a Republican just before filing to run for a state senate seat, then pulled out two weeks later. No doubt Dr. Lennard has great management skills, but his Republican pedigree will be questioned.

The whole list of wanna be applicants is up to twenty. With a salary of about $122,000 yearly, I guess folks need a job. Some names are unknowns, some are local political types wanting to continue feeding at the public trough, some might have real management experience.

One interesting name…though totally unqualified, is Rosemary Goudreau, recently fired Tampa Tribune chief editor. She listed her political affiliation as “Independent.” Yeah right! If she’s an Independent, the Pillsbury Doughboy eats soy meal.

Seems to me, there are only three names with real shots at being appointed. The most obvious must be Craig Latimer, current chief deputy of the elections office. Though he’s a double dipper (Sheriff’s Dept retired major), he no doubt has great executive skills and already knows the office set-up and internal workings. His big problem is: he’s a Democrat.

Two good Republican names have surfaced: Victor Crist and Chris Hart. I know Hart better than Crist, but both are good guys who work hard.

Hart is a retired Army officer, a former county commissioner, and surely keeps track of details. I doubt he needs the money and seems to truly enjoy public service. Someone wrote once that he has a temper that’s easy unleashed. I’ve never, ever seen that side of him.

Crist is a current state senator who is term limited. I’ve met him many times and can never figure out if he’s a bit arrogant or simply shy. He is also quite thoughtful, seems to have a good handle of local issues, and is famous for pushing through the University Area Community Center.

So Too-Tan Chas has one good Demo and two good Repubs to think about. Of course, he could surprise us and appoint former Trib hack Goudreau. She could name Daniel Ruth her chief of staff. Maybe even appoint the gifted Susan Valdes as Hispanic liaison.

Then I’d move to Minnesota to hang with Jesse Ventura and Al Franken.

posted by admin @ 2:00 PM