Opinion: Easterling's political junk mail

For someone who tries to paint herself as a fiscal conservative, Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacey Easterling spends a lot of taxpayer money to send out self-serving political junk mail.

It would be one thing if Easterling reached into her own pocket to tout achievements she had little to do with. She might even be able to slough off responsibility if the mailers weren't blatantly timed and targeted to help her win a countywide campaign.

Elected officials have plenty of ways to reach the public without abusing their office. Hillsborough County government has a Web site, a TV broadcast operation and a public information department. If Easterling's letter was so above-board, why does she refuse to reveal how the mailing list was culled, and refuse to identify the "political supporter" who hacked together the mailer? Either it's a public communication or it's propaganda, and Easterling needs to decide.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright