Political junkie

Sanchez gets credit for continuing, but not creating, diversity

When mayoral candidate Frank Sanchez is asked about his commitment to diversity, he points to his record at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where his deputy was an African-American.

But don't assume Sanchez hired him.

A. Bradley Mims, a veteran aide on Capitol Hill who worked for civil rights icon John Lewis, had served as acting assistant secretary of transportation for nearly two years, doing Sanchez's job, before Sanchez got the permanent appointment in August 2000.

The department's focus was on overseeing international trade issues and negotiating bilateral airline agreements.

Besides running the department, Mims also served four years as assistant administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Sanchez, a White House aide with a background in consulting, had far less experience with the airline industry.

Sanchez said he should get credit for keeping Mims, rather than firing him.

"He could have sent me packing," said Mims, now a consultant. "Other people have come in with all the bravado and ego (and said): 'I don't need you.' "

Sanchez has said he planned to return to Tampa regardless of the outcome of the 2000 presidential election. But Mims said Sanchez discussed bringing in more minorities if Al Gore had won and kept Sanchez.

"There are people who understand the tenets of diversity," Mims said. "Frank, in my opinion, gets it."

SMOOTHING OVER A BAD LANDING: During the televised debate Tuesday on WTSP-Ch. 10, Sanchez twice asked former County Commissioner Pam Iorio why more had not been done to increase international flights at Tampa International Airport.

He pointed to what he said were the small number of flights leaving Tampa, with most headed for the Bahamas. "Can you tell me why we haven't done better than that?" he asked.

In the audience, Louis Miller, executive director of the airport, looked upset. Afterward, Miller buttonholed a Sanchez campaign supporter. Later that week, Miller's phone rang. It was Sanchez.

Despite what Sanchez had said during the prime-time debate, he actually thought the airport had done a lot to attract international flights, he told Miller.

"I was disappointed in what he said" during the debate, Miller said. "He apologized."

Sanchez explained that "whatever he said, he didn't mean it that way," Miller said. "He thinks we did a great job."

Sanchez said that as mayor he would create a market for international business, which would entice more international flights.

"I am not upset," Miller said.

LETTING ENDORSEMENT EXPIRE: The Tampa police union won't endorse any candidate in the March 25 runoff election for mayor.

The union had endorsed City Council member Bob Buckhorn, but he did not make it past the March 4 general election. Union members voted and were basically split: About a third supported Sanchez, about one-third backed Iorio, and another third wanted to stay neutral.

CHANGING OFFICES? If Iorio wins the election, will Hillsborough County Attorney Emmy Acton move over to City Hall?

Insiders see Acton becoming the next city attorney in an Iorio administration. Although Acton would operate a smaller office, she would report to one boss instead of seven county commissioners. Acton also wouldn't have to deal with County Administrator Dan Kleman.

Iorio said she hasn't given it any thought and hasn't promised jobs to anyone. Stay tuned.

SPLITTING THEIR SUPPORT: Speaking of county commissioners, they are taking sides in the mayor's race.

Commissioner Tom Scott, a pastor with a network among African-American churches, endorsed Iorio this week. Commissioner Kathy Castor and her mother, former Education Commissioner Betty Castor, are supporting Iorio, too.

Commissioner Pat Frank has done radio commercials for Sanchez, and last week, she denounced Iorio's record on growth management at a news conference at Sanchez's headquarters.

Sanchez's mother, Delia, ran Frank's early campaigns; the two are close friends.

CONTINUING DEBATE: There will be two televised debates this week in the race for mayor. The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County will sponsor a debate at 8 p.m. Monday on Tampa's cable station, Channel 15. At 8 p.m. Friday, WEDU-Ch. 3 will televise a debate, which will be replayed at 1 p.m. Sunday.

-- Got a tip? Times staff writer David Karp can be reached at 226-3376 or karp@sptimes.com.

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