A little Ronda Storms, like bleach in the wash, goes a long way. But the oft-bombastic Hillsborough County commissioner is right when she talks about the need to "push the curtains back" on Tampa's Port Authority. This public agency has long operated below the radar. Given the port's tremendous growth, and its place as a player in downtown development, the agency needs to be more open and accountable.
Storms' comments Wednesday about making the port more responsive came a day before Thursday's sudden resignation of port director George Williamson. Williamson has been dogged in recent months by criticism from port tenants and others that he does not welcome input. Some of those complaints were exaggerated, especially given the new, mandatory homeland security requirements imposed on this and every other port.
Williamson presided over a period of great expansion at the port. The facility continues to grow as an embarkation point for cruise ships, complementing its long history as a center for commercial freight. The authority has also played a major role in developing the channel district, which is the hottest property for new residential towers and entertainment venues downtown.
But this new standing as a player shaping the look and economics downtown has not been matched by a corresponding openness by the authority's management. Storms, who joined the port board only in December, was right to speak to the problem. Williamson's departure gives the board and the community the chance to bring a new managerial style to the front office.
Williamson raised the port's profile and positioned Tampa to capitalize on trade with Cuba. Storms and the board should find a successor who is better at reaching out.
