Pinellas Commissioner John Morroni, trying to improve communications between the county and cities, plans one-on-one meetings with 24 mayors.
By MICHAEL SANDLER
Published March 17, 2004
CLEARWATER - Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni thinks county leaders need to communicate better, and he's starting with himself.
Morroni said Tuesday he intends to spend the next few months visiting with each of the county's 24 mayors. Rather them meet them in groups, Morroni is scheduling time to talk with each one individually.
"If they want to meet for an hour, I'll stay for an hour," Morroni said. "If they want me out there for half a day, I'll do that."
Morroni's effort comes as city and county officials continue to clash on a number of issues, from their inability last fall to agree on a split in a proposed gas tax to complex court battles over annexation.
Morroni, vice chairman of the County Commission, said many complex issues could be resolved more easily with one-on-one dialogue. He said too much of the talking is being done by staffers, or in large groups of elected officials.
"When you get them one-on-one, they get to focus on their concerns, and not jump on the bandwagon," Morroni said.
Morroni hasn't discussed the idea with his fellow commissioners. He's decided to make the informal effort on his own and share the "good, bad and the ugly" with them as he goes.
Commissioner Susan Latvala could not be reached Tuesday. But when she took over as chairwoman this year, she said improving intergovernmental relations must be a priority for Pinellas.
Commissioner Ken Welch applauded Morroni's effort. Last year, when he pushed for stricter enforcement of the county's ban on fireworks, he spoke with the Pinellas Council of Mayors and walked away surprised by the amount of common ground.
"Even though we disagree on some issues, the broader issues we agree on," Welch said. "I think Morroni is right on track."
Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst also praised the effort and said he looks forward to getting a call.
"I don't think you can ever communicate too much," Aungst said. "A lot of times, the informal setting of sitting down with a cup of coffee is the best way to do it. He's only one commissioner out of seven, but I'm sure he can report back and tell them what he's hearing."
