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Ferlita, Coney, Rodriguez

Experience, ethics, ideas and accomplishments make the difference.

By Times editorial
Published August 17, 2006

Rose Ferlita

District 1 Republican primary (west, south county)

Rose Ferlita is the choice for Republicans in south Tampa and west Hillsborough who want a mature, sensible commissioner. In eight years on the Tampa City Council, Ferlita has championed the right priorities, from making neighborhoods safer and cleaner to boosting the city's economy. She is hard-working, independent and knows how to bring people together - traits especially needed on this fractious board and valuable in a commissioner whose district runs the gamut from the toniest to the toughest neighborhoods.

The 60-year-old Tampa native and longtime pharmacist knows this community better than her opponents. She has a firmer grasp on the issues, and her council experience would serve her well in helping the county work better with city government. Her main opponent, 35-year-old Brad Swanson, has run a smear campaign devoid of ideas. More pettiness is the last thing this board needs. Don Kruse, a 46-year-old auto dealer, and engineer Gary Santti, 52, lack an agenda.

Ferlita instills confidence. She is reasonable, accessible and does her homework. The Times recommends Rose Ferlita in the District 1 Republican primary for Hillsborough County Commission.

Chloe Coney

District 3 Democratic primary (central, east Tampa)

Chloe Coney's ethics, attitude and record of accomplishment far exceed what her main opponent, Kevin White, brings to the table. Coney, 56, retired recently as president of the Corporation to Develop Communities, where she helped attract millions in public and private investment to impoverished east Tampa. Her work to expand affordable housing, child care and family services in this predominantly black community has left a positive legacy for generations. She could build on that in public office.

White, 41, a Tampa City Council member, is an arrogant, ethically tone-deaf candidate who offers no agenda. East Tampa deserves and can do better. Another challenger, Dorothy Admire, a 39-year-old social worker and health services administrator, seems genuine. But Coney's record is unmatched. The respect she commands would draw more attention to Tampa's poorest neighborhoods. The Times recommends Chloe Coney in the District 3 Democratic primary for Hillsborough County Commission.

Lisa Rodriguez

District 4 Democratic primary (east, south county)

Lisa Rodriguez, 49, who owns a small advertising agency, is a longtime resident who brings a thoughtful, common-sense view to governing. She recognizes the need to control growth in south and east county. She also is an advocate of community-based planning, a tool residents can use to guard against sprawl. Her opponent, 59-year-old James Rowell, a retired sheriff's deputy, wants to better manage growth and expand affordable housing. But Rodriguez seems more politically astute. Her broader community service also could make her more effective. The Times recommends Lisa Rodriguez in the District 4 Democratic primary for Hillsborough County Commission.

[Last modified August 17, 2006, 05:47:08]