Outsiders to dog wetlands division work

Ken Hagan makes an unusual request.

By BILL VARIAN, Times Staff Writer
Published August 14, 2007

TAMPA - Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan has quietly asked a business-backed state watchdog group to analyze whether the county's wetlands regulation program duplicates the work of another government agency.

Florida TaxWatch plans to have its report done in time for a meeting Thursday, when commissioners will consider whether to eliminate the county Environmental Protection Commission's $2.2-million wetlands division.

Hagan never publicly asked his fellow board members to formally bless his request to TaxWatch, as is customary, even though the overall issue has generated much public attention.

He nevertheless made a request on county stationery that TaxWatch analyze the county program to see if it duplicates work done by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Though the context of the letter is clear, his written request uses the word "duplicity" instead of duplication.

"When I was notified of that, I smiled," said Commissioner Rose Ferlita, who backs a plan to save the wetlands division, speaking of the letter, not the wording. "I find it extremely strange and extremely unique."

Hagan, who has voted to eliminate the county program, did not return messages left with his staff or on his cell phone.

While it's not unprecedented for the nonprofit TaxWatch to review local decisions, the group is better known for its analysis of state spending. That includes distributing an annual list of "turkey" spending projects embedded in the Legislature's budget proposal.

In the late 1990s, though, TaxWatch did a comprehensive analysis of Hillsborough County spending, identifying millions of dollars in potential cuts. In that case, the cost of the study was underwritten in part by $150,000 from conservative local businessman Ralph Hughes.

Dominic M. Calabro, president of Florida TaxWatch, said his group is not requesting a payment in this case. He said that although the issue is local, it may hold some relevance for similar discussions around the state, particularly in the wake of state-mandated property tax reforms.

Increasingly, the group has invited requests for more localized analysis, particularly if the fruits might provide lessons for other governments.

Calabro said he hopes people see the work of his group and decide to pay to become members. He said he is not aware of membership pledges lined up in exchange for this study.

"If people do (plan to join), we don't know about that," Calabro said. "We hope people will join because of what TaxWatch is doing and will continue to do on a statewide basis."

Florida TaxWatch's members include residents, groups and companies. Its executive committee and officers include representatives of some of Florida's most influential companies, including Walt Disney World Resort, Publix Super Markets and U.S. Sugar Corp.

Bill Varian can be reached at (813) 226-3387 or varian@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 01:05:24]