News

County attorney apologizes for barb

Robert Sumner says calling lawyer Tim Hayes the "developers' candidate" was "ill-advised."

By CHUIN-WEI YAP, Times Staff Writer
Published October 13, 2007

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County Attorney Robert Sumner apologized on Friday for branding Land O'Lakes lawyer Tim Hayes as the "developers' candidate" among the five people vying to replace Sumner.

"Calling him the developers' guy was ill-advised," Sumner told the Times. "And I'll apologize for saying that. I didn't really have hard evidence for saying that. To the extent that I can repair things by apologizing, I'll do that."

Sumner made the allegation in a story the Times published on Sunday that detailed the role the development community played in trying to influence the selection of the next county attorney. He acknowledged Friday that his comments "created a perception that makes it hard for Hayes' consideration for the job."

Commissioner Michael Cox read the story and said Sumner should not be allowed to question the candidates for his job during interviews next week.

"There's no way I think he can be impartial," Cox said. "And he is not an elected person that should be making this decision. ... Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Bobby Sumner made himself millions by representing developers."

Commissioners, along with County Administrator John Gallagher and Sumner, are scheduled to interview five candidates on Tuesday. Sumner will retire Dec. 31. This is the first time in 16 years that there is an open competition for the office, which is one of Pasco's two top appointed jobs.

Hayes is on the short list, along with Sumner's choice, chief assistant county attorney Barbara Wilhite. Also on the list: Celeste Adorno, eminent domain chief in the state Office of the Attorney General; Jeffrey Steinsnyder, who works for the Bradenton firm of Kirk-Pinkerton; and former Valparaiso city attorney Douglas Wyckoff.

Told about Sumner's apology, Hayes said Friday, "I have not heard that from Mr. Sumner, but I appreciate him correcting the record."

Cox said Sumner "ought to be thankful he had the opportunity" to be part of a three-person committee, including Gallagher and commissioner Ted Schrader, that drew up the candidate short list.

Sumner's response? A pause, then: "I agree with that."

Schrader agreed that Sumner should not participate in the candidate interviews.

"Bobby doesn't need to ask any questions," he said. "Commissioners hire the county attorney."

Commission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand said she wasn't sure whether there are firm procedural rules, but she would expect Sumner to limit his questions, if any, when Hayes and Wilhite are up for interviews.

"But I would expect him to ask professional questions of the other three candidates," she said.

Meanwhile on Friday, Sumner said he had thought it over and decided he will not ask any questions during the interviews.

Chuin-Wei Yap can be reached at 813909-4613 or cyap@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 12, 2007, 21:33:50]