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Kevin White, The County Commissioners, and the Reality of the Situation. A Possible Solution

Posted Sep 2, 2009 by Al Mccray

Updated Sep 2, 2009 at 11:22 PM

This morning I gave up my third dream to attend the Hillsborough County Commission meeting about the Kevin White matter. I arrived at 6.45 A.M. at the County Government Center downtown on Kennedy Street. I arrived early in anticipation of; finding an early close in parking spot, missing the rumored protestors, and of course to get a seat inside the Commission’s Chamber. After a quick breakfast in the cafe I went up to the second floor.

There were about seven people in line to protest the cutting off of funds for the 22nd Street expansion project, but not a single person protesting Mr. Kevin White. I honestly thought there would be a packed house of anti Kevin White protestors.

When it was 9 A.M., The meeting chamber was quickly packed with seniors from the University Village about the 22nd Street project. There were also about 43 young ladies there to receive an award. There was also a Judo master getting an award from Commissioner Beckner.

Whether there were anti Kevin White protestors present or not, we the taxpayers of Hillsborough County are facing a financial dilemma. Should we appeal or not appeal the verdict rendered against Mr. Kevin White and Hillsborough County? If the commissioners had voted today, I think it would have been 3-3 tie. If the vote happens next Tuesday, after Mr. Norman’s very wise “cost/liability analysis” is done, I think the Commissioners will follow Rose Ferlita’s lead and vote 4-2 not to appeal. I am keeping my mouth close on the two Commissioners that would probably vote for the appeal.

Commissioner Rose Ferlita

The most depressing thing I heard during the hearing was Mr. White answering Rose Ferlita’s question. She asked about what he could/would do with helping to pay the settlement. Kevin said, “I have not had a chance to speak to my attorney”. I am really very surprised that Rose did not get up and walk around two commissioners and just slap Mr. White. She appeared to be the most upset, angriest and livid about this would issue.

I really felt the fustration and anger in her voice. I mean she would have gotten a round of applause. There is just no way he could have not spoken to his lawyer over the last 14 days. Mr. White should have answered with a much more believable response. He could have said something like, “On the advice on my lawyer, I am refusing to comment on this case”.

A motion was passed to spend $10,000 on post trial motions just incase the county did plan on appealing.

In my mind personally I think its very simple; pay the settlement now of about $450,000 more /less and it’s over.

If the county appeals and win we save above half that amount. But if the plaintiff appeals to the Supreme Court, then add another $75,000 and about two years of waiting on either figure. Why would the plaintiff attorney not appeal the case? They would have all to gain by appealing. It is too risky to appeal, and its time consuming. In the end as always, the lawyers make all the money.

I propose that the County settle this matter. Leaving it hanging open will divert the commissioners’ attention from conducting the people’s business. I would try to collect back the money by one of two ways;

1. Place liens on all Mr. White’s property, including his county paycheck.
2. Deduct the settlement amount of money from future county expenditures for District 3. I would cancel grants first.

Many would say why just punish district 3 for the personal actions of Mr. White? But at the same time, why punish the whole county for the actions of a commissioner from District 3?

There are five things for certain about Mr. Kevin White;

1. He is not resigning,
2. He is seeking re election,
3. He probably won’t pay a penny of that settlement,
4. He’d probably win re election as of today.
5. This may not be his last act to grab the headlines.

The people in his district will suffer because I can’t see any commissioner supporting any of Mr. White’s initiatives for his district. The people there will be like paying taxes without the benefit of real and meaningful presentation. Kevin White will be an ineffective county commissioner.

For Mr. Kevin White, he is in a win-win situation. He keeps his job, he gets the county to pay his lawsuit, and he stays in the news. I am glad the session was public in spite of Mr. White objections.

I shall follow this matter closely. But it appears that Teflon Kevin survives another day.