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Delegation Staff Goes to Class On Jan. 5, a good number of Delegation staff came down to County Center for training provided by the Office of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation. Popularly known as "red book training," the training largely entails working with designated "Points of Contact" within the community to resolve the plethora of issues that come to Legislators' desks. Left to right are Amber Smith (Rep. Kevin Ambler), Kimberly Hall (Sen. Arthenia Joyner), and Audie Canney (Sen. Ronda Storms). In the background is our extraordinarily responsive "POC" at the FL Department of Transportation, Marian Scorza.

Listening...and Learning Ash Mason (Rep. Will Weatherford), Rosalie Smith (Sen. Arthenia Joyner); Sandy Barkey (Sen. Ronda Storms); Rebekah Torres (Rep. Michael Scionti), Beth Sutkowy (Sen. Ronda Storms).

Bart Banks Talks About County Social Service Programs HIllsborough County leads the way in providing support assistance to many of its residents in need, and Bart Banks is one of the county's experts on provision of those services. In the picture are Ana-Maria Sanchez (Rep. Frank Peterman); Mr. Banks; Janet Roder (Rep. Ed Homan); and Courtney Vandenberg (Sen. Charlie Justice).

The DOT Work Program Marian Scorza, our "POC" at "DOT" talks about the Department's 5 year plan to the group. Transportation projects for Hillsborough County for the year which began July 1 are posted on the Delegation WebSite under "Regular Session."

Debbie Stevenson Representing the City of Tampa Debbie is well-known to the Delegation staff and exceptionally knowledgeable about the City of Tampa, closing in on three decades with the City. She's certainly the "go to" person on any City of Tampa issues - legislatively as well as in working with constituents.

The Expressway Leadership Is Invited to Sit with the Legislators The Hillsborough County Expressway Authority found itself in a set of most unhappy circumstances and was asked to meet with the Delegation on January 13 regarding the problems it faced. Representing the agency were Special Counsel Rhea Law, Chair (and former Senator) Jim Hargrett, and Interim Director, Steve Reich. A new director, Joseph Waggoner, was selected in July to lead the agency.

Taking It In Reps. Betty Reed and Ed Homan listen carefully to the conversation about the future of the Authority which was created by the Florida Legislature.

Rep. Bill Galvano Makes a Point... in talking with Rep. Ambler. Rep. Galvano played a leadership role in ushering the bill to create a Regional Transportation Authority through the legislative process and into law.

Rep. Seth McKeel Comes to the Delegation... from Lakeland but represents portions of Hillsborough. Rep. Galvano is actually seated in Manatee County but also represents a portion of Hillsborough.

We Had Some Fun, Too! The Delegation displayed a big poster at the Expressway meeting, congratulating the Florida Gators on their twin national victories in football and basketball. John Rodriguez (Rep. Michael Scionti) beams at the successes of his alma mater.

Jim Reed Attends for the Supervisor of Elections The Delegation had some questions of the Supervisor of Elections at the Roundtables held in November, and staff (including Mr. Reed who is Chief Deputy of Operations) listens as Rep. Rich Glorioso makes a point. The Supervisor's office was invited to respond on the same day the Delegaton gathered about the Expressway Authority.

A Happy Coincidental Meeting at Rick's on the River Candace Hundley, fourth from left and executive director of The Office of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation, asked her former executive assistant, Marie Martinez (on the right) and her husband, Frank, to meet her for lunch at Rick's. Arriving shortly afterwards and after participating in the Martin Luther King Day Parade were Rebekah Torres (Rep. Michael Scionti); Ian Corral (intern to Rep. Scionti); John Rodriguez (Rep. Scionti); Hundley; Vic DiMaio (politcal consultant); former representatve Bob Henriquez; Rep. Scionti; and Martinez.

SeaPort Adventure Tour The Tampa Port Authority offers tours of the seaport from the water aboard the BaySpirit. Legislators and staff went on the tour on January 30 (note the change in temperature from the prior photo!) to learn more about this enormous economic engine. Left to right: Janet Roder (Rep. Homan); Port Director Richard Wainio; Bethany Linderman (Sen. Charlie Justice); Delegation Director Candace Hundley; Paula Tonelli (Rep. Ed Homan); Port Communications Director John Thorington; Rep. Ed Homan; Rep. Seth McKeel; and Jenna Labadie (Rep. Kevin Ambler). Call 905-5131 if you're interested in booking the tour.

It Didn't Seem All THAT Chilly - At First! The BaySpirit gets underway with Jenna Labadie, Bethany Linderman, Rep. Ed Homan, and Amber Smith (Rep. Kevin Ambler) on deck to see the Port from a very different perspective.

John Thorington Calls the Port His Second Home John talks with the group about the importance of the port, the plans for its growth and its future, and the hurdles it will have to overcome to reach those goals as Rep. Seth McKeel listens and looks at the waterfront.

Check Out That Ship in the Background Rep. McKeel was on his first port tour after having been elected to House District 63 in November.

A Site Visit Before the Delegation's Public Hearing Candace Hundley, on the right, makes site visits to venues where the Delegation will hold its meetings. The Clerk's Office sends the Recording Secretary to make certain the audio systems are compatible -- that's Kimberly Chambers in the back right. With cell phone to her ear is Kathleen Fisher, Executive Assistant to the Director of the Florida State Fair Authority; the meeting was held in one of FSFA's buildings on February 1.

The Gavel Is Passed In additon to holding its public hearings and workshop on February 1, the Delegation also held its Organizational Session. Senator Arthenia Joyner was elected chair, and Rep. Rich Glorioso is serving as vice chair. Pictured are Rep. Trey Traviesa, Rep. Rich Glorioso, Sen. Victor Crist, Rep. Kevin Ambler, Senator Arthena Joyner, Rep. Faye Culb, and behind Sen. Joyner to the right are Rep. Ed Homan, Rep. Ron Reagan, and Rep. Betty Reed.

The Agriculture Community's Annual Breakfast... is held annually during the Florida State Fair - this year it was on Feb. 14, a special Valentine's Day treat. Here Paula Tonelli and Janet Roder, both from Rep. Ed Homan's office, talk with former school superintendent, Earl Lennard. Fast forward to July and we learn that Dr. Lennard plans to apply for the FL Commissioner of Education position.

Jumping Past the Session and Back Home On June 5, the Legislators held a "Property Tax Forum" at the University Area Community Center Complex at which the various local governments were given an opportunity to speak as well as any residents who wanted to do so. Kimberly Hall from Senator Joyner's office, helped host the sign-in table.

The Chair Readies Her Notes Senator Arthenia Joyner, chair of the Delegation, always comes well-prepared and organized, working to keep the conversation germane and non-repetitive while remaining interested and open to hearing what people who come forward to participate in the process have to say.

The Property Appraiser Is Heard Rob Turner addressed the Delegation with backup and assistance from his deputy, Warren Weathers.

The City of Temple Terrace Brought A Strong Contingency This meeting was the first opportunity given to local governments to talk with the Legislators (hearings for residents and property owenrs had been held throughout the county and the state over a period of several months prior to this time). Temple Terrace had Vice Mayor Ron Govin, City Council Members Alison Fernandez and Ken Halloway, City Manager Kim Leinbach, and Finance Director Diane Reichard at the table on its behalf.

Plant City Worked Hard to Trim Before the Meeting ...as was reported by then-Mayor John Dicks with City Manager David Sollenberger, Assistant City Manager Gregory Horwedel, and Finance Director Martin Wisgerhof ready and available to answer questions. They trimmed over $1M only to find that they would have to find monies for about an equal amount of "unfunded mandates" passed during the 2007 legislative session.

The City of Tampa Has Points to Make City Councilpersons Linda Saul-Sena and John Dingfelder were on hand to support the City of Tampa and its Mayor, Pam Iorio. Pat Bean made a presentation on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners as well; however, there were no useable pictures for the photojournal.

Gene Gardner Talks with Rep. Betty Reed Gene Gardner, director of the Hillsborough County Civil Service Board (CSB), took an opportunity to speak with Rep. Reed at the meeting. The CSB in Hillsborough was created by "special act" of the Legislature and its operations are funded by Hillsborough County.

A First Time Event! Can you imagine the consternation the county's administrative staff felt when they looked out the 26th floor window of County Center and saw the buzzards who had landed outside on the deck area? Can you imagine the analogy drawn and the possible conclusion reached? Can you believe this happened during the Special Session on Property Tax (June 12 to 19)?

Is This Some Sort of Buzzardy Depiction... of the Senate's rejection of replacing the property tax with an increased sales tax as proposed by the Speaker?

And How Many of You Remember When We Had.... a Governor known as a "He Coon"??? Well, are you drawing any conclusions here? (Actually, we're just woofin' you here...the buzzards appeared on the deck on Jan. 3 but it was a never-seen-before phenomenon!)

Tiger Bay Invites the Legislators TheTiger Bay Club invited the legislators to a post-session wrap-up on June 29. Pictured are Tiger Bay President April Schiff and Rep. Betty Reed with Sen. Charlie Justice at the microphone and Rep. Ed Homan waiting his turn.

Rep. Ed Homan Rep. Homan represents House District 60 and maintains an active medical practice while insuring that he fulfills his role as a state legislator which includes a plethora of public appearances and committee meetings throughout the year as well as the regular 60-day session and, occasionally, special sessions as well..

The Foley Firm Is Represented Attorney Debra Smietanski had the opportunity to talk with Sen. Charlie Justice before the formalities of Tiger Bay began.

And Attorney Gary Dolgin Weighs In ...listening as Rep. Ed Homan makes a point.

A Familiar Scene Before almost every meeting that Rep. Kevin Ambler attends, he will be seen with his legislative assistant, Jenna Labadie, going over documents which require his attention.

Ought To Be A Law (OTBAL) Bill Signing Ceremony Senator Victor Crist, the Senate sponsor of OTBAL's High School to Business Career Enhancement Act, speaks to the crowd assembled for the signing of the enactment by the Governor. The OTBAL program, created by Rep. Kevin Ambler, allows high school students throughout the county to compete to get a bill proposal to the state capitol where the students also come to lobby and otherwise learn the process.

The Governor Signs the Bill ...with Rep. Kevin Ambler and Sen. Victor Crist happily watch with the students from the various schools who worked toward its success in Tallahassee looking on.

The Movers and Shakers from Our High Schools Aaron Sykes (Plant City ); Kyle Simmons (King); Stephan Plourde (Alonso); Jennifer Madden (Gaither); Tommy Gacio (Bloomingdale); Ron Holley (Durant); Jonathan Porat (Hillsborough, the author of the successful legislation, and a soon-to-be student at the University of Florida); Lesi Darsey (Chamberlain); Sam Jennings (Jeffferson); Logan Cobb (Plant); and Hannah Volz (Sickles). Unable to attend the event were Miqae'lah Grace (Newsome) and Brett Palaschak (Spoto).

Lots of Special Guests at the OTBAL Ceremony ...including Representative Peter F. Nehr, House District 48, Tarpon Springs, and Dr. A. K. Desai, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Universal Healthcare and a member of the State Board of Education.

Rep. Betty Reed Greets Rep. Gayle Harrell Rep. Harrell, House District 81, including portions of Martin and St. Lucie Counties, was in town, heard of the OTBAL event, and thought it an important stop and place to learn more about the program.

Hillsborough's Own Rep. Rich Glorioso Rep. Glorioso also took time from his busy schedule to attend the OTBAL bill signing ceremony. He represents House District 62 and is vice chair of the Delegation.

Staff Comes Representing Their Legislators Enjoying the festivities are Bethany Linderman, legislative assistant to Sen. Charlie Justice, and Ash Mason, L.A. to Rep. Will Weatherford. Bethany was formerly with Rep. Kevin Ambler and played a big role in getting OTBAL off the ground

Another Local Bill Signing On July 2 Sen. Arthenia Joyner led the charge in the Senate while Rep. Betty Reed carried the water in the House and were successful in seing the Black Infant Health Practice Initiative enacted and including a $1,000,000 appropriation. Hillsborough expects to be one of the counties to be reviewed to indentify factors in the health and social services systems' contribution to higher mortality rates among African-American infants. Speaking to the assembly on her second day on the job is Secretary of Health and Surgeon General Ana Viamonte with Governor Charlie Crist, Sen. Joyner, and Rep. Reed looking on.

These Two Genuinely Like One Another! The Governor and the Senator, although often on opposites on policy issues, are actually good friends as you can tell by their expressions. And both felt strongly about the importance of finding the roots of the high black infant mortality rates in order to find a solution and bring those numbers down.

Sen. Joyner Regales the Crowd Sen. Joyner's strong feelings for the bill and for her community came through loud and clear as she is indefatigably passionate about the things important to her. In the background are Dr. Viamonte and Reps. Reed and Ambler.

Rep. Reed Is Another of Our Passionate Legislators A House member is only allowed to file six bills each session; that the Infant Mortality bill was one of Rep. Reed's tells you how significant the problem is.

Governor Crist Signs the Bill Hillsborough Legislators were honored to have the Governor come to Tampa on Friday and again on Monday to sign legislation so important to this constituency. Senator Joyner and Reps. Reed and Ambler are happy to see the legislation move to the next step.

The Joyner Team The Governor graciously took time for a photo opportunity with Sen. Joyner's team: Kimberly Hall, Charlie Anderson, and Rosalie Smith.

Other Dignitaries Attended as Well Tampa City Council Member Charlie Miranda was in attendance.

As was Tampa City Council Member Tom Scott The ceremonial signing event was held at College Hill Library, and the room was packed.

Congresswoman Castor's Office is Represented Chloe Coney, District Director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, also came to the ceremonial bill signing and had a "photo opportunity" with the Governor.

"I know, I know, I know...pleeaaase call on me!" The Governor enthusiastically joined Librarian Rick Sherman's storytelling class at College Hill Library before he departed for his next appointment.

"I think I know this guy!" ..Or so the little girl with the upturned face seems to be thinking.

"See, Mama, I told you I met the Governor today!" Many area day care centers provide field trip opportunities to its young charges, and the county's pubic libraries enjoy having them come and develop a love for books, reading, and the many services libraries offer.

"Geez, little kids really do have short attention spans!" But it was time for the Governor to head out as we thank him again for taking time for Hillsborough County!

The Tampa Chamber of Commerce Hosts An Event The Greater Tampa Chamber invited the Hillsborough Delegation to provide its members and other guests with a 2007 legislative wrap-up on July 11. Here Mary Lynn Ulrey, executive director of DACCO, chats with Senator Arthenia Joyner.

Rep. Ambler Chats with Mark Segal Mr. Segal is the Director of External Relationships for the Tampa Jewish Community Center.

TuckerHall Sponsored the Chamber Event ...and President & CEO Bill Carlson took a few minutes to welcome the Legislators and others.

The Chair Took the Lead for the Legislators Sen. Joyner opened the conversation with a summary of 2007 legislative accomplishments with a particular emphasis on projects of significant benefit to the local community.

Rep. Faye Culp Talked About the District Office After Sen. Joyner and Rep. Ambler covered most of the bases legislatively, Rep. Culp spoke about the activities of a legislator in "the off season" and the types of work that flows through the district offices.

Rep. Ambler Takes the Mike and talked principally about the insurance and property tax reform bills that were enacted during Special Sessions A and B.

Closure on the Album ...with a nice shot of Davis Islands with the Convention Center in the foreground. We hope you enjoyed a trip involving the ongoing, year-round activities of our "part time" Legislators!