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Vote Ed Austin, Hills. Co. District 6

I don’t know if there’s any way to stop Bob Buckhorn from being elected. I do know that Democrats can vote for former Rowdie Ed Austin in the primary instead of Bob, but Bob’s organization and experience will probably see him through to the general election.

Bob likes to legislate morality and has a knack for posing on heavy equipment while knocking down “crack houses”. He’s best known for pushing Tampa’s infamous 6 foot rule, which prohibits any nekkid person from coming within 6 feet of anyone else.

I’ve been worried about Bob and Ronda Storms, the current moral mistress of the county commission teaming up. Ronda is perhaps the most divisive and unquestionably one of the most wacky persons to have ever served on the Hillsborough County Commission. Buckhorn has now confirmed my worst fears.

Buckhorn cites Republican Commissioner Ronda Storms, frequently criticized for her aggressive tactics, as an example.

``I've served with Ronda on lots of boards. I like Ronda,'' he said.

Vote Ed Austin in this month’s primary. He’s also been endorsed by the SP Times and the Sierra Club.

What distinguishes Austin is the unequivocating way he approaches politically sensitive problems, a confidence rooted in rich experience. Austin, 52, emigrated to America from Scotland as a child, was raised and educated in New Jersey and came to Tampa in 1975 to play for the world champion Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team. Austin later was marketing director for the Rowdies, director of land management and planning for AAA and chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Mutiny soccer club before becoming an admissions officer at Saint Leo University.

Austin has complemented his varied business career with 25 years of community service. He helped found what's now a bustling countywide youth soccer program. For 20 years, he has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.

Austin would increase impact fees on new construction and channel growth back toward Tampa's urban center. He wants to relieve growth pressure on rural areas, redevelop downtown neighborhoods and use tax incentives to attract investment in struggling neighborhoods.

Austin has a history of improving the image of institutions he represents. His refusal to switch races, after the better-known Buckhorn jumped in, shows an independent streak and resolve. He also does not get sidetracked on smaller issues or make a point of personalizing disputes.