So far, so good for Mayor Bob Buckhorn. But so what? The honeymoon, to the degree that any elected official has one these days, will likely end July 28.
That’s when the new mayor, very much in the throes of declining revenue, will present his proposed budget to City Council. With a projected $28 million shortfall, that budget will cut both spending and full-time jobs. Just a matter of how much and how many and whose oxen are bureaucratically gored. Reserve-fund scenarios will play a role.
Having said that, Buckhorn Administration signs have been encouraging to date. To wit:
*That appearance in front of the County Commission that sent the right regional signals. He took Chairman Al Higginbotham up on his offer to appear before the commission. It was a symbolic way of acknowledging that counterproductive provincialism and egos can no longer characterize city/county relations. There are no second takes on first impressions.
*Early hires–Chief of Staff Santiago Corrada, Chief Financial Officer Sonya Little and City Attorney James H. Shimberg Jr.–have been impressive.
*Buckhorn made good on an (economic recovery) campaign promise to implement property tax exemptions for targeted industries that expand or relocate to Tampa.
*He underscored the pledge to be the city’s chief recruiter by taking part in a trade mission to Panama to pitch Copa Airlines on behalf of international flights-challenged TIA. His presence made Joe Lopano’s sales presentation that much more credible.
*His promise to scissor City Hall red tape has resulted in the Economic Competitiveness Committee that will scrutinize the city’s permitting and regulatory processes. It’s a start to assuring that “open for business” is more than a campaign slogan.
*He emphasized his sensible commitment to a panhandling ban by making the case–rare for a Tampa mayor–in front of a City Council workshop.
*Buckhorn has said just enough–without crossing the “tampering” threshold–to indicate that Tampa would not be inclined to sit idly if the Rays think their only alternative to the Trop lies beyond Tampa Bay. No Tampa mayor can afford regional blinders.
*And he even got hands-(and feet) on to help the Tampa Police Department’s campaign to promote bicycle safety, a deadly serious issue in this city.
Nobody elected Buckhorn to preside over the best of times. Voters obviously preferred a City Hall CEO with a vision and a sense of pro-active advocacy who happens to be wonkish on growth-scenario details. And, yes, anticipation builds on Buckhorn’s appointment of a deputy mayor for economic development.
No, these are manifestly not the best of times, and that budget is a Damoclean sword for some employees and programs that will be genuinely missed. It will get tougher before it gets better, especially with unemployment still in double digits. But for now–so far, so good.