We all know that Victor Crist is now the Hillsborough County Commission’s swing vote on the Go Hillsborough transit issue. We also all know that–as opposed to some tie-breaking Supreme Court Justices–he doesn’t want this role. To him, it’s strictly “lose-lose” because a sizable percentage of the electorate will disagree with him. And it will cost him politically.
Too terribly tough.
At the risk of sounding naive beyond redemption, tough votes come with the territory. The ultimate criterion for a public official has to be a gut feeling based on research for what is right. Loud voices and prolific signage are more synonymous with an agenda than discernment. The future of Hillsborough County is more important than the political staying power of Victor Crist.
If you’re looking for a positional hint, here’s one. Crist’s criteria includes this litmus test: “It must be passable” in a referendum. Sounds like code for no.
Given the “no tax for anything” mentality and track record of voters outside Tampa, his vote is most likely to transform Go Hillsborough into Gone Hillsborough.