Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

The South Shore News & Tribune

South Shore > News

County Official Seeks South Shore Wisdom

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

District 6 Commissioner Kevin Beckner recently came to Sun City Center to hear from constituents directly at a meeting of the SouthShore Roundtable.

By LOIS KINDLE lkindle@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2009

SUN CITY CENTER - New county Commissioner Kevin Beckner wants to hear from his constituents directly.

Toward that end, he recently attended a meeting of the SouthShore Roundtable to hear residents' concerns and answer their questions.

Speaking briefly, he provided a bit of background, and then quickly opened the floor to the audience of 40.

He said he was eager to hear what they had to say because he believes "people who attend meetings like these are really looking to make a difference."

Beckner, 37, was candid.

"I decided to run for the commission because I didn't think the commission focused on issues people are concerned about," he said.

And because he wanted to address critical issues such as transportation, development, jobs and affordable living, he chose to vie for the District 6 seat, which is countywide.

"I want to re-connect the priorities of the government to the priorities of Hillsborough County residents," he said.

After his election, Beckner said he started "Coffee With Kevin," an informal, weekly get-together with voters for give-and-take exchanges.

To reach out even more, he plans to host office hours the last Friday of each month in all county districts so residents don't have to travel to the County Center in downtown Tampa to voice their concerns.

"I won't always be able to solve your problem immediately, but I guarantee a follow-up and at least getting a process started," he said. "You do have a voice in county government."

His senior aide, Jerry Nolan, said in the past some commissioners encouraged communities to participate in the planning process, but then ignored their input.

Beckner said he plans to change that.

To contact Beckner, call (813) 272-5730 or e-mail becknerk@hillsborough county.org.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

Share this: