2022 Election – Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners District 1

I had one of the most interesting candidate conversations I think I have ever had around this race.

Harry Cohen has been my City Commissioner before being “termed out,” so I have talked to him several times, including this time. Since I know how he stands on most issues, our conversation was around resiliency related to climate change. As he almost always does, he has some solid ideas with well-reasoned positions. I like Harry, and I believe his heart is in the right place. In the previous election call, I told him that one thing I had an issue with was the group of perennial candidates in Hillsborough County who moved from office to office as they hit term limits. I explained to Harry that I thought that was circumventing the intent of term limits and that he would “term-limit” out with me at some point. He’s not there yet.

He doesn’t use the term, but it is about creating windbreaks with erosion control, lowering the development in Zone A areas, and gradually retreating. He also has concerns with and ideas to address affordable housing.

I had a long conversation with Scott D. Levinson, the Republican running for the seat. This is where it got interesting. He seems to be very socially progressive, to the point I eventually said, “Scott, you need not be telling people this. You may get kicked out of the Republican party. You’re the least republican Republican I’ve ever met.” He said he knew some Republican donors had received communications telling them not to support him. Scott is fiscally conservative and wants to make county spending more transparent. He did oppose the school lockdowns but claims to support public education and thinks the voucher/charter program has run amok. I don’t think I’d be upset if he won, but I doubt he will.

But the thing is, Harry gave me an appointment when he was a member of the City Council and heard me out on some contractor behavior issues we were having in the neighborhood. I gave him a detailed suggestion (including a marked-up ordinance) for how the city noise ordinance could be changed to resolve the issue, and he actually got it passed, so I’m going to have to stick with Harry this time, also.

I’m going to vote for Harry Cohen.