The following excerpt from a recent (9.26.97) column appearing in the Tampa Tribune demonstrates the latest political hypocrisy resulting from the philosophically flawed policies of Tampa and Hillsborough county politicians and their unseemly pandering to local sports moguls and sports fetishists.As predicted, local political leaders support for Taxpayer subsidized Corporate Welfare and Sports Socialism has produced a "Lose-Lose" situation for area residents. Through a bizarre chain of events, Taxpayers' money, at the direction of the County Commission and its chief attorney, Emeline Action -- is being spent defending "Super Citizens" George Steinbrenner and Malcolm Glazer against the elected Hillsborough County Tax Collector's attempt to collect property taxes on real estate associated with Taxpayer financed "Joe Chillura Stadium" and Legends' Field.
"Rob Turner's efforts to tax the Bronx Bombers and other heavy hitters around Tampa may have hit a legal roadblock - in the form of County Attorney Emmy Acton. The county property appraiser claims Acton is trying to stymie his efforts to levy $100 million in property taxes against Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and other big names by ordering an outside legal review of a hearing master's decision. Excerpt from The Tampa Tribune
9/26/97 -- 10:42 PMEarlier this month, the hearing master found the property appraiser could tax most business tenants of the county airport and port authorities. That includes a portion of the New York Yankees spring training complex and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers headquarters. The ruling apparently went over like a fumbled snap at Acton's office.
The county attorney said she looked at the case and found the hearing master received ``outside communication'' from attorneys that may have affected his decision. ``I think he screwed up the procedure,'' Acton said.
Turner said the alleged judicial boo-boo appears to be an excuse to cast aspersions on the hearing master's decision. The decision could add $2.6 million in new revenue for Hillsborough.
While Turner didn't directly accuse Acton of bowing before the thrones of King George or Malcolm Glazer, he wondered why she had taken such keen interest in a tax ruling.
``We don't know what the agenda is,'' Turner said. ``Who is she trying to protect?''
Acton said she was merely protecting the county's Value Adjustment Board from having its pants sued off.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Tuesday."
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