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Thomason Resigns From Board

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By LAURA KINSLER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

CORY LAKE ISLES - He ran unopposed to keep his seat as a board supervisor, but last week Cory Thomason resigned from the community development district that bears his name.

'I didn't want to sit on the board anymore,' Thomason said. 'I think the board is moving in the right direction. They're having workshops and getting residents involved.'

Thomason's father, developer Gene Thomason, who still chairs the Cory Lake Isles Community Development District board of supervisors, owns the company that provides virtually all of the services for the 1,000-house community. And he will have a significant voice in deciding who should fill the vacant seat.

The CDD board plans to appoint a successor when it reconvenes Nov. 15. It's one more step in the community's transition from developer control to homeowner control. Cory Thomason's 2006 election was a bone of contention for many residents because only a handful of residents knew about the election.

He was the only candidate to file for the seat, so he won without appearing on a ballot.

Homeowner Ron Fitzgerald had planned to ask for Cory Thomason's resignation at the board meeting Oct. 17. Instead, he asked the rest of the board to cancel Gene Thomason's $1.4 million service contract for landscaping, maintenance and security.

He pointed out that the contract calls on Thomason to provide 'first-class' maintenance to the community. 'How many of you think we're getting first-class maintenance?' he asked board supervisors. Only Gene Thomason raised his hand.

'What we're talking about here is a lack of trust,' resident Dan Morford said. 'For 15 years, Cory Lake Isles has remained under the developer's control, and his interest is overreaching.'

Board Supervisor Suzanne Manzi said the best way to move forward is to be cautious and methodical. At her suggestion, the board agreed to initiate a detailed study and assessment of the condition of all district property and financial obligations. With the study, the board would have a better idea of how best to build a reserve fund.

'This study will help us minimize the need for special assessments, and it will help with your resale value,' she told residents.

Supervisor Jane Taggart also recommended the board consider immediate improvements to boost community morale and 'make a splash.' The board agreed to spend $10,000 on new Christmas decorations in time for the holiday season. She also recommended improving the community's recreational facilities and hiring a traffic control officer during the morning rush hour.

Board supervisors say they expect a lot of interest in the open seat. They also hope residents will serve on committees to help with the transition.

'If someone wants to sit up here and be a target, instead of the one shooting the arrows, they should apply,' Manzi said.

To apply, call Jean Rugg at (954) 426-3250 or e-mail jean.rugg@dpfg.com.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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