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Ethics Questions Shape An Election

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By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

HUNTER'S GREEN - For years, Frank Margarella has been one of the most respected community leaders in New Tampa, and he appeared poised for a seat on the Tampa City Council.

At the start of the year, he led a three-man race in fundraising for the election campaign and was beginning to pick up endorsements. Then in February, questions surfaced about how the New Tampa real estate agent was spending those funds and why so much of it went to Hunter's Green Golf & Country Club.

There were payments to nonexistent printers, reimbursements for mystery expenses and several thousand dollars in payments to the country club, where Margarella is the former manager. The candidate confirmed he was using campaign funds to pay for private dinners, rounds of golf and membership dues.

Joseph Caetano, a Tampa Palms businessman making his second run for public office, seized on the controversy with a direct-mail attack ad right before a runoff election with Margarella. It featured someone with a hand in a cookie jar. Caetano won in a landslide.

University of South Florida political scientist Susan MacManus said Margarella's expenditures were a significant factor in the race.

"People expect their politicians to be frugal and ethical," she said. "The other thing it proves is that you can have a lot of money, but if you don't spend it wisely, it won't help you."

After a lengthy investigation, the Florida Elections Commission found probable cause that Margarella had violated state campaign finance laws by using campaign funds to defray normal living expenses. Margarella paid a $3,000 fine to settle the case.

He still chairs the New North Transportation Alliance, and he regained the presidency of the New Tampa Community Council this fall.

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