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Newcomers Replace Incumbents In CDD Races

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By Kenneth Knight

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2008

NEW TAMPA Cory Lake Isles homeowners have chosen three resident-representatives to serve on the community development district (CDD) board, closing a contentious chapter in the taxing authority's brief history.

"What it means to me is a new beginning, a fresh start," said Kerri Ringhof, who defeated David Pardue for Seat 1 on the CDD board.

"The forecast for Cory Lake Isles is increased home values and an improved quality of life," she said.

Ringhof will be joined by David Burman and Dan Morford as new supervisors on the board transitioning from developer-controlled to resident-controlled.

In the taxing authority's first competitive election, Burman upended incumbent Roger Brown for Seat 2, and Morford unseated Suzanne Manzi for Seat 3.

Ringhof, Burman and Morford, who campaigned mostly as a team, sought appointments to the board earlier this year but were overlooked.

They jointly announced their decision in June to run for office, launching campaigns that have been peppered with allegations of campaigning violations, which state elections officials are investigating.

All three new supervisors garnered more than 75 percent of the votes cast. Heavy voter turnout attracted roughly 80 percent of nearly 1,200 eligible voters.

"It looks like the community has spoken," Burman said. "They want change. They have given us a mandate."

Morford said residents are eager to have a say in the way the community is run.

"We want a participatory government," Morford said. "We want to engage the homeowners.

"That's the key in what we have been hoping for [as residents] for so long."

For years some Cory Lake Isles homeowners have squared off against the existing board regarding its handling of the community's operations and maintenance finances. Some residents, including Morford, have sued to gain access to financial records showing how money was spent.

Cory Lake Isles, one of New Tampa's premier communities, has been controlled by developer Gene Thomason since its inception 14 years ago.

The CDD contracted with one of Thomason's companies to provide landscaping, maintenance and security. The agreement ended when residents accused him of taking money. He denied the allegation, saying he used personal funds to provide services to the district.

As the developer, Thomason also had authority to hand-pick residents to serve on the community taxing authority.

Last week was the first time Manzi and Brown, whom Thomason appointed, had faced election. The developer also decided not to seek another term.

"I wish them well," Brown said. "The community is in transition. This is part of the transition."

Manzi could not be reached for comment.

In neighboring Heritage Isles, Barbara Adams defeated incumbent supervisor Bill Martello for Seat 1on the CDD board. Frank Camara turned back Jack Meehan, who held Seat 3 until his resignation in July.

Adams, who is head of the neighborhood crime watch, outdistanced Martello, president of the homeowners association, by a 58-percent to 42-percent margin.

Martello said he is confident Adams will do an outstanding job.

"I have no animosity," Martello said. "I know Barbara well.

"I want to thank the constituents who voted for me. Their voices will still be represented in Heritage Isles since I am still president of the HOA."

Adams could not be reached for comment.

Camara defeated Meehan 69 percent to 31 percent.

"I want to thank all my voters, my family and those who didn't vote for me," Camara said. "I hope to earn their respect."

Heritage Isles, which is in danger of defaulting on its bonds, is struggling with the financial crisis of juggling a community golf course and underperforming restaurant. Adams has been a vocal critic of keeping the restaurant open.

In the Tampa Palms Open Space and Transportation CDD Seat 4 race, Susanne Shea Alfonso won a tight contest with incumbent Rosanne Clemente and homeowner Martin Maltonado.

The winner garnered 34 percent of the vote; Maltonado earned 33 percent; and Clemente had 32 percent.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842.

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