Accomplishments as Hillsborough County Commissioner 2004-2008
For Your Pocketbook
As Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair led the charge to save Hillsborough County taxpayers over a billion dollars and growing.
Achieved the largest ad valorem tax cut in county history.
Co-sponsored property tax relief for combat military personnel. Supported property tax relief for our local combat military personnel.
Opposed new tax, rate and fee increases
Led the charge to ax the storm water tax resulting in taxpayer savings of more than $300 million.
Saved $100,000 on repairs of sidewalks at the County Center.
Negotiated savings of $2 million for taxpayers on improvements at intersections in northwest Hillsborough County.
Promoted a Florida Tax Watch audit of county budget and policies.
Opposed cable television fee increases.
Encouraged county staff to list the fiscal impact of every item on the Board of County Commissioners agenda which was unanimously approved.
Championed a re-evaluation of county flood maps resulting in the re-designation of more than 5,890 homes that were not in the flood zone area saving homeowners thousands of dollars in property insurance premiums.
Saved Hillsborough County Tax payers over 500 million dollars and growing (Does not include the multi-millions of dollars that property owners will save (currently a person with $200,000 of Ad-Valorum tax, saves about $440.00 dollars per year and Growing!).
Created Nations first Mileage reduction fund for Tax relief and accountability.
Helped negotiate Hillsborough County’s automatic 7% pay raise for over 6,500 plus employees to 2.5% in 4 years.
For Seniors
Began nation’s first Senior Zone to calm traffic near senior housing facilities – this resulted in added safety and represents a huge savings of more than $12 million in tax dollars – the program was nationally named “Most Innovative Program” and has received Five, State and National awards (Voted the Nation’s most Innovative Government program in 2005, plus 5 other National awards).
Created an additional $15,000 homestead tax exemption for seniors making $24,000 or less (not including social security). (Must ask Property Appraiser for form to fill out).
For Minorities
Persuaded the Board of County Commissioners to augment the county's Hispanic Liaison Office staff.
Demonstrated zero-tolerance for hate crimes perpetrated against ethnic and racial minorities.
Championed and proposed naming a county Fire and Rescue Station in honor of Gilbert Rodriguez. Gilbert Rodriguez is a legend in both the city of Tampa and the Hillsborough county fire departments. Gilbert Rodriguez was a tremendous mentor to our fire/rescue personnel and will never be forgotten.
For the Community
Proposed construction and expansion of athletic fields and parks throughout our county for the enjoyment of all residents.
Strongly supported the establishment of a employee wellness center.
Moved for creation and separation of the Sun City Center Community Plan in order to protect and preserve the unique nature of this community.
Volunteered and assisted numerous charitable organizations and has accumulated thousands of volunteer hours. (See Community Service tab)
For the Military
Co-sponsored property tax relief for combat military personnel. Supported property tax relief for our local combat military personnel.
Strongly supported keeping MacDill Airforce base in Hillsborough County.
For Children
Founded a program requiring photographs of sexual predators to be prominently displayed at parks and recreation centers.
Assisted in the development of Child Safety Zones prohibiting sexual predators in areas frequented by children and seniors.
Started Nations First “Predator in the Park” program to protect our Youth from Sexual Predators.
Led BOCC to use the $52 million dollars set aside for “Championship Park” to improve existing Parks, countywide, Championship Soccer Fields and other Youth activity.
Over 7,000 community service hours mentoring and working with our youth.
For Public Safety
Championed and proposed naming a county Fire and Rescue Station in honor of Gilbert Rodriguez. Gilbert Rodriguez is a legend in both the city of Tampa and the Hillsborough county fire departments. Gilbert Rodriguez was a tremendous mentor to our fire/rescue personnel and will never be forgotten.
Preserved funding for the Central Brandon Fire Station.
Supported life-saving advanced equipment requests for fire/rescue as well as our Sherriff’s Department.
Supported faster response times for both Sherriff’s Department and Fire Rescue
For the Environment
Supported funding for purchase and conservation of ELAPP lands.
Launched a discussion to streamline, clarify and establish uniformity within the regulations of the Environmental Protection Commission.
Led the adoption of a plan for wetlands protection resulting in transparency, openness, fairness and equality in the evaluation and protection of our community’s natural resources.
Encouraged low-flow shower heads to conserve water and money to H.C. water customers.
Five year volunteer of Florida Lake watch.
Led the charge for a $450,000 state-of-the-art Power Generator for USF.
For Transportation
Chaired Hartline Study Group resulting in the proposal of new methods of bus and mini-transport utilization throughout our county along with BRT (Bus Rapid Transit).
Encouraged a business approach to establishing mass transportation routes which help increase utilization.
Encouraged and increased utilization of public/private cooperative agreements.
Championed ADA improvements in the Hartline system.
Worked to allocate a major portion of Community Investment Funding for our infrastructure including an additional $180 million for roads and storm water needs.
Worked to halt towing of private automobiles from public business parking locations.
Championed provision of "new" taxi services to Sun City Center, Ruskin and other South
Zero Cost Bus Shelter Program. Championed Hartline Bus Shelter Program at zero cost to our taxpayers, via RFP Advertising right trade off. This program will save the county over $12 million, increase business exposure, and provide shelter from the elements for bus passengers.
Other Board of County Commissioners Accomplishments
100% BOCC attendance record over his 4 year Term
Helped balance 4 billion dollar Budget.
Helped County go from A+ Bond rating to AAA Bond Rating in 3 ½ years (1 of only 2 counties to achieve this out of 67).
Created County’s first “Suspense Calendar” for Transparency and accountability.
Co-Sponsored the first Spending Cap for any county in Florida.
Chaplin of the BOCC for 3 years