Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 7-19-19

Features
Commissioner Ranked #9 On ‘Most Powerful Politicians’ List
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Seven years ago, Florida Politics released its first list of Tampa Bay’s 25 Most Powerful Politi- cians. Each year, the organi- zation rates and ranks local politicians based on their ac- complishments.
The focal points used to compile the list, Florida Politics gathered informa- tion from leading political consultants, activists, blog- gers, operatives, and local lobbyists.
Some of the names on the list are long standing politicians while others are newcomers to the political arena.
This year, one local politician has advanced to- ward the No. 1 spot in leaps and bounds. Les Miller, Jr., rose 16 places on the list. This year, he has been ranked at the #9 position.
A Tampa native, Miller is ending his role as the Hillsborough County Com- missioner for District 3. He must vacate the seat because of term limits. However, he has already announced plans to seek the role of
LES MILLER, JR. Hillsborough County Commissioner
Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court. Ms. Pat Frank is retiring and has of- fered Miller her endorse- ment.
During his lengthy career as a politician, Miller has served as the State Senator, State Representative. He launched his political career while a student at the Uni- versity of South Florida.
He currently serves as the Chairman of the County Commission, Chairman of the Hillsborough Area Re- gional Transit Authority, and as a member of the
Hillsborough Aviation Au- thority. He is an advocate for the All For Transportation tax, and will lead the group who determines how spend- ing allocations will be imple- mented.
The complete list Of Most Powerful Politicians, beginning with the first through fifth place are as fol- lows: Chris Sprowls, Bill Galvano, Wilton Simp- son, Jeff Brandes, and Rick Kriseman.
C0ming in places six through ten are: Kathy Castor, Bob Gualtieri, Charlie Crist, Les Miller, and Tom Lee.
Janet Cruz, Jane Cas- tor, Darden Rice, Jamie Grant, and Darryl Rou- son are in places 11 through 15.
Places 16 throguh 20 are:
Chad Chronister, An- drew Warren, Gus Bili- rakis, Janet Long, and Ben Diamond.
Places 21 through 25 are:
Ken Welch, Ken Hagan, Jackie Toledo, Luis Viera, and Pat Kemp.
Honorable mentions are:
Vern Buchanan, Chris Latvala, Kim Overman, and Ed Hooper.
Family Asks Hit And Run Driver To
Come Forward
JAMES A. ROBINSON, SR. 10-4-1968 --- 6-29-2019
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Saturday, family and friends gathered to say good- bye to their loved one. James Alexander Robin- son, Sr., died shortly after noon on June 29th. He was the victim of a hit and run traffic accident.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Robinson, 50, was walking northbound on I-75 near the 238 mile post, when he was hit by what is believed to be a semi trac- tor trailer. After the accident the unidentified driver fled the scene. Investigators be- lieve the vehicle to be a Volvo Commercial vehicle.
The accident took place on Interstate 75 at the 238 mile post, just north of the rest area.
Robinson died at the scene as a result of his in- juries.
Ms. Diane Robinson
said her brother had been ar- rested on a child support war- rant on June 28th. He had been transported to DeSoto County by law enforcement.
“When he went to court, the judge released him on his own recognizance. He didn’t know anyone there and had no way of getting back to Tampa, except the Interstate. They didn’t even give him a free telephone call when they released him,” she said.
Ms. Robinson further stated, “That put my brother
on the Interstate to lose his life. I believe that if they came to Tampa to get him, then they could have done better than just to release him in a strange place.”
She was told that the truck driver stopped after he struck Robinson and then fled the scene.
“I’m sure the person who hit my brother has family and he should just do what’s right. There is still time for him to come and turn himself in. He needs to do the right thing,” she said.
Ms. Robinson said the 13-year-old child that the child support warrant was is- sued for had previously lived in Winter Haven. “I don’t be- lieve they even know my brother is dead. I don’t know when they moved to DeSoto County.”
A Tampa native, Robin- son attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He was the father of 5 children, two of which are under the age of 18.
Ms. Robinson said her brother had been employed at Sanwa his entire life.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol by calling (813) 558- 1800; for *FHP. Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS or online at www.crimestopperstb. com.
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