Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 1-15-21

Local
Judge Dismisses School Board Lawsuit
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, a Hillsbor- ough County judge dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the home address of a newly elected board member. A for- mer School Board member filed the lawsuit.
During the November 3, 2020 General Election, a runoff election took place for the School Board District 5 seat. Henry Washington defeated Ms. Tamara Shamburger, the incum- bent member of the School Board.
Last month, Ms. Sham- burger filed a lawsuit asking that the vote be overturned. Her basis for the lawsuit is election law requires that the candidate live within the dis- trict he or she seeks to repre- sent. She contends that Washington changed his address on some paperwork, but does not actually reside in the home.
Washington said he moved from his Seffner home to the home of his mother-in- law in West Tampa.
At a hearing last Wednesday Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Thomas dismissed a lawsuit, refusing to overturn the election.
Washington said, “I’ve
MS. TAMARA SHAMBURGER ... FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
already been at work for more than a month dealing with the extraordinary chal- lenges currently facing the school district. It’s time we all come together, put the inter- ests of our children, teachers and parents first, and deal with the pressing needs ahead of us.
“The decision sent a clear message to our community that elections matter and that the Court respected and hon- ored the voice of the voters.” His attorney, Ms. Cheryl Forchilli said, “I’m glad the Court saw this lawsuit for ex- actly what it was – a frivolous
HENRY ‘SHAKE’ WASHINGTON
... ELECTED TO REPRESENT SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5
attempt by a losing candidate to undermine the will of the voters.”
Attorney Christian Waugh, who is representing Ms. Shamburger said, “The judge’s ruling was wrong and my client will ap- peal it.
“It turns on the very nu- ance piece of law that needs to be respected. Every district is different and that is what Ms. Shamburger is fight- ing for.”
The complaint was dis- missed with prejudice, bar- ring Ms. Shamburger from refiling the lawsuit.
On Sunday, January 10th, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan tested positive for the COVID-19 Virus. He is cur- rently self-isolating at his resi- dence.
Chief Dugan released a statement saying, “Being a cancer survivor, I am very aware of the need to protect myself to avoid any possible complications that could come with COVID-19.
“Despite my best efforts to maintain social distance, use a mask, and constantly wash my hands, it is evident that any- one can get COVID-19,” he said.
Chief Dugan reported symptoms including fatigue, a headache, and chills. He will continue to work from home for the next two weeks. The daily operations of the Tampa Police will continue, without interruption, carried out by members of Chief Dugan's executive staff.
“It is important that every- one in our community follow CDC guidelines to keep your- self and others safe, and to
BRIAN DUGAN Tampa Police Chief
help slow the spread of this virus", Chief Dugan said.
Since testing began in March 2020, 134 members of the Tampa Police Department have tested positive for COVID-19.
A 30-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department, Chief Dugan is married and the father of two children.
For more information on COVID-19, go to www.tampa.gov/COVID-19.
IN HONOR OF
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY THE FLORIDA SENTINEL WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021
Tampa Police Chief Tests Positive For COVID-19 Virus
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