Magic Bus, the Magic Bus
tommyEveryone’s up in arms about HARTline, it’s lax processes, and Sharon Dent, executive director. Over the last several years, many concerns have risen regarding HARTline and Dent. In 1997, after the bus agency requested more funding, the Tampa Bay Business Journal suggested an audit was in order. Again in 1999, the Journal encouraged more efficiency at the transit agency. 2001 was a trying year for HARTline: The St. Pete Times opined that the agency had an “image problem, a political problem, and a leadership problem,” and wondered about Dent’s job security; International Plaza was successful in keeping the busses away from the actual shopping areas; The company HARTline chose to build Hybrid electric busses failed; the agency asked for cuts in bus service, and employees were limited to 2 percent raises, while Dent’s salary rose to $120,000. 2003 was tough too. HARTline asked for rate hikes and route reductions, but not for the free downtown fake trolley. The county commission offered a piece of the ½ cent sales tax hike, but Dent could not detail a budget for the money. Also late last year, an employee complained about bidding processes ignored, and curious fiscal practices regarding the streetcar. This year, busses continued operating with wheelchair ramps that did not work until ABC Action news (channel 28) ran a story, after which some of the ramps were fixed.
This week Sharon Dent’s under the microscope again. The county commission voted 5-2 and now officially have “no confidence” in Dent’s ability to run HARTline. Local political activist Norwood has detailed the exploits pretty well, and he just wants Dent gone. Like The Tampa Tribune, I’ll wait to see the final audit before coming to any conclusion, but at this point, it really does not look good for Dent – or HARTline.
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