Tommy previously wrote about the developing story with Doug Belden and his making unwanted adavances upon on a woman at a bar.
On Thursday Mr. Belden admitted the incident did occur and apologized. He blamed a drinking problem.
What I found interesting in this incident was the following comment, made when the story initially broke, by one of his employees, a supervisor named Preston Trigg.
“I got a call Friday from the boyfriend who said Doug was hitting on his friend,” Trigg said. “I said, ‘That’s kind of funny, because I was there, I was watching Doug the whole time and didn’t see anything.”
“Going out with Doug is like going out with a professional athlete,” said Trigg. “You watch him to make sure nothing happens.”"
1. In light of the admission by Mr. Belden, was Preston Trigg mistaken or lying? If he was lying could he face charges of lying to investigators?
2. The tax collector compared to a professional athlete? Excuse me? How many of you have to watch your boss to make sure nothing happens? Did Trigg know Belden had an alcohol problem and was trying to keep him out of trouble?
tampabaymuse
3 years ago
as one of the tax payers who pay both of these men’s salary, i call for their immediate resignation.
dreaming
3 years ago
if youve ever been around the better bars of downtown tampa and soho, youve run across belden. and warren weathers. the ‘bachelors’….evidently, beldon got some pr advice somewhere between acting tough and acting recalcitrant. thus the apology. now all we need is a statement saying he was abused by a priest….
Tampan in Texas
3 years ago
Belden hit on me at Jackson’s about 4 years ago. In fact, his opening line was simply, “Doug Belden, County Tax Collector. Let me buy you a drink.” When I refused, he seemed irritated and insisted that he buy me one. So I tried to be polite and brush him off as best I could, and after a while, when I had rejected him several times, he asked me for my parents’ names! What, so he could take out his unhappiness at being rejected on my folks? You gonna audit the parents of the women who turn you down, Belden? That’s great. I told him to take a hike, and thankfully he did, though he was clearly angry. Anyway, this story didn’t surprise me at all. I hope they find grounds for a criminal charge. He’s a sleaze of the worst kind, a wolf on the prowl. Ms. Irwin should have pursued it; this will not be his final indiscretion, no doubt, if he goes unpunished.
Jason
3 years ago
I am glad to hear others complain about this guy. I thought it odd that he put his hand on my knee last year when I paid my property taxes but I figured since he had already bent me over year after year at tax time he was just showing some tenderness for once.
Rachel*
3 years ago
So this guy has been compared to a rock star and pro athlete now?
He’s a balding, middle-aged accountant!
Hot girls want guys with muscles and hair, Doug. And who can make actual conversation. And who have at least slightly sexy jobs.
So, so pathetic.
Rachel*
3 years ago
Oh, and, not that this should need explaining, but dudes who blame poor choices on drinking are garbage cans.
C.W.
3 years ago
Rachel: I have muscles and hair but get ignored by hot girls all the time. Think maybe if I flash a little more MONEY they’d be interested?
Sandy
3 years ago
You forgot about the part that said “can make actual conversation.” In some people’s cases, like Belden’s, even money won’t help.