Jim Norman's 17 Years of Successful Public Service
Jim Norman Is A Proven Leader
Commissioner Norman's experience and insight also includes active involvement in government and budgeting from a broad perspective.
He has represented Hillsborough County residents on the Tampa Sports Authority, Tourist Development Council, Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Council of Governments, Value Adjustment Board, Aviation Authority, Tampa Bay Water, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa Bay and Company, Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Florida Association of Counties.
Hillsborough County is one of the largest Counties in Florida. The population has grown to over one million people. Although the County government is responsible for serving all these residents it has been accomplished without an Ad Valorem Tax increase. There have been no Ad Valorem increases since Jim Norman was elected.
Commissioner Norman's 17 year tenure with the Hillsborough County Commission has been highlighted by numerous successes, including:
Government Accountability
- Proposed the two year budget cycle which was ultimately adopted by Hillsborough County. This effort was the first in the nation, and received a National Award from America and Canada for Accountability in Government.
- Proposed the first spending cap for any county in Florida. This innovative approach was ultimately adopted unanimously by the Board of County Commissioners.
Youth Sports, Children and Families 
- Formed the Tampa Bay Sports Commission that now serves over 20,000 Tampa Bay area children per year and rings national economic events to the Tampa region
- Established Ed Radice Park, the largest regional park in Hillsborough County. Commissioner Norman also created parks in Fish Hawk Ranch, Live Oak and New Tampa.
- Established "Computers for Kids" program that encouraged local businesses donate their old computers when they upgrade their older systems. This program creates a learning atmosphere for local children in after school programs. It also helps the environment by
utilizing these previously disposed computers and allows the companies a tax exemption. - Jim then established a "Computers for Seniors Program" that helped seniors learn skills to communicate with loved ones nad friends across the country. These computers are installed in Senior Centers.
- Developed the concept of using existing, diverse county revenue sources to build fire stations, purchase equipment and shorten response times saving lives and property throughout Hillsborough County.
- When County residents found out an Adult Use facility was opening behind their homes and within two blocks of an elementary school, Jim fought against it. Commissioner Norman went to the State Capital to lobby the legislature to add an additional buffering distance from these types of facilities.
- Jim helped create the largest Community Center in his district. The University Community College Center now serves a vast number of citizens with Day Care, Community College, Adult Education, Athletics, and Job Training.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Hillsborough County has had NO property tax rate increase since Commissioner Norman was elected.
- As a result of Commissioner Norman's efforts, the State of Florida moved the point of collection of local option fuel taxes from the retail level to the wholesale level, as an attempt to rduce fraud in the collection and remittance of fuel taxes. The immediate impact to Hillsborough County was about $300,000 the first year, with a continuing annual impact of an added $100,000 in County gas tax revenue available to the Board of County Commissioners.
Water Supply
- By pushing to create a "Loop System" for the Reclaimed Water system in Hillsborough County, millions of gallons of potable water have been saved for the residents.
- Jim Norman fought for Well Protection in the Northwest part of Hillsborough County - which is used as a regional supplier for almost 3 million residents in the Tampa Bay area.
- When the water system of original Carrollwood was falling apart due to its age and lack of maintenance, Commissioner Norman was able to expand the County's Water system to include this section and improvements were almost immediate.
Military Affairs
- Proposed a memorial for fallen soldiers from Hillsborough County. These plaques will be placed in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square honoring those who have died during the War with Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Proposed the property tax abeyance for actively serving soldiers and Hillsborough County is now assisting 1,500 men and women defending our country.
- Received the prestigious Edwin Porterfield award from the Veteran's Council of Hillsborough County to honor Jim Norman's efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty in supporting our Veterans, Active Duty Military and their families.
"And I'm just getting started! Now is the time to keep this momentum going - and to take those kinds of well rounded priorities to the state level."
 Hillsborough County Veterans Award | [ ] | 1353 Kb |
