As noted in the comments on Get A Kevin White Sign , the Times did an article on Kevin White's use of campaign funds to purchase suits to campaign in. His political consultant"said he had researched the wardrobe issue and believed it was a legal expense. “People buy clothing all the time,” said DiMaio. “It’s no different than buying T-shirts for volunteers.”"
An elections law attorney differs: "Either way, said Herron, the elections law attorney, White’s handling of the wardrobe purchases may skirt election laws."
It will likely come down to a decision by the Florida Elections Commission
Disappointing.
This is the second article that I've read where Kevin has misused funds. How many honest mistakes can one make with funds that are clearly designated for specific purposes only. Do we really want him on the county commission? I do not want my hard earned tax dollars paying for his stylish wardrobe and his electronic gadgets, even if he is from SH.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteDo we really need another elected official who has their own skewed version of the truth? His acceptance of campaign contributions from the fireworks people and now this, are all the red flags I need. It seems Kevin White is in it for Kevin White.
ReplyDeleteHe moved to the hood in order to be eligable to run for city council.
ReplyDeleteI was not even suprised to hear of his highjinks. All one has to do is ask their CPA about the business dress clothes issue to find out that business clothes can not be written off as a deductible expense because you can wear that suit, shirt, pants or tie to another function.
I learned that in accounting class years ago.
The way I look at it is, if politicians can write off their clothes, then us hard working taxpayers should be able to write off ours. I spend a fortune every year for good clothes to wear to work. Not so much because I want to, but because I have to.
ReplyDeleteHe should put that money back into his campaign or return it to the folks that gave it to him. They probably need the money more than he does.
Kevin is in this game for personal gain and it's been obvious since he began in the City Council. I'm not sure why David Scott likes him so much. He may live in your neighborhood but he's still a shoddy representative.
ReplyDeleteI urge everyone who wants a truly dedicated public servant in District 3 to vote for CHLOE CONEY. She would be a much better voice on the Commission than a guy who spent over $6,000 of camapign money on silly imported suits. That actually says a lot about Kevin: ALL IMAGE, NO SUBSTANCE!!!!
VOTE CHLOE!
I am really having second thoughts. The problem I am having is the "made up name" of the tailor. It seems like he was doing something sneaky and knew it.
ReplyDeleteChloe Coney vrs kevin White....NO CONTEST! She is a dooer of the first order,,,,,,,,,,,,,she lives what she speaks,,,,,,,What a refreshing idea!
ReplyDeleteCHLOE CONEY has always been the best candidate. She will work hard not only for SH, but for all of District 3. She is better SUITed to serve us, and tHAT's a fact!
ReplyDeleteSpoke with Chloe last night at the B'GOSH meeting and found her to be truly interested in the community. I look at all public candidates as snake oil salesmen for the most part but did not come away with that feeling after speaking with her.
ReplyDeleteI could sense her excitment for the imporvements that the CDC has started in East Tampa and her excitement in luring the credit union and the new call center into the neighborhood.
I'm not easily swayed and rarely put up a yard sign but would not be opposed to having one for her.
I would like it if our neighborhood would host another candidates forum where they have to answer our questions. My concern after reading about Chloe is that she is TOO east Tampa and I am the bad white lady displacing her people. I would like to know how she stands on many issues such as getting tougher on crime, zoning and code enforcement. Often, I think they become soft on issues regardingAfrican American owned businesses. etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat positive things has Kevin done for District 3 so far?
ReplyDeleteHe's made his house as elegant as his suits. Perhaps that reflects positively on the community.
ReplyDelete"One house renovation went way over the top with a swanky swimming pool and designer kitchen. Greeting visitors from the master suite, wearing a red shirt and loafers with no socks, was the owner, City Council member Kevin White. No wonder he asked for a raise."
ReplyDeleteFrom the SP Times on 12/10/2006.
He made his house bigger, not necesarily more "elegant". Sure, it's nice inside, but from the street perspective, it's just plain-jane if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes it worse is that the yard seem unmaintained. Not much foliage and what little there is is usually dead.
I think maybe the St Pete Times should look into his educational background. His website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kevinwhite2006.com/
says he has a B.S. degree from Tampa College in 1992 and a B.A. degree from National-Louis University in 1993. How did he get a B.A. degree in a year? Also one part of the website says he has an MBA from the University of Phoenix, while another part says it is a Masters degree in Organizational Management. Normally, I wouldn't be worried about this except he has demonstrated his ability to stretch the truth.