Real estate developer eyed as new county administrator

[LEO News Flash]

Thomas Harmer

Thomas Harmer worked in real estate, which piqued commissioners’ interest as they seek to replace the county administrator they just fired.

Harmer previously worked in Orlando for The Pizzuti Companies, which develops and markets real estate.

Commissioner Joe Barbetta said that Harmer’s real estate experience gives him an understanding that "time is money."

Harmer has also garnered respect from development communities too.

Chamber of Commerce President Steve Queior said Harmer was able to field questions about the speed of government processes and permitting.

Gulf Coast Builders Exchange Executive Director Mary Dougherty-Slapp was impressed with Harmer. She said Reid did not reach out to the development community.

Reid’s ouster comes amid an uptick in development and recent movement on the creation of Lakewood Ranch South, a 5,000-home community that’s being planned east of Interstate 75.

When Reid suggested having academics review fiscal neutrality for development, Barbetta said no.

Barbetta said people who repeat the mantra that the county is growing too fast and commissioners are “in the pocket of developers” are no longer credible.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20 ... ger-Harmer

"When it comes to real estate development in the county, time is money."
Joe Barbetta

It's wickedly genius of the Sarasota GOP/BOCC to appoint a real estate developer as the Sarasota County Administrator to help Commissioner Joe Barbetta (and others) expedite high-density build-out east of I75. LOL