Stacy HahnStacy Hahn

Hillsborough County faces no shortage of difficult choices. Growth continues to strain roads, drainage and transportation. The needs of the urban core often contrast with those of its rural areas. Many of the challenges confronting Hillsborough do not stop at the county line.

Stacy Hahn brings the experience and temperament the county commission needs to meet those challenges.

Hahn, 59, has devoted much of her career to public service and education. A teacher, university professor and Ph.D. trained researcher, she approaches public policy with a collaborative, data-driven mindset. For the past eight years, she has served ably on the Hillsborough County school board, helping guide one of the nation's largest school districts through an extraordinary period.

Her tenure included the COVID-19 disruption and serious financial challenges. Hahn served as the district confronted its deficit and rebuilt its financial footing, ultimately establishing reserves at roughly 10%. County commissioners oversee substantial public resources, and Hahn understands both the importance of questioning spending and the responsibility to connect taxpayer dollars to measurable outcomes.

Her priorities are appropriately focused on the pressures county residents face every day: growth, roads, drainage, transportation and the need for infrastructure investment to keep pace with development. She also emphasizes fiscal discipline.

Just as important, Hahn understands that Hillsborough cannot solve every major problem alone. Transportation, housing, economic development, environmental challenges and overall quality of life demand cooperation across Tampa Bay.

Hahn has demonstrated an ability to bring schools, businesses, nonprofits and community leaders together around common goals. She does her homework, reads the data closely and works across differences to deliver results.

Neil Manimala is an impressive political newcomer. While his intelligence, drive and connection to the community will serve the public well, the commission needs a proven leader now.