Brooksville, Fla. - When the dirt in the air finally settles, some may take time to reflect on his contributions to the community.
Controversy follows him like a trail of useless reporter's notes. It sticks to his shoes. It follows him like a bad penny. But it doesn't seem to bother him. At least he doesn't let it show it in public.
But this Hernando County Commissioner is no stranger to bad press - bad press sometimes brought on by his own actions. He decided to call it quits as a commissioner. He withdrew his name from the ballot. His term ends in November.
It all began in 1992 when Jeff Stabins was elected to the
Florida Legislature. Serving as the vice chairman of the Education Appropriations Committee in Legislature, Stabins sponsored the first charter school bill in Tallahassee.
During his third term in the Florida Legislature, Stabins ran into problems with law enforcement after he was stopped and charged with DUI. His plea of no contest resulted in a loss of his
driving privileges for one year.
Bad luck seemed to follow Stabins into the 1998 primary election season when he was defeated by newcomer, David Russell in the race for Florida Legislative Seat 44.
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After his defeat in the House race, Stabins headed back to his prior profession to teach at-risk students in the Hernando County. That is, until he
signed up to run for Hernando County Commissioner.
Stabins campaign commitments in 2004 included lowering local government spending. He also promised to reduce government intrusion into private affairs, like mandatory recycling that he said was poorly run.
Stabins won the race with a clear majority, defeating his friends, Rocco and Palmieri to become Hernando County Commissioner for District 1 in 2004.
Long-time supporter and friend, Sherry Pedonesi said Stabins number-one asset is his fiscal responsibility. She pointed out that it was Stabins who questioned spending by Hernando County Sheriff's Department. She said he did his best to keep the judges from spending too much money in a time of economic recession.
"Jeff also blew the whistle on former county administrator,
David Hamilton," Pedonesi said. "He was right, but no one wants to give him credit."
Stabins considers the current budget crisis the biggest challenge he has faced as a commissioner. In his opinion, the local budget affected everything from social services, fighting crime, to keeping the jail open.
"The misery index went up in Hernando County," Stabins said. "The rise, then crash of the real estate values brought a whole host of residual problems to our county, including home foreclosures."
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The on-again, off-again campaign of Stabins came to an abrupt stop several weeks ago. He decided not to run for re-election, citing his frustration with the Republican Party. He changed his party affiliation to NPA (no party affiliation), saying gamesmanship is being played by both parties and we are not moving forward as a country.
"I've really gotten burned out," Stabins said. "The angry minority are never satisfied."
Stabins admitted he had differences with members of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee. But he chose not to dwell on past relationships except to say that he was not comfortable with
Blaise Ingoglia, as a person.
His anxiety with the Republican Party seemed to hit a nerve when talking about friends, like Anthony Palmieri.
"I just don't understand why Anthony is just so bitter," Stabins said.
Former County Commissioner Rose Rocco had a different take on the problems faced by Stabins with the Republican Party. She placed part of the blame on his fellow board members.
"All four of Jeff"s fellow Republican commissioners use him as a stepping-stone to make themselves look better," Rocco said. "He is really hurt by some of his friends because people have really turned on him."
Pedonesi sees it a different way. She thinks Stabins ruffled too many feathers with fellow commissioners and county staff.
"Jeff opened the doors to controversy and it has left him vulnerable," Pedonesi said.
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Over the past several years, Stabins has been battling health issues. He was diagnosed with
Melanoma after finding a tiny freckle while shaving.
Stabins underwent three surgeries to remove the cancer cells - three horrible surgeries, as he self-described his treatment for Melanoma.
Friends rallied their support for Stabins in his time of need.
"I think Jeff felt safe when he flew back to New York to be with his father," Rocco said. "He couldn't cope very well with his cancer."
"Jeff needs time to get well, both mentally and physically," Pedonesi said. "To get back to the fun-loving Jeff we all know."
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It seems Stabins has come full circle again. He is considering the classroom, possibly teaching in a local charter school in the future. But his first love is writing. A book about his dog
Rusty and his late dog Casey may be in the works.
Stabins holds a Master's degree from St. Lawrence University. He also has a Bachelors of Science degree in history and government from the University of State of New York.
"Jeff is a magnificent writer and historian," Pedonesi said. "I would love to see him do something with his writing."
As Stabins winds down his term as commissioner, he wasn't ready to set any long-term goals in stone, except to say, I'm not going to give you a
Nixonion quote about leaving.
"I may be back," Stabins said.
