Appraisers' Free Forum

Jim Smith land deal clouds county election

By Will Van Sant, Times staff writer
In print: Saturday, June 21, 2008

When the Jim Smith land deal exploded into view last summer, conventional wisdom was that the scandal would overshadow Pinellas County's 2008 elections.

But on Friday, as qualification for the ballot closed, just two candidates linked to the controversy remain: County Commissioner Karen Seel and property appraiser candidate Pam Dubov, who worked for Smith.
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(full story HERE)

Dubov, who has never answered questions before about the Smith deal, did so for the first time Friday, a day after she resigned her post as deputy property appraiser in Smith's office to campaign.

Dubov said she warned Smith the public would look askance at the difference between the appraised value and the sales price.

In the Aug. 26 primary her opponent is Frank Gregoire. A private appraiser for 30 years, Gregoire, 55, said Dubov should have gone public with her feelings about Smith's decision to cut a deal with the county.

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A plethora of Stories on the Jim Smith Land Deal HERE!

My comments HERE!

Sounds similar to the Shields situation in KC. A jury acquitted her... I really have a hard time understanding how. But, she lost the election and it looks like her political career is probably over.

typical political moves - just as similar to other counties across the country; problem is the "political" adventurers are similar no matter where, the part that always gets me is, none useually lose their "retirement package" and therefore whatever they do while employed by municipalities....they can always retire secure. That fact alone allows one to be involved in underhanded dealings without worry.

$148,000 a year as an assessor ? No wonder your seeking the position - I would too.