Jim "Waterfront" Norman

Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman really supports waterfront homes.

Ruskin residents who oppose a developer's rezoning request to build 360 waterfront homes are dismayed to learn that the developer and his associates have combined to give Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman $6,000 for his re-election campaign.

Norman insists that the legal contributions, all at or under the $500 limit, won't affect his decision on the matter next month. Perhaps not, but something feels wrong when a company, its employees and affiliated businesses all suddenly focus their generosity on the same public official. It doesn't look right or smell right, one resident told Tribune reporter Liz Bleau.

Raise your hand if you believe that $6,000 in campaign contribution won't affect Norman's decision.