We'd like to introduce you to Jefferson Awards Nominee David Brown of Sun City Center. Mr. Brown is a retired I-T manager from the Random House Company. He was nominated by writer, Melody Jameson, who has written about his activities as a local activist during the last three years. She shared this with us:
It's not easy being an effective rebel. Brown, now in his 70s, is one of the few. This
son of a minister admits he's been ready to question authority much of his life...the
result is that thousands of his fellow citizens reap the benefits.
About two years ago, Brown began questioning the 25-year old flood hazard maps used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hillsborough County...The maps, topgraphical defintitions of likely flood zones, are used in setting flood insurance levels and therefore insurance premiums. The maps are also used by mortgage lenders when mandating flood insurance coverage for homeowners. Brown pointed out to county officials that the maps were faulty, out of date and inaccurate, starting with the ones of Sun City Center. When pressed by county officials to show proof, he did and today Hillsborough County's flood hazard maps are updated and accurate thanks to Brown's persistance.
Last year, Brown questioned a 10-year old Hillsborough County ordinance involving our
water supply and his efforts led to a re-evaluation of the ordinance. His actions also
led to a new, more balanced approach to preventing contamination of the public water
supply. Again, initially no one wanted to listen, but Brown persisted and now the public
will benefit in measurable dollars and cents. David Brown is an effective rebel willing
to stand up, speak up, and literally "devote years" to working up solutions.
