No. 25 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Bill Carlson

Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson’s power is defined perhaps not by what he does, but by what he attempts to do.

Simply put, he’s Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s bête noire.

For those who oppose Castor’s administration, he’s the leader of the pack for whom they love to root, which also includes City Council members Orlando Gudes and Lynn Hurtak.

Carlson has, since being elected four years ago, been the driving force behind efforts to thwart Castor’s priorities – see votes on wastewater and the budget, among others – and to roll back her executive authority – see votes on hiring oversight, etc.

– Peter Schorsch, Florida Politics