Sharon West, the former head of Buffalo’s BMHA now working in Tampa, was in charge when the wasteful spending, non-existent bookkeeping, and poor oversight charged in HUD’s report took place.

“This is a snapshot,” West said of the HUD report. “It’s unfortunate. Could things have been done better? Probably, yes.”

West told a reporter from 2 On Your Side’s sister station in Tampa that she pointed out the problems to the authority’s commissioners, blaming some on both them and her staff.

Reporter: “But isn’t it the executive director’s responsibility to make sure that those employees are performing correctly?”
West: “I do my best.”

Sharon West gave $1100 to Byron Brown’s Mayoral Campaign.

West: “I know John Elmore, yes.”
Reporter: “Friends?”
West: “Most African-American professionals know each other well.”

Elmore’s report to Mayor Brown is not due for another two weeks. Recently, when city officials from Tampa called Elmore to ask about West, Elmore cleared her of any wrongdoing and even complimented her, according to one Tampa city leader.

“[Elmore said] that there was no misconduct by Sharon West,” said Cynthia Miller,
Tampa Director of Housing Development. “He found no wrongdoing regarding Sharon or her work, [and] that she is capable and honest.”

Nothing to see here. Move along.