Tax collector Doug Belden has been accused of making unwanted advances toward a woman at Jackson’s Bistro. According to the woman, Belden was drunk when he approached her, pet her puppy, kissed her, and purposely rubbed her breast. Apparently, part of his come-on includes the old “do you know who I am?” routine.
Belden asked Irwin if she knew who he was, Brown said. He then put his license on the bar and told her he was “the guy you give your money to,” an apparent reference to the elected position he’s held since 1998.
He said it like he was a celebrity, Brown said.
Last year, Dougie used a variation on that theme. He lives on Harbor Island (we hope he walked home from Jackson’s), and complained about people using crosswalks to cross streets and blocking traffic getting off the Island. He suggested the city demand pesky downtown pedestrians be banished out of the crosswalks…
because Harbour Island “just comes with large revenues,”
inferring that he/they should be given special treatment.
Ya gotta love these local nobodies who break out the “Do you know who I am?” routine. Just by asking the question, we know the answer is “a loser.” Hey Dougie – You are a freaking TAX COLLECTOR, not a rock star.
Belden denies the entire episode, of course:
“I never touched her at all,” Belden told the St. Petersburg Times last week. He said he may have petted her dog, but only her dog. He said he was making conversation because: “I’m single. She was single.”
Bad news for Dougie. It turns out that the young lady’s attorney found some security camera tapes that show Belden touching and possibly kissing her.
I’ve never met the guy, and it’s probably unfair to paint a picture of him based on two stories over 15 months. But he sure sounds like an asshole.
Addison
3 years ago
Um, not that I am defending her, but I wonder if she was flirting with him at all? Probably not…I mean, who would flirt with the tax man?
dreaming
3 years ago
the entire story sounds credible to me. of course, jacksons is a meat mkt, but still, beldon was no doubt wasted and horny. typical guy, only hes also on camera all the time bec hes a public official. id hate to be him right now.
Rachel*
3 years ago
He is not hot.
Yamel Christina Arronte
3 years ago
I’ve been ignored, called a MILF and remembered as a Princess but the fact remains that I am the best qualified, most educated with varied experiences and commitment for Hillsborough County Commissioner. The current County Commission race is straight out of Jerry Springer. Here there is a local candidate that served as a Combat Medic, worked for the Health Department and even had foster children and all the media wants to write about is how Norman has hurt us and Redner is a loose cannon. Yes I’m a Geography Teacher meaning I understand world governments and world religions in a County that has international ports. And yes I went to Leto c/o 88 meaning I understand the uniqueness of each area and all 3 cities within. I’m a member of the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council, CTA, NAACP and just asked to join the Veteran Parade Committee.
Yamel Christina Arronte
http://www.arronte2006.com
813-385-1220
Sandy
3 years ago
SPAMMER!
tampafilmfan
3 years ago
Pet her WHAT? Oh…puppy. For a second there I thought SoF was using some hip new euphamism that us old married folks don’t know.
Rachel*
3 years ago
Ignored seems the best idea. Since you’re showing yourself to be largely irrelevant right now.
For Christ’s sake, learn how to self-aggrandize with style.
(J) Yamel Chrisitna Arronte
3 years ago
Sorry too tired and spent…. just trying a last minute “out there” to drum votes or at least awareness. I’m tired of the politicians too, that’s why I ran. No manager just me. I’ll get off now so we can concentrate on T+A instead of our skyrocketing cost of living. ~(J)Yamel
C.W.
3 years ago
Yamel you have officially lost my vote. That means when election night rolls around and you lose by one, it will be me ringing your phone that night, giggling like Beavis. (No, Beavis isn’t running for anything.)
As for Belden, how does that actually work on a chick? “I’ll reduce your tax liability if you gimme summa dat!”
tallie
3 years ago
You guys need to get the facts. Any woman has the right not to be bothered, especially in a meat market like Jacksons. The attorney claims he “touched”, but all he did was kiss her on the cheek and he did the public press thing to applogize. Isn’t that a bit of over kill. Sounds like a plan to get $ that went south and then she had to take the high road and only want an apology. PS: How did she get to bring a dog into a bar routinely???
Shelly
3 years ago
I think Doug Belden has done a lot for Hillsborough County. He turned that office around and is very respected.His employees think he is fantastic.I think he was out on the town, had a few drinks and did flirt and probably offended the girl. I am not saying he is right But The girl seems like she went home and told her boyfriend what happened and suddenly the NEXT day she filled a report. If I was sooo upset myself and I was ASSAULTED as she stated, I would have called the police that night. Sounds very strange. I think the girl is attention seeking and wanted money initially but soon realized that was not gong to happen. I think this has been blown out of porportion and I am sick of hearing about it. Everything you read is not usually how it really happened.
dreaming
3 years ago
how right you are, shelly, re what really happens versus whats reported.
anyway, belden has torn a page from hollywood with the scripted apology, the blame i on booze strategy and the fake promise to ’seek treatment’….haha, whatever…hes gonna need a drink after this one…see you at jacksons dougie!….you poor tragic puppy (according to dickie greco, that is….)
Penny Kennedy
3 years ago
Everyone now knows that doug beldon is a liar! I have absolutely no respect and no trust for someone in his position especially that lied to us all like that. He should have kept quiet at first until speaking with his lawyer, but he was so very quick to lie.
I think he should be fired or because he is not man enough to step down on his own. Even Hillsborough county deserves a better tax collector even then this loser!!!
jason
2 years ago
Belden needs to go. He is a crook and a liar. We need a female tax collector and a Democrat
Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » Blog Archive » educating voters
1 year ago
[...] when Tax Collector Doug Belden ended up in the newspaper after getting his drink on at Jackson’s? Well, you almost forgot about that, because the [...]