Phyllis Busansky

Phyllis Busansky has died, according to Bay News 9. Busansky died Monday night in St. Augustine, the report said. She was attending the Florida State Association of Supervisor of Elections conference. Hillsborough County supervisor of elections director of communication Sigrid Tidmore released the following statement Tuesday morning:

"Phyllis, as she was known to everyone, was an inspiration to generations of Hillsborough County residents and a champion of good government. Over the last six months she brought order, focus and vision to the Elections office. Her entire staff is deeply saddened by her passing. However, they will continue to perform professionally and deliver the kind of election services Phyllis was determined to have." The cause of death is unknown. Busansky was elected to the office in November. She beat incumbent Buddy Johnson.

Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean announced the news to county commissioners Tuesday, a St. Petersburg Times report said. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who held a seat on the county commission at the same time as Busansky, issued a statement saying she admired Busansky's passion for helping those who needed it the most. "How sad that death claimed her just as she was embarking on a new challenge that she loved very much," Iorio said. "The public needed her and this was her calling." The superintendent of Hillsborough Schools, Mary Ellen Elia, said in a statement that Busansky had made a commitment to work with students on several projects to promote voter education.