Taxpayers' watchdog

He was never one for fanfare during his six years on the Longboat Key Town Commission. 

But former Commissioner Phill Younger, who reached his term limit last month and vacated his at-large seat, will be missed nonetheless. 

For the past six years, he was the taxpayers’ champion and watchdog. None of the commissioners had a command of town finances the way Younger did. He devoured details.

What’s more, Longboat residents always could count on Younger to challenge the status quo and ask town administration the unexpected, penetrating questions. 

Every commission needs a Phill Younger — diligent, prepared, analytical, detail-oriented and astute. This was a bonus: He is and was modest and never out for self-aggrandizement. 

While someone else on the commission will need to fill Younger’s role, lucky for residents and taxpayers, Younger is serving on the town’s Charter Review Committee. You can be sure he’ll do his part not to let that commission perform below expectations.