Mayor Bob Buckhorn was blunt in an interview with PolitiFact Florida when asked about his promise to create a new director of protocol and international trade.

"I've decided I'm not going to do that,” he said. "In this economy, I didn't want to add additional personnel if I could avoid it.”

Besides, an office already exists to do the job, the Tampa/Hillsborough International Protocol Office. Buckhorn said he wasn't aware of the office before he became mayor, but has been pleased with its efforts coordinating Tampa's relationships with the world.

The office coordinates international visits on behalf of the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County, as well as the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Tampa Port Authority, Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.

Buckhorn singled out the office's director, Irma C. Bridgeford, for praise.

"She is housed in the chamber's office, and she handles all of our protocol visits,” he said. "I didn't know her before I got over here and wasn't aware of what she was doing, but I've been very pleased with the professionalism she's brought to the table.”

Buckhorn said he also personally works on efforts to lure international companies to Tampa through his seats on the aviation authority, the port authority, and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development (formerly the Committee of 100).

Finally, Buckhorn said he might add a director of protocol later in his term if he thinks it's necessary.

In ruling on this promise, we're reluctant to rate it Promise Broken, since Buckhorn is still pursuing the goal of bringing more international business to Tampa. He didn't appoint a director of protocol, but that's because another office already exists to coordinate international visits. All in all, we rate this promise Compromise.