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May 1, 2006
Combs Steps Down From Tampa Gig
There are two unusual things about editorial cartoonist Paul Combs’ impending departure from The Tampa Tribune. He’s leaving voluntarily — a risky move at a time when the number of jobs in his field is shrinking. And the Tribune — unlike cartoonist-shedding papers such as the Los Angeles Times and The Sun of Baltimore — is trying to find a replacement for him.
“The company recognizes the value a cartoonist can bring to a local market,” said Tribune Editorial Page Editor Rosemary Goudreau, when reached by E&P. “And when they’re hot, like Paul, they can communicate a message unlike any other part of the paper.”
In a press release last week, Combs stated: “As reported, due to family issues I will be resigning my post as editorial cartoonist of the Tampa Tribune effective May 26th. Though I have enjoyed my stay with the Trib and have learned much from their staff of writers, it is time to move on in my career as a cartoonist. For the moment, I’m not at liberty to discuss my plans, however it does include editorial cartooning and I’m excited about a new set of challenges, goals and the opportunity to express myself freely.
I understand the Tribune is planning to replace my spot at the drawing board, which is great news in the current job climate. Editorial Page Editor, Rosemary Goudreau, is an advocate for our profession and should be applauded for her willingness to battle corporate pressure so a local cartoon presence can remain on the page. We need more like her.”
Goudreau did
note that the full-time cartoonist she hopes will replace Combs might not be
hired until several months after May 26. “I expect it to
be this year — hopefully by the beginning of school,” she said,
adding that it’s too early in the search process to know how many cartoonists
will apply.
When reached by E&P later in the week, Combs said he and his wife and daughter
are not fond of the “wall-to-wall people,” the highly competitive
housing market, and the crime rate in the Tampa area.
“We never really adjusted to Florida,” said Combs, who moved there
to join the Tribune in the fall of 2004. “My family comes first.”
Combs, 39, added that he and his wife want to be geographically closer to their
Ohio-based parents.
Upon returning to Ohio, Combs will become a firefighter again (on a paid-by-call basis), draw cartoons for a firefighter magazine and firefighter Web site, continue doing freelance illustration, and pursue another possible opportunity he’s not able to discuss yet.
Is Combs worried that he might not get another staff cartoonist position? “I’m hopeful it will still happen, but I’m not afraid to be on my own,” he replied. “I’ll do what I have to do to support my family.”
—J.P. Trostle contributed to this article.