Grand opening at Jericho Road

After lots of hard work, donations, and just plain determination, the new thrift store for Jericho Roads Ministries, Inc. will celebrate with their official grand opening April 3-8. Their new store is located on the north side of Wiscon Rd. just a little east of SR50. Make sure you stop by because they are having food, fun and prize give-aways during their celebration. For those of you that are interested in a speaker for your church, or civic group, Pastor Bruce Gimbal is available for presentations on subjects that include homelessness, addiction recovery, mercy ministries, and outreach programs. Pastor Bruce can be contacted at their website: www.Jericho-Road.net

Questions on THE Bus?

For those of you that have questions of THE Bus, a mass transit workshop will be conducted on Tuesday April 4, 2006 in the Atrium of the Hernando County Government Center located at 20 N. Main Street in downtown Brooksville. Informational displays and Hernando County employees will be on hand to answer your questions on THE Bus. If you have questions, contact Hugh Pascoe or Steve Diez at 754-4057 or mpo@co.hernando.fl.us

Symposium on Veteran Information

The American Legion, Post 99 will be conducting an informational symposium at 2 p.m. Saturday April 1 on various veterans issues at their headquarters located at 208 Ft. Dade in downtown Brooksville. All veterans, spouse, widows and children are welcome to attend this program. Representatives from the VA hospital and Veteran Services will be on hand to answer questions. Bring you DD 214, or discharge papers, in the event you want to sign up for any offered services at this event.

Semper Fi to the new jail warden

Kudos go out to the new Hernando County jail warden for solving the situation with the local Marine Corp Detachment and Deb Pedone, president of the fair association. Don Stewart was able to offer labor from the inmates at the jail to complete the sweat-equity arrangement by the Marine Corp League at the fairgrounds. This sweat-equity was arranged in lieu of rental payments for the storage of goods for the yearly Toys for Tots event. Mr. Stewart pledged to the county commissioners that he would work within the community and he has shown that his word is good. My husband Tony, who is a former Marine, wanted me to pass on these words to Mr. Stewart. Semper Fi

Tallyho to Tallahassee

Discussion took place this morning at the Hernando Board of Commissioners meeting about some pending items in Florida Legislature this year. The commissioners were preparing to present a united front for our county tomorrow in Tallahassee with our state legislators on their "Tallyho to Tallahassee" trip. Nancy Robinson discussed the possibility of Hernando County losing the ability to oversee cable television in our county, citing the loss of funds created by cable franchise fees and what impact it would have on the county. Robert Schenck made some vary valid points, stating the loss of franchise agreements for the county would open the markets to free enterprise, and competition in the cable industry which would benefit the citizens of this county. Its unfortunate that Mr. Schenck points were not heard clearly by the other commissioners who were more concerned with the loss of funds into the county coffers and their inability to oversee the cable industry with the pending state legislation. Although the franchise fee is not itemized on the local Brighthouse Cable bill, the local option communications tax is approximately $2.57 a month which equates to $30.84 a year (this doesn't include state and federal fees and taxes). The current franchise agreement with Hernando County and Brighthouse provides access for the government channels. Keep in mind that not everyone in the county has the ability to receive Brighthouse Cable, and the government access channels, but everyone pays to fund it through the county's General Fund. On another point, Jean Raggs explained to the commissioners about the possible loss of $0.50 a month per cell phone in the county with pending state legislation. Mrs. Raggs stated emphatically that this was not a tax on cell phone but was a fee for services. Something was forgotten in this county commission discussion this morning which is, what is best for those who live in Hernando County. And can the commissioners better decide how to spent our money or are we capable to make those decisions for ourselves?

County Animal Licensing

This morning at the BCC meeting, some interesting points were voiced at the podium by Joanne Schoch, Director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc., during the renewal discussions for the PetData contract. Mrs. Schoch brought to the commissioner's attention that Complete Technology Solutions, a local company, was interested in developing a program similar to that of PetData. PetData is a company that operates out of Texas to license local Hernando County pets. Complete Technology Solutions apparently could not present anything this morning because of the short notice of this contract renewal for county animal licensing services. PetData's contract was renewed this morning for another 3 years by the Board of County Commissioners. The BCC also directed Frank McDowell sit down with Joanne Schoch and Complete Technology Solutions to see if they could work out a program competitive to that of PetData for future contract negotiations. Several questions remain unanswered this morning with this contract renewal. Was there any particular reason that this contract was not put out for competitive bidding? Why was this treated as an exclusive contract without first polling the local business community? Is the contract with PetData the best deal for Hernando County?

Election Security

On March 3, 2006, Dawn K. Roberts, director of the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections sent a technical advisory memo to all 67 Supervisor(s) of Elections to immediately enhance voting system security throughout the state. This advisory provided minimum guidelines for security standards at the local level. Dawn Roberts cited the problems with the state of California's voting systems technology, and the potential security system vulnerabilities in election media in the state of Florida. Enhanced security safeguards are recommended for all types of election equipment and media which include PCMCIA cards, memory cards and paper ballots. Under the state of Florida, a set of guidelines and procedures are recommended based on threat models, or forms of perceived attacks on our election system. Ms. Roberts underscores the importance of items that could be a perceived threat to the voting methods in our state, such a transportation of ballots, and pre/post election security. One method that was discussed in her memorandum was the threat to optical scanners, like the type we currently use in Hernando County. Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams recently requested additional space for her department stating the need for a more secure place of storage for election equipment. The election equipment is currently being stored in a facility at the old DPW building on Martin Luther King Blvd (the site that is currently under review for toxic materials). This unsecured facility that houses the Hernando County's election equipment could be seen as a potential security risk. The taxpayers of Hernando County have invested thousands of dollars in election equipment over the last few years which is state of the art and it needs to be protected, not only from threats but from the elements of Mother Nature herself.

New Paint

Over the last several weeks, community volunteers have pitched in to scrap paint, fix boards and apply new paint to the old railroad depot on Russell Street in downtown Brooksville. I believe one of the volunteer groups that supplied labor was the American Legion, Post 186. Virginia Jackson has worked many years trying to update this railroad building, as well as many other historically significant structures in our county and its great to see the community pitch in to help.

Good luck, Fred

This morning at the Hernando County Commission meeting it was announced that Fred Hiers, reporter for the Hernando Today, would be leaving our county for a job in Ocala. Mr. Heirs has received many awards, as a journalist for the Hernando Today, for is in-depth reporting of governmental affair for Hernando County. I'm sure he will be missed by everyone at the Hernando Today. It will be a little odd not seeing him at his post, in the first row of the county commission chamber, every Tuesday for the BCC meetings reporting on governmental affairs. Good luck , Fred, in your new job in Ocala.

Congratulations Mr. Jennings

This morning at the Hernando County Commission meeting our new county administrator, Gary Kuhl, formally requested the board approve Larry Jennings as his deputy administrator for our county. It was nice to see that Mr. Kuhl recognizes the valuable asset he has with Larry Jennings. Mr. Jennings is well respected by his fellow department heads and employees alike but most importantly, he is respected by the citizens in this community for his long term dedication to Hernando County. Congratulations, Mr. Jennings!

U.S. Chamber honors Ginny

On March 15, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite with its prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award for her strong support of pro-economic legislative agenda. "I know that small businesses, and the jobs they generate, are the backbone of our American economy and it is truly an honor to receive this award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce," said Rep. Brown-Waite at the award ceremony. Congratulations, Ginny!

You Can't Handle the Truth

Think about the movie, titled A Few Good Men and focus on the line by Jack Nicholson saying, "You can't handle the truth." This is what came to mind when I read the excellent editorial column by Jeff Webb in this morning's edition of the Hernando Times, titled "Status quo is not leadership". His editorial focused on the Hernando County commissioner's failure to take the reins, in any meaningful way, to plan for the long term needs of Hernando County. His paraphrases, in references to the commissioners, are a mirror image of what most us are thinking out here in the community. Mr. Webb stated that the actions, or inactions, of these commissioners is basically the same as their predecessors, with these commissioners not having the ability, or foresight, to solve problems and make critical choices. Lip service, hand wringing, and finder-pointing were words used by Jeff Webb while describing the commissioners which sums up the general political climate in our community. Our elected officials are there to represent our long term interests, and not their popularity concerns when facing their own re-election campaigns, or when facing their political party leaders. It takes real leadership to make difficult decisions, not only in government, but also in the private sector. Sound financial planning requires adherence to long term goals. What was not said in Mr. Webb's column was it is not just the commissioners fault for the lack leadership, vision and courage. This message should be a wake up call to the electorate that put these individuals in office. What did the citizens hope to gain by the commissioners they elected for their district? Was their vote one of confidence in the individual's ability to be a leader? Or was it a protest vote to oust the opponent? Or was it merely a popularity vote, not based on any credentials as a leader, just that of popularity concerns? It is everyone's responsibility to demand leadership, courage and vision out of our county commissioners, even if the choices are tough. It all revolves by the opening example I referenced by Jack Nicholson who said, "You can't handle the truth." Maybe its time we demand real leadership decisions in this county, even if it isn't the popular thing to do...

New Owners of Farmer John's

For those of you that have enjoyed the food at Farmer John's Pancake House, on Howell Avenue in Brooksville, you will be pleased to know that it will be even better that ever with the new owners, Doug and Kellie Edwards. Doug and Kellie have the know-how to step right in at Farmer John's since they are also the owners of Nature Coast Catering. Doug will be running the restaurant operations while Kellie continues running the catering side of their business. Good luck Kellie and Doug on this newest business venture!

Electrifying Statement

Last night Katherine Harris publicly announced that she would be personally donating $10-million to her campaign for the US Senate. This electrifying statement by Mrs. Harris brought a sigh of relief from many Republicans who were concerned since the rumors in the media had her bowing out of race. She has faced many critical challenges since throwing her hat into the senate race, most of which have come from within the Republican party. Early attempts by Senator Elizabeth Dole, our governor, and others in the Republican Party of Florida to find primary opposition for Katherine Harris put her behind in fundraising efforts for her campaign. Even though Katherine Harris has faced this critical opposition, last night she displayed the energy and determination to win the election for senate. Mrs. Harris has lived by the 11th Commandment practiced by Ronald Reagan which is to speak no ill of another Republican. Her honesty and integrity, backed by her own boundless energy, speaks volumes for her credibility as a candidate for the US Senate. Good luck Katherine Harris!

Performance Vs. Spending?

The Hernando County Commissioners held a workshop this morning to discuss the current information available from their citizens committee of 25, tasked with reviewing options for future capital expenditures, along with associated funding sources. The discussion of commissioners was tense throughout the entire meeting, with each commissioner voicing their concerns for our county. This current committee of 25 has most of the same tasks as prior committee formed under former county administrator, Paul McIntosh in 2001. The only new information brought forward by this current committee this morning was the cost increases associated with infrastructure and the size of governments services. Each commissioner took the opportunity to express their viewpoint about taxes in the form of a reduction in Ad Valorem taxes versus implementing a sales tax increase of 1/2 to 1 cent on a referendum in November. Commissioner Stabbins stated he was not willing to write a blank check without first checking the efficiency of our county government services. He insisted that the committee be given options to make government more efficient, not just a wish list for the future, without spending reforms in place. Commissioner Rowden voiced her choice of pursuing a sales tax increase, while Commissioner Kingsley was reserved on a reduction in Ad Valorem taxes. Commissioner Schenck brought up a proposal for a cost sharing method for the Parks Department to explore with the private sector while Nancy Robinson opted to wait until the committee had completed their work before she would make any final comments on tax relief. The most ironic statement uttered throughout the entire workshop was the "pay as you go" method while describing a proposed sales tax increase. After watching the Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Kuhl this morning, this "pay as you go" system could be described as a system of last resort. Very few options are left for the county commissioners on funding new capital projects since they have bonded us into approximately $80-million in debt since 2002 and they have only $10-million in borrowing power from the League of Counties. One option they did not look at critically was the performance measurement of our current government services and projects, to fairly evaluate if our government is operating in an efficient manner. It looks like Gary Kuhl has his work cut out for him in the weeks ahead while the preparations are made for the 2006-07 budget year.

Exciting Events on Saturday

Several exciting events will take place on Saturday, March 11th:

• The Bandshell Bash & Classic Cars Exhibition from 4 to 8 p.m at the bandshell on Ft. Dade in downtown Brooksville. The entertainment will be rock and roll band's the Soult Road Band and Stones Throw.
• The 20th Annual Youth Education Services/Explorer Post 409 Scramblers Golf tournament hosted by Sheriff Richard Nugent at the Brooksville Golf & Country Club. Registration at 11 a.m. w/shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Term Limits?

Yesterday I received an interesting letter in the mail from a group called Stop Our Politicians. Apparently this group is out to defeat the term limits extension to 12 years for the Florida Legislature on the November ballot. Bob Burg, chairman of the Stop Our Politicians, is assembling a team statewide for voter awareness of this initiative placed on the ballot by our Legislature last year. A Google search of this group for additional information brought up a website but no additional information on the backers (of this group). It will be interesting to see if this group has the muscle projected in their letter to overcome the ballot language meant to deceive the novice voter.

Private Property Rights & Smart Growth Management

Just suppose for a minute that all the comments in the media outlets are true about the newest conflict between Hernando County and the city of Brooksville, in reference to questions raised about the city annexation policies and the "First Right to Serve" for water/sewer service. Imagine that Garth Coller's only job goal is to intimidate the city of Brooksville while forcing the expansion of county utility services. Assume that the Hernando County Commissioners thoroughly enjoy being a bully to the city of Brooksville. Do these statements seem far-fetched when referring to questions raised about the city annexation policy? You bet these statements are a real stretch of the imagination but they are being repeated as gospel around the county. The two major points of concern that have not been addressed though are private property rights and smart growth management.

The concerns raised about the city annexation policy began at the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission. Questions were raised, and rightfully so, to ask why property owners in the city's "First Right to Serve" area were being forced to sign future annexation agreements in exchange for receiving necessary sewer and water to their property. The property owners are being put into a position of either signing this agreement or not having necessary sewer/water on their property. These property owners cannot drill a well and use a septic system, or opt for county services, because they fall in that "First Right to Serve" of the city. The only option for property owners is to sign the annexation agreement, period. Mayor Joe Johnston made a statement to the press that no one was complaining except for county officials. The problem is that the property owner is not aware that these conditions exist until trying to develop their land. The city has put a whole new meaning to depriving a person of their private property rights. No signed annexation agreement, no water or sewer from the city.

Smart growth requires long term planning for services like roads, water, sewer, police and fire protection. Hernando County has 5, 10 and 25 year plans are in place to correlate services with this infrastructure for future growth. Even though these plans are flexible, it makes it virtually impossible achieve long term plans if the county boundaries are a variable in the planning mix. Every time one of these annexation agreements is signed by a property owner, the 5 miles radius ring for this "First Right to Serve" area for the city expands further into the county's planning area. Future long term plans, like those prepared by Hernando County, will decrease the cost of government while increasing the benefit of the services we receive while protecting our quality of life. Its time to stop shooting the messenger and say thanks to the Hernando County Planning Department for their expertise in future growth management that will benefit all of us, even those is the city of Brooksville.

Post Office Renamed for Staff Sergeant Schafer

The U.S. Post Office, located at 8501 Philatelic Drive in Spring Hill, will be renamed for Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer with the passage of H.R. 3703. This legislation will become law with the signature of President Bush. Staff Sergeant Schafer was killed in Afghanistan by enemy fire on July 25, 2005. "Communities throughout Florida look for role models and true heroes for their children to emulate and admire," said Rep. Brown-Waite. "Michael Schafer was a brave American who gave his life for our freedoms and liberties. A good friend, a good husband and family man, Sgt. Schafer embodied the best attributes of our soldiers in uniform. I am so proud that Congress has honored a true American soldier by recognizing his commitment and sacrifice with this post office renaming today."

**Excerpts taken from a press release from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite's office in Washington, D.C.

Nice Reception

The welcoming reception for new county administrator, Gary Kuhl, was a very nice affair yesterday. As usual, Brenda Frazier, did an outstanding job coordinating the event. There was lots of food and dessert for the crowd that assembled at 4pm. to welcome our new administrator. Several of those attending the reception to greet Mr. Kuhl and his wife were Judge Steve Rushing, Commissioners Rowden and Stabbins, and Sheriff Nugent along with others from the community. Many chamber members were present to welcome Mr. Kuhl to his post, along with residents from the community. This reception was just a very nice way to welcome Mr. Kuhl and help him feel at home in our community.

Accused Molester Acquitted at Trial

On Tuesday, an accused child molester was acquitted in Judge Springstead's courtroom because a young female child, nine years old, could not testify in open court against an alleged child molester. Apparently the case was strong against the accused molester but the state could not convict without the testimony of this child. This little girl become so upset on the stand that she could not continue to testify against the accused molester. Judge Springstead granted a defense motion for a judgment of acquittal in this case. Why was this child made to testify against her alleged molester in open court on the stand? Why didn't they allow this little girl to testify in the judge's chambers, out of sight from the person accused of molesting her? The assistant state attorney said in the local newspaper that it is frustrating and such a shame for the child. I will add that it is a shame for our whole community. Somehow, something is lacking in our system.

What was the purpose of the forum with Citizens Insurance?

What was the purpose of the public forum on Citizens Insurance that took place in New Port Richey yesterday? This meeting that was set up by Senator Fasano and was conducted in a venue that was not designed to handle a public forum of this nature. The majority of the people had to wait outside, in line, just for a chance to speak about the problems they are facing with Citizens Insurance. Short tempers were not satisfied by this forum that had been billed as an opportunity for the community to speak its mind with the executives of Citizens Insurance. The citizens seeking answers to this insurance crisis were even more frustrated at the conclusion of this forum because they were given no real solutions. Many elected officials spoke at this forum but the one most noteworthy was Tom Gallagher, Chief Financial Officer for the State of Florida, and a member of Governor Bush's Cabinet. Mr. Gallagher has been attempting to ease the burden to all property owners with insurance since the last Legislative session. Last year he proposed using the excess sales tax money from the construction industry, generated from hurricane rebuilding, be earmarked to correct the problems in the homeowners insurance industry but he was ignored by the Florida Legislature. Mr. Gallagher, again, has proposed the Legislature use some of its estimated $3.2-billion surplus tax this year to ease the burden on homeowners insurance. To this proposal, he was booed by the audience. Mr. Gallagher was later chastised by Senator Fasano for arriving "uninvited" to this open, public forum and leaving early to make an appointment in Plant City. Mr. Gallagher should be commended for having the intestinal fortitude to for meet this insurance crisis head-on by explaining the facts, and not trying to shift blame, like other elected officials. The key component to this entire insurance crisis lies at the feet of the Florida Legislature to correct problems that now exist in this state run insurance company, called Citizens Insurance. This state run insurance system was created in the Florida Legislature in the early 1990's, after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, and now needs to be critically examined during this Legislative year. The Florida Legislature will need to enact dramatic changes so the average homeowner can continue insurance coverage on their most precious investment, their homes. The political grandstanding that took place at yesterday's meeting accomplished absolutely nothing to answer the cries for help in easing the burden created by this insurance crisis . What was accomplished yesterday at this public forum? You be the judge of that question when you open your insurance premium notice this year.

Women's History Month

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite issued a press release this afternoon urging all Americans to celebrate March as Women's History Month by honoring women who have helped shape our Nation. "Women's History Month is a time to honor the lives of the courageous women who have helped shape our nation, from Anne Bradstreet to Susan B. Anthony to Condoleezza Rice. I am confident that women will continue to influence our country and our world for the better," said Rep. Brown-Waite. Congresswoman Brown-Waite is asking that all Americans recognize women from their local communities in the month of March. In her press release, she named many influential women's names at the national level, as well as from the state of Florida. One name that she forgot to add was her own, Ginny Brown-Waite. I believe Ginny needs to be recognized at the local level for her many accomplishments over the last 16 years or so. She began her political career at the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission as a volunteer and then was elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Ginny then served as a distinguished member in the Senate Florida before becoming our representative in Congress. Ginny deserves an attaboy from all us here in Hernando County for her outstanding accomplishments!