A new day dawning?

Is a new day dawning on the horizon in Hernando County or is this just turning out to be another typically weird year, politically speaking, that is? Just think about it for a minute. A county commissioner resigned his position early to run for a Florida House seat. Another state representative is running for county commission. A sitting county commissioner changed her political party midstream into the term and is now running under the new banner of republican. Another candidate changed party affiliation and is running for county commission as a democrat. Democrats are attending republican fundraising events. The strangest one yet is the news that a well, established republican women's club, turned political action committee, is extending invitations to interview republicans and democrats, alike, before the Primary Election. This musical chair routine really looks like the game of Mr. Potato Head we played as children. You remember, switch the heads or faces and the body remains the same. What is in store for us next? Maybe Jeff Webb of the Hernando Times was correct when he stated it was time to have non-partisan county commissioners. If it isn't time for a change by the Florida Legislature for non-partisan county commissioner elections, then maybe they could humor us here in Hernando County by changing the date of our General Election this year. October 31st would be a more suitable date which just happens to be Halloween!

Budget workshop yesterday

Some things never change and this was proven true once again yesterday when I attended the Hernando County Board of Commissioners budget workshop. I commend Commissioner Jeff Stabins for asking months ago that the staff bring back budget reduction suggestions. The county staff did include the reduction suggestions, requested by Mr. Stabins. To those of you that follow the county budget each year, you know little changes except for the actual presentation used by the staff. This year's budget workshop seemed like a re-run of year's past, with the staff using the same hot button issues for tax reduction, like reducing library hours, reducing the animal services hours, paperless agendas, etc. All these reductions were sacrificial lambs, so to speak, and pale in comparison to this year's increase of 16.1% ($399 million) over last year's budget. No real discussion took place by the commissioners on meaningful budget reform at this workshop. In fact, the commissioners did not have questions for any constitutional officers, even though they were all in attendance with their department's budget personnel. This workshop was also suppose to discuss the $1 million of General Fund revenue for the Hernando County Fire Rescue. The only discussion was by Gary Kuhl who referenced a meeting with the Spring Hill Fire Rescue, in regards to future dispatch services. The budget director glossed over the Mercer Study, saying that 6.6% increases for county employee salaries was compatible with the current cost of living in Hernando County. Unfortunately, many of our residents have to survive on a fixed income of less than a 4% yearly increase in Hernando County. The one item that did not even raise an eyebrow from the commissioners until the citizens brought it up ( in public comments) was the $6 million increase in the General Fund Reserve Funds. This additional $6 million brings the General Fund Reserve account up to 20% for a total over $24 million (in reserves) of taxpayer money. The only item that seemed feasible was the requested by Debbie Walker Druzbik for $400,000.00 to assist in county special needs shelter to be located a Oak Hill Hospital. This facility has been necessary for years and Oak Hill Hospital is (once again) generously offering Hernando County the ability to share in the construction of this facility. This facility will be maintained by Oak Hill Hospital so this $400k is a on time cost to cover construction. Tom Leto, Emergency Management Director, stated that this special needs shelter will be a mandated in several years and would meet the initial state guidelines. Somehow the lines of responsibility have been blurred when it comes to our county budgetary process. It is the responsibility of our commissioners, not the county staff, to eliminate the pork from our annual budget. Was I disappointed by attending yesterday's workshop? The answer is yes but I have hope that our commissioners will come back next month with their pencils sharpened and be ready to do their jobs.

Budget suggestions

The Hernando County Commission will conduct a workshop this week to review the various department(s)budget requests for the coming year. The Hernando County Sheriff's Department has submitted a budget exceeding $30 million which is 9.8 percent over last year. One line item the commissioners should closely consider when reviewing Sheriff Nugent's budget is the overall cost of his department's vehicles with the related cost of yearly maintenance,vehicle replacement, and vehicle insurance. The Sheriff has a current policy to allow all the patrol deputies to take their vehicles home. The deputies use these vehicles for personal use when not on duty. The thought behind this vehicle policy is that the visibility of the cruiser in local neighborhoods and commercial districts reduces crime. With this policy comes the cost of having a vehicle for every patrol deputy; providing vehicle insurance, even for personal use of the deputy; providing fuel at taxpayer expense for the patrol deputy to take home and back to work; providing maintenance on the vehicle; early replacement of vehicles due to higher mileage; and needing more vehicles for deputies on and off duty. The growth of this county has appeared to out date this vehicle take-home policy. A cost analysis should be done to compare the current vehicle policy at the sheriff's department, in terms of cost versus the savings. Savings that could be seen with deputies parking these vehicles at the end of their shift. This analysis should investigate whether the take home policy really prevents crime, versus the money that could be saved that could possibly put more patrol officers on the streets of Hernando County. Real statistics like the ones presented are available through the city of Tampa. When former Mayor Greco took office, at the end of Sandy Friedman's term, his first official act as mayor was to park all patrol cars when not in official use. The savings were remarkable and Mayor Greco was able to immediately put many more officers on the streets of Tampa without costing the taxpayers additional dollars. Hopefully, our commissioners will ask the tough questions for all the departments and consider an audit of this vehicle policy currently used by the Sheriff's Department.

Schenck's possible replacement

Please say a little prayer that Governor Jeb Bush has the wisdom to appoint Roy Martin as the interim county commissioner to replace the seat vacated by Robert Schenck. Mr. Martin is a highly respected, semi-retired businessman that will be able to soundly make the hard decisions over the next few months to guide us into the future. I served with Roy on the EAR committee for the revisions on our current comprehensive plan and found his demeanor to be calm and reserved, but firm when necessary, to make decisions on the vital issues at hand. Mr. Martin also served on the 25 member committee with Len Tria to review the capital improvements necessary over the long term for Hernando County. Besides these two very important committees, Roy Martin is a member of the Hernando County Port Authority Board, the president of the Wellington Republican Club, and is also very active within his own Wellington community. Meaning no disrespect to Mr. Tom Hogan, Sr. but his qualifications as the state republican committeeman do not warrant this type of appointment by the governor. And the other applicant, a self-appointed political activist, also does not have the qualifications to serve as an interim commissioner. The Hernando County Commission does not need the arm-chair politics of these two individuals to overshadow the important votes (on this board) like Hickory Hill, the budget, and the DPW clean-up. Hernando County needs the firm guidance of Roy Martin to get us through the next few months until the voters of Hernando County can choose a new commissioner for district 4. If anyone would like to contact the governor's office to express their opinion, go to www.myflorida.com and click on Governor Bush's web page.

***Please note that if Tom Hogan, Sr. is appointed as the interim commissioner he will be held to the same standards as Robert Schenck which will require him to immediately resign his position as state committeeman for the republican party. The position of state committeeman is considered an elective office, therefore would fall under the same requirements of the dual office holder provisions covered by the Florida State Statutes.

Heartburn...

Mild heartburn was the best way to describe the evening at the Chili-in-July event, sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee as a fundraiser, to highlight this year's candidates for office. A moderate gathering of approximately 100 people attended this event to sample homemade chili prepared by candidates and elected officials. The overall atmosphere of the evening somehow lacked the usual election year excitement and had the tone of a typical political, rubber chicken dinner, without the chicken, just heartburn. The heartburn came from the many samples of chili from very, spicy, to somewhat bland, to just plan awful. But it was all done in good fun, with each candidate vying for the title of the best chili chef for the year. My favorite was prepared by the Tom Gallagher campaign which was slightly spicy and on the sweet side. My second choice was made by Gail Samples that had quite a kick to it. The worst chili won my Tums award and the chef will remain anonymous. Some of the those that participated were Ginny Brown Waite, Jeff Stabins, Rich Nugent and Robert Schenck. Even though this was a Republican fundraiser, County Commission Chairwoman Diane Rowden and her husband Jay, Democratic Executive Chairman, attended the event. It seems the REC public press notices for this event lacked the usual disclaimer that always specifies for registered republicans only. Seems like somebody goofed on this one. Ms. Rowden and her husband were very polite though, chatting with everyone, while sampling chili. Each candidate table was set up with the typical campaign literature, with the respective candidates dishing up their brand of chili. Festive red, white and blue decorations adorned the room in the typical election year fashion. It was nice to see some old friends and enjoy a few laughs during the evening. Some of the small talk consisted about the unfolding events over the last several days, namely the resignation of Robert Schenck from the county commissioner. Some low whispers were heard discussing the possible replacements for Schenck's commission seat by appointment of the governor. Since no real names were confirmed we'll just have to wait and see who will take the plunge. This Chili-in-July is the official kick off for the certified candidates to run full speed ahead to the Primary Election. Good luck everyone!

Atta-boy Ginny

Below is a small section of a letter I received from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite this morning, directed to Governor Jeb Bush, requesting a Special Session of the Legislature be called to address the property insurance crisis in the state of Florida:

The Honorable Jeb Bush
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Dear Governor Bush:

I commend you for creating the Property and Casualty Insurance Reform Committee. It is imperative
that the Committee begin its work immediately so that you may convene a Special Session to implement their solutions.

Every public official in the State of Florida has heard constituent outcry over skyrocketing insurance rates.
Homeowners are in jeopardy of losing their homes, and business owners are contemplating closing their
doors. Constituent cries are no longer simple outrage; they are desperation and fear. Without a solution, one hurricane this year will cripple our state and bring the economic prosperity we have experienced to a grinding halt. I know you share this fear, based on recent comments I have heard you make in the press.


Skyrocketing insurance rates are the most pressing issue to Floridians, and as you stated in your Executive
Order, more far-reaching measures are needed than those included in SB 1980. I urge you to appoint the
members of the Committee and convene a Special Session as soon as possible to solve this crisis.
As a Member of Congress, and a Florida resident, I thank you for your efforts and look forward to working
with you in providing a solution to this pressing crisis.
Sincerely,
Ginny Brown-Waite
Member of Congress

Atta-boy Ginny for listening to the citizens of the state of Florida who are trying to desperately deal with this insurance crisis!

Schenck resigns...

I just confirmed with Annie Williams, Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, that Robert Schenck officially resigned his position as our county commissioner at 9:08 a.m. local time, July 20, 2006. Mr. Schenck's letter of resignation stated that he wanted to devote more time for his campaign for the Florida Legislature. Annie Williams has contacted the Florida Department of State and Governor Jeb Bush's office with this news. We will just have to wait and see what unfolds in the coming days and if the governor will appoint a replacement to fill Robert Schenck's vacated county commission seat.

Fiscally Prudent??

Many of us made a choice during the last several years to stay put in our homes and not get caught up in the real estate market boom. It has been tempting to sell our homes at a high price to buy a new home but the practical side of being fiscally prudent stopped many of us when faced with the practical questions of long term budgets necessary for home ownership. Some of the major reasons for not selling our properties at a high rate to rob our equity was the fact any new home purchase would have a very large property tax value attached to it. The Save Our Homes Amendment, passed by voters in 1992, has protected our investments from being over burdened by high property taxes with a 3% maximum cap per year. Yesterday, Governor Jeb Bush appointed a 15-member committee to remove inequities in Florida's property taxes. The focus of this committee will be to explore the inequities between the older homes that took advantage of the Save Our Home Amendment and those that bought homes over the last several years at very high market values. The Governor and the Florida Legislature's Taxation and Budget Reform Committee should remember the Save Our Homes Amendment was passed overwhelming by the citizens of this state to, in part, curb the spending of our state officials by controlling the increases on our property taxes. Those of us that are fiscally prudent with our finances are wondering why this committee was formed by our governor. A better thought for a governor appointed committee would have been to revamp the property insurance industry that is crippling the state of Florida and was virtually ignored by our Florida Legislature in this year's session.

Mercer Study

I received this email in reference to the recent Mercer study for Hernando County Government employees pay and wage scale evaluation on Sunday. The name of the letter writer has been deleted to protect the identity of the individual. I will write more on this current Mercer Study later in the week but I think this letter clearly states the perspective of a Hernando County employee. See below:

AnnaLiisa:
I read in the paper today about the Mercer Study and possible 7% raises for some employees. As a county employee I won’t say anything publicly. But, I wish someone would ask to publicly look at the Top and Middle Management's Mercer results. It would surprise them that many of their pay ranges were increased, some even 2-3 pay grades. The only reason is to open the upper end of their pay scale and tell John Q. Taxpayer that these top level employeess are low on their pay scale. On the other hand, the worker bees, I'm talking about the guys in the parks and trenches find that their pay grades mainly remain constant. There is iniquity. I don't understand why someone making $30-50+ dollars an hour has to have more from our tax dollars.

Also, HR has a new sick/vacation plan, combining the sick and vacation time into one, PTO. The HR Director has notoriously told exempt personnel that they can come in for an hour or so, and if they get sick, can go home and because they're exempt, they don't have to use sick leave hours for that time. (That may be true for private corporations, however, it's not the case for taxpayer coffers} So, many of the top employees therefore have large amounts of time on the books, because they are not using it. I don't mean to sound like ALL mid-level and upper management misuse their time, but there are those that do. According to the new policy, employees may now sell back up to 80 PTO hours annually at 80% of their pay. So, those exempt employees who have been told they don't have to use their time for doctor appointments, manicures, hair cuts, etc. are elated to get an extra 80 hours pay at 80% of their hourly rate in their pockets.

HR is professing that the new policy will eliminate misuse of sick time, however you may see that management may be the biggest culprit in misuse of sick time. The little guy uses his sick time for doctor appointments, blood work or whatever. The employees are losing about 32 hours a year by combining the vacation and sick time, and many are upset..

I don't feel it's my place, as an employee to speak up and cause dissent. But an outsider, looking in, like yourself, certainly can bring some questions to the forefront, if you so desire to do so. Just please keep my name out of it, if you will.

(Signature deleted by request of writer)

Fire Rate Increase

After an approximately 3 hour Public Hearing to raise the fire fees in the Hernando County Fire Rescue District, a vote was taken to approve a single-payer rate of 156.37 (per residence) with one million dollars to come from the General Fund (for a total of two million dollars). This approval is for the addition of 9 new firefighters at approximately $500,000 dollars, with the rest to cover other expenses not clearly defined by Chief Nickerson. This detailed fire budget discussion will take place at next week's county commissioner meeting. In this motion to approve by the BCC, nothing was mentioned about the 5.5% annual increase for inflationary rate adjustments, or to immediately allow the Hernando County Sheriff's Department to take over all dispatch for emergency services in Hernando County. Hopefully, this Consulting Project, directed by Karen Nicolai, to review all fire services in Hernando County, will iron out all the details of a Master Plan structure and funding sources, along with organization structure, by the time budget hearings roll around in 2007-08. Keep your fingers crossed!

Nice Gesture, but

It was a nice gesture for the Hernando County Commission to donate $500.00 each to the Spring Hill Dixie Girls Fast pitch Softball Angels and the softball Ponytails State Champions for their trip(s) but this was our tax money. This may sound just a little petty but I already contributed $400.00 a girl's softball team from Kennedy Park through my business this year. This well intended gesture from our five commissioners should come from their personal checkbooks and not the county's General Fund dollars.

Right-wing arrogance

I would like to suggest Senator Mike Fasano read an excellent book written by former New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd Whitman, titled "It's My Party, Too". Her book delivers straight-talk that calls for moderates everywhere to oppose right-wing arrogance, and re-establish a rational center that has been eradicated in recent years within the GOP. Her book is viewed by many as vital reading for those fed up with the extremism that plaques our politics of today. After reading this book, Mr. Fasano needs to remember that he represents a large contingent of Republicans, as an elected Senator in the state of Florida. His letter to candidate Tom Gallagher to drop out of the race for governor, signed by ten GOP lawmakers, does not represent the founding principals applied by our forefathers when forming this republic we call the United States of America. The state of Florida has a closed Primary Election process that allows the voters of the two major parties the ability to choose their candidates for the General Election. No where in Florida's Constitution does it state that a letter by a handful of arrogant supporters of one candidate has the ability to ask the other candidate to bow out of a race before the voters have had the opportunity to participate in the election process. Senator Fasano should take heed to this quote by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 that stated, in part, "Our party detests the technique of pitting group against group for cheap political advantage. Republicans view as a central principal of conduct, E pluribus unum, Out of many--one." Governor Whitman's book is relatively inexpensive in paperback, and is a must read for all of us that still believe that the Republican Party is that of the Big Umbrella.

Flurry of activity

Over the last several days, a flurry of activity has taken place on the property across from the street from the City of Brooksville's DPW building on Brooksville Avenue. A truck, with the marking of Ground Water Protection, from the FDOT is apparently conducting studies of the old fuel depot for possible contamination. It appears that a test well has been drilled to test water samples. This is all pure speculation on my part, but I pass this lot on my way to work every morning and noticed the activity of work crews. Hopefully, this is a first step in cleaning up this eyesore that has existed for years on this property.

Asleep at the switch?

Was Commissioner Stabins asleep at the switch when he voted to forward a comprehensive plan amendment to DCA in June for the Hickory Hill development? It makes one wonder after reading both newspapers this morning because Mr. Stabins is once again promoting a super majority vote of 4/5 for any comprehensive plan amendment, based on information from workshops he conducted almost two years ago. Incidentally, the vote on the Hickory Hill amendment was 3-2, with Mr. Stabins being one of those in the majority. Commissioners Stabins position has some of us confused on future land issues. For example, it must be noted Commissioner Stabins voted against the re-zoning of 4 parcels in the Sunrise PDD on Wednesday even though these (parcels) have been in the comprehensive plan since the early 1990's. Everyone is scratching their head wondering exactly what is Mr. Stabins policy on the future growth in Hernando County. Please Commissioner Stabins, we need a clear, concise message on your position.

Fire Master Plan

The Clerk of Court, Karen Nicolai, along with our county administrator, Gary Kuhl, have formed a committee to review the Hernando County fire service which will be based on the best way to fund the operation and how to operate a fire protection service. After wiping my eyes in disbelief this morning while reading the related articles in the local newspaper(s), I wondered why this approach had not been taken 6 years ago. Imagine an actual master planning document that addresses the needs of everyone in this county, based on health, safety and welfare, and not the political whims of county commissioners pandering to their populace. The Hernando County Fire Rescue was given a free reign on our fire fees by the Board of County Commissioners to throw money at a countywide problem in 2001, with very little oversight on the spending habits of this fire district. With a massive rate increase hearing looming for all of us in the HCFR district, many are asking just what are we getting for our fire fees, and will we be protected from harm in the event of a fire or related emergency. One suggestion I have for this Audit Planning and Priority Committee should be to review the prospects of hiring a qualified fire administrator to oversee fire/emergency services in Hernando County. Meaning no disrespect to Chief Nickerson or Chief Morrison, but Hernando County has outgrown your capabilities and we need a qualified fire administrator to protect our safety, and our pocketbooks. Another suggestion would be to enlist the aid of an insurance specialist, qualified in ISO ratings, to set up 5 mile radius rings in Hernando County to properly site the location of any new fire stations needed for existing properties, and new growth. A realistic approach to fire station sightings, based on ISO ratings, is a must to insure everyone is being protected throughout Hernando County. Hopefully, the Hernando County Commission will put this proposed rate increase on hold at the public hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18th. Please give this committee time to adequately review, and investigate, all aspects of the needs for everyone in Hernando County, to achieve the best possible fire service available, while keeping in mind it needs to be affordable for everyone.

Citizens Sticker Shock

Several weeks ago, I received my renewal notice for my homeowner's insurance premium. The only way to describe my first reaction was sticker shock. My premium increased almost $900.00 over last year's bill, making this year's total a whooping $1,897.00 for my coverage. Included in this amount was a line item for $165.00 for the bailout of Citizens Insurance. With all the news coverage about the insurance crisis in this state, I was not surprised by this large rate increase, just disgusted, knowing this problem could have been fixed by the Florida Legislature this year in their regular session. Just after paying my yearly premium, I received an email titled, An Unwise Growth Subsidy. This email was an article about other types of insurance that is underwritten by Citizens Insurance, one of which is a type of insurance to developers called a Builders Risk policy. Builders Risk insurance provides coverage to developers while a building is under construction. At the end of May 2006, Citizens Insurance was covering 5,723 construction projects for condos, single family homes and commercial buildings throughout the state of Florida, with a total exposure of $5.1 Billion in high risk areas. It seems Citizens Insurance encourages development in areas of high risk where building should not even occur because of the jobs and economic opportunity created by these projects. Once these projects are built, the property owners will wind up with Citizens for homeowners coverage. For example, one Builders Rick policy is covering a $74 million condo project on the beach which is currently under construction and guess who is subsidizing this project? You, me and every other homeowner in this state with homeowners insurance is subsidizing high risk properties and construction projects. Governor Jeb Bush needs to step up to the plate and immediately call a special session of the Florida Legislature to fix this insurance crisis instead of ignoring the growing roar of voices pleading for help from all 67 counties in this state. Hats off to the Hernando County and Pasco County Commissioners who voted to send letters to the state, requesting a special session be held to fix the insurance crisis plaguing homeowners.

Times Have Changed

Ethical, good, correct, fitting, honest, honorable, principally, and upright were descriptions once used for our elected officials and leaders in our community. Times have changed radically and so have the morals of many who serve us locally in the public capacity. Arrogant, rude, self-serving, dishonest could be the replacement words of yester-year. Just think about it, we have a commissioner that thinks nothing of having his spouse employed by a lobbyist for a local developer; another commissioner conducting tutoring in his Hernando County office while pocketing a personal paycheck from the school board, a commissioner that thinks nothing of collecting thousands of dollars for her re-election campaign from developers and their lobbyist, a commissioner-candidate that filled his campaign coffers with state lobbyist money; and the best one yet is the tattle-tale commissioner that uses every opportunity to squeal on his associates to glorify himself. Does any of this make you wonder why most people are completely turned off by local politics in Hernando County. Yahoo, the good old boy/girl network is alive and well, right here in our hometown!

Bandshell Bash

Linda Anderson, treasurer of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council supplied this information to me via email:

Tomorrow is Second Saturday - Bandshell Bash!

This month is "Family Night", a continuing celebration of July 4th holiday.

The evening will be started off by Last Chance 2 Try. This local group was the winner of our June Battle of the Bands. Our headliner is DeLei'd Parrots. This is a return performance for this fun group (by popular demand!) Also talented students from the Suncoast School of the Performing Arts will be entertaining us.

In addition to the free concert, we have the Cruise-In (cars and bikes) and we've added a People's Choice award for all entries. And of course the food and other miscellaneous vendors.

Also this month we will have a hotdog eating contest, children's activities and lots more fun. Hope to see you there. Come early and browse the downtown shops.