Merry Christmas!

The following is a re-run from my last year's holiday greeting but I think it best conveys the message of Christmas. Please enjoy this transcript of Ronald Reagan's radio message from 1978:

Christmas-

Meaning no disrespect to the religious convictions of others, I still can’t help wondering how we can explain away what to me is the greatest miracle of all and which is recorded in history. No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion.Where….is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time-----possibly to your own home town.

A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father’s shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father’s shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He never gets farther that an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most.He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing---the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb.

End of story? No, the uneducated, property-less young man who…..left no written word has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, general and admirals; all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived---all of them put together.How do we explain that? ......unless he really was what he said he was.

-Ronald Reagan / Dailey Radio Commentary (syndicated) December, 1978

Pressing the flesh...

Walking into the VFW 10209 last night had the aura of a republican candidate rally even though the event was advertised as a grassroots meeting to discuss a "constitutional amendment effort" to cap property taxes at 1.35% with guest speaker, Marco Rubio, Florida's Speaker of the House. Six republican candidates were pressing the flesh with the approximately 150 people in attendance for this event.

The climate in the room took on an aggressive tone as the majority of the candidates shoved their petitions cards into the unsuspecting crowd's hands for signatures to get their names on the ballot. John Druzbick, candidate for county commission, district 3, was the only candidate that did not bring campaign literature or petitions to this event which really shows that he is true gentleman that respects the electorate he hopes to serve in the future. One odd touch that really set the stage for spurious event was the water bottles set out on each table bearing the label of a candidate for district 5 county commission which could be construed as tacky and self-serving for this individual.

The event got under way with the arrival of the guest speaker, Marco Rubio about 7:15 p.m. The hostess of this event was called to the stage to give her brief comments that included remarks stating that this was not a partisan event for either democrats or republicans. Apparently she forgot to remind the attending candidates and their entourages of the non-partisan nature of this event.

Florida's House Speaker, Marco Rubio's presentation lasted about 15 minutes and detailed what he termed the failure of the Legislature to get the job done on tax reform during their last session. He repeated this "failure" statement numerous times while he sp0ke of the constitutional amendment. His off the cuff speech discussed of the Florida's ranking of 2nd place in home foreclosures. Mr. Rubio discussed the American dream in his speech but clearly forgot the constitution in this "representative republican" we call America. To his credit, Mr. Rubio did not speak against the amendment on the ballot for January 29th to increase our Homestead Exemption to $50,000. He just stated numerous times that this legislation was a failure of the Legislature.

The observation of this event gave the impression that Marco Rubio is attempting to do an end-run around the Florida Legislature and Governor Charlie Crist. In a "representative republic" the three branches of government are meant protect the peoples interest in a system of check and balances. Clearly, if Mr. Rubio deems himself a failure then he should sharpen his pencil as he returns to the Legislature in 2008 to lower the tax burden on Florida property owners, not grandstand by pushing a constitutional amendment outside the parameters of his job classification as a Florida Representative.

Fiscal fascists...

Jeff Webb's editorial column in yesterday's Hernando Times really hit the nail on the head. If you missed it, he discussed Hernando County employees courting the idea of joining the Teamster's Union. He referred to the anti-tax zealots that have driven the employees to consider unionizing after last summer's contentious budget debate.

In his article, Mr. Webb referred to "the fiscal fascists who vowed to punish county commissioner for their benevolence with their government bashing scheme in next year's election. The county commissioners Mr. Webb referred to were Mr. Stabins, Ms. Rowden and Mr. Kingsley for their affirmative vote to approve county employee salary increases. This public threat to their political future was leveled at the last budget hearing by Blaise Ingoglia of the Government Gone Wild seminars.

To quote Mr. Webb article, he said "Property taxes are too high because the real estate, building and mortgage industries were to busy making money three years ago to worry about not over inflating the housing market". In my opinion, this single statement set the tone for the downfall of the housing market. Speculators fueled an artificial economy and are crying foul for the mess they created in their respective trades and now expect everyone else to pick up the pieces.

Will the county employees vote for the Teamster's Union representation? I hope not but who would blame them after being held up to public ridicule for months being depicted as being lazy, incompetent and overpaid...

So-called analysts...

Yesterday, the Hernando Today ran an article titled, "Selling homes in a down market". In this article, local realtor, Gary Schraut was quoted as saying, "Home prices were artificially driven up by wild speculation and it is unfair to use those years (2003 to 2005) as a yardstick to say the home market is a complete disaster". He also said that "We're seeing a turnaround in the housing market and hopefully we're going to stabilize. I think all the speculators are gone". Local builder, Dudley Hampton was also quoted in the same article saying, Hernando County still boasts the lowest prices (on homes) in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area" and he believes that much of the negativity comes from so-called analysts who continue to preach grim housing news.

Gary Schraut and Dudley Hampton need to be commended for having a positive outlook for the local housing market. Their professional outlook of our local economy was refreshing to read in yesterday's paper. Both of these individuals operate well-established businesses in our county and their market research gave the public a clear insight on state of our current economy. In short, their positive attitude is a direct reflection of the majority of the business owners who strive to successful in our community.

Holiday spirit

Last Saturday's Christmas edition of Bandshell Bash was a tremendous success for the community. The Bandshell Committee had teamed up with Hernando Hospice this year to present some outstanding talent for our local community. The Hernando Youth Symphony opened the festivities by playing some old time Christmas classics. The Bandshell committee invitations to the local choir groups, the church bell ringers, the harpist and soloist proved to be a success for this holiday extravaganza.

Hernando County Commissioner Rose Rocco was on hand to personally hit the switch to light the Hernando Hospice memory tree on display next door to the Chamber office on Fort Dade. The holiday crowd that had assembled thoroughly enjoyed ringing in the holiday spirit with this month's bash. In case you missed the fun and festivities at the park, it will be broadcast over the government access channel on Brighthouse network for your home viewing, holiday entertainment.

Decade's long debacle

The Brooksville Housing Authority is in limbo now that Mayor Pugh has forced the majority of their board to submit resignations against their will with his flimsy charges of being inefficient in their board duties. The Brooksville Housing Authority Board is suppose to have seven full time members from the community but only has three left standing which does not constitute a quorum to conduct the BHA business. It will be interesting to see how long it takes with this now, dysfunctional board before the business at the Brooksville Housing Authority comes to a screeching halt.

With these forced resignations, David Pugh, Jr. has envisioned a group of business leaders temporarily taking the rein of the Brooksville Housing Authority Board to determine if the Hernando County Housing Authority should assume responsibility for this decade's long debacle. Beyond the clear intent for the Brooksville City Council to micro-manage the BHA with this latest action, it appears that no one has logically evaluated who makes the final decision in reference to the Hernando County Housing Authority assuming responsibility for the Brooksville Housing Authority.

Any changes to the structure of the Brooksville Housing Authority must first pass the approval of HUD officials. The Brooksville City Council has absolutely no authority to mandate changes in Brooksville's Housing Authority oversight, and neither does the Hernando County Commissioners. The Hernando County Housing Authority Commissioners, who serve by the appointment of the governor of Florida, have the final oversight in any final decision of assuming the Brooksville Housing Authority.

Former BHA member

Below is the full text of the letter of resignation submitted last week byJeanette Soto, former Brooksville Housing Authority Board member.

December 7,2007

Mayor David Pugh,

This letter will serve as my resignation from the board, effective immediately. Though I have always wished to support you, and your directive for the Brooksville Housing Authority Board, I was extremely reluctant to submit my resignation after reading your comment in the newspaper November 29, 2007 that “charges might be forth coming”, especially after you had told me numerous times I had done nothing wrong nor had I caused any trouble on my short 3-month (four meeting) tenure. I couldn’t possibly imagine any charges directed only at me, since I was only one member of a seven member board. I felt your subsequent comments in the newspaper December 4th regarding my integrity were even more damaging to my reputation.

In spite of the very heavy baggage brought forth from the past, (long before any of the current board members took office), there are good things happening in the community.
It was a pleasure to voluntarily work with all members of the BHA Board, the Executive Director and especially to have been given the privilege and opportunity to meet many of the residents of the housing’s community.

I thank you and the City Council for giving me the opportunity to volunteer and serve the City of Brooksville. I remain,

Sincerely,
Jeanette Soto

Sweet Treats...

The caption in this morning's Hernando Times article read, "Purchasing goodies is not in the new police chief's job description". For those of you that did not read this article, it related to candy needed for the city council members to throw to the children in this morning's Christmas Parade. Since the city council has been pushing this new public-private partnership, what was wrong with them opening up their pocketbooks to buy several bags of candy for the children instead putting their hands out to private business? This "candy" is used by the city council as a way to ingratiate themselves with the public, so you would think they would have loaded up on these sweet treats.

The new police chief for the city of Brooksville stated in this article that his responsibilities were to provide security, drive the mayor in the lead car and keep the parade moving at an acceptable pace and not provide candy for the children like the previous chief, Ed Tincher. Turner was also adamant that he would not wear a Santa suit in the parade. Since he didn't wear the Santa suit and pooh-poohed the duty of buying candy for the children, did anyone notice if he dressed for the occasion by putting on an Ebenezer Scrooge outfit?

Two wrongs...

At Monday night's Brooksville City Council meeting, local resident Richard Howell protested the re-election of David Pugh, Jr. as mayor for a second term. Mr. Howell stated at the podium that past protocol dictated the vice chair be chosen for the position. Mr. Howell was correct in his past interpretation of procedures to choose the mayor of the city of Brooksville even though he was countered by Mr. Pugh, who pointed out that he, himself, had served as vice mayor for two consecutive terms.

To refresh every one's memory, Joe Johnston was chosen for a second year in 2005 to serve as mayor even though it was clearly David Pugh's turn in this position as leader. The reasons given then were basically the same which was council preferred to have Mr. Johnson continue in this position. The only thing different was it was a 5-0 open vote to retain Mr. Johnston, unlike the 3-2 paper ballot on Monday night. During the 2005 city council vote to retain him, it was clearly implied that Mr. Johnston's experience outweighed protocol to elect David Pugh, Jr. who had been seen by a majority of his fellow council members as immature, and too inexperienced to hold this ceremonial position.

David Pugh, Jr. should have been more gracious on Monday night to decline the endorsement by Mr. Bernardini. Two wrongs just don't make a right...

Blind-sided

What ever you call it, term or turn, Brooksville's Vice Mayor got overlooked last night at the city council meeting. Councilman Richard Lewis nominated Frankie Burnett for the position of Mayor. Joe Bernardini then indicated he wanted to retain David Pugh as mayor. Instead of voting on Frankie Burnett's nomination first, as directed by Robert's Rule of Procedural Order, the city council voted 3-2 with Mr. Bernardini's suggestion of retaining Mr. Pugh for another year. Council members Bradburn, Pugh and Bernadini voted in favor while Mr. Burnett and Mr. Lewis voted nay.

Even though the position of mayor in the city of Brooksville is largely ceremonial in nature, it is seen as a privilege to serve the community in the highest capacity of an elected official. Frankie Burnett deserved the opportunity to serve the city as mayor this year and was blind-sided by these three council members...

BHA

I have included two letters (below) that I received concerning news that David Pugh, Jr. has once again requested four Brooksville Housing Board members submit resignations by noon today. Mayor Pugh's letter to Brooksville Housing Board member, Jeanette Soto, did not indicate that she had violated any rules or procedures, only that he wanted a more "cohesive board". Has the Brooksville Housing Authority had their controversy over the last 18 months? Yes, they have, but some of the blame lies at the doorstep of the Brooksville City Council for not asserting their authority during the indictments and convictions of two previous employees of the Brooksville Housing Authority.

Mr. Pugh was quoted in the Hernando Times last Friday as saying, "I really think a new group of board members can go in, review day-to-day operations and report back." Report back to him? Wasn't the mayor paying attention to the letter from HUD that clearly stated Brooksville Housing Authority members cannot interfere with day-to-day operations which are not the duties of the Brooksville Housing Authority board members. HUD clearly stated that Brooksville Housing Board members cannot interfere with day-to-day operations to micromanage the housing authority. Their main concern is the oversight of their executive director, Mr. Ronnie McLean. If the Brooksville City council wanted a more cohesive board then they should have immediately appointed a seventh member after the resignation of previous board member. This appointment of a seventh member would have aided in the democratic process of the BHA board meetings to prevent tie votes and assist in "more cohesive meetings".

This letter is from Mayor David Pugh to Mrs. Jeanette Soto, Brooksville Housing Authority member:

Dear Mrs.Soto:

The City of Brooksville acknowledges that public service is the foundation and backbone of our community. Furthermore, the City commends your efforts in attempting to make Brooksville a better place to live.

As you are aware, the Brooksville Housing Authority (BHA) has been mired in controversy for several months. I attempted to remedy the problem the BHA has been experiencing through the appointment of new members. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the current composition of the BHA has been effective in administering its duties.

I have spent many hours contemplating how this matter should be addressed, and it is with a heavy heart that I must respectfully request that you resign from your position on the Brooksville Housing Authority, as I believe that new members must be appointed to ensure the cohesive operation of the BHA.

I have enclosed a Letter of Resignation. Please sign the Letter of Resignation where indicated, and return it to the City Manager no later than 12:00 PM., Monday, December 3, 2007.

It is my sincere hope that you will consider this action as an attempt by the City to avoid further distractions, and not as a reflection on you personally.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

David Pugh, Mayor

This letter is from Jeanette Soto to the Brooksville City Council:



December 1, 2007

Honorable Mayor, David Pugh, and City Council Members
201 Howell Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34601

RE: Brooksville Housing Authority Board

Dear Mayor Pugh and City Council Members:

This letter is to request a formal hearing before the entire City Council regarding the Mayor’s request for my resignation as a member on the Brooksville Housing Authority Board.

The Mayor called me Thursday afternoon, November 29, 2007 to advise me that he was sending me a voluntary letter of resignation from the BHA Board for my signature. He assured me numerous times during the call that, “I had done nothing wrong, nor had I caused any trouble.” After receiving this letter and carefully considering the Mayor’s request, I have decided that I will not resign from the Board. Having done nothing wrong, there is no reason for me to resign. I intend to complete the term of office to which I was appointed and to continue to serve the residents of the Community.

It is not clear to me whether the Mayor was acting alone or with the support of the City Council. Accordingly, if the City Council desires my resignation, I request the opportunity to address the Council in a formal hearing.

Please inform me of a date and time for a hearing to fully discuss this matter.

Sincerely,



Jeanette R. Soto, Commissioner
Brooksville Housing Authority Board


Cc: Jennene Norman-Vacha, City Manager
John G. Niesz, Director, HUD Office of Public Housing
Hernando Times
Hernando Today

State froze investment account

This morning the Sun-Sentinel ran an article about the State Board of Administration (SBA) headed up by Governor Charlie Crist, CFO Alex Sink and Bill McCollum, Attorney General. The article described how the SBA froze state investment accounts used by local governments. This action was taken in an effort to halt what one official called "an investment world version of a run on the bank". Nearly half the $27 billion investment fund has been drained over the past two weeks after the state notified local finance directors that some investments were exposed to sub-prime risk. Some of the public revenues were backed by residential mortgages that were downgraded by the credit rating service Standard and Poor's. A "run of the bank' was created with the sub-prime meltdown.

After reading this article, I emailed the Hernando County Budget Director to ask if Hernando County was at risk with their funds. Mr. Zoettlein forwarded an email released from Karen Nicolai's office this afternoon which I have enclosed below:

From: Karen Nicolai

Sent: Fri 11/30/2007 2:34 PM

To: All_Network_Users

Subject: State of Florida Investment Fund

As you may know, the State of Florida manages an investment fund for use by local governments. Recently, there have been articles regarding the stability of that fund. Yesterday, the State froze the fund, preventing local governments from withdrawing money. Local governments that are invested in the fund might experience liquidity problems in meeting payroll and other obligations.

As Chief Financial Officer, my office is on top of this and would like to put any concerns you might have to rest. Our office had an indication of the problem early on and withdrew over $30 million (almost all of the money invested with the fund) at the beginning of November. The County's portfolio of over $200 million is invested in strong conservative investment instruments. Our primary goal is, and always has been, to protect the County's assets.

There has also been concern expressed regarding the possibility that this will affect the County's retirement/pension funds with the State. Although the State considered 'assisting' the investment pool with pension funds during their meeting yesterday, the State's Chief Financial Officer advised against it. If it does however happen in the future, I'm sure they'll put in safeguards to prevent putting pension funds at risk.

In summary, this will not affect Hernando County's ability to meet any financial obligations. Thankfully, the Clerk's Office responded very timely to avoid any negative impact on the County. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you.
Karen Nicolai, Clerk of Circuit Court

Poll

Tampa Bay Business Journal has been conducting poll asking which Presidential candidate would be best for business. Even though this is an unscientific poll, the results so far are an interesting insight on the thoughts of the local business community. Here is the poll:

Which presidential candidate is best for business?

Rudy Guiliani
25%

Hillary Clinton
16%

John McCain
3%

John Edwards
4%

Mitt Romney
20%

Barak Obama
8%

Fred Thompson
8%

Bill Richardson
2%

Dennis Kucinich
1%

Mike Huckabee
6%

Other
8%

Soul searching...

After the newest revelation about the unpaid traffic violation of Mr. Ronnie McLean, it is apparent the Hernando Times editorial was correct in their evaluation of the Brooksville Housing Authority's Executive director. Mr. McLean's continued procrastination only gives rise to his critics and adds fuel to the fire that his presence is detrimental to the future direction of the Brooksville Housing Board. Honesty is the key role in gaining public trust for any civil servant and it appears that Mr. McLean thinks rules do not apply to him. The Brooksville Housing Authority needs to do some soul searching of their own by stepping up to plate to do what is right for the residents under their care...

Informed consumer...

Yesterday, an article appeared in the Hernando Times about Blaise Ingoglia's affordable housing initiative. He is promoting this plan to assists teachers and local law enforcement qualify for home ownership. A similar article about Mr. Ingoglia's plan ran in the Hernando Today several weeks ago.

In the Hernando Times article, Stan Fitterman, a senior technical advisor for the Florida Housing Coalition pointed out some of the risks associated with Mr. Ingoglia's initiative. He pointed out that the potential homeowner should understand the risk of facing a balloon at the end of the ten year term and have alternate ways to refinance this debt. Mr. Fitterman pointed out that homeowners sometimes become mired in debt and may find it difficult to repay the balloon note suggested in Mr. Ingogolia's intitiative.

The wide media blitz of Blaise Ingoglia's "affordable housing" initiative has not included pertinent public record data for Hartland Homes. The informed consumer needs to look no further than the Hernando County website to review the land holdings of Hartland Homes. As of yesterday, the Hernando County Property Appraiser listed Mr. Ingoglia's company owning 17 properties. The property appraiser listed Hartland Homes as being delinquent for the 2005 and 2006 tax years in the amount of $11,198.14. By adding the current 2007 tax bill of $17,280.63 for Hartland Homes to their prior year(s) delinquent taxes the amount is $28,524.10. Hartland Homes is also listed as being delinquent on the Citrus County Property Appraiser's website for 2005 and 2006 in the amount of $5,857.59, in addition to their current 2007 tax bill of $11,576.47. The combined total of Ad Valorem taxes dues on the Hartland Homes properties for Citrus and Hernando Counties is $45,687.00.

It will be interesting to hear if Mr. Ingoglia's company plans to absorb the delinquent taxes due on his properties in his proposed affordable housing initiative or if this will become a cost the consumer will be expected to absorb in their mortgage.

.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HUD letter

Yesterday, I read the editorial page of the Hernando Times in reference to the Brooksville Housing Authority. Apparently their editorial staff of the Times was not privy to a letter, dated November 13, 2007, from John Niesz, director of Office of Public Housing, Jacksonville Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The content of that editorial may have been different had they been informed on the latest developments with the Brooksville Housing Authority. This letter was sent to all five members of the Brooksville Housing Authority, Mayor David Pugh and the Executive Director, Ronnie McLean by certified mail.

The subject line of Mr. Niesz's letter referred to the inappropriate actions by some members of the Brooksville Housing Authority Board and underscored the importance of providing the necessary training of all board members. This letter specifically referred to emails and demands by board members, Earl Watkins and Paul Douglas, that exceeded the purview of their role as commissioners on the Brooksville Housing Board. This letter clearly defines the role of the Brooksville Housing Authority Commissioner and strongly suggests board training to properly inform the Brooksville Housing Commissioners on their duties and responsibilities as board members.

It appears that the majority of the Brooksville Housing Authority Board has been acting in good faith in spite of the micro-managing by Mr. Watkins and Mr. Douglas. Hopefully, the media will read up on this latest development for the Jacksonville office of HUD before making any further recommendations about the demise of "entire" Brooksville Housing Authority Board.

Real challenge

In the last several months, the number of my posts has been sparse, and written intermittently, due to the constraints on my time. In addition to working full time, serving on Hernando County Planning & Zoning Board and the Hernando County Housing Authority, plus the Oak Hill Community Advisory Committee, I'm attending Pasco Hernando Community College. Currently, I'm enrolled in 6 credit hours of classes consisting of College Algebra and International Business. As you can see, my time comes at a premium while I squeeze in all my extra curricular activities. I must say though, the Algebra homework has been a real challenge for this old girl!

Semester exams are coming up in several weeks and then it will be sprint for me to the finish line in the spring. I have already enrolled in my final 6 credit hours in order to graduate from PHCC, with honors, in the spring of 2008. Gee, I wonder if I will be PHCC's oldest graduate?

Great photos

Mark Rials of the Hernando Sportsman's Club took some great photos of this year's Veterans Appreciation Parade. If you want to check them out, here is the link: http://www.hernandosportsmansclub.com:80/images/Military%20Museum/Veterans%202007/index.html

Piece of history...

At 11:15 a.m. in the atrium of the government building, the World War II museum piece from Tallahassee was unveiled for the public with an official ribbon cutting arranged by Sue Rupe, Tourist Development Director for Hernando County. The Springstead JROTC kicked off the event with the presentation of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by County Commission Chairman Jeff Stabins. After Mr. Stabins gave a brief speech, Commissioners Kingsley and Rocco greeted the crowd.

Commissioner Kingsley, and Pat Crowley from the Chamber of Commerce, then began the official ribbon cutting ceremony. I was honored to be asked to participate by Commissioner Kingsley, along with a veteran of the Women's Army Corp of WWII, and Commissioners Stabins, Rocco and Kingsley.

Sue Rupe needs to be commended for all her efforts to have this traveling museum on site for the Veterans Day weekend celebration. Anyone wishing to view this piece can visit the atrium of the government building over the next 60 days since it is on loan to our county from Florida Museum in Tallahassee. Thanks Sue, from all the veterans in the audience who wiped tears from their eyes this morning at the unveiling of this magnificent piece of history.

Spectacular success

The 2007 Veterans Appreciation Parade was a spectacular success this morning! Our parade to honor veterans has come a long way, baby, and we hit the big time this morning in downtown Brooksville. A special thanks needs to go out to the Hernando County Fine Arts Council for taking the parade under their wing this year.

A special mention needs to be made of the individuals that opened up the wallets and their hearts to pool money for the insurance coverage of this parade. In order of donations that rolled in for the parade were from Jim King, Wayne Dukes, Jennene Norman-Vacha, Tony and Anna Liisa Covell, and Henry and Janet Searcy.

My hats off to the city manager, Jennene Norman-Vacha for lending her support to make this parade a success. Sgt. Maeder from the Brooksville Police Department did an outstanding job with our new, and improved, parade route that went as smooth as silk this year. I was excited to see everyone again this year along with some new faces to make this the biggest and best parade to date.

One lady this morning made all this parade preparation worthwhile for me. She asked if she could walk in the parade with the folded American flag from the recent internment of her husband in the National Cemetery of Bushnell. She was worried whether she would fit into our celebration of veterans. I asked Commissioner David Russell to take her under his wing as they walked the parade. He quickly obliged and walked with her though out the route. This is why this parade is so special in my heart. It is all the good people that love our veterans and just want to say thank you.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to those that came to view our parade and to those who came to participate this morning, as listed below:

· Hernando High School Band

· JROTC units from Springstead, Hernando & Central High Schools

· American Legion, Post 99

· Operation Pride

· Hernando Sportsman Club / Military Vehicles

· Hernando County Sheriff's Honor Guard

· Joint Veterans Commission / Florida National Cemetery / Bushnell

· Cub Scout Pack 443

· Young Marines / Marine Corp League 708

· Representatives for Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

husband Harvey & District Director, Shirley Anderson

· Commissioners Stabins, Rocco, Kingsley and Russell

· Judge Stephen Rushing & wife Mia

· "Saluting Military & Veterans Float" /Bay Pines Veteran volunteers

· Members of DAV Tampa

· Ye Mystic Air Krewe / Tampa for Fly-Over

· Jenenne Norman-Vacha (city manager) & veteran husband

· Hernando County Fire Rescue / 3 trucks & honor guard

· Women’s Army Corp / Chapter 97· Moose Lodge

· Moose Lodge

· Daughters of American Revolution

· National Federation of the Blind

· Hernando Guide Dog, Inc. members

· John Druzbick & wife, Debbie

· Spence & Ed McKenzie with military vehicles

· Wayne Dukes & wife, Silvia

· John Nicole, Santa Harley Rider

· Harley Riders from Coney Island weekly bike group

· Bob Haa, WWJB

· Sheriff Richard Nugent

· THE Bus

· Mini-horse with cart / Mr. & Mrs. Lent

· Brooksville City Coucilman Frankie Burnett

·

See You All Next Year!

Dinner to honor employees

Last night, my husband and I attended a dinner to honor employees of the city of Brooksville at the American Legion, Post 99 on Ft Dade. It was a nice event to honor hardworking individuals that work at their city jobs, within various departments. Bubba Perkins, the commander of the American Legion Post put on a roast beef feast and a unique dessert prior to the evening's presentations.

Ed Baker of the American Legion was the master of ceremonies for the presentation of the awards. All city departments were recognized and the department directors gave out the awards. Sgt. Maeder was the proud recipient of the award from the Brooksville Police Department. Pat Jobe had tears in her eyes as Bill Geiger presented her award from the Planning Department. Robert Brown was given the honor by his department director of Public Works, Emory Pierce and Audrey Williamson was the proud winner from the Parks Department.

At the end of the presentations, Ed Baker discussed the veterans parade and asked my husband, Tony, to escort me to the stage. I was humbled by the beautiful plague from the American Legion Post that recognized my dedication to veterans in our community. My husband and the American Legion had kept this secret from me so I was really stunned by the award. After shedding a few tears, I gave Ed a big hug and kiss and thanked everyone for their kind words...

Honor our veterans...

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council, in conjunction with several of their sub-committees, will proudly present an action packed day in downtown Brooksville to honor our veterans on Saturday, November 10, 2007. All the fun begins at 10 a.m. and will last late into the evening. Here is the line-up:

• Veterans Appreciation Parade at 10:00 a.m. (line-up starts in city hall parking lot about 9 a.m.)
• World War II Museum with ribbon cutting at 11:15 a.m. (from Florida Museum of Tallahassee)
• Hernando Youth Symphony Orchestra at noon (in courtyard between the old & new courthouse)
• Bandshell Bash at 4 p.m. with the Cab Callaway Band, Hernando Hi-lites, and Big Z Band/classic car show.

For those of you that want to view the parade, here is the route:

Leave city hall parking lot & go south on Main Street; turn left (east) on Liberty St.; go to Magnolia, turn left (north); proceed on Magnolia through the courthouse parking lot & across Jefferson, continue to Ft. Dade; turn left (west) & return to city hall parking lot.

"See you all tomorrow"

Cartoon

Did anyone you see the cartoon on the editorial pages of the Hernando Today this morning? It was a really cute reminder of the Veterans Appreciation Parade that will take place tomorrow in downtown Brooksville. My thanks go out to the artist!

Ironically...

Does anyone remember the short tenure of former Hernando County administrator, Bonnie Dyga. Ms. Dyga was fired from her position by a majority of three county commissioners during the tumultuous public hearing on fire rates at the Hernando County Fairgrounds. Ms. Dyga was publicly humiliated when Commissioner Kingsley made a motion to fire her immediately from her position. Former Commissioners, Bobbi Mills and Pat Novy voted with Mr. Kinglsey for this immediate termination of Ms. Dyga.

Why is this important almost 9 years after the fact? It is important to note that Ms. Dyga was stopped short of implementing a re-structuring plan of our county government even though she had been hired to think outside the box for her new visioning in Hernando County. Ironically, Ms. Dyga's proposed re-organization of our county government's structure is almost identical to that of out-going county administrator, Gary Kuhl.

The key difference in the Dyga plan versus the Kuhl plan is how the timing of the re-organization would take place within the government structure. The crucial difference was Bonnie Dyga attempted to implement her program immediately but was opposed by the department directors and ultimately fired by the county commissioners after she handed in her resignation. Gary Kuhl's plan proposes a phase-in system to use retirements of these department directors as a way of streamlining our county government.

If only the public had a crystal ball to find out if the current county commissioners will have the intestinal fortitude to take on the task of county government re-organization this time. Does anyone remember the advertising slogan "We will sell no wine before its time?" Well commissioners, it's time...

Florida in WWII

I received this press release from the office of Sue Rupe, Hernando County Tourist Development. The official ribbon cutting for this traveling museum will take place on Saturday, November 10th, right after the Veterans Appreciation Parade, in the atrium of the Hernando County government center.

Susan Rupe, Director of Tourism, and the Hernando County Tourist Development Council, is pleased to sponsor “FLORIDA IN WORLD WAR II”. The traveling exhibit, made available by the Museum of Florida History, presents an overview of this important time in Florida history. Topic areas include the home front, military training in Florida, the German U-boat threat, and Floridians in military service.

There are 19 million war veterans living in the United States today, and every day we lose 1,600 of them. Motivated by the need to collect the stories and experiences of war veterans while they are still among us, the United States Congress created the Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project covers World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars. It includes participants of all those wars, both civilian and military. The Project documents the contributions of civilian volunteers, support staff, war industry workers, and military personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines. As a Partner in the Project, the Museum of Florida History makes this history available to residents and visitors in the State of Florida.

New officers...

Several committees and commissions in Hernando County will have a changing of the guard at their next meeting.

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council will be swearing in their newly elected officers at their December 6, 2007 meeting. The new chairman of the Fine Arts Council is Tony Covell, with Myndee Washington serving as vice chair, Lois Hall as secretary and Sherri Tarrio as treasurer. Jack Welch has taken on the position of public relations director for the arts council.

The Hernando County Housing Authority Commissioners elected new officers at their October 24, 2007. Local Realtor, Beth Garman was elected commission chair, with Anna Liisa Covell serving as vice chair, and Paul Sullivan taking on the position of 2nd vice chairman.

Good luck to everyone in the coming year!

Standing ovation!

After all the accolades for the fun, food and performers at 1st annual Jazz Fest At Weeki Wachees Springs, a special thanks needs to go out to the hardworking volunteers that made this event a tremendous success. A special thanks goes out to Robyn Anderson, mayor of Weeki Wachee. Her generosity and cooperation made this a outstanding event for the entire community.

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council and the Jazz Society worked in junction with each other for over a year to plan this music and food fest that proved to be an amazing success for Hernando County. Eddie Lawrence, the president of the Jazz Society was in charge of arranging all the wonderful musical acts. The committee from the Hernando County Fine Arts Council that organized this event were Patti Cotter, Lois Hal, Linda Anderson, Tony Covell, Mikel Hannigan, Lee Parent, Mary Jane Russell, Sherri Tarrio, Valerie Till, Myndee Washington, Jack Welch and Walter Kujawa.

All of these "behind the curtain" volunteers deserve a standing ovation for their continuing commitment to bring arts and entertainment to our community!

A force to be reckoned with...

I was delighted to read in this morning's paper that Shirley Anderson had informally announced her candidacy for Hernando Supervisor of Election. Even though I have been privy to Shirley's plans for several months, I promised to remain mum until she felt the time was right to file her pre-qualification papers.

I liked Shirley Anderson from the very first time I met her way back in 2000 and I admire her determination to follow through on any assignment she has taken on in the past. Over the last seven years, Shirley has become a seasoned professional in the realm of politics here in Hernando County and is a force to be reckoned with as a candidate for Hernando County Supervisor of Elections. Shirley Anderson's determination and drive would even wear out the Energizer Bunny in a campaign!

Shirley Anderson will officially kick off her campaign on the Hernando County Courthouse Steps (Historical Courthouse entrance) on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. My only disappointment is that I will be unable to attend this momentous occasion because of a previous commitment, so I will just say, "You go girl".

Creative financing...

On Wednesday, the Hernando Today ran an ad on the front page of their paper which was titled "Civic activist eyes county's housing crisis". This ad was to promote an affordable housing initiative developed by Blaise Ingoglia, CEO of Hartland Homes to place people in his homes, without imposing income restrictions. The ad states that people with credit scores as low as 550 are eligible for his program and is designed to cut new homeowners' monthly mortgage payments up to 40 percent. According to this ad, Hartland Homes will build new homes at or below builder's cost, with the balance of the contract being recorded as a second mortgage This second mortgage will not require any payment for 10 years, or until the home is sold, whichever comes first.

This ad had plenty of information on Mr. Ingoglia's initiative but did not list some pertinent information in his sales pitch for the local consumer. Besides being the CEO of Hartland Homes, Mr. Ingoglia is also a corporate officer of a title company and a mortgage company. Arriviste Title Group, Inc. is listed in the Florida Division of Corporations, with Mr. Blaise Ingoglia holding the title of director. He is also listed as a corporate officer of American One Home Loans.

A website for Mr. Ingoglia's program was listed at the end of the ad which included models and general locations around the county where this affordable housing could be located for the consumer. Those needing more detailed information about the land holdings of Hartland Homes can look on the Hernando County Property Appraiser's website.

Commissioner Rocco was quoted in this ad as saying, "In the past, creative financing plans sometimes didn't work out to the best advantage of the potential homeowner which were very wise words indeed, in light of the news from HUD officials today stating they are looking at more than one million foreclosures on home loans across the country. Ms. Rocco has real concerns about how these mortgages would be structured by Mr. Ingoglia and she questioned the protection for the consumer and if there was any back loading that would not be fully understood by the buyer. These concerns of Commissioner Rocco ring true with the news today that Florida ranked among the top states in the nation in terms of foreclosure in the third quarter, after jumping more than 50 percent from the previous quarter.

***All SHIP funding for down payment assistance, referenced in this ad, has already been allocated for this fiscal year.

Farewell reception

This afternoon, I attended the farewell reception for out-going county administrator, Gary Kuhl. This event was held on the 4th floor of the county government center just outside the commissioners offices. The majority of the county department directors were an attendance, as was Commissioners Stabins, Rowden and Rocco. The absence of Commissioners Kingsley and Russell was quite obvious and so was the lack of any presence by the local media although they may have dropped in after I left the reception. Many individuals dropped by to enjoy a piece of cake and visit with Mr. Kuhl. Best wishes go out to Mr. Kuhl as he departs to assume the position of Utility Department Director for Sumter County.

2007 tax bills

The Hernando County Property Appraiser's office is mailing out the 2007 property tax bills today. If you just cannot wait for your mailman to take a peek, you can find them Online at the property appraiser's website located at http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/pa/propertysearch.asp

Eye of Newt

Please have a safe and Happy Halloween. Enjoy~

The Witches Caldron

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog"

"Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing"

"For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and babble"

"Double, double, toil and trouble,

Fire burn, and caldron bubble"

William Shakespeare

People have won

Governor Crist proudly announced the 'people have won' while celebrating the completion of the special session of the Florida Legislature. The Florida Legislature passed a clear, concise ballot question for property tax reduction that will be on the January Presidential Preference Primary.

This referendum will increase the homestead exemptions for all levies except school district levies, provides portability of Save Our Homes benefits, provides a $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property, and provides a 10% cap on non-homestead property. The Florida Legislature's ballot language could be called "an equal opportunity referendum for tax relief" for the citizens of this state. It is great to see that there were no provisions for special interest groups in this ballot language.

The Florida Legislature needs to be commended for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of this state. Hopefully, this referendum will pass with more than a 60% majority in January to provide equal tax relief statewide for Florida's property owners. The successful passing of this referendum would give a tremendous boost to Florida's economy by returning more of the people's money.

Thank you, Rep. Schenck and Senator(s) Fasano, Dockery, and Dean for a job well done!

Property Tax Reform

Property Tax Reform – SJR 2D and SB 4D

Allows portability of accumulated Save Our Homes (SOH) benefits for homeowners who move from one homestead to another.

Homeowners may transfer their SOH benefit to a new homestead anywhere in Florida within 2 years of leaving their former homesteads.

Those who sold their homes in 2007 can transfer their SOH benefit to a new homestead if they establish the new homestead by January 1, 2009.

If “upsizing” to a home of equal or greater just value, the homestead owner can transfer 100% of the SOH benefit to the new homestead, up to a $500,000 transferred benefit.

If “downsizing” to a home with a lower just value, the homestead owner can transfer a SOH benefit that protects the same percentage of value as it did the former homestead, up to a $500,000 benefit.

The transferred SOH benefit will apply to school taxes on the new homestead. Previous versions of SJR 2D exempted school tax levies from the transferred benefit.


Creates an additional homestead exemption worth $25,000, applied to value above $50,000.

This exemption does not apply to school tax levies.


Provides an assessment growth limitation of 10% for all non-homestead properties.

This assessment limitation does not apply to school tax levies.

The assessment limitation will expire in 10 years. At that time, voters will decide whether to reauthorize it.

Residential properties of nine units or less will surrender accumulated protections at change of ownership or control, as defined by general law.

For all other properties (i.e., residential properties of ten or more units and business properties), the Legislature must define by general law how the property will surrender protections when there is a “qualifying improvement” to the property. The Legislature may define by general law how the property will surrender accumulated protections at a change of ownership or control.


Creates a new Tangible Personal Property Exemption of $25,000.

This exemption applies to all tax levies.


Requires an annual appropriation to fiscally constrained counties to offset revenue reductions that result from the constitutional amendment (contained in SB 4D).


Tax reduction over the next four years:

$8.746 billion total

$6.887 billion for non-school levies

$1.859 billion for school levies


Updated as of October 29, 2007–FINAL PASSAGE

Aviation Branch Post Office dedication

This morning, I received this notice from Shirley Anderson, district director for Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite:

Please Join
Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

U.S. Post Office Dedication
In Honor of

SGT. LEA MILLS
July 1, 1984 – April 28, 2006
U.S. Marine Corps
Killed in Action
Al Anbar Province, Iraq

Friday, November 9, 2007
10:00 A.M.

Aviation Branch Post Office
16150 Aviation Loop Drive
Brooksville, Florida 34604

Flag-folding ceremony

In case you have not heard, the National Cemetery Association has made a decision to ban flag-folding recitations by VA employees and volunteers at all 125 national cemeteries all because of one complaint about a ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery in California that included a reference to God.

Lloyd Reese, civil rights attorney and director of the California Defense of Veterans Memorials Project, stated that his group are outraged by this ban. Mr. Reese is also a member of the 16 member detail that has performed more that 1,400 services for those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Mr. Reese was quoted as saying, "We will defy this ban, pure and simple," he states. "If the families ask us to recite the flag-folding ceremony, we will abide by the wishes of the family -- not [by the wishes of] some bureaucrat sitting in an air-conditioned office in Washington, DC, or some lawyer wearing a diaper back there whose main mission in life is to protect his own behind instead of standing up for the American people and saying enough is enough."

Last week, the veterans issue was to remove the photographs of currently serving military personnel from a post office wall and this decision was quickly reversed by the Postmaster General. Hopefully, the National Cemetery Association will immediately reverse this decision as well...

Inner peace...

One word can be used to describe the final column by Robert Nolte in this morning's edition of the Hernando Today and the word is abrasive. Hopefully, Mr. Nolte will find some inner peace and enjoyment in his retirement in Billings, Montana.

Campaign fodder

Commissioner Jeff Stabins was right when he said the request from Commissioner Kingsley to discuss Garth Coller's $3,600 a year gas allowance was a non-story and non-issue. If Mr. Coller had a county vehicle assigned to him it would cost a lot more than $300 month when you factor in the cost of the vehicle, insurance, and the cost of fuel, with related upkeep to maintain the car.

If Commissioner Kingsley felt so strongly about this gas allowance then he should have voted Nay in 2001 when the commissioners voted to include it into Mr. Coller's contract. Mr. Kingsley is now using the excuse that he went along with the majority in 2001 to avoid causing disunity and to make sure the county had an attorney on board. The only logical reason for Mr. Kingsley bringing up this fuel allowance now is because Janey Baldwin has publicly criticized Mr. Coller's employment contract, stating it is "one long perk". Hopefully Mr. Kingsley is not going to use Mr. Coller is a game of gotcha just to eliminate any campaign fodder being stirred up by his former opponent, Ms. Baldwin.

Fantasy

After reading the editorial column in the Hernando Today this morning titled, "Windfall should have gone to taxpayers" I scratched my head wondering if the author even read his piece before the paper went to press. If the author of article had understood basic accounting principals then they would have been able to comprehend the fact that these funds, at an estimated rate, were already included in the final budget reductions by the county commissioners. Instead of congratulating Juanita Sikes, Karen Nicolai and Alvin Mazourek for the prudent use of taxpayer funds to run their offices, this article babbled on stating the county commissioners could have axed more fat from the budget.

A quote from fiction author, David Ebbings really sums up the climate this newspaper has attempted to create in our county over the last several months, and it reads: "If the general opinion is pessimistic, fantasy is going to hold its own".

SBA

Tomorrow, Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite will present an amendment to H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act. This amendment will work to ensure that only qualified applicants will be eligible to receive Small Business Administration loans. The amendment is designed to have ICE work with the SBA so only those individuals who are lawfully in the United States will receive loan and grants.

Congresswoman Brown-Waite stated, “America is the land of opportunity and small business owners make up the backbone of our economy,” said Rep. Brown-Waite. “However, Congress cannot continue to encourage and foster small businesses in our nation if we do not first take care of American citizens and those who are here legally. My simple amendment will ensure that Small Business loans and grants are going to those who followed the immigration rules we have in place.”

Dedication to veterans

Please make sure you mark November 10th & 11th on your calendar for some major events taking place in downtown Brooksville to thank our local veterans.

On Saturday, November 10th, the Veterans Appreciation Parade will kick off the weekend with a 10 a.m. start time for the parade which will be followed by a concert on the court house steps by the Hernando County Youth Sympathy Orchestra. A traveling 100' WWII exhibit from the Florida Museum of Tallahassee will be on display in the atrium of the county building from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Bandshell Bash will present Cab Calloway as their feature act at 4 p.m. Cab Calloway is the grandson of the late, great Calloway of the 1940's Swing Era music. A classic car show will also take place next to the band shell along and several food vendors for the crowd.

On Sunday, November 11th the Joint Veterans Commission will be conducting a ceremony to veterans at 11 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In the afternoon, the non-profit group, Love Your Neighbor, Inc. is hosting a turkey dinner for homeless veterans at the American Legion, Post 99 on Ft. Dade Avenue in Brooksville.

Here's a preview of the line-up of the Veterans Appreciation Parade, to date.

· Hernando High School Band
· JROTC units from Springstead, Hernando & Central High Schools
· American Legion, Post 99
· Operation Pride
· Hernando Sportsman Club / Military Vehicles
· Hernando County Sheriff's Honor Guard
· Joint Veterans Commission / Florida National Cemetery / Bushnell
· Knights of Columbus
· Cub Scout Pack 443
· Young Marines / Marine Corp League 708
· Representative for Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite
· Rep. Robert Schenck
· Commissioner Stabins
· Commissioner Rocco
· Judge Stephen Rushing & wife Mia
· Weekee Wachee Mermaids
· Home Schoolers
· "Saluting Military & Veterans Float" /Bay Pines Veteran volunteers
· Horse Riders
· Members of DAV Tampa-
· Ye Mystic Air Krewe / Tampa
· Jenenne Norman-Vacha (city manager) & veteran husband
· Hernando County Fire Rescue
· Women’s Army Corp / Chapter 97
· Moose Lodge

**Hernando County Fine Arts Council is the proud sponsor of the Veterans Appreciation Parade, the Hernando County Youth Sympathy Orchestra event and the Bandshell Bash.

Aesop's Fable

This morning, the local newspaper reported that Jon "Jaz" Zydenbos, a republican from Weekee Wachee had thrown his hat into the ring to run against Jeff Stabins for the district 1 , county commission seat for the 2008. Is anyone wondering who Mr. Zydenbos is and why he has this quest to be our next county commissioner for district 1? Some may recall his recent letter to the editor of the Hernando Today which was published on September 27, 2007 which may give some insight on his aspiration for public office. In this letter, Mr. Zybenbos blames the county government for down turn in our economy, citing their inability to lower Ad Valorem during the building boom over the past few years.

Here are several quotes directly from Mr. Zybenbos' September 27th letter: Between 2003 through 2005, home prices virtually doubled and so did our new home owner's taxes. County commissioners just looked the other way and allowed county departments to pick the new homeowners' pockets clean every way possible. The commissioners cannot accept responsibility that they killed our economy. They ignore that Realtors, builders and their end customers have been crushed due to overspending and high taxes. Every business in this county is suffering because the housing industry has died. Depressed home sales is a statewide phenomenon and somewhat of a national problem. But it does go back to the function of all politicians to spend tax money as soon as possible during windfalls, such as our value spike from the past few years.

Did Hernando County government spend way to much during the building boom? The answer is yes they did but local government is not the entire culprit relating to the down turn in our economy. Personal responsibility should have been a large portion of Mr. Zydendos' equation when he described the slow down in home sales and building trades.

Mr. Zydenbos' letter completely ignored the fact that Ad Valorem rose dramatically on homes sales, due in part, to the hyper-inflated prices imposed by realtors, mortgage brokers and house flippers. No one questioned the motives of these realtors, home builders and mortgage brokers during their peak sales period of 2002 to 2005 in our supply and demand based economy. Has the unemployment rate gone up in the housing industry? The answer is yes it has but this is a natural trend in business flow from the housing market finally reaching its peak. All business should be prepared for changes in the economy, in the good times and the bad times. Yes, the government plays a part in the economy but not to the extent that Mr. Zydendos would have everyone believe in Hernando County. His opinion is such that the government destroyed the entire economy alleviating himself from any personal responsibility in that equation. Aesop's Fable, the "Grasshopper and the Ant" would best describe some of the realtors, builders and mortgage brokers in our community during the building boom. Maybe they should have saved for that rainy day when they were at the top of their bubble.

One last point in Mr. Zydenbos mentioned in his letter was the high rate of foreclosures. Is this an unfortunate situation for any homeowner? Yes, it is but this too falls under the category of personal responsibility to manage your finances. Were some first time homeowners duped by unscrupulous realtors, builders and mortgage brokers? The answer is yes but the entire blame still cannot be laid at the door of these businesses. In 2002, the Florida Legislature mandated that the "Truth in Lending" statement every home buyer signs at closing include the projected Ad Valorem taxes on their new property. The government listened to the people to include this legislation to protect home buyers from the sticker shock of a high Ad Valorem rate after their purchase. The local government also passed the largest reduction in Ad Valorem taxes in Hernando County. Now it is time for these realtors, builders and mortgage brokers to step up to the plate by accepting some personal responsibility for the situation they are in today.

The real truth about SCHIP

This morning, I received this important email from Ginny Brown-Waite's Washington office. This information was provided by Charlie Keller, Communications Director for our Congresswoman.

Please see the attached Letter to the Editor of the Palm Beach Post about the SCHIP re authorization legislation currently being debated in Congress. This letter, signed by Florida Representatives Ginny Brown-Waite, Tom Feeney and Jeff Miller, is in direct response to the inaccurate editorial that appeared in today’s Palm Beach Post.

For background, please see the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office report detailing the costs to American taxpayers for allowing illegal immigrants access to SCHIP benefits intended for low-income children. If you look at page 2 of the CBO report, line 211 is the $3.7 billion for illegal immigrants that come from federal funds. In order for states to implement the SCHIP programs, however, they are required to put up front state matching money to receive the federal funds. So if you do the math, you come up with a required $2.8 billion state amount that goes to illegal immigrants. That totals $6.5 billion for illegal immigrants, funds that come at the expense of low-income American children. The Social Security Administration has also sent a letter to Ways and Means Ranking Member Jim McCrery explaining that Social Security numbers are not adequate to verify the citizenship status of SCHIP applicants.

Vocational needs

Yesterday, the Hernando County School Board took a bold step at their workshop to discuss vocational needs that appear to be inadequate in our county. After listening to the presentation by the superintendent, Wayne Alexander and several businessman from the community, the School Board agreed to reconvene at a later date to choose a task force board of local community members and local business to plan future vocational programs for Hernando County.

My husband, Tony attended this workshop and was impressed by the change of heart of this school board has concerning the need for additional vocational programs in our county. He spoke highly of school superintendent, Wayne Alexander's presentation to increase the vocational programs into our local school system.

Nature Coast High School principal, Tizzy Schoelles stated that trades like heating and air conditioning and electrical were not considered high-skilled, high-wage jobs from the state's priority list. While I don't dispute the information she obtained from the state, I do question the state's data. The state of Florida needs to take a serious look at updating their data about current trends in building and trade services to understand that our industry cannot employ under educated individuals and survive as a viable business. For example, contractors in the electrical trade are faced daily in their business climate with the needs of improved technology to be competitive which requires a high degree of math and computer skills in today's market. The pay scale for construction and trade serves has risen dramatically in the last 10 years, with many of us making in the six figures which sure isn't chump change.

The Hernando County School Board and Mr. Wayne Alexander need to be commended for their forward thinking approach to correct the oversight of the previous school administration that completely overlooked the need for vocational programs in our community.

Clear perspective

While I fully respect the informational finding of the Florida Elections Commission relating to the term "issue", I do believe my initial complaint has given the public a clear perspective of the key players in this organization. It has been apparent that this has been political from the beginning, and it will be interesting to see if the chairwoman of the HCREC continues with the movement to oust Commissioner Jeff Stabins, an incumbent republican, and candidate for re-election.

Saddened to read...

I was saddened to read about the passing of Grace Tadlock in yesterday's St. Petersburg Times. Grace touched many people and she will be missed in Hernando County. My prayers are with her family at this most difficult time.

A hoot!

Did everyone see the editorial cartoon in this morning's Hernando Today? I'm glad to see the staff of the paper has finally lightened up a little from their usual gloom and doom reporting with a little levity. Even though the cartoonist incorrectly spelled my name, it was still a hoot!

Family friendly fun...

Put on your dancing shoes and come on out for this Saturday's Bandshell Bash in downtown Brooksville. The fun starts at 4 p.m at the Bandshell on Ft. Dade by the post office. 'In 2 Rhythm' and 'The Soulman' will perform as warm-up acts for the headliner group called 'Mighty Tight Whities'. Bring your lawn chairs and come early to get a good seat on the lawn to hear these spectacular acts the Bandshell Bash committee has booked for your entertainment. This Bandshell Bash event is always family friendly and free to the public.

Primary concerns...

In spite of the predictions of unruly behavior, the Brooksville Housing Authority's meeting this week was very productive and positive from a community stand point. The Auditor and Financial Representative praised Mr. Ronnie McLean for his efforts to turn the Brooksville Housing Authority around after the last two years of turmoil under the previous director. The Auditor expressed appreciation to Mr. McLean for his efforts to clear up previous discrepancies left by the past administration. The audit period discussed at the meeting was from December 2005 to December 2006. A frank discussion with the auditor took place on the Mr. McLean's efforts to locate some missing documents and checks from January 2007 to May 2007.

Some rancor was still present from one board member, with Mr. Douglas' motion to set a termination hearing for Mr. McLean but this motion failed after a vote by the board. The Brooksville Housing Board then decided to set up a personnel board for any future employment disputes on advice from their lawyer. Jeanette Soto, who nominated as the chair of this committee, will be responsible for the orderly review of all employment disputes of the Brooksville Housing Board in the future.

After years of neglect, it looks like the new project manager, Jay Rowden has taken the bull by the horns to help the residents of this overlooked housing authority. Mr. Rowden gave a presentation at last night's meeting on his recent work throughout the housing board properties over the last month. The project manager who showed the Brooksville Housing Authority a bucket full of clay/calcium/lime build-up he had taken from one water heater that had been neglected many years as an example of the problems these residents face on a daily basis. A PowerPoint presentation was then given on the foundation which is cracking on some of the housing units and suggestions for remedial actions were given to the board.

The final order of business for the Brooksville Housing Authority was to officially change the monthly meeting day to the second Tuesday of the month since their original date conflicted with holiday schedules on Monday. It is really a good to see that the majority of these new members of the Brooksville Housing Authority are focused on their primary concern of providing affordable, safe housing to the resident of Brooksville.

106.011

The 2007 Florida Statutes
ELECTORS AND ELECTIONS
CAMPAIGN FINANCING

106.011 Definitions.--As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1)(a) "Political committee" means:
1. A combination of two or more individuals, or a person other than an individual, that, in an aggregate amount in excess of $500 during a single calendar year:
a. Accepts contributions for the purpose of making contributions to any candidate, political committee, committee of continuous existence, or political party;
b. Accepts contributions for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or the passage or defeat of an issue;
c. Makes expenditures that expressly advocate the election or defeat of a candidate or the passage or defeat of an issue; or
d. Makes contributions to a common fund, other than a joint checking account between spouses, from which contributions are made to any candidate, political committee, committee of continuous existence, or political party;

Veterans Parade

The Hernando County Fine Arts Council proudly presents


2007 Veterans Appreciation Parade

Saturday
November 10, 2007
at 10 a.m.

Bring your flags, your children & your neighbors
to show support for our men & women of our military, past & present.

Participation in this patriotic event will proudly salute our local
Veterans for their valiant service to our Nation!

Everyone is encouraged to walk with our veterans to express thanks for their
heroic deeds. Please take a few minutes out of your day to express your
patriotism during this very crucial time in our country's history.

Parade line-up starts at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind
Brooksville City Hall, located at 201 Howell Avenue in downtown Brooksville.
(plenty of parking available in adjacent lot on Orange Avenue)

"God Bless America"

Please contact Anna Liisa Covell / Parade Coordinator

(although registration is not required to participate, your RSVP would be appreciated)

The groups that have confirmed participation so far for this year's parade are the Hernando High School Band, the JROTC units from Central, Springstead and Hernando High, Operation Pride with Pete & Commission Rose Rocco, Cub Scout Pack 443, American Legion/Post 99, Hernando Sportsman Club's restored military vehicles, and Commissioner Jeff Stabins, Judge Stephen Rushing and his wife Mia.