Happy Halloween!

..

2008 Veterans
Appreciation Parade

Saturday, November 8, 2008 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 at (352)544-0680
(Although registration is not required to participate, your RSVP would be appreciated)

Proudly presented by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council

Quote

I received this very thought-provoking, anonymous quote by email this morning:

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.'

Executive order

ATTENTION:
Governor Crist has issued an executive order (number 08-217) extending early voting hours.


NEW HOURS FOR HERNANDO COUNTY:
Tuesday, October 28th - open til 7pm
Wednesday, October 29th - 7am - 7pm
Thursday, October 30th - 7am - 7pm
Friday, October 31st - 7am - 7pm
Saturday, November 1st - 7am -7pm
Sunday, November 2nd - CLOSED (Early voting hours on the weekend may vary by county)


Government Center
BROOKSVILLE OFFICE
20 N. Main St., Rm. 165
Brooksville, FL 34601

Government Center
SPRING HILL OFFICE
7443 Forest Oaks Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34606

55 pets

This morning in the Hernando Times, the article titled "Trying to hatch out a solution" should have been named "How to completely bypass zoning regulations." After reading this article, it became very apparent that Leon Atkinson did not follow proper procedure in his request to keep 55 chickens on his residential property in Istachatta.

After complaints were made by the neighbors, Mr. Atkinson was responsible for filing for a Special Exception Use permit through the Hernando County Planning Department. Instead, he took his case directly to the Hernando County Board of Commissioners to ask their special permission to keep his wife's "55 pets" on his residential property.

The county commissioners not only allowed him to violate zoning regulations with their special permission, they also allowed Mr. Atkinson to bypass the procedure to file for this request, as specified by county ordinance.

This special allowance (by county commissioners) to keep 55 chickens on residential property violated the very nature of quasi-judicial public hearings that are required for this type of exemption. Mr. Atkinson should have been required to file the necessary documents, with the planning department, for a Special Exemption Use permit. This filing enable the public notification of everyone in 250 feet of the property. It also requires that this be reviewed by the appropriate county departments. The most important thing that this filing insures is a public hearing that has been properly advertised in the local newspaper. There is a $300.00 filing fee for this type of exemption which Mr. Atkinson also appears to have bypassed with his direct request to the commissions.

Although Mr. Atkinson was able to convince the commissioners to approve his request to keep 55 chickens on his property with his "Aw Shucks" routine, it doesn't answer a few obvious questions. Questions like, why was he given a free pass on the regulatory process when everyone else in the county is expected to comply with ordinances? Why was he allowed to bypass the required public hearing to address the necessary health concerns of the neighbors? Why did the commissioners approve a direct violation of their own ordinances?

One last thought on the "55 pet chickens" on residential property. Put into perspective, if this had been 55 dogs, 55 cats, 55 guinea pigs, or 55 birds on this property, the health department and county code enforcement would have been investigating the environmental concerns of this property, so why didn't this set off alarm bells with the county commissioners?

Anderson-Candidate for SOE

Below is Shirley Anderson's response to the Hernando Times:

Shirley Anderson
Republican Candidate for Supervisor of Elections

Needless to say Hernando County was stunned by the endorsement of politics as usual in the Supervisor of Elections Office. From what your paper has written about the current supervisor most people clearly expected a different endorsement. In an editorial earlier this year this paper wrote: “Unaware or unconcerned. There is no other way to accurately characterize Supervisor of Elections Annie Williams mailing out almost 432 incorrect absentee ballots, and then her blasé reaction to an entirely avoidable error.”

This was not the first, second or third mistake by the current Supervisor. Supervisors in neighboring counties have been mailing under the not for profit permit for years, not blaming the post office for their waste. The current supervisor admits to using 2003 maps, but blames the Planning Department for not updating her. During the 2006 election dispute between Rose Rocco and Nancy Robinson, the current supervisor said she, “doesn’t police the ballot.” One wonders what does she do?

Shirley Anderson is running so that voters have a real choice in this election. Shirley Anderson wants to restore faith and trust into our elections office. In these tough economic times we need someone that will be responsible with our tax dollars. Shirley believes that voters deserve better and are worthy of a ballot without mistakes. Shirley Anderson will not make excuses or blame others for the conduct of her office.

We all know if you keep endorsing the same candidate you can expect more of the same flawed elections – with more mistakes, more errors and more excuses. It is time for change in the Supervisor of Elections office and Shirley Anderson will bring that change.

School Board

This morning I received an email in reference to the upcoming school board election. I found the information interesting since it involves a letter from Jim Malcolm endorsing Gene Magrini.

Brooksville: After 16 years on the Hernando County School Board, retiring member Jim Malcolm has seen a thing or two.To be precise, he said in a letter Tuesday, he's seen four superintendents, one interim superintendent, seven finance directors, six human resource directors, six union presidents, and thirteen fellow board members.

So Malcolm's endorsement of either of the two candidates vying to replace him on the School Board -- James Yant, owner of a local insurance company and former chairman of the Pasco-Hernando Community College board of trustees, and Gene Magrini, former human resources director of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- is of more than passing interest.

His choice? Magrini.

"Both are good men and capable leaders," Malcolm said. "Both men have the best interests of Hernando County's children at heart."

But Magrini's corporate business experience -- and his support of gifted education, charter schools, and other programs Malcolm has championed -- tipped the balance for the former School Board chairman."His ability to work with people and seek compromise is a strength which this School Board sorely needs," Malcolm said. "We need Gene Magrini's budget expertise now more than ever."

Vote early

Vote early and vote often!

This famous slogan is from Chicago. No, it didn't originate with Barrack Obama, and his association with ACORN, even though it was from the same city. This famous slogan was attributed to Al Capone, Richard Daley and William H. Thompson who were notorious for corruption and manipulating the democratic process in Chicago. Come to think of it, maybe this is where the Obama and ACORN got their inspiration.

Anyway, today is the first day of early voting. So go vote, please!

Aging beauty queen

The Government Gone Wild organizer is on his soap box again, hoping we will jump on board his propaganda train. His newest stunt is to target the re-election campaign's of Chris Kinglsey and Diane Rowden. It must be noted that he selectively excluded Jeff Stabins in his latest round of campaign attacks without explanation. Everyone should remember his public pledge to oust all of these three commissioners at last year's budget hearings.

To be fair, I listened to the entire 22-minute video Mr. Ingoglia has posted online. This video spent approximately 19 minutes underscoring Mr. Ingoglia's performance at the 2007 budget hearings. The information in the first 19 minutes of this video was outdated, and did not reflect the current economic climate in the Hernando County. The remaining three minutes in this video, Ingoglia laid out his plan to oust Chris Kingsley and Diane Rowden.

Mr. Ingoglia used a list of critical headlines from local newspapers to attempt to make the point county commissioners had not done their job. An example of these headlines mentioned in his video included items like the previous racial problems within the Hernando County Utility Department, and the dumping of raw sewage by their workers. He placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the county commissioners, even though this is the function of the county administrator. Mr. Ingoglia implied in his video that the county commissioners should have micromanaged the county administrator to solve local problems. Mr. Ingoglia failed to give the county commissioners credit for hiring David Hamilton who has tackled each of the "headline issues" swiftly and in a timely fashion. To be fair, Ingoglia made one fleeting reference to Mr. Hamilton is a positive tone.

Dan DeWitt's column in yesterday's Hernando Times tied up many loose ends for the public about Mr. Ingoglia. Mr. DeWitt said that even though Ingoglia had a valid point about tax reduction in 2007, he barely mentioned the tax reductions of the past two budget cycles and the current economic climate in Hernando County. Mr. DeWitt's most revealing comments included the relationship between Ingoglia, the chairwoman of the Republican Executive Committee Ana Trinque and state Rep. Robert Schenck through the Novo Group. From Mr. DeWitt's perspective, it appears that he believes Ingoglia, Trinque and Schenck are tied at the hip with their real estate ventures.

This ad campaign by Ingoglia is reminiscent of the "aging beauty queen syndrome". It seems that Mr. Ingoglia cannot fathom public life going on without him in Hernando County. Like the aging beauty queen, his glory days are long past...

Druzbick's response

Yesterday, John Druzbick emailed me his response to the endorsement of his opponent in the Hernando Times. This pertinent information coincides with the first day of early voting.

I want to thank the St. Pete Times for their recommendation in the Primary. As stated by the Times, Druzbick established a reputation as a good listener, a taskmaster and consensus builder. The most important recommendation comes from you, the Voter! 70% of the residents of Florida passed Amendment 1. That amendment is the reason your property taxes went down. The County Commissioners were then and only then forced to rein in their reckless spending.

Ms. Rowden stated she was against Amendment 1, and voted against a .5 mil reduction in our taxes in 2006, saying it was irresponsible. Do you really think she would have reduced our budget the $37 million that Amendment 1 did? In 7 years, she never voted to reduce expenses, or come up with a plan to reduce costs. It was stated that I have tunnel vision, if so, it is to see that your tax dollars are used correctly. Unemployment is over 9 %, 58 % of people in Hernando qualify for food stamps, and businesses are closing.

I urge you to check the balance in your checking account. Look at your tax bill, and then ask yourself if you can afford another 4 years of the incumbent, or do you want a change. I give you 30 years of successful business, 17 years of community service, 12 years as a successful school board member and proven programs to reduce government cost. Please compare my resume to that of my opponent. Vote for change! Vote for John Druzbick!

Marxist-type windfall

Joe, the Plumber. Bob, the Builder. Anna Liisa, the Electrician. All these small business ventures will fall under the same category in Barrack Obama's wealth redistribution plan. They will all be taxed at a higher rate under the Obama plan. Obama plans to give our money to people in the form of a tax refund. Over 50% of these people do not even pay taxes. These people will reap the benefits of small business in a Marxist-type windfall cooked up by Barrack Obama.

Every small business in this country needs to be very afraid of this convoluted plan of Barrack Obama. Not only will Obama tax many small businesses out of existence, he also plans to force employers to provide health insurance coverage for their employees. Under his plan, employers will be penalized if this coverage is not provided to employees. He also plans to have these policies cover all pre-existing illnesses. These health care costs will force the majority of small business to lay-off employees or close their doors all together.

One more point that should be made about Obama's plan to give 95% of the people a tax cut, with sweat & tears of small business. Obama plans to increase the social security/medicaid deduction on employee's pay checks. Don't forget that employers will also take a hit on this because they have to provide matching funds to the US Treasury.

Obama's elitist plan has failed to understand that Joe, the Plumber and Bob, the Builder do not stash cash under their mattresses. The money that he wants small business to pay at a 39% tax rate is routinely re-invested in additional employees, business equipment and capital projects to keep their business vital to the community. With these Obama proposals, small business will be forced to cut their staff, putting more individuals on the unemployment line.

Here's a suggestion from this small business owner, Mr. Obama. Keep your elitist ideas for your Hollywood crowd. You, Mr. Obama have no idea what the working class in this country need to do to put food on their tables and shoes on their children's feet. Your "wealth redistribution plan" will tax the middle class out of existence...

Dedication this morning!

**Media Advisory**
REP. BROWN-WAITE TO HELP DEDICATE BROOKSVILLE POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF MILITARY HERO CODY C. GRATER

Rep. Brown-Waite Sponsored Federal Law Renaming the Brooksville Post Office in Honor of Army Soldier Killed in Iraq

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) will help dedicate the post office in Brooksville this Friday, October 17, 2008 in honor of Specialist Cody C. Grater. SPC Grater was killed in action while serving in Iraq in July, 2007.

WHAT: Brooksville Post Office renaming ceremony honoring the late Army Specialist Cody C. Grater

WHO: Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite
Timothy Healy – U.S. Postal Service
Robert Carleton – Postmaster, Brooksville Post Office
Anita Lewis – Mother of SPC Grater
Edward Lewis – Uncle of SPC Grater
Sgt. 1st Class Grady Parris – Guest Speaker
Family Clergymen

WHEN: Friday, October 17, 2008
10:00 – 11:00 am

WHERE: Cody Grater Post Office Building
19101 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34601

Voter registration

Yesterday, I was reassured that there is a slight amount of sanity alive and well on the Tampa campus of USF. While turning the corner of the building to my Cultural Anthropology class, I came upon a sidewalk with a campaign message. The sidewalk was decorated with blue and red chalk that said Country, First, McCain / Palin. This campaign message was a breath of fresh air even though this campaign message wasn't suppose to be posted on campus.

From the first day of class in August, students at the St. Pete and Tampa campus' of USF have been overrun with individuals pushing people to register to vote. These individuals have even visited classrooms to promote this registration. Students have been encouraged to register to vote even if they are registered in another state.

Progressive Future is the organization that pushed voter registration on the St. Pete campus. This organization advertised $9.00 hour for career opportunities to register voters (on a printed 1/2 page handouts) across campus. I looked this sight up online. This organization publicly states it is non-profit organization. After digging through their sight though I found an endorsement for Obama. This organization is an offspring of ACORN. In fact, I wonder if this organization is registered with the Florida Department of State as a political action committee since they endorsed Obama on their website.

I called the Republican Party of Florida in Tallahassee three weeks ago to advise them of the campus activity. When the RPOF could not be bothered to return my call, I contacted the McCain Campaign headquarters in Tallahassee. They were very interested in this information, relating to voter registration on the campus' of USF.

Relief soon

Well, it looks like the sign maniacs took their toll on campaign signs over the weekend. These individuals apparently do not know the term "private property" when it comes to dirty politics. I got to work this morning to find about half of the campaign signs at my business ripped out of the ground. Driving up US 41 should have given me some indication of what to expect when getting to work. I noticed numerous campaign signs had disappeared along my route, especially near Mondon Hill road.

One local businessman, Gary Schraut found a unique why to notify campaign committees that his property is not to be used for random sign placement. His property on Mildred Street at the Jefferson and Broad streets' apex have routinely been used for campaign signs, without his consent. The illegal signs on his property now carry a big sticker across the face of the sign, designating it as illegal!

The General Election is just around the corner and all of us will be able to breath a sign of relief soon. Hard fought campaigns are part of our American spirit but everyone needs to be reminded this does not include violating personal property rights.

Reminder

I received this email from a good friend this morning. It is a quick reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness.

JUST A REMINDER.....OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND I WANTED TO JUST REMIND EVERYONE TO DO THEIR SELF BREAST EXAMS.....BREAST CANCER CAN STRIKE ANY AGE AND MALES AND FEMALES ARE AT RISK.....THERE ARE SO MANY NEW TEST OUT THERE THAT MAY HELP US FIND A CURE FOR THIS DEADLY DISEASE.....I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO KNOW MY RISK...I AM SORRY THAT I HAD TO LOSE A SISTER TO FIND OUT, BUT I HAVE TO THANK HER EVERYDAY.....SO TONIGHT WHEN YOU ARE TAKING THAT SHOWER....TAKE 5 MINUTES OUT FOR YOURSELF.....IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE......PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ANYONE THAT YOU THINK NEEDS A REMINDER.....WEAR PINK A LITTLE MORE OFTEN......TIE A PINK RIBBON IN YOUR HAIR....BUY SOME PINK ROSES....TELL YOUR SISTER, MOTHER, AUNT, AND FRIENDS HOW SPECIAL THEY ARE TO YOU......

Meet John

John Druzbick cordially invites

you to attend a free Meet & Greet this Saturday!

EVENT OCTOBER 11TH
QUALITY INN
POOLSIDE~3:00-6:00PM
ACROSS FROM WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS

Guest Appearance:
Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

FREE FOOD~CASH BAR~ENTERTAINMENT

This is your chance to rub elbows with John

& ask all those last minute questions before the General Election!

Happy

On a happy note. A big round of applause goes out to David Bearden. David was nominated the best foster parent in Hernando County last week. David will travel to Orlando in a few weeks with his kids to compete with all the other foster parents for the state title. Congratulations, David!

Party died...

Bye, bye, Miss American Pie, or so says the old song. This tune came to mind while watching C-Span this afternoon while the Congress voted on the Wall Street bailout. Even though Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are calling this a rescue plan, it is nothing more than a violation the public trust. This pork-laden piece of garbage, disguised as the life boat to save our economy, may end up sinking all of us.

The national debt increased today by another $1.2 trillion. No one has explained how this increased debt will affect the value of the dollar. No one has explained how this act may influence the inflation rate. No one can give a clear picture of the future price of fuel which is driven by the value of the dollar. No one has explained how this will help the "mom and pop" business struggling to stay afloat in this artificially created economy.

Sadly, no one listened to the taxpayers in this country when we sent Congress an overwhelming NO to a Wall Street bailout. No one listened except our local representatives. We can be very grateful that Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, Rep. Bilirakis, and Senator Bill Nelson heard our voices and voted Nay on this legislation. They can hold their heads high because they were the elite few in the House and Senate that managed to keep their integrity intact today.

Getting back to bye, bye, Miss American Pie. People will remember that this is the day that the music died; the day capitalism in our country died; the day that Republican party died...