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No new solutions

The Hernando Today ran a story this morning about the turn-out at the First Hernando Republican Club meeting 10 days ago. Blaise Ingoglia, the chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee was their guest speaker who gave a presentation on energizing the Republican base. The club had a respectable turn-out which is understandable in this volatile, uncertain climate in our country. Hopefully, the club can continue on this trend to energize the voters but it will need a better sales pitch than delivered by Ingoglia.

After watching the YouTube video of Ingoglia's presentation at this meeting, one word came to mind - narcissism. The REC's chairman talked for approximately 30 minutes, using some tired old jokes and time-worm rhetoric while trying to make his point. His video could have been called conservatism for dummies for his lifeless presentation. Ingoglia provided no new solutions to the problems within the Republican party. He just preached smaller government, lower taxes, and all the warm and fuzzy party mantras, without saying anything new.

Energizing the base will take the trust of the American people. To earn this trust, the elected officials and party leaders, on both sides of the isle, need to wake up. We are watching, and the answer will not lie in any party platform until we see some honest commitments from those we have trusted with our votes...

Noodling

Geez, it sure is disheartening to find out that Hernando County Firefighter Jason Brazinski is so overwrought at work he needs to vent online. Maybe if he spent a little more time dedicating his time to work-related activities instead of sounding off on Facebook his tension level wouldn't be so high.

Yes, firefighters see a lot more of the seedy-side of life that most people do not experience, but having Brazinski call Hernando county residents dirt bags is way out of line. First of all, isn't he suppose to protect the privacy of the people he treats in the community. Maybe he ought to spend a little more time researching HIPAA regulations that strictly prohibit this type of gossip. Secondly, the dirt bags that he has so crudely described are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The most important reason to correct his lapse in judgement is these so-called "dirt bags" are residents of this county and probably pay his salary through an MSTU / MSBU fees on their property.

The most amazing point of this story was missed by Tony Holt, the reporter for the Hernando Today. Why does Chief Nickerson allow these firemen to cruise the Internet when they are at work? This is the taxpayer's money being wasted by Brazinski, and his fellow firemen, will they idle away their time on the payroll-clock. This noodling activity is almost as wasteful as the firefighters going to the local gym on the taxpayer's dime. Surely, Nickerson could find something productive for these firemen do while on the clock.

Kudos to the Hernando County Sheriff's Department for having a policy that strictly prohibits this activity on social and interactive networks. Maybe Chief Nickerson ought to give Rich Nugent a call for a few pointers on how to run his department.

Double taxation for EMS

Do you remember all the chatter about the Spring Hill Fire Rescue Commissioners when they attempted to tax the tangible property of businesses in their district? The Hernando County Commissioners even jumped on board to squelch the idea of imposing this tax, saying it was double taxation. The SPFR Commissioners finally backed down and reversed their decision several weeks ago.

The ironic point about this entire episode is the county commissioners decision to treat business entities different, depending on the location of their property. County Commissions said they were appalled at the the Spring Hill Fire Rescue for even suggesting an imposed tax for fire and emergency service on the tangible property of business in Spring Hill.

The question that screams for an answer from the Hernando County Commissioners is, why didn't they question the same double taxation currently in play by the Hernando County Fire Rescue. Business entities in the HCFR district pay property taxes that include an MSTU tax for emergency medical services. These same businesses are also being taxed on tangible property for the same EMS from HCFR.

To get to the point, all business entities in the HCFR district are paying twice for emergency medical services and the question is why?

Memory walk

If you would like to make a difference in our community, sign up for this walk to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk

Weeki Wachee State Park

September 9, 2009

8:00 a.m. - Registration (no fee)

9:00 a.m. to noon- Walk (refreshments provided)

Call 352-688-4537 for details about this worthwhile event!

Options

Republican candidate for county commission, Wayne Dukes sent out a letter blasting Commissioner Rose Rocco several weeks ago. This letter not only blasts Rocco but it also attempts to tarnish the reputation of a local businessman that served on the host committee for her fundraiser earlier in the month.

Not only is the information in this letter factually incorrect, it borders on outright slander of several individuals in this community. Dukes has gone on to run his gator on the local talk radio station, and just about anyone that will listen to his blabbering nonsense, making his unsubstantiated accusations. He has even suggested that Rose Rocco took kick-backs when she voted for the Hickory Hill project in 2008. Nothing could be farther from the truth but the talking heads continue to spread ugly rumors about Rocco. Shame on them for spreading malicious gossip!

Politics are politics but this one really takes the cake. Wayne Dukes was a sore loser when he ran in 2004 as a Democrat. He was equally as nasty when he lost in 2006 as a Republican. What is he going to change his party to when he loses this time? He's quickly running out of options...

Rocky start...

This week has really gotten off to a rocky start for some Republican Party officials.

Dan DeWitt, of the Hernando Times, wrote a feature article about Hernando County Republican Executive Committee's chairman, Blaise Ingoglia. His story was titled "Blaise Ingoglia used deceptive sales tactics, burned real estate investors say." If you haven't read it, here is the link:

http://http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/blaise-ingoglia-used-deceptive-sales-tactics-burned-real-estate-investors/1027943

The cast of characters in DeWitt's article included Ingoglia, Rep. Robert Schenck, and Art and Ana Trinque. As you may recall, Ana Trinque is the former chairwoman of the HCREC. Her and her husband are still precinct committee members with the REC. The Novo Group mentioned in the article is owned by Rep. Schenck and employees the Trinques.

William Kingeter, another employee of the Novo Group, will be facing charges before the Florida Elections Commission on Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. Kingeter is a candidate for Hernando County Commission, district 2 race for the 2010 Republican Primary. He was served with a Notice Of Probable Cause by the election's commission for possible violations of the Florida Elections Code.

A rocky start to the beginning of a bumpy week for some Republicans...

A good kick-off

Guests were greeted with cool glasses of Sangria as they mingled at the poolside decorated with sombreros and maracas. The sultry evening air was pleasantly confortable as everyone chatted with the guest of honor.

This fun-filled event was a fundraiser for Commissioner Rose Rocco's re-election campaign at the residence of Tommy and Connie Bronson. The Mexican motive carried into their home with a banquet of food to please the numerous guests in attendance to support Rocco. Their generous support will be a good kick-off for her campaign.

Rocco's friends, wide-ranging in personal opinion and political persuasion, had one thing in common, a positive outlook for Hernando County's future. In the relaxed setting of his home, Bronson said he was supporting Rose for re-election because she was was his friend as he introduced her to the crowd. He went onto say Rose has a real compassion for doing the right thing as commissioner.

During her chat with the guests, Rocco emphasized the need for Hernando County to have a positive outlook, even in light of the economic problems everyone faces in this county. At the conclusion of her presentation, Rose thanked her hosts, the Bronson's, and all the guests in attendance for their support.

Outling directives...

Many plans exist in Hernando County Government. The Comprehensive Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan. The Facility Maintenance Plan. So why isn't there a plan that outlines the directives of the county administrator's departmental restructuring initiatives?

At the Hernando County Commission meeting on August 25, Administrator David Hamilton will be asking for permission to combine the deputy administrator position with the finance director's job. Shouldn't the administrator be submitting a complete departmental restructuring plan for review by the county commissioners?

In the corporate world, successful business enterprises operate with structured business plans. Plans that are submitted to their board of directors by their chief executive officers. Why should the county government be any different?

The public has a right to know what our government will look like in the future. To date, we have only be given incremental pieces of information concerning these restructuring plans, without having any clear vision by the county administrator.

Hernando County employees deserve to know how their future is being planned by Hamilton. They should have been treated with a little more transparency about this restructuring plan; maybe it would have prevented the rush last week to sign up for a buy out to protect themselves.

How can any county commissioners make an educated decision about this incremental job restructuring without Hamilton submitting a complete plan on how our government will operate in the future?

2009 Veterans Appreciation Parade

Mark your calender for this year's 2009 Veterans Appreciation Parade. We hit the ground running and we are off to a good start for this event which is scheduled for November 14 in downtown Brooksville.

Operation P.R.I.D.E. has generously agreed to be this year's parade sponsor. Their executive director Greg Myers said they will cover all the costs to underwrite the necessary liability insurance required by the city of Brooksville.

PR.I.D.E.'s founding member, Rose Rocco, appeared before the Brooksville City Council with me to present our request to waive of the parade permit and associated costs at their meeting on August 3. The city council passed our request with a 4-0 vote after Lara Bradburn made the initial motion, with a second from Richard Lewis.

Individuals and groups are already responding to our emails to participate in the parade. Rich Nugent, Dave Russell, the Hernando High School Band, and the Hernando Sportsman Club with their military vehicles have been the first to put their names on the list. Let me know if you would like to participate this year.

Our parade is a way for individuals in the community to thank our veterans. We have only one rule which is "no politics" in the parade. This event has been, and will continue to be, a non-political event to thank veterans.

I will post periodic updates over the next few weeks to keep everyone informed on our parade so stay tuned...

Feted by Republicans

After reading the story in the Hernando Today titled "Democrat Rocco to be feted by Republicans" it sounds like the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee members are scratching their heads for answers.

It sure looks like local business leaders and citizens in Hernando County are interested in individuals, not party ideology, for representation that will make our county a better place to live in the future. Economic growth and the betterment of the community can only be done with a positive message. This can-do attitude can be seen in Commissioner Rose Rocco's performance.

Good luck, Rose, on your fundraiser tonight. You deserve another 4 years as our commissioner for doing what's right for all the people in this county!

Pay to play

Last week the Nature Coast Human Resource Society, Inc. conducted a seminar at the Silverthorn County Club. The theme of this seminar was "What happened to the stimulus money and other questions you would like to ask." The cost of this seminar was $25.00 which included a continental breakfast and lunch. While I applaud this small business for thinking up enterprising ways to make money, I say shame on all the elected officials and government offices that participated in this pay to play seminar.

According to the flyer sent out from the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Senator Bill Nelson was instrumental in helping to set up this seminar. In a capitalist society, I certainly hope the owners of Nature Coast Human Resource Society, Inc. made a profit but it doesn't excuse government officials from participating in this event that required payment for information that should have been presented in a free-public forum,.

Here's the line-up of the government officials and offices that participated in this seminar:

• Senator Bill Nelson
• Florida Dept. of Financial Services
• Florida DOT
• Department of Energy
• Small Business Association
• Hernando County Government
• City of Brooksville

I'm sure this seminar was very informative but in this economic climate everyone needs to be questioning why these officials participated in a seminar that required payment to understand the expenditures of the federal stimulus package. Having to pay $25.00 to see a government official explain how our tax money is being spent is inexcusable...

Flux?

The headline in yesterday's Hernando Times read, "County Budget Still in Flux" which was about the uncertainty of this year's county budget. Has anyone stopped to consider that the budget has probably already been decided by the hierarchy at the county government. If this wasn't the case, then why did the county administrator cancel the Hernando County Budget and Finance Committee meeting for July. The administrator also received approval by the Commission Chairman David Russell to take a three week vacation in July which is normally the busiest time tying up the loose ends on the yearly budget review.

The reporter, Barbara Behrendt, stated in this story that this Tuesday's BCC meeting included money-saving information for the commissioners to review about the Hernando County Housing Authority. Her article stated that the housing authority "will consider" moving from their space in downtown Brooksville to the Development Department on SR50. This is information is probably in the agenda but it is apparent that the reporter did not verify her facts for this story. The Hernando County Housing Authority already moved to the SR50 location about a month ago. Anyway,this is a mute point about the housing authority saving the county money. The Hernando County Housing Authority operates with their own budget, comprised of state and federal tax dollars, and does not directly impact the county general fund budget. Maybe her story should have focused on the slight of hand and the lack of transparency in our local government budgetary process this year!

I'm back from vacation

After taking a month off for vacation it is was real rough getting back to work and classes at USF St Pete. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a spectacular trip to South Africa. We traveled over 5,ooo kilometers in a rented car from the Drakenberg Mountain chain to Mossel Bay on the coast.

The Drakenberg Mountain was an experience to remember for the rest of our life time. We traveled high into the mountains to a resort where we stayed for a week. While there, we took a helicopter ride over the Drakenberg Mountain chain. The pilot even stopped on the highest peak so we could get out and take some breath-taking photos. The next big adventure was the hot air balloon trip. The indescribable sensation of floating on air became a real memory-maker, as we toasted our champagne flutes, filled with orange juice, of course. We also saw the Drakenberg Boys Choir. The boys performance proved why they are world-wide stars.

The second leg of our trip was a hunting safari at the Wolf Craig Lodge, just outside Port Alfred. We hunted with our friend Glen Elliott for 10 days. Two of the four most exciting hunts for me were the wharthog and the blue wildebeest which were both difficult shots. I took the wharthog at 207 meters and the blue wildebeest at 180 meters. Here's a look at my trophies:

The last portion of our trip was along the southern coast of South Africa. We traveled through Port Elizabeth, Graff-Reinet, Tistiskamma and Mossel Bay. We took a boat trip out to Seal Island, Off Mossel Bay, to see the great white sharks. The sharks we saw were 15 to 18 feet long.

Long story short, now all we have to do is finish paying off our credit card bills and then we can begin planning a trip for next year! It sure is good to be home though...

Alexander Hamilton once said, “A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.” Since the United States fought for its freedom we have only been free of a national debt for two years, 1834 and 1835. Clearly, deficits are nothing new in Washington and it is not a one-party disease. However, the key to Mr. Hamilton’s famous statement is, “if not excessive.”

Unfortunately, the United States has reached the point where our national debt has become excessive. Today, every American’s share of the National Debt is $36,000. Based on President Obama’s budget, by the end of his first term in office, every American will owe more than $54,000.

A further example of the excessive deficit spending occurring in Washington is Debt Day. Debt Day is the day the federal government runs out of revenue and starts paying for its reckless spending by borrowing more money. This year, debt day has come and gone already: April 26. Imagine putting more than seven months of your family’s expenses on a credit card? You would be paying an astronomical amount of interest. Sadly, this is what the federal government does and in just three short years, the American people will be paying $1 billion per day in interest on that debt.

The American people know that we cannot borrow and spend our way back to economic prosperity. The path to economic recovery starts with fiscal responsibility. The federal government must follow the example set by our nation’s families and eliminate unneeded and excessive spending.

Thank you,

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

Major Rubio Marco Endorsement

I received this campaign message by email and thought your might find it interesting to read:

Dear Anna Liisa,

Today I would like to let you know that I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend Marco Rubio for his bid for the United States Senate. Florida and our country are at a crossroads. Not only in our economic life, but in who we are as Republicans.

My choice was a simple one: Marco Rubio represents the best in what our Party should strive to be and who it must engage – he is young, conservative, and believes in the principles of our Founding Fathers, that individual freedom and liberty are what makes our country great and always will.Marco Rubio is a candidate who can help to bring our Party back on track by reaching out to our youth, entrepreneurs, Hispanics and those who believe that if you work hard enough, anything you dream can be achieved.

With Marco, we have a great opportunity to elect a true conservative and a greater obligation to elect a man of principle.I hope that you will join with me in this exciting journey to elect my friend Marco Rubio to the United States Senate in 2010.

With warm regards,
Jeb Bush, Jr.

Flag Day

Message from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite on Flag Day:

As Americans, we have many customs, traditions, and symbols rooted in the cultures of our forefathers and the history of our young nation. None is more powerful and endearing than our flag. Our flag represents our founding principles of liberty, justice, and humanity, and embodies American freedom.

This month, we all again have the opportunity to honor our great nation, but also to honor our flag in particular. June 14 of each year is National Flag Day. The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for his students in Wisconsin to observe June 14, the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes, as the ‘Flag’s Birthday.’ Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.

As you may know, every month members of my staff hold meetings in communities throughout the Fifth District to provide an opportunity for constituents to visit a nearby location to sit down and get help on issues of concern – whether it is help with the VA or sharing thoughts on what Congress is up to in DC. This month, my staff will also have copies of a wonderful publication called “Our Flag,” published by the U.S. Government Printing Office. I encourage you to stop by one of the local meetings or my office in Brooksville to pick up a free copy and learn more about the history and the stories behind our flag. Additionally, if you have a flag in disrepair or such a condition that it is no longer fit to fly, staff will be collecting flags to be disposed of in a proper way.

Staff members from my office will also explain how to get in touch with me to remedy a problem, offer general assistance and information, and outline what services are available through the office. Please stop by for help with a federal agency such as the VA or the Social Security Administration or assistance applying to a service academy.

Time and location details below:

Land O’Lakes10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 2
Land O’ Lakes Branch Library
2818 Collier Parkway

The Villages10:00-11:00 a.m. June 4
The Villages –Government Annex
8033 E. CR466

Lakeland10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 9
North Lakeland Presbyterian Church
675 Socrum Loop Road

Dade City10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 10
Dade City Annex
14150 5th Street

Lecanto10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 17
Citrus Co. Resource Center
2804 Marc Knighton Ct.

Minneola10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 19
Minneola City Hall
1800 N US-27

Cedar Key10:00-11:00 a.m. June 23
Cedar Key Town Hall
490 2nd Street

Opposing viewpoints

The Hernando Today wrote an editorial on the proposed water and sewer rate hike. Laurie Pizzo, Hernando County Business and Development Committee member wrote an opposing viewpoint to their editorial column. Both of these columns are included below for your review. I found it interesting to be able to read them together and hope you do, too. The first is from the Hernando Today, with Ms. Pizzo's letter at the bottom, including the editorial note.

Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes

Hernando Today
Published: May 15, 2009
Updated: 05/15/2009 02:34 pm

The issue: The county's proposal to drastically hike water and sewer rates.
Our opinion: They've got to be kidding.

Apparently, county officials think it's business as usual on the hill in Brooksville, with no end to tax hikes and fee increases. Nevermind that nearly 13 percent of the workforce is unemployed, the economy is in the Dumpster and the county suffers from one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

Here's news to those who live in a bubble: Hernando Countians are hurting. On top of wanting to nearly double annual solid waste assessments, county officials now want to increase water and sewer rates by more than 30 percent during the next five years for the average homeowner.

You can almost hear the county's coffers chime cha-ching! The director of the county's utilities department presented the proposed rate increases to county commissioners during their meeting Tuesday. He lined it all out in a bunch of charts and graphs, trying to spin it as a conservation measure. Bigger water users (commercial businesses that employ people) are really going to get the shaft. Those using less water will see lower increases. (Like jumbo shrimp, isn't that an oxymoron?)

Our question: Are county officials living in La-La Land? This isn't simply a conservation measure; it's another money grab to fund bigger government and expand development at a time when nobody's building. The rate increases are expected to add about $1.6 million in new revenue for the utilities department, with the money raised going to help fund about $150 million in capital projects. The rest of the money will come from low-interest federal government bailout loans.

Plans are to pay for a $48 million expansion to the wastewater treatment plant near the Hernando County Airport; $26 million for a new treatment plant in Ridge Manor; and $22 million for a new treatment plant at The Glen, off U.S. 19 north of State Road 50.

Maybe somebody needs to inform county officials - once again - that we're in the depths of one of the deepest recessions and housing busts in Hernando County history - a double whammy. The decline of commercial construction and the loss of more jobs isn't far behind. However, all we keep hearing from county officials is they want to raise taxes and fees and spend more of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

Here's a clue: Most Hernando County residents can't afford to pay what they're paying now. Any increase in solid waste assessments or water and sewer rates would be a slap in the face, and residents should take it personally - especially those having trouble putting food on the table. Any county commissioner who votes to increase taxes and fees in this desperate economy needs to understand the ramifications, especially considering the spending spree county officials have been on the past few years when money flowed like wine into county coffers - so much so, they couldn't find enough perks and new projects to spend it on fast enough. Perhaps that's why the county's treasure chest is bulging with $181 million in long-term investments - some tied up as many as five years - and more than $37.6 million in carry-over funds from fiscal year 2008.

Let them spend what they've already over-taxed residents for on these new projects.
And what about all the impact fee money that's been collected from the massive development of recent years? Isn't that why there's $181 million lying around earning interest? Use that money to help fund capital projects for infrastructure. Isn't that what it's for? Why should current water and sewer customers who've paid their impact fees and bills have to pay for continued construction of new and expanded water and sewer plants? It's nonsense. Until people start standing up and letting their county commissioners know how they feel about unfair tax hikes and user fee increases, they'll keep approving them.



Disagrees with editorial

Hernando Today
Published: May 20, 2009

Re: "Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes" editorial in the May 15 edition of Hernando Today

I read your opinion on the topic of the proposed wastewater facilities and quite frankly I am a bit confused as to whether we watched the same county commission meeting on May 12. Building of the proposed more efficient wastewater treatment sites will actually save Hernando County Utilities customers money on their bill, particularly those who use county water and have septic. Eighty-five percent of the metered customers currently would save on their bills with the new system. Furthermore, building of these facilities has the potential of adding water reuse down the road, which is an added benefit, further adding to the forward thinking of the current BOCC - something we just are not used to seeing.

Speaking from an economic development standpoint, if we are to bring in additional large employers to the Hernando County Airport for example, it would cost that business $1.3 million just in connection fees alone for water and sewer with the current dilapidated system being used. Building a new more efficient wastewater facility will drop those fees for that employer to around $117,000.

Don't you think this is just one huge draw of many to make Hernando County competitive to bring jobs here so we aren't so reliant on the construction industry as we have been in the past? Don't we want to attract those primary industries to Hernando County so our 22,000-plus residents that drive out of the county everyday might have more options to live, work and play in Hernando County?

It is time to start thinking out of the box. These wastewater treatment facilities have been needed for a long time and, unfortunately, nothing has been done in the past to get this rolling. I applaud the current county commissioners for being proactive on this matter rather than reactive and scrambling as often times has been done in the past. The building of these wastewater treatment facilities is vital for our infrastructure for both our residential and commercial well-being. With that comes excellent quality of life which we all strive for, and I believe we can all agree on that.

Laurie Pizzo, member, Business & Economic Development Committee

Editor's note: Perhaps you didn't read the editorial carefully enough. Hernando Today is not opposed to improving our water and wastewater treatment facilities. We're against having the current ratepayers pay for the improvements. If the county wants to use part of its massive $218 million in reserves to help pay for these improvements and new plants that will benefit future residents and businesses, we're fine with that. But we're vehemently opposed to having current residents, business owners and utility users pay in advance for those who "may" move here in the future. That's what impact fees are for. These costs shouldn't be placed on the backs of those who've already paid. Also, most water/sewer users would see a 31 percent increase in their bills over the next five years. There is no savings.

Gold Tournament rescheduled

The 1st Annual Captain Scott Bierwieler Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 27th due to a rain-out on their original date. They still have room for a few more golfers if you want to jump on board this fundraising event for the Gold Shield Foundation. The event takes place at the Brooksville Country Club, with registration at 11:30 a.m. The shot gun start is set for promptly at 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about the tournament, call Gary Schraut at (352)799-3000.

Welfare-laden

Governor Crist office sent out this bulletin regarding the Florida Legislature's expenditure of the federal stimulus plan. I read it over and really don't see any "shovel ready" projects but maybe you can find them buried in this WELFARE-LADEN piece of legislation which is sitting on Charlie's desk waiting for his signature:

Florida is slated to receive over $15 billion in federal stimulus funding during the next three budget years. Some of these funds will go directly to cities and counties, but the bulk will flow through the state budget and then be spent on state-administered programs, or be passed through to local programs.

The 2009-10 appropriations act, which has been passed by the 2009 Legislature and is under review by the Governor, provides $5.3 billion in urgently needed funds to strengthen education, spur economic development and help individuals and families affected by the economy. These federal funds will provide the stimulus needed to hasten our economic recovery. The proposed budget includes the following American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding:

Education was appropriated $2.7 billion in FY 2009-10 of which half, or $1.35 billion, is the state fiscal stabilization grant that will come to Florida because of the long-awaited waiver that was granted to Florida this week by the United States Department of Education.

Public Safety received $110.5 million in FY 2009-10, including pass-through funds for the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant Funding and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces in Broward and Polk counties and the City of Gainesville.

Health and Human Services received $1.7 billion in FY 2009-10, including the following:

***$1.443 billion in enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
***$8.3 million to provide meals to seniors age 60 and older, and to support employment opportunities for low-income seniors.
***$14.6 million to provide additional food assistance payments due to the economic recession.
***$44.6 million to help states deal with increased cash assistance caseloads and expenditures.
***$12.9 million to assist households who face the loss of their home or apartment due to the current economic recession.
***$5.5 million to provide funding for a community-based approach to combating domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking.
***$6.3 million funding for foster care.
***$6.9 million for adoption assistance.
***$1.6 million for additional reimbursement to hospitals serving a disproportionate share of Medicaid and uninsured persons.
***$11.5 million for early intervention services to infants and toddlers with significant developmental delays.

Environmental Programs received $391 million for FY 2009-10, including the following:

***$187 million funding for the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program, the Wastewater Revolving Loan Program, Diesel Emissions Reductions, State Parks and the Petroleum Tank Cleanup Program.
***$12.5 million for Wildfire Prevention, Oyster Management and Restoration, and Emergency Food Assistance Program.
***$17 million for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels from Florida’s waterways, restoration of seagrass and mangrove habitats, the removal of invasive exotic plants and supplements law enforcement salary and benefits for recent reductions or due to layoffs.
***$174.5 million for renewable energy technologies, reducing total energy use and improving energy efficiency, solar rebates and rebates for residential Energy Star products.

Transportation and Economic Development Programs received $374.1 million for FY 2009-10, including the following:

***Funding to continue to improve distribution of Unemployment Compensation benefit payments to Floridians.
***$73.3 million to increase the availability of child care and early learning services to low income families with children age 5 years and younger or at-risk children.
***$56.8 million to continue to assist individuals who are laid off or anticipate being laid off and $13.7 million to assist other individuals with training to upgrade their current occupational skills, learn a new trade, prepare for a job, receive adult education and literacy training, or receive on-the-job training. Also assists individuals with job search activities in careers experiencing economic and job growth.
***$7.5 million to award grants to small cities to help revitalize communities and expand economic development opportunities.
***$157.9 million in energy savings programs to assist low-income families (income up to $44,000) with energy saving home repairs and retrofits of up to $6,500 per home.
***$29.1 million to fund a broad range of services in the community to assist individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and make the community stronger.
***$19.3 million to continue funding for the new Summer Youth Employment Program. This program helps teens and young adults (ages 16 to 24) who are interested in obtaining a job this summer and earning a paycheck. Wages varies by region, from $7.25 to $9 per hour for up to 35 hours a week.
***$15.5 million to continue to provide employment and re-employment services to job seekers and employers.

In addition, other federal recovery dollars may come to Florida as state agencies, local governments and non-profit organizations are successful in securing competitive grants in various federal programs.

Sausage-making...

The Hernando Times editorial on Sunday stated that the "nickel-and-dime ideas floated at the Budget and Finance Committee's May meeting failed to address the significant task ahead." The Times perception is that this committee is somehow looking under the sofa, and through the junk drawers, to find loose change to balance the county's budget is way off base.

The reporter for the Times didn't even bother to attend this meeting so it can only be assumed that the editorial staff watched it on the government channel. Maybe the reporter was taking a bathroom break when all the big ticket items were discussed on how to reduce the $10-million budget deficit.

It is really amazing that the reporter for the Hernando Times failed to mention the $2.6 million in savings that would be gained if the employees were reduced to a 32-hour work week which was discussed by the committee. Committee members also touched on the possible savings to the taxpayers if the number of county employees were reduced on the payroll. Another suggestion by the committee was to give all employees the option of the buy-out previously offered to those making over $50,000 a year. The committee also has asked to review money spent through the Human Resources Department on employee continuing- education-credit reimbursement for 2009 to see if this is an area that can be trimmed for the budget.

The Times stated that the Budget and Finance Committee "made little headway in offering recommendations to the county commissioners" which is blatantly false. The committee made numerous motions to pass these recommendations onto the Hernando County Commissioners for their May 25th meeting. In fact, another motion was made to suggest the Hernando County Commissioners ask the League of Counties to form a committee of all 67 counties to combat the unfunded mandates from the Florida Legislature.

It appears that every time the Budget and Finance Committee strikes a nerve in this budget process, the press is quick to distort the truth. The Budget and Finance Committee has suggested over $3-million in budget reductions since the inaugural meeting in March. Frankly, this is a true sign that the commissioners made the right choice to form this standing committee. It's like sausage-making; it's not pretty but the end product will be something every one will appreciate at the end of the day.

***Please note that I received an email from the Hernando Times reporter who indicated she was in attendance at this meeting. I assured her that I would include this information even though I do not recall seeing her at the reporter's table in the county commission chambers that day.

Alert

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009

Smokey Conditions in Hernando County

According to Hernando County Fire Rescue officials,there have been multiple wildfires burning in eastern/central Florida, including two brush fires on Tuesday in Hernando County, which were under control by 7 pm Tuesday evening. Because winds are blowing from the east and the fires in other parts of the state may continue throughout the week, Hernando County may be subject to smokey conditions over the next few days. Residents with respiratory conditions should be aware that these conditions may cause them discomfort, and they should try to remain indoors.

Although Hernando County has received some rainfall this week, conditions are still extremely dry, and the chances for wildfires occurring remains very high.

Brenda Frazier

Hernando County Community Relations Coordinator

Alternate news source

The Hernando News Source is the new kid on the block for local online news. Hernando County Attorney Kent Weissinger turned his blog into an official online news source. The line-up on his website is now from Google feeds but it seems to be a one-stop shop to read the local headline news.

Hernando News Source's publisher is well-versed in mass media. Weissinger has a degree in journalism, in addition to being the senior-assistant county attorney. If you want to check out his online publication, go to http://www.hernandonewssource.com/

3-day wait

Without fanfare, the Hernando County Commission voted to abolish the county's gun ordinance this morning. Even though the commissioners did not discuss the merits of the ordinance, they did take time to thank Commissioners Atkins for bringing the issue to their attention. Apparently the effort to abolish the gun ordinance was formulated at the C.O.A.T. committee where Atkins is the chairman.

Abolishing this ordinance actually does away with the 3-day waiting period to purchase guns in the Hernando County. Apparently each county was given the option of writing an ordinance to enact this "3-day" waiting period.

In my opinion, I believe a 3-day waiting period serves a useful purpose. It is meant to have a cooling down affect for anyone wanting to purchase a gun. The 3-day period gives the gun buyer the opportunity to become rational before picking up the firearm.

Time will tell if the decision to abolish this gun ordinance was a wise decision...

Advertise for building director

Hernando County Building's Interium Director Joe Creech was lectured to be more friendly, improve their customer service and efficiency by the county commissioners last December when he was appointed to this temporary position by David Hamilton, the county administrator. This appointment was done without advertising position to the public. Mr. Hamilton justified this interium appointment of Mr. Creech because he stated the building department would be undergoing a reorganization in 2009.

Everyone is wondering when this reorganization of the building department will begin since it is already the month of May. The commissioners are in the process of making budget decisions for 2010. It would be prudent to include the building department in those decisions. If Mr. Hamilton has changed his mind about the reorganization of the building division then it is time the director's position is advertised to the public.

Simple economics

Below is an email my son sent to Governor Charlie Crist, Senators Fasano and Dockey and Representatives Shultz and Schenck at the conclusion of their budget session last week. He also sent this letter to Chris Wessel of the Hernando Today.

To All,

I want to SCREAM my opinion loud enough so that Tallahassee can hear my voice and hundreds of thousands of other employers' voices. I don't know who voted on Bills SB 516 and HB 1333, if you did not vote for it, then take the latter part of the email to colleagues who did and lay it out for them. If you voted for this load of horse manure SHAME ON YOU. REPUBLICANS DON'T VOTE FOR LEFT LEANING, SOCIALIST PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ENSLAVE THE POPULATION TO THE GOVERNMENT.

Now, let me see if I can lay out a simple economics plan that even the simplest of minds can comprehend.

1. Man (or woman) have idea for new product of service.

2. They spend time developing product or service and market it.

3. Sales exceed what one person can handle, so they find second person.

4. Owner and second person agree to a fair wage, employer/employee relationship is born.

5. Another person follows steps 1-4.

6. When enough repeats of step 5, we need protection from crime, fire, foreign enemies etc.

7. One of people from group decides to be leader.

8. Decisions are made on behalf of entire group - employees and employers that will be beneficial to all but partial to none.

NOW if the employees decide to dictate how business will be conducted or unfairly re-negotiate labor contracts who suffers? The person buying the good or service supplied by the company. If the company is large enough, and sales fall too far what happens to company? They go bankrupt! If enough companies go bankrupt, who pays the salaries of the person/people in item 7? They're not needed anymore because there is no money to pay them either!

When you extend unemployment benefits out and out and out, you tell the employees that work is not necessary, because the government is going to take care of you! This is effectively the same as Labor Unions unfairly re-negotiating wages (employees telling the employer how to do business). I've read SB 516 and had to wear a clothespin on my nose just to get past the smell of manure emanating from my computer screen. "but the unemployment system is getting low on funds!" - NO KIDDING! You bunch of yahoos have written just about every conceivable reason NOT to work and still get "benefits" into the aforementioned bills.

Oh, wait, I've got an idea! We'll get some of that B.O. money from Washington that "we've got coming to us". This feeling of entitlement is another stinking load of GARBAGE. THE ONLY THING THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS COUNTRY PROMISES IT'S CITIZENS IS "LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS". That doesn't mean it will be a great life, full of trophies just for showing up and it sure as heck doesn't mean that it'll be all grins and ha-ha's. The founding fathers would roll over in their graves knowing that we are not sliding, but rather rocketing down the slippery slope towards SOCIALISM!

If you voted for this garbage, I will stand on street corners come next election day and work my butt off to see that someone who can make decisions for the "benefit of everyone" takes your place. Just in case, you feel like sending me some political double speak, save it. Hard work never killed anyone, and if it kills any of the sissies this country has raised in the last 30 years, DARWIN WAS RIGHT!

In closing, close up the ranks within our party so we can stop the Socialist agenda of the LEFT and get this country back on track!

Respectfully,

Bryon A. Covell

Vice President

A.L. Covell Electric, Inc.

Cap & Trade

Withlacoochee River Electric's April newsletter focused on the federal budget's line item for Cap and Trade carbon credit trading system. The implementation of this carbon tax for the federal government is projected to raise $645.7 billion in new taxes for the Obama administration. The Wall Street Journal has a revised figure for this Cap and Trade system, saying this tax has the potential to collect $1.3 to $1.9 trillion in new taxes between 2012 and 2019.

Electric companies nationwide will pass these taxes on to the consumers on our monthly power bills which are estimated to cost the average consumer approximately $1,200 more per year. Businesses will also be required to pay these costs which will ultimately be paid by the consumers.

Carbon credits will most likely be traded on the the stock exchange where speculators will have a field day driving up the prices, much like they drove up the cost of oil last year. If cap and trade legislation is allowed to pass, electric power for the majority of consumers will become a luxury item.

Withlacoochee River Electric requested their cooperative members to contact their senators and members of Congress by visiting www.ourfloridaenergy.com

Vegetating

Well, is everyone sitting on the edge of the chair wondering whether Charlie Crist will run for the U.S. Senate or will he continue vegetating in the governor's mansion for the next 18 months? Don't you think the speculation about Crist's possible run for Senate has that Arlen Spector kind of feel to it? No one really knows if he is a Republican or a Democrat, the way his sways in the wind on every issue. People in this state have watched, and wondered, exactly just what Charlie Crist would accomplish in his first term as governor and they have finally figured it out.

Governor Crist has won the prize for being a dead-ringer for another Republican governor we had in the 1980's named Bob Martinez. Remember old Bob, the one that thought raising the sales tax on services in this state was a good idea. No one has heard too much about this one-term governor since leaving office except that he was some type of drug zar. Martinez did not have the intestinal fortitude to cut spending to balance the budget, just like Charlie Crist. Remember Charlie salivating all over President Obama in Ft. Myers, at the thought of collecting $5.6 billion in federal stimulus money, instead of cutting costs to the state.

Charlie Crist made two major campaign promises when he ran for governor. One promise was to lower our property taxes and the other was to lower our home owner's insurance premiums. Mr. Crist has failed on both of his promises to the people of the state of Florida.

Governor Crist is expected to sign the current budget by the Florida Legislature that has a 10 percent increase for Citizen's Property Insurance. This increase is in direct conflict with the promises Mr. Crist made to his constituents in 2006. Secondly, the citizens of this state lowered their own taxes through Amendment 1. By the way, Charlie was able to con the state legislature during the final minutes of this session to include language for another amendment to reduce property tax for business and first-time home owners for the 2010 ballot. This 2010 date coincides with the same year that Charlie runs for office again. This way Crist has a built in campaign issue to run on whether it is for governor or for the senate seat.

We have all read and heard about Republicans running to the center but Charlie Crist has managed to swerve out of control to the left and has crash-landed onto land that only liberals dare to tread on...

Gold shield golf tournament

If you are a golfer, know a golfer (please pass this email on) then you will definitely want to get involved in the 1st Annual Captain Scott Bierwieler Golf Tournament. If you are like many others and you knew Captain Scott Bierwieler and what a wonderful man and servant he was to the community, then please consider sponsoring playing in the tournament and/or sponsoring a hole for this charitable golf tournament for the Gold Shield Foundation. http://www.goldshieldfoundation.com/purpose.htm


DATE: Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
TIME: 11:30 a.m. -Registration
1:00 p.m. -Shotgun Start
LOCATION: Brooksville Country Club 200 Links Drive, Brooksville, Florida 34601 (Located about 2miles east of US 41, just offof Croom Road)
REGISTRATION FEE: $75 Per Person , four-person team (limited to 120 golfers)
ATTIRE: Collared shirt, long pants or walking shorts (NO t-shirts, tank tops, athletic shorts, cut-offs, or jeans)
MISCELLANEOUS: Registration includes green fees, a light lunch prior to shotgun start



GOLD HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,500
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green
· Entry for a foursome with cart
· Your company name listed in the program
· 4 Rounds of golf at Brooksville Golf and Country Club

SILVER HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,000
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green
· Entry for a foursome with cart
· Your company name will be listed in the program

BRONZE HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $500
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green ..
· Your company name will be listed in the program
If you are interested in sponsoring a golf hole please contact us at the telephone numbers listed below. You may mail contributions or payments to: checks payable to ...... FOP LODGE #164/GOLD SHIELD
Attention: Morris Porton or Gary E. Schraut
P.O. Box 1104 Brooksville, FL 34605-1104

FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT:
RANDY WOODRUFF, Treasurer
(352) 796-3224
GARY E. SCHRAUT, Sponsorships
(352) 799-3000

Las Vegas night w/realtors

Looking for something fun to do this FRIDAY May 8 from 6pm-9pm? How about a Las Vegas Nite at your local Hernando County Association of REALTORS® office, 7321 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville (open to public). .

The $25 entry fee includes:
• $2,500 Gaming Money
• Table games including Black Jack & Texas Hold 'em and Slots
• Chorus Girls
• Free Food, Beer & Wine
• Chance to Win Great Prizes!
• With a Pit Boss, you'll think you're really in Vegas!
• Additional $2,500 Gaming Money available for $20.00

Enter the Black Jack Tournament and Win a Great Prize!
*Separate Entry Fee Required
*All proceeds to benefit RPAC

Make Checks Payable to: HCAR
7321 Sunshine Grove Rd., Brooksville, FL 34613
OR Pay with Credit Card Authorization & Fax to: 352-799-4350

Crime Increase

I wrote the following article on local crime and gun-use for one of my classes at USF. Rich Nugent, Rick Hankins and Pete Resnick were a tremendous help to me with their input and I justed wanted to say thanks!

In this stagnant economy, local law enforcement officials have reported an increase in crime, without a significant climb in gun-related incidents.

Even though the local gun shop in Brooksville reported an increase in gun sales, city police and the sheriff’s uniform crime report do not indicate an increase in firearm incidents during this recession. The sheriff’s department noted a rise in construction-related thefts, with a dramatic increase in burglaries and theft, related to local pharmacies. The primary cause of death in the county was related to prescription drug abuse, according to the medical examiner. Records show an increase in suicide-attempts during this economic slump, with a noted decrease in domestic violence.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Department and the city of Brooksville annually complete uniform crime reports, or UCR that contain data on unlawful activity in the community. The International Association of Chiefs of Police began the process of “uniform crime reporting” in 1929. According the FBI, these reports provide a similar way of gathering statistical documentation for annual publications. The national reports have input by over 17,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States, including those in Hernando County.

“Based on our UCR report, there was a 10 percent increase in robberies but aggravated assault, stalking and manslaughter decreased,” said Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent when asked if their department had seen an increase in crimes related to guns. “We did have one more murder in 2008 but it did not involve a firearm.”

Brooksville Police reports show a similar crime trend in the city that has evolved from the slow economy. Thefts and burglaries have increased within the city while violent crimes, involving the use of firearms have decreased, according to police.

“Historically, city crime statistics are fairly balanced from year to year but violent crime has decreased in this recession while theft and burglaries have increased approximately 20 percent.” said Brooksville Detective Rick Hankins. “Gun crimes are not an issue for us in the city but thefts of guns during burglaries are up.”

The Hernando County Sheriff’s office released statistical data, related to a class of crime they have labeled “unique to the economy” which involves theft of construction materials that can be sold for scrap metal. During this current economic climate, officials have seen an increase in theft reports of copper and air conditioner parts. An increase in gasoline thefts of approximately $4,000 has also been reported to officials. The sheriff’s department estimated a combined-loss for construction related thefts and gasoline to be $259,703.90 for a 7-month period.

Domestic battery and domestic violence reports peaked during 2005, with a combined total of 2,341 incidents, according to the county uniform crime report. In 2008, Hernando County experienced a combined 25.5 percent decline in domestic violence and domestic battery complaints compared to 2005, according to the UCR.

Pete Resnick, owner of Bull’s Eye Gun Shop in downtown Brooksville has seen an increase in handgun sales. Resnick attributes this spike in sales to the rise in property crimes, associated with the poor economy and the high unemployment in the county.

“The average law-abiding citizen has less faith in law enforcement’s ability to prevent property crime.” Resnick said. “Home invasion is a crime feared by most homeowners and small business owners.”

Resnick said that his customer base is a cross-section of upper middle-class individuals who are largely defined by the economics of guns. “I do not sell inexpensive, personal-protection weapons,” Resnick said.

Resnick has noticed an increase in female customers in his shop whom he says are often seen as easy targets by criminals. “Women have started to buy more guns as function of fear, or just wanting to be prepared,” Resnick said.

“Ammunition and small personal guns, together with assault rifles, are in short supply because the demand has skyrocketed,” Resnick said. “Every time the Democrats are in power, many people think their right to gun-ownership will be impaired.” Resnick described his increase in gun and ammunition sales as a “better get it while I can” syndrome.

In the last four years, suicide attempts in Hernando County increased 32 percent, according to public records. In 2005, Hernando County reported 112 suicide attempts, compared to 157 in 2008. Officials also reported a four percent increase in Baker Act incarcerations. The “Baker Act” is used by law enforcement to detain individuals temporarily to complete mental-health evaluations of suspects.

Pharmacies in the county have seen the sharpest increase in crime during this recession. The sheriff’s department reported that burglaries at local pharmacies jumped 300 percent in 2008. Robberies at pharmacies have been reported to have increased 33 percent since 2005. The sheriff’s department also reported a 300 percent increase in prescription-fraud from 2005 to 2008.

The Hernando County Medical Examiner’s office has recorded a 21 percent increase in drug-related deaths from prescription drug overdose. In 2008, 47 drug-related deaths were recorded by the medical examiner in the county. Forty-five of these drug-related deaths were ruled accidental while 2 were deemed to be suicide by county medical examiner records. The highest number of drug-related deaths occurred in white males, with an average age of 45-years old, according to records. Oxycodone overdose, along with a combined drug toxicity mix, was cited in this report as the major cause of death.

In response to the misuse of prescription drugs, the Hernando County sheriff’s office conducted “Operation Medicine Cabinet” in March to collect expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications. According to their reports, 376 people dropped off 3,904 bottles of prescription drugs. Sheriff’s spokesman said this operation was a method for citizens to properly dispose of unused portions of prescription medications.

Public safety, and the safety of Hernando County deputies, was cited by the sheriff as his primary concern, as he faces the possibility of additional reductions to his budget in this recession. “In the last 3 budget cycles, we have not increased the number of employees even though the population of the county continues to increase,” Nugent said. “As you can see, our crime rate is up and we believe it is directly related to the economy.”

Highly Offensive

The following is a press release from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite's office:

Brown-Waite: DHS Report Highly Offensive

Obama Administration Report labels veterans “potential terrorists”

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) today demanded an explanation from the Department of Homeland Security regarding their labeling of our nation’s veterans as potential “terrorists.” The report also labeled many commonly held views as “radical,” such as opposition to illegal immigration, the belief in the right of the State to conduct its own affairs, and the fear of communist regimes.

“I am astonished and offended that this Administration would label the men and women who so bravely wore our nation’s uniform as possible terrorists,” Rep. Brown-Waite said today. “The lumping of these members of the Armed Forces in with mad-men like Timothy McVeigh is not only morally reproachable, but intellectually disingenuous.”

The report titled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment” was released last week by DHS’ Office of Intelligence and Analysis. It suggested acts of violence could come from unnamed “rightwing extremists” concerned about illegal immigration, increasing federal power, and restrictions on firearms. It singled out returning war veterans as susceptible to recruitment.

Rep. Brown-Waite authored a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano demanding clarification on how and why her department came to these offensive conclusions.

"Blazing the Base"

Bob Haa, talk show host for WWJB radio, announced on the air this morning that Blaise Ingoglia was elected last night as the new chairman for the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee. Bets are already coming in from party insiders on the committee who are already placing odds on this arrangement. They are giving it about 6 months before the executive committee implodes from within the walls of the REC.

The handwriting was on the wall for this election when Trinque was re-elected in January. She just kept the seat warm for Ingoglia until he was voted in as a new member at the HCREC this spring. This new membership positioning gave Ingoglia the opportunity to be placed in the driver seat of chairman. Apparently REC members were duped by their board of directors who manipulated this election to seat Ingoglia as chairman.

"Building up the base" was the slogan during Trinque's term to entice new members to the HCREC. Maybe the new chair of the REC will use a slogan like "Blazing the Base" as they continue to alienate party members across Hernando County. Too bad they didn't learn anything at their own Unity Rally last fall...

Editorial response to the Times

The following letter was sent to the Hernando Times in response to their editorial column on THE Bus this morning:

Re: Editorial –Inadequate mass transit

Let me see if I have this correct. It appears that I am now the villain of the discussion on the failed mass transit system in this county, according to the Hernando Times.

The lead to C.T. Bowen’s editorial column attempted to give everyone the impression that “I just don’t get it” when it comes to the importance of TBARTA and the continuation of mass transit in Hernando County.

This obvious misrepresentation of the truth by the Hernando Times editorial staff could only be explained in one way. It is obvious they are truly looking for a villain to crucify by intentionally misrepresenting the facts brought out in our meeting.

Here are a few facts that the Hernando Times side-stepped in their original reporting of this meeting.

· I specifically stated at the beginning of this meeting that saving the bus system was vital to mass transit dollars, from the state and the federal government, for our local transportation needs in the county.

· I suggested the county look into a private-public partnership with local business to increase bus-ridership. With this method, I proposed a “Park & Ride” system with local business to move workers to and from work, stationed at central locations throughout the county. I was not given credit for these suggestions by the reporter in the original article on the issue.

· I suggested the county reduce its current fixed-rate schedule to running the buses ever two hours. This would save the county $420,000 annually.

· With this reduction in service over the next year, I suggested the county partner with business to make the bus system work more efficiently for everyone.

· Yes, I strongly opposed taking 5 buses through the federal economic stimulus package. The funding for these five buses would put our county in a 10 year, 350,000 mile commitment per bus.

· I also strongly opposed using federal dollars to rehabilitate the existing fleet of buses which would put our county into another 7 year commitment to the federal government. By the way, the average mileage on the current bus fleet is 150,000 mile which is a long way from being on the endangered species list for derelict buses.

· I suggested the county apply dollars from the $420,000 for the rehabilitation of the current bus fleet and work on resolving issues of ridership that have plagued the system since 2001. The county could rehab all the buses, using local money, and still save dollars over the next year, without being encumbered by a 7 to 10-year federal commitment.

I believe the majority of citizens in this county agree the current system does not work effectively in its current condition. On that premise, why would anyone consider giving the county officials another 10 years to practice making the THE Bus work on the taxpayer’s dime?

In closing, I would like to highlight to the Hernando Times staff that I am a volunteer committee member in this county, not an elected official. The photograph you chose to run by my comment was not only unnecessary, but I believe it was done intentionally to crucify me, the messenger. Let me remind each of you there is a fine line between printing the truth and having an outright slanderous attack on a private citizen in this community.

I shouldn’t be surprised by your yellow journalism tactics since your paper didn’t even bother to properly attribute the facts in the original article. Maybe this is why the print media in this country is failing because readers are tired of being politically manipulated by editorial-writer opinions on the front page.

Anna Liisa Covell

Congressional art winners

REP. BROWN-WAITE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2009 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
WASHINGTON, D.C. –

U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-5) today announced the winner of the 2009 5th District Congressional Art Competition. The awards ceremony was held last Friday evening, March 27th, 2009.

1st Place: The 2009 winner is Anastasia Magloire. Her winning digital piece is entitled “Reflection.” She is the student at Land O’ Lakes High School and is in the 10th grade.

2nd place:
Kristina Armstrong. Kristina is a senior at Lecanto School of Art at Lecanto High School and her photographic work is entitled “Missing Piece.”

3rd place:
Karissa Yob. She is a 10th grader at Land O’ Lakes High School, her piece is entitled “’Bear’ Your Soul.”

Honorable Mention:

Tiffany Richards is an 11th grader at Citrus High School and her entry is in black and white prismacolor pencils and is entitled “Fabric Study.”

Jenna Haller is an 11th grader at Hudson High School and her composition is entitled “Trail of Tears Memoir.”

Obama's tax & spend budget

The following is from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite's office:

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HIDING OUTRAGEOUS TAXES & SPENDING IN NEW BUDGET

Weeks after President Obama released his outline for the federal budget for 2010, the House of Representatives is set to vote on the budget in a few days. If passed, this budget resolution serves as a framework from which Congress will work for the next five years. The White House and my Democratic colleagues in Congress claim this budget will reduce deficits and won’t increase taxes, but that is a mirage created by gimmicks. Obama’s budget dramatically increases the size and role of the federal government while failing to address the trillions of dollars in future spending our government already knows it will not be able to fund. There is only one way to pay for all this spending: higher taxes on you.

I have been hearing absolute infuriation from folks across the Fifth District over the irresponsible spending and the debt we will leave our next generations. “If the average person is expected to tighten their belt, why isn’t Washington? I am very worried,” I hear time and time again.

The President’s budget uses a number of gimmicks to give the appearance of a reduction in future deficits. For example, they use so-called “reserve funds,” which just gives Democratic budget leaders the ability to ask for additional funds later. Reserve funds are basically a commitment to tax and spend.

The House budget resolution contains seventeen such funds ranging from a further expansion of unemployment benefits to President Obama’s cap and tax initiative. The cap and tax proposal will tax anyone who uses electricity in the United States. President Obama’s economic advisors have admitted that just when they expect the economy to recover, President Obama plans on instituting a $1 trillion tax on all Americans who use electricity.

Even worse, buried in a footnote on page 127 the Obama budget calls for the largest increase in the death tax in U.S history beginning in 2010. Under his plan, estates will be taxed at an outrageous 45 percent. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the long-term impact of maintaining such a tax will result in $1.6 trillion less invested in small businesses and 1.5 million fewer jobs created. As the Wall Street Journal noted this week, “Obama won’t merely bring back from the dead one of the most despised of all federal taxes, and not merely splinter many family owned businesses. He will also forfeit half the jobs he hopes to gain from the $787 billion stimulus bill.”

A recent letter sent to me from a constituent in Hernando said, “It seems no one is listening to the people. We can’t spend our way out of this. I recognized this when I reviewed my own budget and bills. I no longer overextend myself.” Rest assured; I am listening.

An alternative plan is available and Republicans have tried to offer commonsense amendments to Obama’s budget, but unfortunately those were struck down in committee on party line votes. The budget resolution is a further example of the Democrats’ plans to increase taxes on every American and dramatically increase the size and scope of the federal government. Republicans have alternatives that rely on the strengths of the American people not the size of the federal government. For all of these reasons, I will oppose this budget when it comes for a vote on the House floor later this week.

Thank you,

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

Good first step

Remember in the Wizard of Oz when the good witch, Glenda, coaxed out the Munchkins saying, "Come out, come, where every you are." Well, that's the kind of elation some are feeling in the local Republican party with the resignation of their chairwoman, Ana Trinque.

Apparently, last week an emergency meeting was called at the HCREC. During this meeting, the chairwoman tendered her resignation with an excuse that she wanted more time to spend with her family. It is quite apparent that this position is very time consuming but why in the world did she accept the party nomination in January to carry on as chair for two more years and then resign in two months?

Everyone is being a good Republican, and not breathing a word of the reason for this resignation, but the speculation is rampant and the whispers are just below a roar. Could it be the poor attendance at this year's Lincoln Day Dinner after local party officials black-balled a prominent member of our business community? Who knows, and who really cares what the reason for the resignation except that she has stepped down as chairwoman. One down, and two more need to go, in the HCREC party structure. They are state committee man, and woman. They need to retire from their positions from the local party hierarchy before the county Republicans will see any significant change in the way they do business.

It's kind of ironic that the party leaders have asked former chairman, Frank Coletti, to head up the team to find a new chair for the party. Frank was the same person that put the party back together in the late 1990's when they had an similar internal squabble. He held the position of chair until 2002 and served with distinction to rebuild the base of the party. Hopefully, Frank will be able to find a replacement that is suitable to the majority of Republicans in this county. His integrity in impeccable and his decision-making process in the past was always fair and impartial to everyone in the party.

So, this resignation of the chairman could serve as a good first-step in rebuilding the trust within the local Republican party. Time will tell if the two state committee people will continue to manipulate their small ideas within the party structure or if they, too, will retire for the sake of the local party in Hernando County.

The Munchkins in the Wizard of Oz said it best with their rendition of the tune "Ding, Dong, the Witch's Dead."

Primary Industry

Last week I attended the Hernando Summit at Silverthorn Country Club. I wrote this article for my journalism class:

Primary Industry

The lack of primary industry in the county is cited as a major cause for the local economic downturn.

The biennial Hernando County Community Summit took on a somber tone Thursday as business and community leaders brainstormed issues surrounding the state of the economy with government officials. The positive community reports were overshadowed by the dire predictions of their guest speaker from an independent economics research firm. In his opinion, the chief reason for the local economic woes of the county stem from the deficiency in primary industry that serves to import money into a community.

“Primary industries are what cause economies to grow or fail,” said Policom Corporation President William H. Fruth who was the guest speaker. “The condition of your economy determines everything else.”

Fruth’s firm specializes in studying the dynamics of local economies. He has evaluated data for over 600 communities, in 32 states, over the past 10 years. In his presentation, he compared Hernando County to 363 metropolitan areas by population, annual wages, personal income, per capita Medicare and retirement transfers. Fruth’s hand-outs included a summary of the current economic climate in the county, along with his predictions for what lies ahead, and how Hernando County can best cope in the future.

“With the collapse of the local building industry, retirement is virtually the only primary industry in Hernando County,” Fruth said. “This will not cause economic growth in the future.” Fruth explained that there is no growth with a retirement based economy because the money just circulates within the system. Policom Corporation documents indicate that the quality of Hernando County’s economy declined due to disproportionate low-wage, service jobs created as a direct result of the increase in retirement population to the community.

“Local government and the community should make every effort to prevent this situation from every occurring again,” Fruth said when describing what to do in the future. “Hernando County needs to focus all activities on economic diversification, causing primary industries to grow in the county.” He finished his presentation by emphasizing that the community needs to invest $3 to $4 million dollars in future economic development to pull the economy out of the current quagmire.

Hernando County Business and Development Director Mike McHugh believes that a change in mindset with large, primary employers will need to occur to convince them to move their businesses from urban areas to where the workforce is located in Hernando County. “Businesses seek talent and the major conduit for this is the educational system,” McHugh said. “The new campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College, with the expanded 4-year programs, will be a significant business attraction.”

McHugh said “Our community must embrace business at every opportunity and provide what it needs to be competitive with other comparable communities,” when asked what it would take to attract light industry to the county.

“Incentives can play an important role in attracting new companies and should be viewed as a tool,” McHugh said. “They symbolize a community’s desire to attract business with their willingness to compete and can play a role in helping to restart the economy.”

BJH Construction President Dudley Hampton gave a community report about growth management within the county at this summit. In his opinion, Hernando County needs to market its opportunities to bring responsible industry into county.

“We need to match economic incentives to bring clean industry into Hernando County,” Hampton said. “If you look at our county, we are in close proximity to major urban areas like Tampa and Orlando.” In his presentation, Hampton said, “With major shipping points in Tampa, products from Hernando County can be marketed to the world.”

“In the short term there is nothing the local government can do and the federal stimulus will do nothing to revive the economy.” William H. Fruth said in his final comments. “We will get through this cycle regardless of what government does to us and business will crawl out in spite of government intervention.”