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!