Right-wing arrogance

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

Flurry of activity

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

Asleep at the switch?

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

Fire Master Plan

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

Citizens Sticker Shock

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

Times Have Changed

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

Bandshell Bash

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

Tomorrow is Second Saturday - Bandshell Bash!

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

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

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

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

Lost Innocence

My South African adventure was far more than a hunting trip or safari. It was like stepping back in time. I mentally took notice of many details of the people and their cultures on our trip. Even though Apartheid has been abolished in South Africa, segregation still exists within their society. This segregation is not the image of trying to maintain white ascendancy or separateness but that of the "blacks" and the "colored" segregating themselves from each other in practices, such as housing, etc. We got an education from our professional hunter that blacks were just that, a pure black race and colored's were a mixed race. The terms "blacks and colored" are used to describe each race in South Africa. I mentioned to Glen, our professional hunter, the term African American is used in our country and he asked why would they do that? I did not have an answer after all that I had witnessed in South Africa. We took a tour of the inner-city of Port Elizabeth, called the Real City Tour given by a black tour guide named Nelson. Yes, he was named Nelson after Nelson Mandella. Nelson took us to areas that could only be described as third world. These sites included: tin shacks made of old roofing material; children sitting in dirt; open markets with dead chickens laying on the ground for purchase; common water spigots for drinking water, bathing, bathroom, and laundry facilities placed periodically between the sheds; goats, chickens and dogs wandering between the sheds; new schools built by the state for the children; new houses being built to replace the tin sheds. Nelson, our tour guide, spoke with pride of the progress that has been made within his country to build new housing that consists of a concrete structure approximately 10' x 20' with an indoor toilet. All this housing is segregated by colored and blacks of their choosing, not the government. These houses are a vast improvement to the tin sheds and cardboard boxes currently used as housing. We were treated to dinner at one of their local pubs at the end of our tour. Although the meal was very meager, the hospitality was overwhelming. The pub owner asked us in very broken English where we were from and I was hesitant to respond out of fear because of all the media attention that somehow US citizens are hated worldwide. When I said we were from the United States, he stated emphatically that he loved George W. Bush. He said he loved Bush because our president freed the Iraqi people like Nelson Mandella had freed his people in South Africa. This feeling was echoed by our professional hunters who had also remarked that George Bush had saved the world from that madman, Saddam Hussein of Iraq. They remarked that they had seen the be-heading of the US citizen by terrorists on their TV sets and were outraged at the violence. These South Africans could not understand how our news media had sanitized our news and made the United States somehow seem evil in the eyes of the world when, in fact, the opposite is true. I will end by saying the innocence of the people of South Africa was truly refreshing and their humility was a virtue. This step back in time was a way to reflect on the United States and ask how we have lost our way and will be every regain that innocence again.

Segregated Learning?

Our two newspapers have reported that Westside Elementary will be conducting same sex classroom education next year. Please pinch me and tell me I have been dreaming because they cannot actually be considering a segregated learning environment for our children, again. I say again because I lived through that experience in the 1960's during my school experience. Yes, I'm old (older, oldest, whatever) to have gone to school in the 1960's but this was the era of the Civil Rights movement which guaranteed equal rights to everyone, from minorities to women, of all genders. I went to Dixie Hollins High School in Pinellas County which was a industrial arts school, similar to that of our Nature Coast High School. I had to fight to get into classes reserved only for the male students like Industrial Electronics, Drafting and Shop class. I remember vividly asking my guidance counselor why they were trying to push me into classes, like sewing and cosmetology, when my interest clearly was in the electrical field. My poor guidance counselor looked flabbergasted when I cited the 1964 Civil Rights Act when explaining my position on the subject matter reserved for males only. I requested to be placed in the Industrial Arts program, reserved for male students only, and I am proud to say that I was the first female student to enter, and complete, the Industrial Electronics program at Dixie Hollins High School in 1969. Incidentally, these class requirements included higher math like Algebra II and Geometry. These math classes were thought to be above the female learning experience at the time which had been explained with a left-hand, right-hand brain theory, by some survey of experts. I'm proud to say I graduated on the Dean's list to shoot a hole in the theory that women could not learn in a mixed, male environment. Our school board members should reconsider this segregated learning experience being proposed at Westside Elementary. Teaching, by segregation, in my opinion, is a step back in time that we do not need to take in Hernando County.

Walking the Fence

In this morning's edition of the Hernando Today, the following quote appeared in the article titled, Hickory Hill goes to state for review: Commissioners said it made sense to send the project off to DCA because that agency’s input will give them and the public a better grasp on the complexity of the issues. Their vote, they said, was not an endorsement either way of how they will ultimately vote in the future. Since this was a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Schenck, Stabbins and Robinson voting in the affirmative, maybe they can answer this question for the public. Wasn't it your job, as our elected officials, to determine if this application warranted a major change in our comprehensive plan and not just simply pass it off to the state Department of Community Affairs? The commissioners stated it was not an endorsement either way of how they will ultimately vote in the future on this project. Do they not understand the process? If DCA gives its stamp of approval for this major comprehensive plan change then it will be virtually impossible to deny any requests for re-zonings for this Hickory Hill project since this PDD will become a permanent part of our comprehensive plan. It appears that Commissioners Schenck, Stabbins and Robinson wanted their cake, and to be able to eat it too, by appearing to walk the fence on this issue.

South Africa Adventure

Jet lag and exhaustion from my South Africa safari was only a minor inconvenience in the large scope of my adventure. What a marvelous vacation! The landscape and the beauty of South Africa was almost equal to the hospitality of the warm, friendly people who reside there. The breathtaking beauty of South Africa is somewhat reminiscent of that of northern Arizona. The mountain ranges and valleys were dotted with large, flowering aloe plants, nestled between the cactus. Watching the wildlife was a sight to behold. One afternoon while hunting, I watched hundreds of majestic animals like zebra, kudo, springbok and wildebeast roam in a valley as the wind blew a brisk breeze. Although the temperature was hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the late afternoon, the sights were so overwhelming beautiful I was oblivious to the cold. I met so many wonderful people in this rustic country area near Craddock, South Africa, from the lodge proprietors, Penny and Peter, to our professional hunter, Glen Elliott. I was humbled to be in the presence of these most warm and friendly people. I will write more in the days to come on my experiences in South Africa but today I would like to focus on my hunt. As a first time hunter, my challenges were great by first overcoming my apprehension of the first kill, to the complete accuracy of my shot to be a humane hunter. I have four trophies in all which include a Red Hartebeest, a Springbok, a Blesbok and a Mountain Reedbuck. Without going into detail on each animal, I would like to comment on the Mountain Reedbuck. It was a clean, one shot take down, through the heart at 250 yards. My husband, Tony and our professional hunter, Glen were so excited they slapped me on the back in unison and nearly knocked me off the jump seat of the Land Rover. I will end with the saying of one of the professional hunters named Sokkie which was, its my story and I can tell it anyway I want to...So that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

As the commercial goes

Just as the commercial goes: Wife, mother, small business owner, college student, volunteer, now world traveler. I'm going on safari and sightseeing in South Africa and will see you all on this web page when I return on June 9th. I am sure I will have many interesting stories to share so please stop back then.

Fire Consolidation

Fire Consolidation Rebuttal to Hernando Today and WWJB Radio's position:

In my opinion, county-wide consolidation of the fire districts is premature at this time based on many critical facts that have been discussed at length over the past ten years. Many people have worked diligently to discuss county-wide consolidation, from the citizen-lead committees, to the 800 plus people that voiced their opinion at the fairgrounds in 1999, and each had varying opinions on the subject, most of which revolved around money. The previous Hernando County Fire Board, chaired by a prominent member of our community, worked for two years on this issue and came to the conclusion that services took a back- seat to the needs of HCFR wanting to collect more money to enlarge their department. Several critical issues in our community would need to be faced head-on if a county-wide consolidation were to take place which are:

• Spring Hill was voted in by a mandate of the people and would need to be abolished by a similar vote.
• Hernando Beach is a very viable volunteer department and operates at the pleasure of beach citizens.
• High Point Volunteer, operates at the wishes of their community and should be given time to iron out their problems.
• Tri-County Volunteer Dept. is as certified and equipped as HCFR.
• The City of Brooksville has an excellent fire department with a city-wide ISO rating of 4.
• Countywide consolidation would not solve the problems of all property owners. Many properties fall outside any 5 mile radius ring in (relation to fire departments) and could possibly cause people to lose their homeowners insurance or have it rise to level beyond their ability to pay for coverage based on fire department current locations.

In closing, making something bigger does not necessarily make it better and that could certainly be said when it comes to government. Consolidation of all the fire districts in Hernando County would create a massive bureaucracy, which would be fueled by our taxpayer money, and have very little oversight, in my opinion.

Frivolous Article

A frivolous article ran in the Hernando Times today on the front page of section E titled, Not Her Strong Suit, which was about Katherine Harris who is a candidate for US Senate. Frankly, the article written by Sharon Fink, seemed to be a little caddy, if not just plain mean-spirited about Rep. Katherine Harris. The writer decided to critique the clothing Mrs. Harris wore last week while meeting President Bush at MacDill Air Force Base, with the aid of three Tampa Bay area image consultants. Its not necessary to reiterate the content of Ms. Finks article except to say this displayed a real lack of taste, and was sexist, to say the least. Since the St. Petersburg Times prides ithself on being fair and impartial, especially to women and minorities, why did they allow this rubbish to be printed in their paper? Possibly to redeem their credibility, the St. Petersburg Times could run a full page article about her opponent, Senator Bill Nelson, and criticize his clothing down to the most minute detail.

Fire Rate Increases

Chief Mike Nickerson, Hernando County Fire Rescue, went before the County Commissioners to present two new funding options for residential structures today. Option A would be a maximum of $236.38 on a residence which would be a 185% increase over last year's rates. Option B would be a maximum of $305.06 which would be an increase of 238% from last year. Both of these methods would have a automatic cost of living increase built into the fire rates (each year) at 5% minimum to 8% maximum per year. After much discussion, and input from several citizens (myself included), the commissioners tabled the issue to next week's meeting. The discussion next week will be necessary to set the funding limits for legal notices to be sent out to all homeowners under the service of the HCFR for the public hearing scheduled in July to raise our fire fees. Input will be taken next week by the commissioners regarding the citizen's opinions on Chief Nickerson's rate increases request. Chief Nickerson was quoted today as saying they could reduce this amount but would have to cut some services. The services to be cut were not discussed but neither were the spending habits of the HCFR district. Last year Chief Nickerson attempted to raise the rates over 35% while trying to sell the idea of a new fire administration building, with a fire training school on site, but was held to a 23% increase on residential property. It would be interesting to find out if HCFR has elaborate plans for this new rate increase request. Remember several months ago, the Hernando County Parks Department had included a swimming pool in their budget which was exposed in the newspaper after some in-depth research by a reporter. A novel approach would be to have the HCFR justify each one of their expenditures before any rate increases are approved by the county commissioners and spell out exactly what the property owners are getting in exchange for their fees. One item that should be kept in mind is that most rural areas do not have the luxury of a nearby fire hydrant and have to depend on a pumper truck, with one tank of water, to solve their fire problems in an emergency. If this rate increase affects you, call your county commissioners at 754-4000 today to voice your opinion.

County Commission/district 4

The race for Hernando County Commission, district 4 just became a little more interesting this morning. Sindra Ridge pre-qualified as a candidate for this position at the Supervisor of Elections office this morning. Ms. Ridge, who had just recently changed her party affiliation from republican to democrat, signed up as democratic candidate to challenge the lone republican, David Russell for the seat. The name Sindra Ridge should sound familiar since she has been quoted many times in the local newspapers on issues concerning growth management and Hernando County's Comprehensive Plan. Time will only tell if anymore candidates will jump on board for this year's election. The only incumbent candidate without opposition is school board representative, Sandra Nicholson, who has held down that seat for 12 years.

"Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and soon-to-be moms! Anna Liisa

Legislative Performance

Tampa Bay Business Journal has been running an online poll about the performance of the Florida Legislative term that just concluded on May 5, 2006. These are the following results of this poll:

How did elected officials do in Florida's 2006 legislative session?
How much did legislators accomplish in the 2006 Florida legislative session?

Nothing
12%

Very little
37%

They were somewhat successful
40%

They were successful
9%

They had results beyond expectations

If you do the math, the Legislature tied itself with somewhat successful, to success, at 49% and nothing, to doing very little at 49%. Although this poll is unscientific, it appears that the Florida Legislature performed at a mediocre level in the eyes of the Tampa Bay business community that reads this Tampa Bay Business Journal on a daily basis. Maybe the lack of any real solutions to correct the insurance industry, relating to homeowner's insurance, in our state played a large part in lack of enthusiasm of the performance of our legislators.

Volunteer Recognition

Yesterday, the annual Volunteer Recognition Program took place at the Christ Lutheran Church on North Avenue in Brooksville to thank all the partners in public service for Hernando County. This program was coordinated by Brenda Frazier, with the assistance of Rick Foti and his crew, to assist the Hernando County Commission and staff in thanking the many volunteers that serve our county. Jen Holloway, of Bay News 9, gave a rousing speech about volunteering adding her own personal touch with comments about her own family. Certificates of Appreciation were presented by the county commissioners to volunteers that serve on all the advisory boards, committees, emergency management, library, county extension, volunteer fire departments and adopt-a-road programs. Some of the others recognized were the many volunteers that also serve in county offices throughout the county. Sheriff Nugent presented certificates of appreciation to the neighborhood crime watch groups. A very pretty, young woman named Lucy Werner sang several songs to the delight of the audience. Door prizes were given out as the event was winding down and then everyone was invited to refreshments served by the Christ Lutheran Church Men's Club. A special thanks needs to be extended to Reverend Drankwater for his hospitality. Most of all, though, Brenda Frazier and Rick Foti's crew deserve a round of applause from all (us) volunteers for making this event so successful again this year!

Protect the children...

This is a special thanks to one of my anonymous neighbors that has been watching out for the welfare of the children in our neighborhood. Someone has taken the time to regularly post the addresses and photographs of the sexual predators of our zip code at our local post office. This is a tremendous help to the busy parent, or grandparent, concerned with the safety and welfare of their children. This information has been posted on the bulletin board outside the post office where everyone can see it when picking up mail. To those of you that do not know the rural area of northeast Hernando County, we do not receive delivered mail so the bulletin board is a way of communicating with all the neighbors. It is heart warming to see that my neighbor has taken the time to protect the local children in this small way.

Thanks Ginny

Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite voted today on the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 which extends the alternative minimum tax relief, the increased limit on small business expensing, and the low rates on capital gains and dividends which passed 244-185 on a bi-partisan vote. Congresswoman Brown-Waite also was able to gain a commitment from House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas to pass legislation to extend the state and local sales tax deduction for Florida taxpayers in an future subsequent round of tax legislation. Representative Brown-Waite was quoted as saying, "The state sales tax deduction brings huge benefits for all Floridians. Since Florida has no state income tax, our residents are unable to take that deduction from their Federal tax liability like those in other states can. We changed that dynamic to allow this deduction. This is an issue of fairness and one that Congress must address and make permanent." Thanks, Ginny for all your hard work!

Rebuttal of Editorial

This is a rebuttal I submitted to the Hernando Today in response to Robert Nolte's editorial this morning.

Grandstanding, testy, unflappable, divisive, rambling, folly, arbitrarily, torpedo, legal liability and judicial jeopardy are just a few descriptions used by Mr. Robert Nolte, editor of the Hernando Today, when referring to the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission's review of the project titled, the Hickory Hill Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPAM 06-2, at their meeting on Monday, May 8th. While it was economically feasible for this editor to embellish his opinion on the volunteer members of the Planning & Zoning Commission to peddle his product, his editorial was not written with sound, honest facts relating to the comprehensive plan amendment process prescribed by Florida Statutes, Chapter 163 and the local Hernando County ordinance and policy. This editor appears to have a real lack of knowledge of responsibility given to the Hernando Planning and Zoning Commission by our County Commission, that is duly expressed by written ordinance and the Florida Statutes. The P & Z Commission acts in an official capacity in re-zoning applications as jurors in the quasi judicial process, as prescribed by the FL Statutes. In addition to these re-zonings procedures, the Planning & Zoning Commission has also been tasked by the County Commission with the review process of land use issues, such as comprehensive plan amendments, and issues relating to land use specified in the zoning ordinance. The review of comprehensive plan amendments, like that of the Hickory Hill Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPAM 06-2 on Monday's agenda, are given in-depth consideration by every member of the P & Z Commission. Hopefully, Mr. Nolte will take the opportunity to educate himself on the current comprehensive plan that was amended, and re-adopted on December 14, 2005 and became effective on February 17, 2006. This current comprehensive plan, adopted by our County Commission and reviewed by the Florida Department of Community Affairs, was a two year process of gathering facts throughout the county. This revision process of the Comprehensive Plan entailed many facets of the community which included a county-wide survey, 5 workshops throughout the county by the Hernando County Planning Department, along with a 7-month Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) process. The 19-member EAR committee was comprised of community members, along with all the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Hernando County Commission reviewed these procedures every step of the way by conducting workshops for public input. It would be suggested that before offering any further subjective opinions on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Mr. Nolte educate himself on the comprehensive plan amendment process prescribed by the Florida Statutes, plus review the newly adopted comprehensive plan, dated February 17, 2006, before assuming that amendments are somehow an entitlement process of any applicant at hand. Hopefully, Mr. Nolte will think before reaching into his bag of tricks for anymore derogatory adjectives to describe any Planning & Zoning Commissioners and do us all a favor by stopping by his local library to peruse the newly adopted comprehensive plan which has been overwhelming supported by the majority of the citizens of Hernando County.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to represent my point of view...Anna Liisa

Sneak Preview

A sneak preview of coming events includes two very exciting projects being developed through the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. Their Special Events Committee has been hard at work planning several exciting events. Two of these events are titled, 'Swing at the Station" and "the Jazz Festival at Weeki Wachee". The "Swing at the Station" will take place during Heritage Days this October, with the "Jazz Festival" penciled in for March of next year. The "Swing" event will include a top rated swing band, playing at the old Railroad Station on Russell Street in downtown Brooksville. Other ideas are being floated for this Swing event is to have a street dance, an ice cream social, hot dogs, and hula-hoop contests, along with other children's games. This Swing at the Station will be a welcome edition to the jam-packed week of events already planned for the Heritage Day Celebration in Downtown Brooksville. As for the Jazz Festival, Mayor Robyn Anderson has already jumped on board to give her approval so the committee can begin planning this event, too. I will keep you updated as the plans progress with the special Events Committee. P.S. Don't forget the Annual Hernando County Fine Arts Festival at Tom Varn Park over the Memorial Day weekend. This festival is a very worthwhile way to spend the weekend, checking out all the beautiful artwork, entertainment, and yes, food. Best of all, it is free to the public!

Eminent Domain

Today, the Florida Senate passed a proposed Constitutional Amendment limiting the ability of local government to condemn private property for redevelopment. This amendment, HJR 1569, passed in the Senate by a 38-2 margin and was sent back to the House for some minor modifications. If approved by the voters, this bill would go into effect on January 2, 2007 and would put an immediate halt to any project currently under way, or even in the planning stages. Senator Jim King of Jacksonville was quoted as saying that private property is a God-given, by our forefathers, right. We will all look forward to this Constitutional Amendment appearing on the ballot this election year. Thanks to everyone in the Senate and the House for recognizing that eminent domain rules in the state of Florida needed to be strengthened after the US Supreme Court decision last year.

Special Election Validation

As promised, Representative David Russell has gotten the House to pass HB 1183 to validate the Hernando County School Board 1/2 cent sales referendum. This measure was on the 2004 General Election as a referendum but had not been advertised properly by the Hernando County School Board to be within the guidelines of the Florida Statutes. The bill reads as:

HB 1183 - Hernando County Special Election Validation
LOCAL BILL by Russell
Hernando County Special Election Validation: Validates all acts and proceedings had and taken in connection with the special election held in Hernando County on March 9, 2004, to authorize the levy of a discretionary sales surtax in Hernando County for the purpose of providing funds to finance the cost of new schools and equipment and improvements associated with such schools within the county; declares such special election legal and valid.

This HB 1183 is sure to breeze through the Senate and then onto the Governor's desk for his signature. The only thing left to free up over $6.3 million in sales tax funds for school construction is for a judge to give his stamp of approval for this procedure.

Rather Expensive Gift

The outgoing Florida House Speaker, Alan Bense received a rather expensive going away gift from his fellow House members last week. Mr. Bense was presented with the keys to a classic 1977 Corvette, valued at approximately $9,800.00. This corvette was purchased by the Republican Party of Florida from a car dealership in Tampa. A representative from the state Republican Party must have had second thoughts about the purchase made with party funds because they had attempted to have the check returned to them. When the car dealer refused to return their check, two House Republican's covered the expediture made by the RPOF with their own money. These two Representatives then took up a collection from other Florida House members at approximately $110.00 per person. The extravagant purchase of this Corvette for House Speaker Alan Bense seems rather odd since he is a multi-millionaire and could well afford to buy his own vehicle. It must be noted that Alan Bense is the same person being courted by the Republican Party of Florida to enter the race against Katherine Harris for U.S. Senate at the close of the Florida Legislative session on May 5, 2006. One would have to wonder if there is any connection that can be made with the purchase of this vehicle and the desire by the RPOF to have Alan Bense enter the race for U.S. Senate or is it just pure coincidence?

Please ask questions...

Yesterday, a story ran in the Hernando Times about a home buyer having problems with his building contractor. Apparently this home buyer is having difficulty getting his house completed, even after paying a considerable sum of money to the building contractor. Its not really necessary to mention the home buyer, or contractor, by name since this problem arises quite frequently within the construction industry. The typical scenario involves the home buyer paying money out in good faith for a product, and then rightfully expecting the general contractor to fulfill his agreement. A small handful of contractors get into trouble for many reasons which could range from just poor management, to over extending their business, taking on too much work, incompetence, or just plan fraud. Whatever the circumstances, many people get hurt when a building contractor defaults on a job from the home buyer, to the subcontractor, and the material suppliers. Hernando County Building Director, Grant Tolbert, was quoted in this article giving advice to the homeowners, or potential home buyers, to make sure a Partial Release of Lien is obtained before any money changes hands. This Partial Release ensures that the general contractor is paying the cost of the labor and material up front and this document will protect the buyer from having a lien placed on their property by a subcontractor or material supplier. All this information can be found in the Florida Statutes 713 on the construction lien process. FL Statute 713 is a "must read" for anyone using the services of a general contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing, contractor, a/c contractor, etc. to protect their investments. The link to this site can be found at:

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0713/part01.htm&StatuteYear=2005&Title=%2D%3E2005%2D%3EChapter%20713%2D%3EPart%20I

Each time a property owner gets hurt by an unscrupulous general contractor, the subcontractor gets labeled the bad guy when liens are placed on property. Unfortunately, the subcontractor is only attempting to collect monies owed to them which have not been paid by the general contractor. It is the property owners responsibility to educate themselves on the construction process within the state of Florida, so please take a few minutes to read Florida Statute 713. Next time you use the services of a contractor, read all the documents from the Notice of commencement, the building permit, to the Notice to Owners, and ask questions if you do not understand the process. Any legitimate contractor should not be insulted by questions of the property owner. One last bit of advice, never, never, pay for all your work up front, demand partial release of liens for all money paid out and make sure your contractor is licensed, and insured, to do business within Hernando County.

New Palm Trees

Did you all see the new palm trees at the intersection of US 41 and SR 50 last week? Well, there gone, temporally that is, until the landscaper under contract makes plans to have them properly planted to the city specifications. Thanks to the conscientious thinking by Bill Geiger, Brooksville's Community Development Director, the trees may have now have a good chance of surviving since he has insisted a good top soil be installed before re-planting the palm trees. Originally, the landscaper just dug holes into existing limestone and then plugged the trees into position. Its a good thing that Mr. Geiger would not accept this method because the trees would not have survived in this type of element. It must be noted that these trees being planted are not the expensive date palms, as originally planned, but native, sable palms. Mr. Geiger went back to the Brooksville City Council to have these sable-type palm trees approved because FDOT would not accept the date palms due to sight limitations at this intersection. Thanks, Bill, for all your hard work and we will look forward to a beautiful entrance corridor leading into downtown Brooksville when the landscaping job is complete.

Fair Housing Workshop

The Hernando County Housing Authority will host a Fair Housing Workshop On May 25, 2006 from 9 a.m. to noon at 20 N. Main Street in downtown Brooksville. This informational workshop will provide information for the tenants and the landlords, with agenda items that include the general laws and rules. The Community Legal Services, Inc will be giving a presentation, along with information being provided by Donald Singer, the executive director of the Hernando County Housing Authority. The general public is invited, along with realtors and landlords, for this informational workshop. For additional information, contact the Hernando County Housing Authority at 754-4160.

Wait Another Year

The proposed, affordable housing units planned for the elderly on Barnett Road will have to wait another year, according to Donald Singer, the executive director of the Hernando County Housing Authority, as reported at yesterday's meeting. Mr. Singer reported to the board that the application to the state was fairly low on the funding list so this project would be re-submitted next year. Mr. Singer also indicated several items that help move the project up in funding order and would be discussing these with the project developer. One item included site improvements on the property, with the possible removal of an old house with a scheduled burn by the Brooksville Fire department as a training exercise. Hopefully, next year the Hernando county will have a better opportunity for state funding with this needed housing project for the low income elderly in our community.

Ho-hum So Far...

Are you worried about excessive taxes, high homeowner's insurance premiums, overcrowded classrooms, high-priced gasoline, health insurance costs, etc. Well, now is the time to start thinking about who will best represent you, and your family's interests, in the future since it is election year again. Some of the offices up for election include congressional seats, the state house, the governor, to the local county commission and school board races. This year has been ho-hum so far, with very little coverage in the local media about pre-qualified candidates, except for the opinions from the two major newspaper editors about the field of candidates. These editors comments were quite candid in expressing their opinions on the qualifications, or lack thereof, for the incumbent candidates. The public, in general, has been calling for an upheaval of all incumbents due to distrust and have expressed their opinion in many of the media outlets such as local talk radio and letters to the editors of the newspapers. Before you decide to check off candidates merely because they are incumbent, check out their voting records. Do they do what they say, and say what they mean, or are they merely pandering to the public for votes to keep their jobs? Some of the incumbents have had their nose to the grindstone, like Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite. She has represented the senior population of our community well, along with actively supporting our veterans by her actions, not just mere words. Other incumbents have merely existed in office, from year to year, without any significant contributions to our community except when it personally serves them. Now's the time to do your homework about the open seats for election and the slate of candidates vying for the particular position. Is three terms enough for a school board candidate or county commission candidate? Should a one term county commission candidate be advanced to the Florida House? Do we need a long term state house representative as a county commission candidate? It all depends on the performance of the incumbent and whether they deserve our vote of confidence again in 2006.

Emergency Reserve Fund

A controversial 3-2 vote took place by the Hernando County School Board last Tuesday night which was not to create an emergency reserve fund policy, even though this was the recommendation of school finance director. The Hernando County School Board chose not to pass this reserve policy even though a three to eight percent reserve fund is recommended by the Florida Auditor General's Office. It has been reported that Hernando County schools have been reprimanded in the past by the Florida Auditor General for not having this 3 to 8% reserve policy. The Hernando County School Board has only set aside 1.5 percent for emergency funds this year even though this amount would only cover approximately 1 month of operating costs for the school system, according to the school district's finance department. This current short-funded reserve account for the school system does not appear to be a fiscally prudent measure in light of cash flow problems being felt within in the school system. This current cash crunch might be caused by the lack of oversight on borrowing money for construction costs and costs related to the use of the half cent sales tax money. In January of this year it was reported that over $6.3 million brought in by the half-cent sales tax increase cannot be touched because the ballot referendum had not been publicly noticed according to the Florida Statutes. In order to use this tax money for new school construction special approval is needed by the state Legislature and then approval must be granted by a judge. School board members Pat Fagan and Robert Wiggins need to be commended for voicing their concerns regarding the creation of a minimum reserve policy but unfortunately they were on the losing end of the vote at last Tuesday night's meeting.

First Hand Account

If you would like a first hand account about the story of America's ongoing war on terrorism go to the source of the information. As the American Legion magazine likes to state it, first hand accounts come from those whose boots are on the ground. Check out the National American Legion website http://www.legion.org/ and then click on Letters to America from the front. Get the real side of the story that does not appear in the mainstream media outlets from our men and women currently serving in harm's way. This modern day website by the American Legion gives a real view of a war correspondent. God Bless all our troops worldwide to their service for our country!

Survey on Citizen's Bailout

Tampa Bay Business Journal is currently conducting a survey titled, How would you deal with the financial crisis of Citizens Insurance? This survey's content is based on the pending bills in the Florida State Legislature and the use of this year's $960 million windfall, along with the $5.6 billion in surplus at the state level. Coming in on top in this survey with 36% is for the entire deficit of Citizen's Insurance to be covered by this year's tax surplus so homeowners will not have to face higher premiums. Coming in at a distant second is the Florida House bailout of the proposed $920 million, with the third place going to withholding all funding to Citizen's until ethical standards are upgraded, with 16 % of the vote. At fourth place, with 15 %, is the option not to give any money for this bailout, based on the feeling that this is the cost of living in Florida. The Florida Senate's plan comes in next to last for the $750 million bailout of Citizen's Insurance. Representative Joe Negron was right when he said that the Citizen's assessment is really a back-door tax increase on all Floridians. Hopefully, the Florida Legislature is listening to the low rumble of discontent among all Florida homeowners struggling with the debacle of this Citizen's Insurance bailout while facing increases in their own premiums. Just look at the Tampa Bay Business Journal's survey, and see that by a 2 to 1 margin, the consensus is for a complete bailout of Citizen's Insurance, not just a half-hearted attempt by the Florida Legislature to ease our pain in the wallet.

Oak Hill's Primary Care Stroke Facility

Did you know that Oak Hill Hospital recently earned national certification as a primary stroke center from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations? This is great news for local healthcare in Hernando County. This newly accredited stroke facility at Oak Hill is the only hospital in this area to offer such cutting edge technology in (stroke) treatment of the patient. The only stroke facility of this stature outside of Hernando County is in Tampa but this really is not an option when time is of the essence in quickly accessing and treating the stroke patient. For example, one type of stroke occurs when a clot within your arteries cuts off the blood supply to the brain. With this type of stroke, or brain attack, it is critical that a person with (stroke) symptoms be accessed within 3 hours. If this type of stroke occurs, a clot busting drug can be administered within the 3 hour window to help prevent permanent disabilities, such as speech disorders, paralyses or even death.

Some symptoms of stroke include the following:

• numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• severe headache with no known cause

We now have a very viable choice for survival, not only for ourselves but our loved ones, in the event of a stroke. First, call 911 if symptoms begin, and then demand the ambulance take you directly to Oak Hill hospital for assessment at the only certified stroke facility in 70 squares mile radius. Secondly, call your county medical director, Dr. Robert Blackburn, and request that he set up directives and training for all Hernando County EMS personnel in recognizing the symptoms of a stroke patient. For example, Dr. Blackburn already has a directive to air lift head trauma patients to a Tampa Trauma Unit for assessment/treatment by his EMS staff based strictly on the the safety of the patient. Hopefully, Dr. Blackburn will put the safety of the public first for possible stroke patients and direct his EMS staff to transport them to the Stroke Center at Oak Hill Hospital. Check out Oak Hill's website for more information at www.OakHillHosptial.com or call 352-596-6632.

Burn Ban

This morning the Hernando County Commissioners voted on a "burn ban" at the request of fire chief, Mike Nickerson. This "burn ban" is county-wide and is in full effect until further notice. Be advised that if you violate this order written warnings will be issued, followed by tickets. It is so dry with the lack of rain so please be careful!

Growing Frustration

Everyone is talking about the problem with illegal immigration in the United States. From the talking heads of television, to radio, many have voiced their opinions on the subject, in light of the many protests over the last several weeks. It seems everyone's has an opinion on this subject and it should prove to be a hot topic this election year. Last week, Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite was on a local radio station where she stood firmly behind her position of completing the wall between Mexico and the United States, as a first step measure to get a handle on illegal immigration into this country. A website link is also being passed by email that emphasizes the completion of the wall by sending a brick to your elected representatives and senators in Washington DC which is http://www.send-a-brick.com/index.htm This link is just a sign of the growing frustration we all feel while watching the United States Senate haggle over this topic while they appear to be oblivious to the concerns of the citizens of this country. No one is against immigration into the United States but for goodness sake we just want it to be legal. A suggestion that may solve the problem for a guest worker program would to be get the business community on board. Much has been said about the need for these illegal immigrants to do the work United States citizens will not do, like pick vegetables and clean hotel rooms. With this good economy, and tight labor market, these type of labor needs may very well be required by some business owners. With this being said, these business owners need to step up to the plate by contacting their members of Congress to create a sponsorship program to oversee, and hire these illegal immigrants. Bear in mind though that all costs associated with a sponsorship program/guest worker program of this type should be that of the business owners. Business owners need to be required to pay for all the housing, food, medical assistance, etc. so these workers do not become a burden on our tax dollars and society. These business owners would also need to take on the responsibility for any legal costs associated with this program and guarantee that these workers return to their own countries upon termination of their employment. Along with this stringent set of enforcement rules, these business owners should also be required to the collect, and make payment, for the withholding taxes and workers compensation of these workers. One item that should not be taken into account is Social Security for these workers since this is a program designed to assist the citizens of the United States. Being realistic, the businesses that use illegal immigrants need to start playing by the same rules of all other legitimate businesses and stop the scare tactics of higher prices. These miniscule promises of price increases for produce are slight in comparison to the overburden we all have felt with the cost health care increases, and the overcrowding of schools, being impacted by the approximately 12.5 million in illegal aliens now in our country.

Two Art Events at PHCC

The community is invited to attend two events hosted a PHCC this week, list below:

• 4th Annual Celebration of Poetry / Friday, April 21st from 7-9 p.m. / North Campus, Room A139. Open-mike poetry reading will take place by the staff, students and community members. Call Richard Downing at 797-5132 for details.
• Transdendance, A Mixed Abilities Dance Exhibition / Tuesday evening, April 18th / New Port Richey Campus. 15 Dancers, some who use wheel chairs, will perform a choreography based on the creative work of PHCC students.

Happy Easter to you and your family! Anna Liisa

Which would you prefer?

Our Florida Legislature learned this week that they have a windfall of $960-million this year which is in addition to the $5.6 billion surplus previously reported in the news earlier. Taking into consideration that this is our money, how would you like to see this windfall of $960-million spent by our Legislature? Would you like more tax cuts? Or possibly help with skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums? Maybe pay down part of Florida's $17.5 billion in tax-supported debt? Or neatly tuck away this windfall in reserve for more lean times? My first choice is for a tax cut. If the Legislature decides on tax cut, please find some other way to return our money besides a sales tax holiday. Why should we have to spent more money to see a refund of this tax windfall. Yes, I know, supply- side economics requires the spending of money to continue to generate this good economy so the sales tax holiday is technically a good idea. But why should we have to spend more of our hard earned money just to receive a few tax dollars back from the legislature? My second choice would be to pump the money into the failing Citizens Insurance fund to ease the pain to homeowners who are struggling with massive increases in premiums, do, in part, by the bail out (of Citizen's). I'm sure every property owner in this state would be delighted to have a portion of this Citizen's bailout be removed from their homeowner's insurance premium. Hopefully our Legislature will think hard before acting on this windfall so it will benefit the majority of us in this state and not just look like an approach to pander to the public during an election year.

Marine Corp Reunion

The 2006 Florida All Marine Corps Reunion, hosted by the Northeast Chapter of the 1st Marine Division, will be held May 5-7, 2006 at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. Check out www.1stMarDivAssnNEFL.org for the details and registration forms. Open to all Marines past and present.

DD 214 Online

For any veterans that have misplaced their DD 214, please do not despair. There is a new website at the National Personnel Records Center which is vetrecs.archives.gov where veterans gain access to their DD 214 online. You will be asked to supply all the essential information to process the request but this new web-based design was created to provide better service.

Please excuse my sparse postings on this sight over the several last weeks . I was in Oak Hill Hospital having surgery and haven't been focused on community events. Check back in a week or so & I'm sure my energy level will be restored to normal... Anna Liisa

Grand opening at Jericho Road

After lots of hard work, donations, and just plain determination, the new thrift store for Jericho Roads Ministries, Inc. will celebrate with their official grand opening April 3-8. Their new store is located on the north side of Wiscon Rd. just a little east of SR50. Make sure you stop by because they are having food, fun and prize give-aways during their celebration. For those of you that are interested in a speaker for your church, or civic group, Pastor Bruce Gimbal is available for presentations on subjects that include homelessness, addiction recovery, mercy ministries, and outreach programs. Pastor Bruce can be contacted at their website: www.Jericho-Road.net

Questions on THE Bus?

For those of you that have questions of THE Bus, a mass transit workshop will be conducted on Tuesday April 4, 2006 in the Atrium of the Hernando County Government Center located at 20 N. Main Street in downtown Brooksville. Informational displays and Hernando County employees will be on hand to answer your questions on THE Bus. If you have questions, contact Hugh Pascoe or Steve Diez at 754-4057 or mpo@co.hernando.fl.us

Symposium on Veteran Information

The American Legion, Post 99 will be conducting an informational symposium at 2 p.m. Saturday April 1 on various veterans issues at their headquarters located at 208 Ft. Dade in downtown Brooksville. All veterans, spouse, widows and children are welcome to attend this program. Representatives from the VA hospital and Veteran Services will be on hand to answer questions. Bring you DD 214, or discharge papers, in the event you want to sign up for any offered services at this event.

Semper Fi to the new jail warden

Kudos go out to the new Hernando County jail warden for solving the situation with the local Marine Corp Detachment and Deb Pedone, president of the fair association. Don Stewart was able to offer labor from the inmates at the jail to complete the sweat-equity arrangement by the Marine Corp League at the fairgrounds. This sweat-equity was arranged in lieu of rental payments for the storage of goods for the yearly Toys for Tots event. Mr. Stewart pledged to the county commissioners that he would work within the community and he has shown that his word is good. My husband Tony, who is a former Marine, wanted me to pass on these words to Mr. Stewart. Semper Fi

Tallyho to Tallahassee

Discussion took place this morning at the Hernando Board of Commissioners meeting about some pending items in Florida Legislature this year. The commissioners were preparing to present a united front for our county tomorrow in Tallahassee with our state legislators on their "Tallyho to Tallahassee" trip. Nancy Robinson discussed the possibility of Hernando County losing the ability to oversee cable television in our county, citing the loss of funds created by cable franchise fees and what impact it would have on the county. Robert Schenck made some vary valid points, stating the loss of franchise agreements for the county would open the markets to free enterprise, and competition in the cable industry which would benefit the citizens of this county. Its unfortunate that Mr. Schenck points were not heard clearly by the other commissioners who were more concerned with the loss of funds into the county coffers and their inability to oversee the cable industry with the pending state legislation. Although the franchise fee is not itemized on the local Brighthouse Cable bill, the local option communications tax is approximately $2.57 a month which equates to $30.84 a year (this doesn't include state and federal fees and taxes). The current franchise agreement with Hernando County and Brighthouse provides access for the government channels. Keep in mind that not everyone in the county has the ability to receive Brighthouse Cable, and the government access channels, but everyone pays to fund it through the county's General Fund. On another point, Jean Raggs explained to the commissioners about the possible loss of $0.50 a month per cell phone in the county with pending state legislation. Mrs. Raggs stated emphatically that this was not a tax on cell phone but was a fee for services. Something was forgotten in this county commission discussion this morning which is, what is best for those who live in Hernando County. And can the commissioners better decide how to spent our money or are we capable to make those decisions for ourselves?

County Animal Licensing

This morning at the BCC meeting, some interesting points were voiced at the podium by Joanne Schoch, Director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc., during the renewal discussions for the PetData contract. Mrs. Schoch brought to the commissioner's attention that Complete Technology Solutions, a local company, was interested in developing a program similar to that of PetData. PetData is a company that operates out of Texas to license local Hernando County pets. Complete Technology Solutions apparently could not present anything this morning because of the short notice of this contract renewal for county animal licensing services. PetData's contract was renewed this morning for another 3 years by the Board of County Commissioners. The BCC also directed Frank McDowell sit down with Joanne Schoch and Complete Technology Solutions to see if they could work out a program competitive to that of PetData for future contract negotiations. Several questions remain unanswered this morning with this contract renewal. Was there any particular reason that this contract was not put out for competitive bidding? Why was this treated as an exclusive contract without first polling the local business community? Is the contract with PetData the best deal for Hernando County?

Election Security

On March 3, 2006, Dawn K. Roberts, director of the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections sent a technical advisory memo to all 67 Supervisor(s) of Elections to immediately enhance voting system security throughout the state. This advisory provided minimum guidelines for security standards at the local level. Dawn Roberts cited the problems with the state of California's voting systems technology, and the potential security system vulnerabilities in election media in the state of Florida. Enhanced security safeguards are recommended for all types of election equipment and media which include PCMCIA cards, memory cards and paper ballots. Under the state of Florida, a set of guidelines and procedures are recommended based on threat models, or forms of perceived attacks on our election system. Ms. Roberts underscores the importance of items that could be a perceived threat to the voting methods in our state, such a transportation of ballots, and pre/post election security. One method that was discussed in her memorandum was the threat to optical scanners, like the type we currently use in Hernando County. Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams recently requested additional space for her department stating the need for a more secure place of storage for election equipment. The election equipment is currently being stored in a facility at the old DPW building on Martin Luther King Blvd (the site that is currently under review for toxic materials). This unsecured facility that houses the Hernando County's election equipment could be seen as a potential security risk. The taxpayers of Hernando County have invested thousands of dollars in election equipment over the last few years which is state of the art and it needs to be protected, not only from threats but from the elements of Mother Nature herself.

New Paint

Over the last several weeks, community volunteers have pitched in to scrap paint, fix boards and apply new paint to the old railroad depot on Russell Street in downtown Brooksville. I believe one of the volunteer groups that supplied labor was the American Legion, Post 186. Virginia Jackson has worked many years trying to update this railroad building, as well as many other historically significant structures in our county and its great to see the community pitch in to help.

Good luck, Fred

This morning at the Hernando County Commission meeting it was announced that Fred Hiers, reporter for the Hernando Today, would be leaving our county for a job in Ocala. Mr. Heirs has received many awards, as a journalist for the Hernando Today, for is in-depth reporting of governmental affair for Hernando County. I'm sure he will be missed by everyone at the Hernando Today. It will be a little odd not seeing him at his post, in the first row of the county commission chamber, every Tuesday for the BCC meetings reporting on governmental affairs. Good luck , Fred, in your new job in Ocala.

Congratulations Mr. Jennings

This morning at the Hernando County Commission meeting our new county administrator, Gary Kuhl, formally requested the board approve Larry Jennings as his deputy administrator for our county. It was nice to see that Mr. Kuhl recognizes the valuable asset he has with Larry Jennings. Mr. Jennings is well respected by his fellow department heads and employees alike but most importantly, he is respected by the citizens in this community for his long term dedication to Hernando County. Congratulations, Mr. Jennings!

U.S. Chamber honors Ginny

On March 15, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite with its prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award for her strong support of pro-economic legislative agenda. "I know that small businesses, and the jobs they generate, are the backbone of our American economy and it is truly an honor to receive this award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce," said Rep. Brown-Waite at the award ceremony. Congratulations, Ginny!

You Can't Handle the Truth

Think about the movie, titled A Few Good Men and focus on the line by Jack Nicholson saying, "You can't handle the truth." This is what came to mind when I read the excellent editorial column by Jeff Webb in this morning's edition of the Hernando Times, titled "Status quo is not leadership". His editorial focused on the Hernando County commissioner's failure to take the reins, in any meaningful way, to plan for the long term needs of Hernando County. His paraphrases, in references to the commissioners, are a mirror image of what most us are thinking out here in the community. Mr. Webb stated that the actions, or inactions, of these commissioners is basically the same as their predecessors, with these commissioners not having the ability, or foresight, to solve problems and make critical choices. Lip service, hand wringing, and finder-pointing were words used by Jeff Webb while describing the commissioners which sums up the general political climate in our community. Our elected officials are there to represent our long term interests, and not their popularity concerns when facing their own re-election campaigns, or when facing their political party leaders. It takes real leadership to make difficult decisions, not only in government, but also in the private sector. Sound financial planning requires adherence to long term goals. What was not said in Mr. Webb's column was it is not just the commissioners fault for the lack leadership, vision and courage. This message should be a wake up call to the electorate that put these individuals in office. What did the citizens hope to gain by the commissioners they elected for their district? Was their vote one of confidence in the individual's ability to be a leader? Or was it a protest vote to oust the opponent? Or was it merely a popularity vote, not based on any credentials as a leader, just that of popularity concerns? It is everyone's responsibility to demand leadership, courage and vision out of our county commissioners, even if the choices are tough. It all revolves by the opening example I referenced by Jack Nicholson who said, "You can't handle the truth." Maybe its time we demand real leadership decisions in this county, even if it isn't the popular thing to do...

New Owners of Farmer John's

For those of you that have enjoyed the food at Farmer John's Pancake House, on Howell Avenue in Brooksville, you will be pleased to know that it will be even better that ever with the new owners, Doug and Kellie Edwards. Doug and Kellie have the know-how to step right in at Farmer John's since they are also the owners of Nature Coast Catering. Doug will be running the restaurant operations while Kellie continues running the catering side of their business. Good luck Kellie and Doug on this newest business venture!

Electrifying Statement

Last night Katherine Harris publicly announced that she would be personally donating $10-million to her campaign for the US Senate. This electrifying statement by Mrs. Harris brought a sigh of relief from many Republicans who were concerned since the rumors in the media had her bowing out of race. She has faced many critical challenges since throwing her hat into the senate race, most of which have come from within the Republican party. Early attempts by Senator Elizabeth Dole, our governor, and others in the Republican Party of Florida to find primary opposition for Katherine Harris put her behind in fundraising efforts for her campaign. Even though Katherine Harris has faced this critical opposition, last night she displayed the energy and determination to win the election for senate. Mrs. Harris has lived by the 11th Commandment practiced by Ronald Reagan which is to speak no ill of another Republican. Her honesty and integrity, backed by her own boundless energy, speaks volumes for her credibility as a candidate for the US Senate. Good luck Katherine Harris!

Performance Vs. Spending?

The Hernando County Commissioners held a workshop this morning to discuss the current information available from their citizens committee of 25, tasked with reviewing options for future capital expenditures, along with associated funding sources. The discussion of commissioners was tense throughout the entire meeting, with each commissioner voicing their concerns for our county. This current committee of 25 has most of the same tasks as prior committee formed under former county administrator, Paul McIntosh in 2001. The only new information brought forward by this current committee this morning was the cost increases associated with infrastructure and the size of governments services. Each commissioner took the opportunity to express their viewpoint about taxes in the form of a reduction in Ad Valorem taxes versus implementing a sales tax increase of 1/2 to 1 cent on a referendum in November. Commissioner Stabbins stated he was not willing to write a blank check without first checking the efficiency of our county government services. He insisted that the committee be given options to make government more efficient, not just a wish list for the future, without spending reforms in place. Commissioner Rowden voiced her choice of pursuing a sales tax increase, while Commissioner Kingsley was reserved on a reduction in Ad Valorem taxes. Commissioner Schenck brought up a proposal for a cost sharing method for the Parks Department to explore with the private sector while Nancy Robinson opted to wait until the committee had completed their work before she would make any final comments on tax relief. The most ironic statement uttered throughout the entire workshop was the "pay as you go" method while describing a proposed sales tax increase. After watching the Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Kuhl this morning, this "pay as you go" system could be described as a system of last resort. Very few options are left for the county commissioners on funding new capital projects since they have bonded us into approximately $80-million in debt since 2002 and they have only $10-million in borrowing power from the League of Counties. One option they did not look at critically was the performance measurement of our current government services and projects, to fairly evaluate if our government is operating in an efficient manner. It looks like Gary Kuhl has his work cut out for him in the weeks ahead while the preparations are made for the 2006-07 budget year.

Exciting Events on Saturday

Several exciting events will take place on Saturday, March 11th:

• The Bandshell Bash & Classic Cars Exhibition from 4 to 8 p.m at the bandshell on Ft. Dade in downtown Brooksville. The entertainment will be rock and roll band's the Soult Road Band and Stones Throw.
• The 20th Annual Youth Education Services/Explorer Post 409 Scramblers Golf tournament hosted by Sheriff Richard Nugent at the Brooksville Golf & Country Club. Registration at 11 a.m. w/shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Term Limits?

Yesterday I received an interesting letter in the mail from a group called Stop Our Politicians. Apparently this group is out to defeat the term limits extension to 12 years for the Florida Legislature on the November ballot. Bob Burg, chairman of the Stop Our Politicians, is assembling a team statewide for voter awareness of this initiative placed on the ballot by our Legislature last year. A Google search of this group for additional information brought up a website but no additional information on the backers (of this group). It will be interesting to see if this group has the muscle projected in their letter to overcome the ballot language meant to deceive the novice voter.

Private Property Rights & Smart Growth Management

Just suppose for a minute that all the comments in the media outlets are true about the newest conflict between Hernando County and the city of Brooksville, in reference to questions raised about the city annexation policies and the "First Right to Serve" for water/sewer service. Imagine that Garth Coller's only job goal is to intimidate the city of Brooksville while forcing the expansion of county utility services. Assume that the Hernando County Commissioners thoroughly enjoy being a bully to the city of Brooksville. Do these statements seem far-fetched when referring to questions raised about the city annexation policy? You bet these statements are a real stretch of the imagination but they are being repeated as gospel around the county. The two major points of concern that have not been addressed though are private property rights and smart growth management.

The concerns raised about the city annexation policy began at the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission. Questions were raised, and rightfully so, to ask why property owners in the city's "First Right to Serve" area were being forced to sign future annexation agreements in exchange for receiving necessary sewer and water to their property. The property owners are being put into a position of either signing this agreement or not having necessary sewer/water on their property. These property owners cannot drill a well and use a septic system, or opt for county services, because they fall in that "First Right to Serve" of the city. The only option for property owners is to sign the annexation agreement, period. Mayor Joe Johnston made a statement to the press that no one was complaining except for county officials. The problem is that the property owner is not aware that these conditions exist until trying to develop their land. The city has put a whole new meaning to depriving a person of their private property rights. No signed annexation agreement, no water or sewer from the city.

Smart growth requires long term planning for services like roads, water, sewer, police and fire protection. Hernando County has 5, 10 and 25 year plans are in place to correlate services with this infrastructure for future growth. Even though these plans are flexible, it makes it virtually impossible achieve long term plans if the county boundaries are a variable in the planning mix. Every time one of these annexation agreements is signed by a property owner, the 5 miles radius ring for this "First Right to Serve" area for the city expands further into the county's planning area. Future long term plans, like those prepared by Hernando County, will decrease the cost of government while increasing the benefit of the services we receive while protecting our quality of life. Its time to stop shooting the messenger and say thanks to the Hernando County Planning Department for their expertise in future growth management that will benefit all of us, even those is the city of Brooksville.

Post Office Renamed for Staff Sergeant Schafer

The U.S. Post Office, located at 8501 Philatelic Drive in Spring Hill, will be renamed for Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer with the passage of H.R. 3703. This legislation will become law with the signature of President Bush. Staff Sergeant Schafer was killed in Afghanistan by enemy fire on July 25, 2005. "Communities throughout Florida look for role models and true heroes for their children to emulate and admire," said Rep. Brown-Waite. "Michael Schafer was a brave American who gave his life for our freedoms and liberties. A good friend, a good husband and family man, Sgt. Schafer embodied the best attributes of our soldiers in uniform. I am so proud that Congress has honored a true American soldier by recognizing his commitment and sacrifice with this post office renaming today."

**Excerpts taken from a press release from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite's office in Washington, D.C.

Nice Reception

The welcoming reception for new county administrator, Gary Kuhl, was a very nice affair yesterday. As usual, Brenda Frazier, did an outstanding job coordinating the event. There was lots of food and dessert for the crowd that assembled at 4pm. to welcome our new administrator. Several of those attending the reception to greet Mr. Kuhl and his wife were Judge Steve Rushing, Commissioners Rowden and Stabbins, and Sheriff Nugent along with others from the community. Many chamber members were present to welcome Mr. Kuhl to his post, along with residents from the community. This reception was just a very nice way to welcome Mr. Kuhl and help him feel at home in our community.

Accused Molester Acquitted at Trial

On Tuesday, an accused child molester was acquitted in Judge Springstead's courtroom because a young female child, nine years old, could not testify in open court against an alleged child molester. Apparently the case was strong against the accused molester but the state could not convict without the testimony of this child. This little girl become so upset on the stand that she could not continue to testify against the accused molester. Judge Springstead granted a defense motion for a judgment of acquittal in this case. Why was this child made to testify against her alleged molester in open court on the stand? Why didn't they allow this little girl to testify in the judge's chambers, out of sight from the person accused of molesting her? The assistant state attorney said in the local newspaper that it is frustrating and such a shame for the child. I will add that it is a shame for our whole community. Somehow, something is lacking in our system.

What was the purpose of the forum with Citizens Insurance?

What was the purpose of the public forum on Citizens Insurance that took place in New Port Richey yesterday? This meeting that was set up by Senator Fasano and was conducted in a venue that was not designed to handle a public forum of this nature. The majority of the people had to wait outside, in line, just for a chance to speak about the problems they are facing with Citizens Insurance. Short tempers were not satisfied by this forum that had been billed as an opportunity for the community to speak its mind with the executives of Citizens Insurance. The citizens seeking answers to this insurance crisis were even more frustrated at the conclusion of this forum because they were given no real solutions. Many elected officials spoke at this forum but the one most noteworthy was Tom Gallagher, Chief Financial Officer for the State of Florida, and a member of Governor Bush's Cabinet. Mr. Gallagher has been attempting to ease the burden to all property owners with insurance since the last Legislative session. Last year he proposed using the excess sales tax money from the construction industry, generated from hurricane rebuilding, be earmarked to correct the problems in the homeowners insurance industry but he was ignored by the Florida Legislature. Mr. Gallagher, again, has proposed the Legislature use some of its estimated $3.2-billion surplus tax this year to ease the burden on homeowners insurance. To this proposal, he was booed by the audience. Mr. Gallagher was later chastised by Senator Fasano for arriving "uninvited" to this open, public forum and leaving early to make an appointment in Plant City. Mr. Gallagher should be commended for having the intestinal fortitude to for meet this insurance crisis head-on by explaining the facts, and not trying to shift blame, like other elected officials. The key component to this entire insurance crisis lies at the feet of the Florida Legislature to correct problems that now exist in this state run insurance company, called Citizens Insurance. This state run insurance system was created in the Florida Legislature in the early 1990's, after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, and now needs to be critically examined during this Legislative year. The Florida Legislature will need to enact dramatic changes so the average homeowner can continue insurance coverage on their most precious investment, their homes. The political grandstanding that took place at yesterday's meeting accomplished absolutely nothing to answer the cries for help in easing the burden created by this insurance crisis . What was accomplished yesterday at this public forum? You be the judge of that question when you open your insurance premium notice this year.

Women's History Month

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite issued a press release this afternoon urging all Americans to celebrate March as Women's History Month by honoring women who have helped shape our Nation. "Women's History Month is a time to honor the lives of the courageous women who have helped shape our nation, from Anne Bradstreet to Susan B. Anthony to Condoleezza Rice. I am confident that women will continue to influence our country and our world for the better," said Rep. Brown-Waite. Congresswoman Brown-Waite is asking that all Americans recognize women from their local communities in the month of March. In her press release, she named many influential women's names at the national level, as well as from the state of Florida. One name that she forgot to add was her own, Ginny Brown-Waite. I believe Ginny needs to be recognized at the local level for her many accomplishments over the last 16 years or so. She began her political career at the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission as a volunteer and then was elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Ginny then served as a distinguished member in the Senate Florida before becoming our representative in Congress. Ginny deserves an attaboy from all us here in Hernando County for her outstanding accomplishments!