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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.