Personal Responsibility??

After reading this morning's Hernando Today, I scratched my head and wondered what happened to personal responsibility, in reference to home ownership. I am referring to the land buy-out being offered through the Emergency Management Department of Hernando County which is being sponsored by FEMA. In the article, Mr. Leto is actually suggesting that private property owners take him up on the offer of land buy-out by FEMA to eliminate their problems of flooded land. Why did it become the responsibility of government to buy swampland, at very inflated rates, when the property owner did not have flood insurance? Taking into consideration the cost of this program, one may say it is cheaper in the long run to buy this swampland, instead of assisting in the continual rebuilding of property after many devastating storms. To that argument, I would agree, but the people mentioned in this article did not have flood insurance, which goes to the heart of the big picture. We are now subsidizing property with our flood insurance premiums through FEMA for individuals that chose not to buy coverage. I realize the property mentioned in the article was not in the 100 flood area but these people still would have had the opportunity to buy flood insurance in the event of a catastrophic event to protect their own property. With this FEMA buy-out program for swampland, combined with subsidizing of homeowners insurance through the state of Florida for Citizens Insurance, responsible homeowners can look forward to increased flood insurance premiums, along with double digit increases in their homeowners insurance next year. Our elected officials need to take a real hard look at the insurance crisis in this country because it is creating a financial hardship on many homeowners struggling to make ends meet at the end of each month while making mortgage payments.

Where are the Trees?

While driving through Hernando County, I have noticed hundreds of missing trees on state and federal lands. These areas are designated as "sensitive lands" due to the natural, environmental make-up of these areas for the trees, wetlands, wildlife, etc. Some of these lands are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Forestry while others are governed by SWIFTMUD. The trees which are being systematically removed from all these areas have become most notable on SWIFTMUD land on US 19 by Weeki Wachee and north US 41 which is Florida Department of Forestry land. Both of these agencies have stated many reasons for the removal of trees, which range from the restoration of a sand hill, to restoring scrub areas for birds and wildlife and the elimination of the dreaded pine beetle, etc. Wildlife has been abandoning the state forestry area in the northern portion of our county because the trees are being eliminated at a rapid pace, leaving no foliage for the animal life to survive without cover or food. This abandoned wildlife can be seen on our highways and is commonly know as road kill. Take a real hard look at the forestry areas for yourself and you will discover that most of the trees that have been left in these areas are scrub pines. The hardwoods have been stripped from these forest areas leaving little but that the look of devastation to these sensitive lands. The hardwoods that have been stripped consisted of many majestic oaks that were hundreds of years old, along with many specimen trees. For the preservation our "Nature Coast" Hernando County created ordinances to protect trees on private property, from unnecessary stripping of the land during development, but can do nothing to stop the state and federal government agencies from destroying our local environment. Two questions need to be asked of our state and federal agencies which are, "Why did you strip our forest areas of these beautiful trees, leaving these lands barren, and what did you do with the money that was generated by harvesting all the hardwoods?

Has a New Day Dawned?

Yesterday, a local newspaper ran an article in reference to Gary Kuhl, an applicant for the open Hernando County Administrator position and the endorsement for him (Mr. Kuhl) by the prominent state committeeman for the Republican Party of Florida, Thomas Hogan, Sr. and his wife Mary Ann Hogan. In this article, the Hogan's praised the abilities of Mr. Kuhl for the administrator position and stated they had both sent glowing recommendations to all five of our county commissioners. Mr. Kuhl apparently has known Mrs. Hogan from her days on the SWIFTMUD Governing Board. Mr. Kuhl, a registered democrat, was very gracious in accepting the compliments lavished upon him by the Hogans. One would have to wonder if a new day has finally dawned in Hernando County where the good of the county comes first before partisan politics.

On the Lighter Side

As we celebrate the New Year, and begin to look forward to all good things to come in our community for 2006, I would like share an essay that I wrote in 1997. This essay was written as my first-hand look at "insider politics" in Hernando County. At first glance this essay appears to be rather ominous but is actually rather amusing since it did not intimidate me from the political arena. Happy New Year to each of you, and please, sit back, and enjoy reading my 1997 essay titled, "The Grand Old Party?"


Edging my way past the many rows of brown, steel, folding chairs, sensing an air of hostility in the crowd, I chose a seat next to the wall. Upon sitting down, I became acutely aware of my bleak surroundings.

Political propaganda and posters adorned the rough, dingy, white walls. Portraits of Ronald Reagan, George. H. Bush and Dan Quail smiled down on the crowd from the wall on the right, while local and state representative's photographs were hung on the left. The blood red drapes, with blue and silver stars, hanging in the front plate glass window did little to brighten the room, as the stark fluorescent lights glared down on the matted, dirty, gold shag carpet. An overwhelming scent of Aqua Velva directed my focus to the occupants in the room.

Muffled whispers were coming from small groups of people throughout the room, making me quite aware I was an outsider in their world. As the chairman, outfitted in a white smock resembling a dentist, called the meeting to order, I noticed the secretary sitting at the desk. She was tapping her dark red fingernails on the desk, flitting her streaked , blond hair, trying to call attention to herself. This woman gave me the impression of a middle-aged cheerleader because of the youth-oriented clothing she was wearing.

After the chairman had babbled on with the old minutes, he introduced a woman heading the steering committee in charge of filling vacancies, named Edith. As she stood up to speak, hanging from her ears were over-sized earrings, making her close cropped haircut seem more extreme and cold. She continually adjusted her large plastic glasses, which slid down her nose, as she spoke about the difficulty of interviewing new applicants. A very vocal woman seated behind me became outraged at Edith's lack of professionalism, objecting to the statements involving new members. This woman identified herself as Lois for the record, was dressed in a bright pink jogging suit and sneakers but she somehow seemed to fit into this obscure crowd. Lois stormed out of the building screaming at Edith that newcomers were not allowed at this meeting.

At this point I became very perturbed with the entire meeting, wondering how I ever agreed to become a precinct committeewoman on the republican executive committee. How dare these people sit in judgment of me when they could not conduct themselves in a civilized manner.

The vice-chairman stood up while his deep, resonating voice calling for order in the room. His presence seemed a little less intimidating because of the rumpled old oxford shirt he was wearing clashed with his trousers, making him seem somewhat comical. The chairman abruptly slammed the gavel down to adjourn the meeting while sighs of relief could be heard in the audience.

After witnessing this despicable display of petty, obnoxious individuals in the republicans executive committee tonight, my opinion of politics is even more tainted. Having this first-hand glimpse of the inside makes me wonder why the Grand Old Party has not yet imploded.

*The names in this essay are fictitious.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty??

Approximately ten days ago the Hernando County Sheriff's Department shut down two businesses accused of running gaming operations by the direction of Mark Simpson, Assistant State Attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit Court. All their equipment was seized for evidence and three people were arrested relating to the charges levied by Mark Simpson, Assistant State Attorney, for running gaming operations which is a 3rd degree felony. It was Mark Simpson's opinion that the use of providing prizes and gift cards in lieu of cash pay-outs is a tactic to skirt the law even though a trial court in the Fourth Judicial District (Seminole & Volusia Counties) recently ruled that rewarding winners with gift certificates did not constitute gambling. Mr Simpson was quoted as saying "In my humble opinion, the court blew it completely, adding that the Fifth Circuit is not bound by the ruling. Our interpretation is different and we chose to enforce (the statute) differently," Simpson said. "We'll have a judge make the decision." Mr. Simpson chose to ignore the 4th Circuit's trial court decision and have these individuals arrested, stating he wanted a judge to make the decision in the 5th Circuit Court. What happened to the "presumption of innocence until proven guilty" for these individuals? Two businesses have been shut down at the personal opinion of the assistant state attorney and the underlying question should be is, "Where was the due process for these three individuals? "The business owners could file an injunction to request that their businesses be left open until the 5th Circuit Court decides the outcome of these arrests but that would do little good since all owner's equipment was seized in the initial raid. The cost of these arrests, and seizure of equipment, could very well impact the taxpayers of Hernando County in the event the accused are found innocent. If found innocent(like in the 4th Circuit Court decision) the business owners would have a very strong case for a lawsuit to recoup lost revenue and legal costs. The redemption of gifts in lieu of cash is used very frequently every day in this county by clubs and non-profits groups. Consider the groups that use Casino Night to raise money for their organizations. Gifts are given out to the winners instead of cash pay-outs. Another quick way these groups raise cash is with a 50-50 drawing where the winning ticket wins half the cash jackpot, with the other half going to the organization. Is this assistant attorney of the 5th Judicial Circuit going to arrest and prosecute all these people?

Christmas

"Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Anna Liisa Covell

*** Please enjoy the following transcript from a radio address given by Ronald Reagan, December 1978

Christmas-

Meaning no disrespect to the religious convictions of others, I still can’t help wondering how we can explain away what to me is the greatest miracle of all and which is recorded in history. No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion.
Where….is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time-----possibly to your own home town. A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father’s shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father’s shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He never gets farther that an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most.
He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing---the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story? No, the uneducated, property-less young man who…..left no written word has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, general and admirals; all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived---all of them put together.
How do we explain that? ......unless he really was what he said he was.

-Ronald Reagan / Dailey Radio Commentary (syndicated) December, 1978

ACLU

I thought you might like to see this email I received this afternoon ( I heard about it on the radio today, too).

Have some fun this CHRISTMAS. Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD!! As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it. Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude.

ACLU

125 Broad Street18th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 37 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a Holiday Tree. . . . It's a Christmas Tree even in the fields!!

wooohoooooooooo lets do it!!!!

Heart Institute VIP Party

Oak Hill Hospital launched their new open heart surgery center this evening with a Heart Institute VIP party by invitation only. As a member of the Oak Hill Community Advisor Committee, I had the pleasure of the attending the wonderful event. We were treated to a complete tour of the new Heart Institute, starting at the check-in station first, and then proceeding to the new operating rooms. The Heart Institute staff gave brief descriptions of the equipment in the operating rooms and answered questions. Being one of the first to view this remarkable facility was truly an honor. The tour ended on the sixth floor recovery unit for the Heart Institute. Nature Coast catering served a spectacular array of delectable foods ranging from stuffed mushrooms to shrimp cocktail. Champagne was served along with a large assortment of adult beverages and soft drinks. Many notable individuals were seen at this most prestigious event like Dr. Eldin, Jacqueline Moore, Walter Dry, Debbie and John Druzbick, Commissioners Rowden and Kingsley, as well as City Councilwoman Mary Staib. Oak Hill's CEO, Mickie Smith and his staff were most gracious hosts for this gala event to celebrate the completion of the new Heart Wing at Oak Hill Hospital.

Investiture Ceremony for Judge Stephen O. Rushing

This afternoon my husband & I attended the Investiture Ceremony for Stephen O. Rushing in the Hernando County Courthouse, Historic Courtroom A. Judge Rushing was given the Presentation of Commission of Office and Administration of Oath by the Honorable Richard A. Howard, Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth judicial Circuit with the Clerk of Court, Karen Nicolai presenting Judge Rushing with his gavel. Stephen's wife Mia assisted in the donning of the robe, followed by the Challenge and Charge by the Honorable Ken Burke, Clerk of Court for Pinellas County. Judge Rushing introduced his family to the packed courtroom and thanked many members of the audience beginning with his wife, Mia. Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held in the Jury Assembly Room with food catered by the Rising Sun Cafe.

Points to Ponder

As we move into this new year, many individuals will be throwing their hats into the political arena as their campaigns gear up for the 2006 election season. Over the past decade, one major newspaper editor in our area has advocated that all county commission candidates should be classified as non-partisan, like the school board members. He has opined on the need to have the Florida Legislature change the rules to make these non-partisan elections take place at the county commission level. After researching Hernando County election documents from 1996 to 2004, this editor's point of view may have some validity to it.

The average percentage of turnout in Primary Elections from 1996 to 2004 in Hernando County averaged out to be 22.6%. Although the two prominent political parties, Republican and Democrat, are represented by the largest number of registered voters, the non-party registration roll is creeping up substantially every year in this county. Maybe that's why most candidates run towards the middle of the road immediately after the Primary Election to attract these non-committed votes for the General Election.

Just take a look at the two major parties in Hernando County. The membership in the executive committees of the Republicans and Democrats, based the total number of full time and alternate precinct seats available in Hernando County is remarkably low. The Republican Executive Committee has a vacancy rate of 87%, with the Democratic Executive Committee vacancy rate of 91%. Please keep in mind this is an average for all the available full time, and alternate, precinct seats for each executive committee based on population in this county. Taking into consideration the low average turnout of 22.6% in the Primary Elections (since 1996) it appears that a handful of people in this county choose the slate of candidates for the masses on the General election ballot.

Based on the statistical data, it might be possible that the editor of this newspaper has a point about non-partisan elections in Hernando County. As the 2006 election year gears up, it appears that the two major parties have their work cut out for them to overcome the odds of this obvious voter apathy in this county. Generating interest by filling the majority of these vacant precinct committee seats for the REC and DEC will be the 1st step in rebuilding the Primary Election process in Hernando County.

**Statistical Data acquired from the Hernando County Supervisor of Election's office.

Proud to have President Bush Leading the Way

Iraq citizens went to the polls yesterday in overwhelming numbers to vote for the first time in their country's history in a democratic election of their peers. Purple stained fingers were raised high in the air world-wide to mark this extraordinary election day in Iraq. Last January, the Iraq citizens turned out to vote on their Constitution with over 63% margin, and with this vote yesterday the percentage was a whooping 73%, with over 11 million turning out at the polls. Pause for just a moment to comprehend the magnitude of this election of officials in Iraq, combined with the passage of their Constitution last January. To put this it into perspective, the United States of America was formed by the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and it took until 1791 for ratification of our Bill of Rights. Even though this foundation of government in Iraq is over 200 years after our Nation's founding, it is remarkable due to the odds our military has faced while fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq. Our Nation should be very proud to have President George W. Bush leading the world in this movement of freedom and democracy, backed by our admirable branches of the military. Our heartfelt thanks go out to every member of our Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard serving to protect us in this war on terror. "God Bless them and their families during this holiday season".

Statement from Katherine Harris

“The statements in Mr. Novak’s column are completely absurd. I am in this campaign until Election Day next November. Any rumors or speculation to the contrary are completely false. I am the Republican nominee, and, with the support of the voters, I will be the next U.S. Senator from Florida,” Harris said.

“We have organized a large finance and grassroots network around the state, and we are meeting or exceeding our goals in those arenas. In recent weeks, we’ve hired a new national fundraiser, Anne Dunsmore, and a new PAC fundraiser, Julie Conway, to our team. The recent changes in staff have significantly strengthened our campaign and the momentum is building as never before.”

“Over the next 10 months I will continue to take my message of reform and security to every voter in our great state. This campaign is about security for our future: Securing homes and giving all Americans the opportunity to become home owners; securing our families and protecting our children from predators; securing the future for our seniors; and securing our way of life by holding government responsible, keeping our taxes low, and giving our military every asset it needs to successfully wage a war on terrorism.”

Blighted Property Here?

Many of our Florida State legislators have underestimated the ramifications of the US Supreme Court's decision to seize private property for economic development gain. One only needs to look to Riveria Beach to understand the greed created by this US Supreme Court decision to seize homes to give to large developers.

The Riveria Beach plan hinges on a 2001 city-funded study that found whole sections of the city to be blighted or slum, under the statutes created by the Florida State Legislature. According to city's redevelopment plan, Riveria Beach residents, whose homes are under condemnation,will have to move to make way for the private development of the choice by their city council.

Has anyone every stopped to think that this could happen in the city of Brooksville? I served on the Brooksville Downtown Re-development Committee in 1999. We spent countless hours investigating the conditions for the city for redevelopment. Documents were drafted, and adopted, by the Brooksville City Council which sighted many areas of the city as being "blighted". This "blighted" designation was mandatory for the city of Brooksville when making application for CDBG grants with the state of Florida to rebuild their aging sewer and water systems and it also aided in the direct burial of underground electrical lines in downtown Brooksville during the bulb-out development. This "blighted" condition chosen by the city leaders was done in all good intentions to repair and rebuild the city of Brooksville. Just stop and think if an unscrupulous city leader chose to condemn housing areas and seize the property by eminent domain to give to private developers. The documents have already been drafted and approved designating the "blighted or slum" classification necessary for eminent domain seizure. This may be a far stretch of the imagination on my part but one only needs to look at Riveria Beach's poorest citizens being throw out of their homes.

The Florida Legislature needs to strengthen the penalties against local government that do not act in good faith, for the entire community, including the very poor districts, in reference to eminent domain abuse.

Thanks to Al Sevier

Today was Al Sevier's last day on the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Mr. Sevier served on this board for eight years as an volunteer. Mr. Sevier deserves our thanks for all his hard work and dedication as a P & Z member. As the P & Z meeting came to a conclusion, the message of good bye, thank you and "do not be a stranger" were offered to Mr. Sevier by fellow board members, as well as from the county staff. Mr. Sevier received a card signed by everyone and was given the honor of making the motion to adjourn his last meeting at the late hour of 7 p.m. while everyone broke into a round of applause for his long service on the board.

Just as a note of interest, Mr. Kenneth Smith was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission to be the replacement for Mr. Sevier. Mr. Robert DeWitt was also recommended to the BOCC for another term. The Board of County Commission will make their appointments for the vacant positions before the end of December.

Hats Off to Florida House Speaker Alan Bense

Florida House Speaker Allan Bense presented a plan known as the Government Accountability Act of 2006 that would require all state agencies to come under review of the Legislature every eight years. This legislation would review agencies to promote efficiency, as well as performance. This dynamic legislation proposed by House Speaker Bense would eliminate outdated inefficient agencies and hopefully save the taxpayers of this state a lot of money. Texas is the only state in the Nation that currently has similar rules for oversight of their state agencies. In fact, with this oversight, Texans have managed to consolidate 11 agencies and abolished 47 other departments. Contact Representatives Russell and Dean, along with Senators Fasano and Dockery, to voice your support for Speaker Bense's Government Accountability Act of 2006.

Pearl Harbor Day

Pleae take a few moments today to remember those brave Americans that lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Below are the lyrics to tune made famous during World War II that referenced the attack on Pearl Harbor:

The Song:
History - in every century,records an act that lives forevermore.

We'll recall - as in to line we fall,the thing that happened on Hawaii's shore.

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR -As we go to meet the foe -

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember -how they died for liberty,

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and go on to victory

Oak Hill's Heart Wing

This morning Mickie Smith, CEO of Oak Hill Hospital, along with his associates, received a resolution from the Board of County Commissioners for congratulations on the grand opening of their Heart Institute. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, December17th and will be open to the public. Our citizens should be proud we now have a modern facility at Oak Hill and not have to travel out of county for critical care of the heart. Oak Hill Hospital needs to be applauded for fighting to bring this "state of the art" Heart institute to our county.

Fire Department News

The Hernando County Fire Rescue presented a preliminary plan for new rates schedule at the BOCC meeting this morning. Commissioners listened to Chief Nickerson's suggestions but no firm decision was made for the next meeting. With 3 rate increase in 5 years, the commissioners should be looking for ways to justify the increases with facts instead of arbitrarily imposing rate increases at the request of chief Nickerson. A clear, concise breakdown of fire call outs need to be separated from EMS calls since they are funded by 2 separate sources which are MSBU & MSTU. Commercial inspections are even classified as a fire call outs because they occasionally use fire trucks to conduct these inspections. Chief Nickerson has historically used the number of call outs to justify his request for the increase in our rates. Only time will tell if new rate structure will be enacted with a suggested meeting in late May or early June.

During the BOCC discussion this afternoon concerning High Point Volunteer Department, Mr. Stabbins stated that the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department should be treated the same as High Point. Nancy Robinson stated she wanted to look at the qualifications of Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department which she said needed to be looked at with the same scrutiny. Mr. Kinsgley spoke in defense of Tri-County stating that they were only first responders with HCFR being the primary source of fire protection for those in the north east portion of our county. My predication of things to come will be a public outcry that will surpass the workshop that took place in 2000 at the fairgrounds that had an attendance of over 800 people when rates began to skyrocket through the roof for county residents. This motion to evaluate all volunteer fire departments has the "makings" of county wide fire service whether we like it, or not, in this county!

Jean Rags / Health & Human Services

Jean Rags, Health & Human Services director for Hernando County, will start distributing discount cards for prescription drugs to all participating drug stores in our county this week. These discount cards are sponsored by NACo -National association of counties and were promoted by Commissioner Robinson. These discount cards do not have an age or income limit associated with them and can be obtained from participating drug stores in the county. If you have questions about this new program, call Ms. Rags at 754-4000.

Deed Signing Party

A deed signing party took place this morning to transfer the new Brooksville Regional Hospital to the taxpayers of Hernando County. An oversized "Special Warranty Deed" was signed by all the commissioners and officials of Brooksville Regional, with photo session following, to remember the moment, calling it a private/public partnership.

After speaking at Citizens Input this morning and subsequently receiving answers from the Hernando County legal staff, I believe my interpretation of the revised lease was correct. Essentially Spring Hill Regional and the Pinebrook facility will not pay Ad Valorem taxes or fire fees. In fact, they probably will never end up paying on the lease of $300K because of a stipulation in the lease that states: In no event the payment exceed an amount equal to a full Ad Valorem tax assessment for the new facility. In black & white terms, Tom Barb and the stockholders of Hernando Healthcare, Inc. will only pay an assessment on one facility, not to exceed the estimated Ad Valorem rate on the new facility by the property apprasiers office while pocketing the profits generated by all three facilities. So if this rate I estimated at $970K if corrct, Brooksville Regional will not even have to pay on the lease or fire fees, just the estimated Ad Valorem for one facility.

The concept of the private-public partnership has somehow been blurred on this deed transfer. This deal does not seem like a bargain to the public when every property owner in this county, business and residential, is expected to pay their fair share to support local services.

P & Z Appointments

The Hernando County Commission approved the appointment of Robert Widmar to the Planning & Zoning commission to fill the position vacated by Nick Nocholson this morning. Lisa Hammond was appointed to the alternate position. Commissioner Schenck attempted to have Ken Smith, a Brooksville dairy farmer, appointed alternate slot instead of Ms. Hammond. Mr. Jennings explained to the BOCC that the Planning & Zoning Commission would be making two more recommendations to fill positions at their meeting next week and that all the applicants, including a few new ones, would be considered for recommendation (by the P & Z). Robert DeWitt has submitted an application to renew his appointment. This will be the last P & Z meeting for Mr. Sevier due to term limits.

Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at the Hernando County Courthouse on Thursday,
December 8 at 7 p.m. The theme is "Home for the Holidays" and will be televised on the Government Channel 19 through Christmas if you cannot attend in person . Call the county's Community Development at 540-6780 for questions. Please mark your calendar for this wonderful holiday event!

Hospital Deed Transfer Update

This morning Commissioner Robinson called my office regarding my letter to the editor(s) of both local newspapers concerning the deed transfer scheduled for tomorrow at the BOCC meeting with Tom Barb. Mrs. Robinson's call was to clarify some incorrect information in my letter concerning the Ad Valorem taxes for the new hospital and the final contract that was approved while she was chairwoman. I informed Mrs. Robinson that I had obtained my information from attending all the county workshops on the hospital move as well as contacting Hernando County Government for information relating to the deed transfer. She faxed two pages of the modified contract with Brooksville Regional Hospital language that specifies "Payment in lieu of Taxes " which I summarized below:

• The lessee will continue to pay rent at $300K per annum
• An amount equal the portion of Ad Valorem that would have been paid to Hernando County as modified by the substitution of the new facility for the current hospital site.
• An amount equal to the portion for fire dues for special taxing districts

Per the contract, the aggregate sum of all amount described above shall be referred to Addition Payment. In no way shall the additional payment exceed the full Al Valorem assessment on the new facility .

While speaking with Mrs. Robinson, I asked if this agreement required Spring Hill Regional Hospital & the Pinebrook facility to pay Ad Valorem property taxes with the same type of P.I.L.T. (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement). She was not sure but said if this stipulation did exist that she would fax to my attention right away. I have not received this information and assume that these two facilities will not pay any property tax under the amended lease agreement. I questioned Mrs. Robinson about why this provision to tax Spring Hill Regional and Pinebrook was not negotiated during the re-write of Brooksville Regional's lease and received no conclusive answer to my question. To be fair to Mrs. Robinson, she was one of the two commissioners that voted against the original lease in 1998 because it did not require the payment of Ad Valorem taxes.

Presentation of Hospital Deed

Tom Barb, CEO for the Hernando Healthcare, Inc is scheduled to present the Board of County Commission with the hospital deed at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2005. This deed presentation is for the new Brooksville Regional Hospital on SR50 & Wiscon Road. Before anyone gets too emotional over this most gracious gift to the county, please stop and think about the long term impacts (of this gift). This "deal" to turn over the deed was brokered by Tom Barb and the County Commissioners before the new hospital project began several years ago. With the deed transfer to Hernando county taxpayers, Brooksville Regional's lease will be increased to a 40-year term, with an increase of $500K per year in (lease) payments to the county. With this presentation of their deed to the county, the entire new hospital will never have to pay Ad Valorem taxes for property. This new hospital was estimated to cost $53 million which would reap approximately $970K per year in property taxes if left on the tax rolls. Please do not forget that Hernando Healthcare, Inc. does not pay Ad Valorem taxes for Spring Hill Regional Hospital or the Pine Brook facility either. As the new hospital property value increases over the next 40 years, Hernando Healthcare will pay the same lease payment, with no increases to their company, while they pocket the profits for their stockholders for this for-profit corporation. This deed-deal brokered by our County Commission and Tom Barb/Hernando Healthcare should be strictly scrutinized before accepting the transfer next Tuesday. Consideration needs to be given to all business and residential properties that pay Ad Valorem property tax in this county and any long term impacts this transfer may have on us as taxpayers in this community over the next 40 years. Maybe its time the county commission get out of the hospital business and they stick with the business of running government.

Holiday Cards

An announcement came out several days ago for non-profits and churches to begin placing their annual holiday greetings on the lawn of the old courthouse in downtown Brooksville. While sign board sizes and lighting requirements were noted in the announcement, nothing was mentioned for the content of the message in the greeting. Yes, it did say holiday greetings in the announcement but being consistent with years past, the lawn program at the courthouse has been a wonderful way for all of us in this community to celebrate the Christmas season regardless of our religious denomination or the message of the non-profit organizations. It is refreshing to see our county continue this card celebration while many other local governments are prohibiting any mention of Christmas on public property. Thank you, Hernando County for being sensitive to everyone's religious belief's, including Christianity.

"Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!"

Annual FDOT Five Year Plan

Each year the Florida Department of Transportation initiates the process for review of the State's Five Year Tentative Work Program. This district-wide FDOT public hearing is scheduled for December 6, 2005 in the Hernando County Government Center from 5 p.m to 7 pm. The purpose of the hearing will to be receive input from the public prior to the final adoption of the FDOT Five Year Work Program.

Betting on the Future

The Hernando County School Board approved a financing plan for school construction this week that is estimated to cost approximately $222 million dollars for a period of 30 years. The estimated repayment figures from the school district's chief financial officer are $2.9 to $9.8 million per year, with the projected money coming from impact fees and existing local property taxes. Pat Fagan was the lone dissenting vote to reject this plan because he was concerned with exceeding the $100 million mark. Please recall the comments warning about this type of new project funding made by our property appraiser, Alvin Mazourek last spring during budget talks. Mr. Mazourek cautioned that if the housing growth bubble popped, the monies may not be available through property tax revenue to fund projects based on projected earnings. He also remarked how the current market prices were over-inflated. It looks like this loan program approved by the Hernando County School Board may just fall into that category. What happens if the housing and construction starts substantially level off or slow down during this 30 years period. Will impact fee money reach the target level to repay this loan? For example, after 20 years of collecting impact fees in Pinellas County, they suspended their (impact) program because their county was essentially built out and now is in re-development mode. With the explosive growth in this county when will we reach the mark of build-out here? Two major steps have taken in the last year to ease construction money woes for the school system. Taxpayers approved a 1/2 cents sales tax last year in a referendum to build new schools for the district. And the Hernando County Commission took the initial step this week in becoming the lead agency in School Concurrency which will have development help pay for itself in the future. Now the School Board is considering a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Education in reference to the classroom size amendment to attack the source of their financial problems. Only time will tell if the School Board put the cart before the horse by approving this funding program before solving the problems at the state level with the classroom size amendment.

60-unit Affordable Housing for Elderly on Barnett Rd.

Rusty Sibley, of the Greater Miami Neighborhoods, gave a brief presentation at the Hernando County Housing Authority meeting last night for the proposed 60-unit Affordable Housing project for the elderly on Barnett Road. This proposed project is located behind the Applebees at SR 41 and SR 50. All the units are projected to be one-bedroom units specifically designed to serve the low income elderly residents of our county. The Greater Miami Neighborhoods will begin the application process in January of 2006 at the state level. During Mr. Sibley's presentation he indicated that no elderly housing funding has been approved in Hernando County by the state of Florida in three years. His firm wanted to increase the units to 100 for their funding application stating they may have a better chance for approval. Although discussion took place to increase the number of units, the Housing Authority Commissioners cautioned that this may be unwise because of the timeline necessary to complete the approval process at the county level and still meet the deadline for application requirements for the state. A motion was made for Hernando County Housing Authority approval and backing for the 60-unit elderly complex at the suggestion of Chairman Sullivan to indicate the Board's solidarity on the issue. The motion passed 4-0.

The Hernando County Housing Authority agenda had several more items on their agenda that required a vote by the board. One was the appeal by Mr. & Mrs. Christa Cabrea for their continued housing assistance. Mr. Singer, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, had terminated their assistance based on guidelines governing arrests of tenants. The Cabrea's appealed to the Housing Authority to overturn Mr. Singer's termination notice by asking forgiveness and stating that they would be homeless without this assistance. A motion was made by Commissioner Anna Liisa Covell for the continued assistance with strict guidelines to include mandatory drug counciling and monthly drug-screening reports be submitted to Mr. Singer by Mr. Cabrea's probation officer. Her motion died for a lack of a second. A second motion to terminate assistance was passed by a 3-1 vote, with Covell voting nay. The other item was the 4-0 approval of the portability request by the client, Ms. Aprecio for a transfer back to San Francisco.

Other items of interest on the agenda were the election of officers. Paul Sullivan was elected chairman and Beth Garman as vice chair.

Senator Fasano Hits the Big Time

I hope everyone saw our very own State Senator Fasano on Fox and Friends this morning! Fox hosts, Steve & E.D., had many questions about Senator Fasano "Pink License Plate" bill. As per my post on November 14th, I mentioned that Senator Fasano will probably face an uphill battle with the ACLU on this issue. It is good to see our Senator having a pro-active approach to reduce drunken driving incidents on our roadways and not shrink from a challenge. Senator Fasano will need our support to push this controversial bill to the Governor's desk.

Skyrocketing Homeowners Insurance Premiums

Last Wednesday, a state Senate committee heard projections that some Citizens Property Insurance policyholders will face premium increases that will be equal or more than their mortgage payments. In fact, all Florida property owners will face steep increases in early 2006, in part, because of the massive deficit's faced by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Citizens was set up by the Florida Legislature to cover home owners who cannot get coverage in the private sector and is funded by every other policy holder in the state when it loses money. Citizens' deficit of $950 billion in claims from hurricane damage will probably translate into an extra assessment to non-Citizen policyholders of 10 to 11 percent of their premium. This surcharge would add $220 to $2,000 bill to some policyholders. This estimated 11% surcharge is in addition to the 6.8% surcharge all policyholders will be required to pay with policy renewals next year. Governor Bush and Senate leaders are now suggesting broad changes are in order to correct the problems with Citizen Insurance. Last spring, facing the forecast of massive insurance premium increases for all property owners of the state, Tom Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer for the state of Florida, requested the Legislature assist homeowners with the more than $800 million in hurricane related sales tax revenue collected in 2004 to offset the substantial deficit that was apparent with the Citizens Insurance. Mr. Gallagher also estimated that the state would reap millions more in additional sales tax revenue as people buy supplies to repair their homes from this year's hurricanes destruction. His request to the Florida Legislature was accompanied by a method to allow condominium associations to build catastrophe reserves. Mr. Gallagher also called for a $1 million cap on policies issued by Citizens Property Insurance. Unfortunately, Mr. Gallagher did not have a legislative sponsor to carry the proposals to fruition. Hindsight is never a good policy but the $800 million in sales tax revenue from 2004 would have certainly eased the pain that all homeowners will feel over the coming months when their homeowners insurance comes up for renewal, or worse yet, when they receive a cancellation notice. We can only hope our Legislature, with Governor Bush's assistance, begin immediately to correct the problems we all are enduring with the insurance crisis in this state.

George Washington, The Rules of Civility, circa 1748

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

Living Wage Discussion Again?

This morning during Citizen's Input at the Board of County Commission meeting, Jennifer Sullivan requested that a public workshop be scheduled to discuss the Living Wage again. This subject was discussed at length by our commissioners over two years ago during the passing of the ordinance brought forward by Mike McHugh of the Hernando County Business & development Department. This previous discussion revolved around the manufacturing sector and perks for relocations to entice new business to our community. One of the stipulations to receive these perks was a living wage implementation for employees of the business receiving the perks. Commissioner Stabbins commented on Ms. Sullivan's suggestion for a new workshop to discuss the Living Wage saying he thought it would be a good idea for this free exchange of ideas to discuss the difficulty families endure while trying to live on a minimum wage. A public workshop to discuss the working poor, with associated low wages, while trying to find solutions, is always a good idea but some forethought in planning this Living Wage workshop will be necessary to achieve a level playing field. All sides of this issue need to be invited to the table for a discussion of the low wages in our county, starting with the low income workers, to the many businesses in this county. The discussion should be broad to include reasons for low income jobs, such as training and educational opportunities currently available in our county to get an honest evaluation of the current base wages. A good start for gathering information for this workshop would be to review the bill signed by Governor Jeb Bush in 2003 preventing local county governments from implementing a Living Wage over the federally mandated Minimum Wage amount (except in certain circumstances regarding government contracts and employees).

Pink License Plates!

Senator Fasano filed Senate Bill 538 on November 1, 2005 that would require "bright pink" license plates on vehicles driven by people convicted of DUI with restricted licenses. This bill calls for the first three characters on the pink plate to read DUI. This bill will also give the police the right to stop these vehicles without probable cause to check the driver. Senator Fasano researched the information leading to this bill after a constituent suggested he check how other states dealt with the serious issue of drunken driving. The passage of this bill may find an uphill battle in the Senate based on vocal opposition from the ACLU in Florida but something needs to be done with the ever-rising number of drunken driving incidents since education programs have done little to stem the flow of law breakers in our state. Various methods of embarrassment have worked for law breakers in other areas using innovative ways of imposing sentences. In St. Petersburg, the city council decided to post names of individuals soliciting prostitutes in the downtown area. This posting of names worked to clean up the image and streets of St. Petersburg. Don't forget the pink underwear that the sheriff of Phoenix Arizona makes the prisoners wear in custody while eating their baloney sandwiches and sleeping in tents. Who knows, maybe Senator Fasano's bill will lower the number of drunken driving incidents in our state by pure, public humiliation.

P & Z Recommendation

Today, the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission made a recommendation to the BOCC for the appointment of Mr. Robert Widmar for the vacancy created by Thomas Richards resignation by a 5-0 vote. Lisa Hammond was chosen as the replacement for the alternate position of the P & Z Board by a 4-1 vote with Mr. DeWitt the descending vote.

School Concurrency

Recommendations have been made by the Growth and Development Director Larry Jennings for the Board of County Commission to serve as the lead agency in an intergovernmental agreement between the School District and the City of Brooksville for the process to begin the implementation of School Concurrency system(under their BOCC consent agenda) for November 15, 2005. School Concurrency was mandated in the 2005 Legislative Session. This is a major step in the right direction to help ease school overcrowding in our county. School concurrency has been a portion of state legislation since 1998 as voluntary but became mandatory in the 2005 Legislative Session. School concurrency will be a major tool to have development help pay its own way in our county (and state). Just imagine if the Hernando County School Board had voluntarily pushed for school concurrency in 1998. Would the school board landscape been filled with the 100's of portable classrooms? Would we have the massive overcrowding in the school rooms if concurrency had taken place in 1998? Would the School Board budget been stretched to the limit today if school concurrency had taken place in 1998? The mandatory requirement of the State Legislature is a step in the right direction to make sure our children & grandchildren have adequate classroom space. Hopefully, the Board of County Commission will agree with Mr. Jennings and will take the lead in this most crucial step of smart growth within our county.

Brooksville Art Gallery

The Brooksville City Hall Art Gallery will host a fall and winter exhibit at 201 Howell Avenue in downtown Brooksville beginning on November 16th at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a reception . The public is invited to enjoy the refreshments and entertainment while viewing the exhibit by the following artists:

• The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA)
• Nature coast Decorative Artists
• The Hernando Quilters
• Spring Hill Camera Club
• Just Poets
• The Suncoast Ship Model Society

Thank a Veteran Today

Armistice Day officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926 and then a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, by an Act of Congress, the name changed to Veterans Day to honor all United States Veterans. The time and date has carried on throughout the years being the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. As you go about your usual routine today, please take a few minutes to think about the significance of Veterans Day and the freedoms we all share in this country and just say thank you to a veteran.

Remarks at Veterans' Day ceremony on November 11,
1985 by President Ronald Reagan:

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country...in wars far away. The imagination plays tricks. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and grey-haired. But most of them were boys when they died and they gave up two lives-the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for their country, for us. All we can do is remember."

Happy 230th Birthday to the Marines

Today is the 230th birthday of the United States Marines. As a wife of a Marine Corp Veteran, I learned the meaning of the term, Once a Marine, Always a Marine early in our marriage and the pride that goes with that slogan. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Marines a very Happy Birthday today, November 10th, in recognition of their 230 years of the US Marine Corp.

The following is an excerpt from a letter written by the Commandant of the Marine Corp:

On November 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines marking the birth of our United States Marine Corps. As Major General Lejeunes message reminds us, the ensuing generations of Marines would come to signify all that is highest in warfighting excellence and military virtue. Each November as Marines the world over celebrate the birth of our Corps, we pay tribute to that long line of Soldiers of the Sea and the illustrious legacy they have handed down to us.

The sense of honor, courage, and patriotism that epitomized those who answered that first call to arms two hundred and thirty years ago is still indelibly imprinted on our ranks today. In commemorating our anniversary, let us strengthen our ties to the past by paying homage to those who have gone before us. As we honor the sacrifices of our wounded and fallen comrades, our commitment to one another remains unshakable. We take special pride in the actions of the Marines now serving in harms way, and rededicate ourselves to the service of our Nation and our Corps.

Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis, and Keep Attacking!
M. W. Hagee General, U.S. Marine Corps

Farewell Send Off

Last night the Hernando Chamber of Commerce and the Hernando County Government hosted a farewell gathering for our out-going county administrator, Gary Adams. This was a time for old friends to wish Mr. Adams the best while enjoying finger sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks and cake provided by Publix, Coca Cola and the Rising Sun Cafe. Commissioner Robert Schenck addressed the crowd with brief comments and presented Mr. Adams with two gifts. One was a plague from the Board of Commissioners and the other a framed photo of our coastline at sunset to remind Mr. Adams of the warm weather he will be missing in the cold month of February in Illinois. Jeanne Gavish, president of the Chamber expressed sadness from the business community with the impending departure of Mr. Adams and stated he was just getting through the honeymoon period. She presented him with a beautiful plague, too. Many from the community were in attendance like City Manager Dick Anderson, former Commissioner Mary Aiken, City Councilman David Pugh, Jr. and Jeff Webb from Hernando Times. Mr. Adams spoke briefly at the end the evening by thanking everyone that had come out and said that he never realized how many good friendships that he had forged while serving as administrator in our county. Good luck on your new job, Mr. Adams. Your optimism and sense of fair play will be missed by many in our community.

An Inspiration to Young and Old

This morning Hernando Today ran a story about Joe Harrin, the new band director for Hernando High School. Believe it or not, this article brought a smile to my face because I truly admire and respect Mr. Harrin. I met him during his first year of teaching at Central High School in 2001 when he brought the band to the Veterans Parade. The kids only knew one marching tune at that point but the enthusiasm Mr. Harrin had instilled in this young adults was remarkable. Mr. Harrin has attended the veterans parade with the school bands 4 out of the 5 years. At the parade last Saturday, I watched Mr. Harrin marching backwards, in formation, with his young musicians throughout most of the route giving instruction and support. At the end of the parade in the city hall parking lot, Mr. Harrin called out to his musicians to remove their heavy uniform jackets. The temperature was well over 8o degrees and the kids were extremely overheated at this point. I watched him assist the drummers with their uniforms, by marching backwards, to open theirs collars. The love and respect Mr. Harrin shows to his kids comes back tenfold with their admiration for him. Angela Taylor of Hernando Today could not have stated it better when she wrote that Joe Harrin, Jr is an inspiration to the young and old. The Hernando Royal Regiment Marching Band is fortunate to have Mr. Harrin as their new music director. Our county is truly blessed to have this remarkable teacher in our community!

Mission Expansion On Track

Jericho Road Ministries development project on Wiscon Road for their new Thrift Store Ministry is nearing completion. They hope to be in their new building by mid December. The mission's expansion is largely due to their founder, Pastor Bruce Gimbal and their Board of Directors, president Reverend Scott Simmons. Bruce and Scott have worked endless hours to make everyone aware of the plight of the homeless in our community. Now they need some additional help from the community moving into their new facility. Equipment, merchandise and storage trailers need to be moved to their new location. They are also asking for help to set up and prepare for the opening of their store. I know everyone is extremely busy in December with family and friends but if you can spare a few minutes, or possibly a small donation for Jericho Roads, it would be greatly appreciated by all those who work so hard for this ministry. Their current Thrift Store phone number is 797-9009. The mailing address is: Jericho Road Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 864, Brooksville, Florida 34605. Jericho Road Minisitries stands as a beacon in the darkness for those who need a hand up, not a hand out.

Clarification

Just a few points to clarify my previous post on the Veterans Appreciation Parade. Both Judge Stephen Rushing and his wife, Mia are veterans. Steve is a proud Vietnam vet and his wife served proudly in the Air Force. The Gulf Ridge Council's Withlacoochee District Cub Scout Pack #443 and Boy Scout Troop #446 was proudly lead by their troop leader, John J. Ricciardi. Mr. Ricciardi who is also veteran looked sharp in his dress Marine uniform.

A Special Thank You to Our Veterans

Today's Veterans Appreciation Parade was a spectacular success. Participation in this year's parade was the best in our 5 year history. The parade was so long this year that the lead met the middle momentarily becoming logjammed but Chief Tincher quickly had the parade moving again with the flow going in both directions down Main Street. The parade was lead by our city and county's finest with the Brooksville Police in the front vehicle with the Hernando County Sheriff's Honor Guard. The many participants were:

• WWII Sea Bees
• Young Marines
• Moose #1676
• Women's Army Corp
• Military Officers Association
• Operation Pride with Rose Rocco
• National Federation of the Blind
• City Council members Staib, Burnett & Weaver w/Karen Phillips
• Commissioners Schenck, Robinson, Rowden & Kingsley
• Rep. David Russell & Sandi Nicholson/School Board
• Judge Stephen Rushing, wife Mia who is a vet and their family
• Clover Leaf Convertible Club
• Clover Leaf Veterans & Color Guard
• Hernando Sportsman Club
• Military Vehicle Preservationist Association/7 vehicles
• Jesse Saylor & the American Legion Post 99
• American Legion Post 186
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• VFW 8713/w float
• Bay Pines Hospital (from Pinellas city) volunteers w/float
• 5 Thunderbirds - thunderbird Nest
• Vietnam Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club
• Gulf Ridge Council Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts-Troop 575
• Hernando High School Band
• Pow/Mia
• D.A.V.
• Pearl Harbor Survivor Allan Hartzhorne & wife
• Bob Haa-WWJB Radio
• Brooksville Fire Department-Ladder truck & 2 Rescue Trucks

My special thanks goes out to each of you for giving a few minutes this morning to participate in the parade. Your presence today was a very special way to say thank you to all our veterans and our current active duty military, along with their families, for their service to our country. I hope to see each of you next year!

Highlights - Hernando County Legislative Delegation Meeting

The Hernando County Legislative Delegation assembled this afternoon for their annual meeting in downtown Brooksville to take public testimony in reference to the needs and concerns that our residents face in our county. Representatives David Russell and Charles Dean along with Senators Paula Dockery and Mike Fasano intently listened to everyone's concerns from county elected officials, school board officials, city representatives along with many appointed boards, nonprofits and citizens in the community. The Hernando County School Board voiced future financial impacts to the county that will be felt when they implement the Class Size Amendment. They also brought up concerns about the co-teaching requirements. Karla Grimsley, circuit administrator for the Guardian Ad Litem Program, asked for increased assistance for the children that are not represented by an attorney in these difficult circumstances. Mark Berry of The Arc Nature Coast asked for increased funding and consideration to cover the increases his nonprofit organization faces each day with their operational costs. Anna Liisa Covell, Chairwoman of the Hernando County Planning Commission brought up concerns with current statutes that govern Assisted Living Facilities requesting serious thought be given to owner occupancy being required in ALF's under 6 occupants. Many residents came to this meeting to address this same issue of ALF's and the impacts to their residential communities. Rep. Russell indicated that he would be looking into the language in the current statutes. Morris Porton of the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee came with a letter of thanks to the delegation. David Beardon, president of the National Federation of the Blind asked for increased transportation disadvantaged funding. Rose Rocco of the United Communities spoke on the massive increases in home owners insurance along her concerns on legislation for home owners associations. Representative Russell was pleasantly surprised by two plaques he received for his service in the Florida Legislature. Mr. Russell received one award from the Hernando County Commission and one from the City of Brooksville along with their a city resolution. Our dedicated elected officials patiently listened to everyone that wished to speak even though the meeting ran over by almost an hour.

Leadership Hernando Graduation

Tonight, the 2005 class of Leadership Hernando will graduate with a dinner celebration at Glen Lakes Country Club. Leadership Hernando is sponsored by the Hernando Chamber of Commerce with the support of many businesses in our community, along with the Hernando County Government and the the City of Brooksville. As a past graduate of this great program, I can proudly say congratulations to the 2005 class. Everyone that participated in this 2005 Leadership Hernando class needs to be thanked by our community for their hard work and contribution to Jericho Road Ministries. This 2005 class organized a Talent Showcase for Rev. Bruce Gimbal of Jericho Road to raise funds to purchase a replacement vehicle for the ministry which netted over five thousand dollars. Thanks for your service to our community, Class of 2005!

Thanks Rep. Russell & Governor Jeb Bush

Thanks go out to our own Rep. David Russell and Governor Jeb Bush for the $44-million in transportation funds to widen SR 50. This funding is part of the state's growth management plan and will help to expand the overburdened four lane highway to 6-lane. According to Hernando County's Transportation Planning Coordinator Dennis Dix, he said that this will help to solve this problem sooner rather later along the SR 50 corridor.

Community Board of 25

The Hernando County Commission voted on Tuesday, November 1, to form a community advisory board to review future long-term facilities needs for county government. Their decision to form a 25-member community board was a 5-0 vote. The commissioners decided to form this committee during Gary Adams presentation that discussed the projected future space needs for county government departments and courtrooms. During this discussion, commissioners voiced approval to give the county citizens , as a whole, a voice in how their government expands and how the citizens would like to see this growth develop in the future. Commissioners also voiced the need to have a well-rounded committee which should include business leaders, citizens from all areas of the county, and they even suggested to choose prior graduates of the Hernando Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Hernando program. One day after the decision was made to form this committee by a unanimous vote, Commissioner Kingsley made his position clear with his proposal to move forward on selling the old hospital site and building a new $35 million government center. This 25 member review committee should be given the opportunity to honestly access the needs for future facilities expansion of our government, and the related costs, before any commissioner publicly expresses their viewpoint.

Reception for Gary Adams

The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce and the Hernando County Government will hold a public reception on Wednesday, November 9th from 5-7 p.m. to bid farewell to Gary Adams during his last few days as Hernando County Administrator. The reception will be held in the atrium of the Hernando County Government Center locted at 20 North Main Street in downtown Brooksville.

Reverend Billy Graham

Reverend Billy Graham was quoted as saying, "Courage is contagious. When a brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened."

Future Discussion on Civility Code

On next week's agenda of the Board of County Commission, a discussion will take place on a possible implementation of a Civility Code for Hernando County. Gary Adams broached this very subject at last week's meeting with input from Sarasota County's Civility Code and the response was cool, at best, last week. This morning at the BOCC meeting, Anna Liisa Covell made public comments at Citizen's Input to suggest a Civility Code for all county boards, commissions and committees of Hernando County stating that the county needs to lead by example. She submitted information to the commissioners on one such civility Code now in affect in the city of Dunedin. At the end of today's BOCC meeting, Commissioner Rowden brought up the topic of the Civility Code and suggested that Mr. Adams submittal from last week on civility be discussed further, along with a proposal she had previously submitted several years ago on the subject. Commissioner Schenck agreed to agendize the Civility Code topic at next week's board meeting after reaching a consensus of the his entire board.

P & Z Appointments Procedures

This afternoon at the Hernando County Commission meeting the discussion continued on potential changes to the Planning And Zoning Commission appointment procedures. Commissioner Stabbins brought forward a new recommendation that would have eliminated the P & Z method of voting on applicants verbally and just supplying written comments to the county commissioners, if they so wished, and have the Board of County Commission interview all applicants for the P & Z at the podium. Mr. Kingsley proposed removing all Planning & Zoning recommendation procedures and proposed that the administrative staff and the Planning Department make recommendations to the BOCC to eliminate political influence in the decision. Mr. Schenck called on Anna Liisa Covell, chairwoman of the Planning & Zoning Commission, to voice her concerns. Mrs. Covell stated that she did not have a problem with the BOCC conducting the entire interview process of applicants, if that was the pleasure of the County Commission but requested that no changes be made to P & Z procedures. Mr. Kingsley made his proposal into a motion that failed with a 3-2 vote. With further discussion, the consensus of the County Commissioners was to leave the existing policy intact and agreed that appropriate measures had been taken since they had previously voted to a more stringent application form at last week's meeting.

Gas Tax Extension?

On tomorrow's Hernando County Commission agenda is a request from Charles Mixson to schedule a public hearing on November 15, 2005 at 10 a.m. to consider a proposed ordinance to extend the Local Option Gas Tax for 10 years. In addition to extending the two cent Local Option Fuel Tax, a recommendation to create a Pavement Management Program is requested to allow allocation of funds for both collector and residential roads based on the most cost effective method to reconstruct, resurface or overlay each roadway with no greater emphasis on either roads, collector or residential. A question begs to be asked in light of this current request for the creation of a Pavement Management Program which is, "What happened to the penny-forever Local Option Fuel Tax that was approved in 1999 for this very maintenance program?"

Petition to Lower Ad Valorem Taxes

Particular attention needs to be paid to the petition to lower Ad Valorem taxes circulating in Hernando County by a very enterprising individual named Linda Hayward. Quiet grassroots initiatives such as this petition sometimes erupt in a ground swell of activity among communities to push for change of our current system. With the ever present tug of war between a tax and spend government mind-think and the consumer culture of citizens expecting the government to be the do-all for everyone,this petition will face an uphill battle convincing our community. An old adage could apply here which is be careful for what you wish for, it may come true. If this petition ever reaches referendum on the ballot to freeze or lower our millage rate, a more powerful form of taxation could be created by our commissioners, with the insistence of our constitutional officers to cover their departmental expenses. The commissioners could split the Ad Valorem up into categories thus charging for services, like public safety, individually defeating this petition by Ms. Hayward.

Civility Code is Value Based

This afternoon I received a very interesting email and fax concerning my previous post on the suggestion of a Civility Code at last Tuesday's Board of Hernando County Commission meeting. Pasted below are excerpts from this thought provoking email correspondence. I have intentionally left off this individual's name and county, per my pledge to him for complete anonymity. (Please be patient as I attempt to correct the problem with this Blog accepting direct comment)

I am a public administrator in the state of Florida, having dedicated 33 years of my life to professional public
service. I read news clips from around the state and one of them took me to your blog. I do not know you and frankly I should probably not even involve myself in what seems to be a very difficult political situation in your county. But I care too much about local government, Florida and democracy so I pass the thoughts
along that your blog instilled in me. I had typed them in to your blog response only to discover that it was just an outgoing blog.

Some days I love my job and other days it is the most difficult thing that I have ever done. I have watched the demeanor of public dialogue erode over these 33 years or more. To be certain, any political dialogue is subject to hyperbole from time to time, but it appears to have become more and more personal. Perhaps it is our short attention span, perhaps it is the tabloid type of journalism that plays to our most prurient and dark
side wherein we covet the pain of others in a perverse "there but for the grace of god go I mindset", perhaps it is our consumer oriented culture where we have been told we can have everything our way - yet in a democracy that form of pluralism is a ridiculous expectation. I believe that we have been socialized by
our consumer culture and populist politics to become entitled and selfish. Democracy is about common interest not self-interest and government of the people and by the people is expected to be perfect (when none of us are) and government is expected to solve everyone's problems and yet we wonder why it has
gotten so big.

I have taken time to think about this and in so doing I became reconnected to the roots of democracy. This journey gives me solace, a new mission in career and a hope in and for the positive and indomitable spirit
of Americans. I have hope, because I now give this civic lesson at every speech that I give. I seek to place the responsibility for citizenship and the need to own the associated values where it belongs, on each of us, and it connects. Most importantly is that values base that has made this country work through application of the art of compromise and statesmanship juxtaposed to the culture of self-interest that is played out 24/7 in our lives.

If I were to be asked to boil that lesson down to a couple of things I would suggest that one look at four things - John Locke's "The Nature of Man" (please god don't attempt to read it all), Federalist 10 wherein Madison speaks to the need for representative government to manage factions, the most self interested of which
is each of us and yet we are the sovereign, one simple quote by Jefferson "That government governs best which governs least, because its citizens are most relevant) and deTocqueville's "Democracy in America" wherein he observes that democracy is unique in this country because of our associations.

Many communities and foundations have been hard at work in an attempt to deal with the incivility that is plaguing our society and governance. I personally believe that it is local government’s responsibility to invest in democracy and the resultant conversations and to in fact model appropriate behavior. The adaptation to a civility code is a value-based way of doing such modeling.

Mark Your Calendar for November 5th

Please mark your calendar for the 5th Annual Veterans Appreciation Parade on Saturday, November 5th at 10 a.m. Bring your American flags, your children & your neighbors to show your support for the men & women of our military, past & present. Everyone is encouraged to walk with our veterans to express thanks for their heroic deeds. Please take a few minutes out of your day to express your patriotism during this most crucial time in our country's history. Your participation in this patriotic event will proudly salute our local veterans for their valiant service to our Nation! Your participation, as a parade participant or an on-looker, will be valued by our many veterans in attendance for the parade. Parade line-up starts at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind Brooksville City Hall located at 201 Howell Avenue in downtown Brooksville (there's plenty of parking in adjacent lot on Orange Avenue). This Veterans Appreciation Parade is proudly sponsored by the city of Brooksville with Anna Liisa Covell as parade coordinator.

Fun Family Events Tonight

If you are looking for fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy for Halloween try one of these events:

• Hernando County 16th Annual Fall Festival/Hernando County Fairground/754-4031/Oct. 28th & 29th 6-10 pm.
• Weeki Wachee Springs Wild & Wicked Nights/596-2062/Oct. 28th/Starts at 7 p.m.

It's a Sad Day

It is a sad day for our Republic this morning to hear that Harriet Miers has withdrawn her name for appointment to the US Supreme Court. This sadness is felt at the contempt that Ms. Miers endured as our President's nomination to our highest court, by both sides of the isle. This sadness is for Ms. Miers, herself, for not having the opportunity to get an up or down vote in the US Senate as President Bush's nominee. This sadness is for the entire electorate that has been misquided to believe our Nation is a democracy and not the representative Republic our Constitution was founded on over 225 years ago.

Welcome Addition the Classroom

A welcome but commanding presence became visible in all classroom's in Hernando County and across the state of Florida at the beginning of this school year. This presence quietly makes one's heart skip a beat with pride while reminding everyone why our country is the greatest Nation in the world. Many of us that over the age of consent remember the 'old days' when this presence gradually became taken for granted until this mighty presence disappeared completely without a whimper or complaint. In fact, the absence of this mighty but quiet presence did not return to the classroom until our very own patriotic Senator Fasano stood on the floor of the Senate of Florida to initiate legislation for the presence's return. You see, Senator Fasano stood for all that is good in this nation to demand the return of our American Flag to every classroom in our state. Thank you, Senator Fasano for service to our state and your patriotism!

Civility Code of Conduct?

Several years ago, after the contentious restructuring of the Planning and Zoning Commission by the Hernando County Board of Commissioners, I ran into a very prominent local attorney in Publix one evening. While chatting in the produce department, this very southern gentleman said something to me that changed my entire outlook on our community. He said that the days of civility have gone by the wayside and that somehow elected officials and government workers had forgotten they are, in an essence, civil servants with their primary purpose to serve the people in a civil, courteous manner. Our county has come a long way since then, with most of us assuming a more mature, polite manner of communication, but there is always room for improvement for everyone and not just those associated with our local government. Speaking as a community in general, it should be everyone's common goal to be gracious and respectful of others, even in the heat of a debate, discussion or dispute. The reason this subject has been broached today is a suggestion made by our county administrator, Gary Adams, for a proposed Civility Code for our county at the county commission meeting today. Mr. Adams proposal was met with silence from all the commissioners, with the exception of Mrs. Robinson, who referred to a prior county administrator. Maybe this suggestion is worth exploring, in light of the apparent air of negativity being expressed countywide. It would be a breath of fresh air to all of us that call this place, Hernando County home!