Run

The Hernando Times ran an article yesterday titled, "Grants seen as cure-all for Hernando's woes." This article explained how Commissioner Kingsley is pursuing Hernando's share of a $3.92 billion cache of money in a federal grant program to buy foreclosed homes in this county. This funding would enable Hernando County government to purchase foreclosed homes, fix them up to sell, or put them into an inventory for affordable housing, under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

If Hernando County accepts money from this grant, it opens the doors for our local government officials to become landlords of the foreclosed properties in our community. This landlord status will include removing these properties from the tax rolls.

These foreclosed properties would have the potential to become affordable housing, to be managed under the Hernando County Housing Authority. Has anyone forgotten that the HCHA is currently under a "troubled" status from the the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Singer's department was also given more bad news by their outside auditor last month. It was determined that the HCHA performance was less than stellar, as reported in their annual performance audit. In fact, this HCHA annual audit revealed that it had deteriorated in performance from their last year's poor audit. One more pertinent point should be made about the director of the Hernando County Housing Authority. Donnie Singer is not certified to oversee this type of housing in our community.

While no one wants to see foreclosed homes in our community, our county needs to run, not walk, away from this federal grant.

Guard your money

Barry Goldwater, Jr. was on Fox News Network this morning discussing the financial bailout with the economist, Neil Cavuto. As you can imagine, the lively discussion centered on capitalism and whether there was even a need for Congress to bail out Wall Street, as requested by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

Goldwater, Jr. was quite clear in his disapproval of a national bailout by a Republican president. He and Neil Cavuto share the same opinion that the markets should not be manipulated by the government with a large influx taxpayer cash, as requested by President Bush.

The ending of this interview was a "classic Goldwater" moment. Barry Goldwater, Jr. quoted his father, who is considered to be the "father of the Conservative Movement" in this country, by saying, "You don't let your dog guard your food, so then why would you let the Congress guard your money."

Korean War Vets

KOREAN WAR 55th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 28TH IN HERNANDO COUNTY – REP. BROWN-WAITE TO PRESENT COMMEMORATIVE COINS TO KOREAN WAR VETERANS

Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 Hosts Event Honoring Korean War Veterans

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) will join members of the Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 at a 55th Anniversary celebration of the end of the Korean War. In addition to the afternoon’s festivities and presentations, Rep. Brown-Waite will also present commemorative coins to Korean War veterans during the event.

The public is welcome to attend the festivities.

Korean War veterans interested in receiving a coin to commemorate their service must contact Rep. Brown-Waite’s Brooksville office at (352) 799-8354 to request an application. Korean War veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214 to complete the application.

DATE: Sunday, September 28, 2008

TIME: 2:00 – 3:00 pm

LOCATION: Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582
14494 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville FL 34613

WHO: Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05)
Members of Elks Lodge 2582
5th District Veterans

CONTACT: For information about the Korean coin application, call Rep. Brown-Waite’s Brooksville office at (352) 799-8354.

For details about the Korean War celebration, please contact Gail Cleaves at (352) 799-4464.

Broken Vow

It was rather amusing to read this morning's edition of the Hernando Today's article titled, "Candidates cough up campaign cash". It looks like Diane Rowden really snookered Michael Bates. He stated in his article that Rowden had lived up to her vow not to accept money from possible companies or individuals who may have business with the county.

I think Mr. Bates needs to sharpen his pencil and do his homework over again to review Ms. Rowden's campaign contributions. Numerous doctors in our community contributed large sums of money to her campaign and are business owners.

The Teamsters Union gave big money to Ms. Rowden. In fact, Teamster Union, Local 769 gave $500.00 on August 12, 2008, and gave an additional $500.00 on August 15, 2008. Her campaign records list these two-$500.00 contributions from the Teamsters Union by using different addresses for the same Local 769. This combined total from Teamsters, Local 769 is $1,000.00 and appears to be a violation of the maximum limits of campaign contributions. The Teamsters Union is also the organization that is currently attempting to rally the county employees into a vote to become union members.

One more contribution that is noteworthy is the contribution from Hernando County Fire Rescue employee, Jason Brazinski who gave $500.00. I believe he is the president of the local union that represents the employees of the HCFR.

Each of these entities have a vested interest in our community and it looks like Ms. Rowden stretched the truth with her vow. This commitment by Ms. Rowden to not accept money from companies or persons that may do business with the county isn't worth the paper it was written on...

Buzz words

The buzz words were "pride and cooperation" as the Hernando County Fire Rescue and City of Brooksville Fire Department sealed the deal on their inter-local agreement to share space for the next 25 years. This agreement has HCFR closing the Station 24 and moving in with the city of Brooksville's fire department.

In the Hernando Today, HCFR Chief Nickerson said this would save the taxpayers over $1.6 million because they would not have to build a stand-alone firehouse. They will be using $572,000 in impact fee money to build an addition onto the Brooksville Fire Department on Veterans Avenue in Brooksville.

"It's a new day in Brooksville and a new day in Hernando County" when the government considers the best interest of taxpayers in their decisions," said Brooksville Fire Chief Tim Mossgrove, as per his quote from this morning's Hernando Times. Please tell us how a duplication of services for two fire departments, housed in one building for 25 years, is in the best interest of the taxpayers.

Are we all living in some type of time warp? How is spending over a half a million dollars on an unnecessary building addition to the Brooksville Fire Department in the best interest of the taxpayers? Which department is going to pay for the upkeep on this building for the next 25 years? Is the city going to charge the county for utilities, such as electric, phone water, and garbage service? Is there a lease agreement involved between the city, and county fire departments, to cover all these costs, or is it going to be up to the city taxpayers to pick up the tab?

The citizens living in Township 22 tried to warn the HCFR before they took over this district a few years ago. Their main objection was that the city of Brooksville was already providing service this area and there was no need for an additional county fire department. In fact, city fire hydrants were previously installed in the majority of this area to provide the Brooksville Fire Department with adequate water supply, and now the county is using this equipment that was paid by Township 22. The citizens were very vocal with their objections, citing duplication of services.

The most pressing problem with this new spirit of cooperation is the existing billing systems of the two fire departments. The city of Brooksville charges the city taxpayers at an Ad Valorem rate of approximately of 2.5 mil using an MSTU method. The county charges residential customers $195.00 a year on an MSBU. Some people in the city pay minimal fees, or no fire fees, on the MSTU method while county residents all pay a flat rate residential fee of $195.00. Incidentally, both fire departments charge commercial customers at different rates, too.

This new spirit of cooperation should have been the announcement that one of these fire department's would officially close its doors. Maybe its time we seriously look at a county-wide service, as suggested in the consultant's report last year. Its time to stop putting band aids on a broken fire system that continues to cost the taxpayers for duplication of services in some areas while neglecting many areas of Hernando County.

Art contest

The winner of the State of Florida Dependency Summit Art Contest was won by Malcolm Dumaine. This contest is exclusively for children in foster care throughout the state. Malcolm is 14 years old, sight challenged, and is the foster son of David Bearden. David is the president of the area National Federation of the Blind chapter for Hernando and Pasco counties.

Malcolm was at quite a disadvantage going into the contest because he had limited, available art supplies at his disposal. He used watered-down acyclic paints and computer paper for his mixed media art presentation. In fact, the process he used to paint caused it to wrinkle the computer paper. Malcolm used a household iron to smooth out the wrinkles before placing it in a jacket to mail in to the contest. How's that for ingenuity?

Congratulations, Malcolm!

News

Two newsworthy items will be discussed at next week's Hernando County Commission meeting that may be of interest to you. One is the Hernando County Sheriff's Department agreement to begin running the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Management Department. Under the second item, the commissioners will hear about a new warden for the Hernando County Jail. Hopefully this will prove to be a productive meeting for the county, with the approval of the Emergency Management agreement by the county commissioners.

Non-story

Taxpayers' Alliance endorses democrat running for county commission against Commissioner Stabins, or so goes the non-story in this morning's Hernando Today.

The Hernando County Taxpayers' Alliance is solely run by Linda A. Hayward, according to the supervisor of elections office. This political action committee's treasurer is also Linda A. Hayward, according to county records. This misleading article attempted to imply that the Taxpayers' Alliance had a membership of 2,000 members when, in fact, this was the number of email contacts by the sole member of this organization, not the list of contributors for membership to this PAC. In fact, the actual contributors to this organization can be counted on both hands, without having to take off one's shoes.

So, what's the real point of this story?

See Sarah!

Join Governor Sarah Palin
And Your Florida Ticket for a Road to Victory Rally

The Republican Party of Florida announced that Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, will join the Florida Ticket for a Road to Victory Rally at the Villages.

Road to Victory Rally
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2008
Location: The Villages, Lake Sumter Landing, Market Square
1020 Lake Sumter Landing
The Villages, FL 32162
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. EST

For more information, please call (850) 391- 4219 or e-mail victoryrally@rpof.org. Please allow plenty of time to clear security.

You will love this

If you support Governor Sarah Palin, Senator John McCain's pick for vice president then you will love this blog.

Here's the link:

http://www.moms4sarahpalin.blogspot.com:80/

Citizenship Day

Commemorating Constitution and Citizenship Day – September 17, 2008

Few documents changed the world more than the Constitution of the United States. Prior to the United States Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Constitution, people had for centuries lived in counties without personal rights and without a democratic form of government. All that changed when the Constitutional Convention adopted the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For the first time in history, one nation’s citizens freely agreed to a democratic form of self governance. Today we take our rights and freedoms and form of government for granted. But 221 years ago the concept of three separate but equal branches of government was a revolutionary concept. The Constitution was the framework for our entire government and paved the way for the Bill of Rights and the eventual expansion to today’s 50 states.

That is why the United States now commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution each September 17th. In 2004 the senior Senator from West Virginia, Robert Byrd, passed an amendment that created a national holiday to recognize the Constitution and the benefits of citizenship. A noted historian, Senator Byrd thought, and I agreed with him when I voted for the bill, that today’s youth do not learn enough about the foundations of our republic and the history of the Constitution.

This September 17 schools throughout Florida will take a moment to teach their students about the founding fathers, the history behind the signing and ratification of the Constitution, and why our nation is the greatest democratic republic in the history of the world. Teachers and families across the country can use this day as a teaching opportunity for the next generation of American citizens. Without a firm foundation in American history and its founding documents, our country will lose some of our national identity and core beliefs. I was proud to vote for something that expanded the learning opportunities for our children and taught them about the history of our great nation.

Doing my part to help 5th District residents celebrate the U.S. Constitution, its history and values, I will be making free copies of the Constitution available to all residents throughout the month of September. You may pick up your copy at either my Brooksville or Dade City district offices, call and have one mailed to you, or receive one at any of my outreach meetings throughout the eight counties that make up our congressional district. For more information about when and where to get your copy, please call me toll-free at (866) 492-4835.

The last 221 years have seen our nation progress from thirteen independent states to a global superpower defending freedoms and liberties throughout the world. Our republic was built on the framework outlined in the Constitution, and has lasted throughout wars, economic downturns and even civil war. But today the United States of America is strong, and one of the main reasons for our success is because of the signing of the Constitution. I hope that all 5th District residents take a moment this September 17th to re-read the Constitution, pick up a new copy from my office, and talk to your children about what this document means to all Americans.

Ginny Brown-Waite
Member of Congress (FL-05)

Missed opportunity

The Hernando Times ran an article on the Republican Unity Rally yesterday that was titled "Unified GOP front masks tensions" which was a fairly accurate assessment of the mood Friday night. One a scale from 1 to 10, this Republican rally came in at about a 3 for the excitement factor. This was due, in part, to the organization by the party, and their choice for master of ceremonies of the event.

It is really a shame that so little thought was given to the agenda of activities by the HCREC board of directors because they had a very respectable turn out for this event. The master of ceremonies who could not hold the attention of the crowd and the attendees did not quiet down when he was at the microphone except for the introduction of candidates and elected officials. None of the candidates in attendance were given the opportunity to speak to the crowd except Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite.

Ginny's presentation lasted about 12-15 minutes and focused on party unity, from the national to the local level and she had the undivided attention of every one in the hall. Ginny gave some very interesting poling data results on her race and that of the McCain/Palin ticket, as of last Friday that looks very promising for a win.

At the conclusion of Ginny's presentation, the master of ceremonies once again attempted to rally the crowd to no avail and this concluded the activities for the rally. This was really a missed opportunity by the HCREC to present a unified front. So much more could have been accomplished with their agenda, like choosing a less divisive master of ceremonies. All the candidates in attendance should have been given the opportunity to address the audience, even if it was only a quick walk on stage, with a 2 minute introduction.

Besides the dynamic presentation by Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, the only other highlight of the evening was free food, that every one seemed to enjoy as they chatted with friends.

.

"WANTED"

High School Bands

for October 11th

Battle of the Bands

at the

Bandshell Bash

Prizes Awarded

Sponsors

The Hernando County Sheriff's

Anti-Drug Coalition Team

Contact Mike Hannigan

813-760-3986

Unity Spirit

Well, the "rebel without a clue" is at it again from the Hernando County Taxpayer's Alliance. This "political action committee of one" is advocating the overthrow of Commissioner Jeff Stabins in the upcoming election by promoting his democrat opponent. This 'clueless rebel' is under some misguided notion that a democrat will provide tax relief for the folks in our community.

"Clueless" is also asking for opinions on the commission race between John Druzbick and Diane Rowden because her candidate of choice did not prevail in the primary election. She is also asking for opinions on offshore drilling. Here's a suggestion, Ms. Clueless, Drill Now, Drill Often and Drill Deep to lower the price of fuel and become energy independent in America.

"Clueless"even included a vague comments for Governor Crist's re-election chances in two years, in the event he doesn't step up to the plate to satisfy her whims. Is she planning another bus trip to Tallahassee, toting her wore-out petitions to gain the attention of the governor again?

This email from "Clueless" included a flyer for the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee's Unity Rally, with a note stating that Blaise Ingoglia would be one of their guest speakers. Funny thing is, Mr. Ingoglia's name doesn't appear on any of the flyers or the HCREC website promoting the event. Listening to the grapevine discussion from within the county, it is quite apparent the majority of rank and file Republicans do not want this person to speak at the rally on behalf of conservatives. This speaker is being promoted solely by a handful of party insiders that include the chairwoman of the HCREC, Ana Trinque

Score one for the unity spirit!

Bailouts

A few minutes ago, I received an urgent request for me to comment on the bailout of Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac. The points made by this local physician were quite succinct on the issues of bailouts and financial incentives for large corporations. Please read this email for yourself. The only item that has been removed is the physician's name to protect her privacy.

Anna Liisa:

If you would, please comment on your blog regarding the Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac bailout.

As a small business owner, I cannot imagine the government "bailing" us out if we made very poor choices.

It is interesting how those companies privatized their profits however they socialized their losses......I am amazed.

The government encouraged them to write more loans for unqualified consumers, knowing the bottom would fall out at some point!

The CEO's of those companies are Harvard/Ivy League graduates and certainly able to make long term actuarial financial predictions.......how on earth did they allow this to get to that point?

Furthermore, Walmart and other large companies like that, get financial incentives to employ people in our county-however they are the largest employer with the most Medicaid covered employees because they refuse to give anyone a "full time" position.
They continue to socialize any loss a company that large would need to absorb, in order to do business!

Anna, you are my only hope! Please say something about this!!!!!

Fun with a purpose

Grab your boots and come on out as we celebrate the 3rd annual Cattle Baron’s Ball.

Cattle Baron’s Ball is so much more than the best event in Hernando County.

It is a Party with a Purpose…

a celebration of life, love, and hope!

We hope to raise over $50,000 to be given to the American Cancer Society.
This cannot be done without generous sponsors,

hard working volunteers, and supporters such as yourself.

So grab your boots and head to the Palace Grand February 7, 2009 as we

“PARTY WITH A PURPOSE”
in the fight against cancer!

American Cancer Society presents

FEBRUARY 7, 2009

6:00PM

PALACE GRAND
Entertainment: “Rebound”
Phone: 352.597.6331
Fax: 352.597.6314
debbie.walker2@hcahealthcare.com

TICKETS $100.00 EACH


*Great Food
*Great Entertainment
*Silent Auction
*Photographs
*FRIENDSHIP

You don’t want to miss this one! We hope to see you there!

Officially retire

Hernando County Building Department Director, Grant Tolbert will officially retire from his position this Friday. Love him or hate him, Mr. Tolbert lead our county through two of the largest building booms in our history. He also took the brunt of much criticism in the wake of the destruction caused by the No Name Storm in 1993.

Grant Tolbert took his department into the 21st Century with his pro-active approach to compliance to building codes. Mr. Tolbert was instrumental in enacting tough building standards for Hernando County by adopting the Florida Building Code and the National Electrical Code for Hernando County. Although Grant has been criticized for his enforcement of the rules by some individuals and contractors, he should be commended on his steadfast requirements for compliance with building regulations that have made Hernando County a safer place.

Hernando County has entered into a contract with a private firm to provide a licensed building official which is required by Florida Statutes. This short term contract is to provide 20 hours per week for oversight by the building official. Hopefully, Mr. Hamilton will inform the public soon about the future hierarchy at the building department. Questions are beginning to surface about who will actually be in charge of the building department and if 20 hours of building official oversight conforms to Florida Statutes.

Good luck and enjoy your retirement Grant!

Furball

The 5th Annual Humane Society Furball
Saturday, September 13th
Palace Grand
275 Della Court, Spring Hill

$75.00 per Ticket
Cocktails - Cash Bar Opens at 5
Dinner /6:30 pm
Music and Dancing by "Cover To Cover"Silent
Auction 5:00 - 8:30
Special Show by the 4 Non-Breeders

Ticket Information ~Phone: 352-796-2711

Rally

This morning, I received the following flyer for the Unity Candidate Rally which is being presented by the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee. After going to their website, it became apparent that Blaise Ingoglia's name was left off of their flyer even though he is listed as a guest speaker in their information.

UNITY CANDIDATE RALLY

September 12, 2008 @ 6:00 PM
Hernando County Fairgrounds Auditorium
FREE admission offering food, fun, and education
Meet all the Republican candidates that will be on the general ballot
November 4th along with all of our current Republican elected officials.

Speakers will include:
Republican of Florida Party Chairman Jim Greer
Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

Please register to attend this event at

http://www.unityrally2008.com/

or by calling 352-796-4741.
Attendance is first come, first served basis.

***Please note that the webmaster at the HCREC removed Mr. Ingoglia's name from the guest speaker list shortly after this post. Even though Mr. Ingoglia's name does not appear on the Unity Rally website, or flyers, it has been reported that he will be the master of ceremonies for this Unity Rally.

Female gender bias

Has anyone been around long enough to remember the Women's Movement in the 1960's. This movement began by focusing on equal pay for equal work for women who compete within the workforce. The long fight for women's rights include, though are not limited to, the right: to bodily integrity and autonomy; to vote to hold public office; to work; to fair wages or equal pay; to own property; to education; to serve in the military or be conscripted; to enter into legal contracts; and to have marital, parental and religious rights.

Having said all that, "Why are some in the national media attempting to destroy the major female candidates of both party affiliations, with less than honest, negative media attention? Is this negative media being driven by their quest to push their own agenda? Many women and men are very angry at the blatant attacks by individuals, like Campbell Brown on CNN and reporters for the New York Times, on female candidates for public office. This female gender bias is not liberal or conservative leaning. It appears to be an outright attack on the female gender to push an African American into the driver's seat. When did it become fashionable to discriminate against the female gender in our country for political purposes?

Prior democrat candidate for president, Hillary Clinton was peppered daily by the national media with their negative dialog. This media attacked Hillary's physical character, her personality, her clothing, her husband, her daughter and just about anything that they could throw on a plate for fodder.

Now the media has moved on to Governor Sarah Palin. The media attacks include, but are not limited to, her husband, her daughter, and her parenting skills, not Governor Palin's ability, and the skills she brings to the race as the chief executive officer of the state of Alaska.

Women in the United States need to wake up and smell the coffee, so to speak. Why is it OK to attack female candidates on a personal level while ignoring the male species on the tickets. When was the last time you heard someone in the media ask why Obama doesn't stay home with his wife to provide better parenting for their children? Yes, Obama stated he didn't want attacks on the family but continues to turn a blind eye to the negative comments leaking from his campaign headquarters. What is really amusing is that Obama and Biden will be in Florida this week speaking on equal pay for equal work. How's that for hypocrisy, ladies?

In the height of the women's movement one advertiser used this slogan when referring to women, "You've come a long way baby!" Have we? After forty plus years, the gains we have made as women are quickly being trampled by some in the national media to push their own agenda during this presidential election. It's time we, as women and Americans, contact these media sources and say, enough is enough!