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No new solutions

The Hernando Today ran a story this morning about the turn-out at the First Hernando Republican Club meeting 10 days ago. Blaise Ingoglia, the chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee was their guest speaker who gave a presentation on energizing the Republican base. The club had a respectable turn-out which is understandable in this volatile, uncertain climate in our country. Hopefully, the club can continue on this trend to energize the voters but it will need a better sales pitch than delivered by Ingoglia.

After watching the YouTube video of Ingoglia's presentation at this meeting, one word came to mind - narcissism. The REC's chairman talked for approximately 30 minutes, using some tired old jokes and time-worm rhetoric while trying to make his point. His video could have been called conservatism for dummies for his lifeless presentation. Ingoglia provided no new solutions to the problems within the Republican party. He just preached smaller government, lower taxes, and all the warm and fuzzy party mantras, without saying anything new.

Energizing the base will take the trust of the American people. To earn this trust, the elected officials and party leaders, on both sides of the isle, need to wake up. We are watching, and the answer will not lie in any party platform until we see some honest commitments from those we have trusted with our votes...

Noodling

Geez, it sure is disheartening to find out that Hernando County Firefighter Jason Brazinski is so overwrought at work he needs to vent online. Maybe if he spent a little more time dedicating his time to work-related activities instead of sounding off on Facebook his tension level wouldn't be so high.

Yes, firefighters see a lot more of the seedy-side of life that most people do not experience, but having Brazinski call Hernando county residents dirt bags is way out of line. First of all, isn't he suppose to protect the privacy of the people he treats in the community. Maybe he ought to spend a little more time researching HIPAA regulations that strictly prohibit this type of gossip. Secondly, the dirt bags that he has so crudely described are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The most important reason to correct his lapse in judgement is these so-called "dirt bags" are residents of this county and probably pay his salary through an MSTU / MSBU fees on their property.

The most amazing point of this story was missed by Tony Holt, the reporter for the Hernando Today. Why does Chief Nickerson allow these firemen to cruise the Internet when they are at work? This is the taxpayer's money being wasted by Brazinski, and his fellow firemen, will they idle away their time on the payroll-clock. This noodling activity is almost as wasteful as the firefighters going to the local gym on the taxpayer's dime. Surely, Nickerson could find something productive for these firemen do while on the clock.

Kudos to the Hernando County Sheriff's Department for having a policy that strictly prohibits this activity on social and interactive networks. Maybe Chief Nickerson ought to give Rich Nugent a call for a few pointers on how to run his department.

Double taxation for EMS

Do you remember all the chatter about the Spring Hill Fire Rescue Commissioners when they attempted to tax the tangible property of businesses in their district? The Hernando County Commissioners even jumped on board to squelch the idea of imposing this tax, saying it was double taxation. The SPFR Commissioners finally backed down and reversed their decision several weeks ago.

The ironic point about this entire episode is the county commissioners decision to treat business entities different, depending on the location of their property. County Commissions said they were appalled at the the Spring Hill Fire Rescue for even suggesting an imposed tax for fire and emergency service on the tangible property of business in Spring Hill.

The question that screams for an answer from the Hernando County Commissioners is, why didn't they question the same double taxation currently in play by the Hernando County Fire Rescue. Business entities in the HCFR district pay property taxes that include an MSTU tax for emergency medical services. These same businesses are also being taxed on tangible property for the same EMS from HCFR.

To get to the point, all business entities in the HCFR district are paying twice for emergency medical services and the question is why?

Memory walk

If you would like to make a difference in our community, sign up for this walk to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk

Weeki Wachee State Park

September 9, 2009

8:00 a.m. - Registration (no fee)

9:00 a.m. to noon- Walk (refreshments provided)

Call 352-688-4537 for details about this worthwhile event!

Options

Republican candidate for county commission, Wayne Dukes sent out a letter blasting Commissioner Rose Rocco several weeks ago. This letter not only blasts Rocco but it also attempts to tarnish the reputation of a local businessman that served on the host committee for her fundraiser earlier in the month.

Not only is the information in this letter factually incorrect, it borders on outright slander of several individuals in this community. Dukes has gone on to run his gator on the local talk radio station, and just about anyone that will listen to his blabbering nonsense, making his unsubstantiated accusations. He has even suggested that Rose Rocco took kick-backs when she voted for the Hickory Hill project in 2008. Nothing could be farther from the truth but the talking heads continue to spread ugly rumors about Rocco. Shame on them for spreading malicious gossip!

Politics are politics but this one really takes the cake. Wayne Dukes was a sore loser when he ran in 2004 as a Democrat. He was equally as nasty when he lost in 2006 as a Republican. What is he going to change his party to when he loses this time? He's quickly running out of options...

Rocky start...

This week has really gotten off to a rocky start for some Republican Party officials.

Dan DeWitt, of the Hernando Times, wrote a feature article about Hernando County Republican Executive Committee's chairman, Blaise Ingoglia. His story was titled "Blaise Ingoglia used deceptive sales tactics, burned real estate investors say." If you haven't read it, here is the link:

http://http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/blaise-ingoglia-used-deceptive-sales-tactics-burned-real-estate-investors/1027943

The cast of characters in DeWitt's article included Ingoglia, Rep. Robert Schenck, and Art and Ana Trinque. As you may recall, Ana Trinque is the former chairwoman of the HCREC. Her and her husband are still precinct committee members with the REC. The Novo Group mentioned in the article is owned by Rep. Schenck and employees the Trinques.

William Kingeter, another employee of the Novo Group, will be facing charges before the Florida Elections Commission on Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. Kingeter is a candidate for Hernando County Commission, district 2 race for the 2010 Republican Primary. He was served with a Notice Of Probable Cause by the election's commission for possible violations of the Florida Elections Code.

A rocky start to the beginning of a bumpy week for some Republicans...

A good kick-off

Guests were greeted with cool glasses of Sangria as they mingled at the poolside decorated with sombreros and maracas. The sultry evening air was pleasantly confortable as everyone chatted with the guest of honor.

This fun-filled event was a fundraiser for Commissioner Rose Rocco's re-election campaign at the residence of Tommy and Connie Bronson. The Mexican motive carried into their home with a banquet of food to please the numerous guests in attendance to support Rocco. Their generous support will be a good kick-off for her campaign.

Rocco's friends, wide-ranging in personal opinion and political persuasion, had one thing in common, a positive outlook for Hernando County's future. In the relaxed setting of his home, Bronson said he was supporting Rose for re-election because she was was his friend as he introduced her to the crowd. He went onto say Rose has a real compassion for doing the right thing as commissioner.

During her chat with the guests, Rocco emphasized the need for Hernando County to have a positive outlook, even in light of the economic problems everyone faces in this county. At the conclusion of her presentation, Rose thanked her hosts, the Bronson's, and all the guests in attendance for their support.

Outling directives...

Many plans exist in Hernando County Government. The Comprehensive Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan. The Facility Maintenance Plan. So why isn't there a plan that outlines the directives of the county administrator's departmental restructuring initiatives?

At the Hernando County Commission meeting on August 25, Administrator David Hamilton will be asking for permission to combine the deputy administrator position with the finance director's job. Shouldn't the administrator be submitting a complete departmental restructuring plan for review by the county commissioners?

In the corporate world, successful business enterprises operate with structured business plans. Plans that are submitted to their board of directors by their chief executive officers. Why should the county government be any different?

The public has a right to know what our government will look like in the future. To date, we have only be given incremental pieces of information concerning these restructuring plans, without having any clear vision by the county administrator.

Hernando County employees deserve to know how their future is being planned by Hamilton. They should have been treated with a little more transparency about this restructuring plan; maybe it would have prevented the rush last week to sign up for a buy out to protect themselves.

How can any county commissioners make an educated decision about this incremental job restructuring without Hamilton submitting a complete plan on how our government will operate in the future?

2009 Veterans Appreciation Parade

Mark your calender for this year's 2009 Veterans Appreciation Parade. We hit the ground running and we are off to a good start for this event which is scheduled for November 14 in downtown Brooksville.

Operation P.R.I.D.E. has generously agreed to be this year's parade sponsor. Their executive director Greg Myers said they will cover all the costs to underwrite the necessary liability insurance required by the city of Brooksville.

PR.I.D.E.'s founding member, Rose Rocco, appeared before the Brooksville City Council with me to present our request to waive of the parade permit and associated costs at their meeting on August 3. The city council passed our request with a 4-0 vote after Lara Bradburn made the initial motion, with a second from Richard Lewis.

Individuals and groups are already responding to our emails to participate in the parade. Rich Nugent, Dave Russell, the Hernando High School Band, and the Hernando Sportsman Club with their military vehicles have been the first to put their names on the list. Let me know if you would like to participate this year.

Our parade is a way for individuals in the community to thank our veterans. We have only one rule which is "no politics" in the parade. This event has been, and will continue to be, a non-political event to thank veterans.

I will post periodic updates over the next few weeks to keep everyone informed on our parade so stay tuned...

Feted by Republicans

After reading the story in the Hernando Today titled "Democrat Rocco to be feted by Republicans" it sounds like the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee members are scratching their heads for answers.

It sure looks like local business leaders and citizens in Hernando County are interested in individuals, not party ideology, for representation that will make our county a better place to live in the future. Economic growth and the betterment of the community can only be done with a positive message. This can-do attitude can be seen in Commissioner Rose Rocco's performance.

Good luck, Rose, on your fundraiser tonight. You deserve another 4 years as our commissioner for doing what's right for all the people in this county!

Pay to play

Last week the Nature Coast Human Resource Society, Inc. conducted a seminar at the Silverthorn County Club. The theme of this seminar was "What happened to the stimulus money and other questions you would like to ask." The cost of this seminar was $25.00 which included a continental breakfast and lunch. While I applaud this small business for thinking up enterprising ways to make money, I say shame on all the elected officials and government offices that participated in this pay to play seminar.

According to the flyer sent out from the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Senator Bill Nelson was instrumental in helping to set up this seminar. In a capitalist society, I certainly hope the owners of Nature Coast Human Resource Society, Inc. made a profit but it doesn't excuse government officials from participating in this event that required payment for information that should have been presented in a free-public forum,.

Here's the line-up of the government officials and offices that participated in this seminar:

• Senator Bill Nelson
• Florida Dept. of Financial Services
• Florida DOT
• Department of Energy
• Small Business Association
• Hernando County Government
• City of Brooksville

I'm sure this seminar was very informative but in this economic climate everyone needs to be questioning why these officials participated in a seminar that required payment to understand the expenditures of the federal stimulus package. Having to pay $25.00 to see a government official explain how our tax money is being spent is inexcusable...

Flux?

The headline in yesterday's Hernando Times read, "County Budget Still in Flux" which was about the uncertainty of this year's county budget. Has anyone stopped to consider that the budget has probably already been decided by the hierarchy at the county government. If this wasn't the case, then why did the county administrator cancel the Hernando County Budget and Finance Committee meeting for July. The administrator also received approval by the Commission Chairman David Russell to take a three week vacation in July which is normally the busiest time tying up the loose ends on the yearly budget review.

The reporter, Barbara Behrendt, stated in this story that this Tuesday's BCC meeting included money-saving information for the commissioners to review about the Hernando County Housing Authority. Her article stated that the housing authority "will consider" moving from their space in downtown Brooksville to the Development Department on SR50. This is information is probably in the agenda but it is apparent that the reporter did not verify her facts for this story. The Hernando County Housing Authority already moved to the SR50 location about a month ago. Anyway,this is a mute point about the housing authority saving the county money. The Hernando County Housing Authority operates with their own budget, comprised of state and federal tax dollars, and does not directly impact the county general fund budget. Maybe her story should have focused on the slight of hand and the lack of transparency in our local government budgetary process this year!

I'm back from vacation

After taking a month off for vacation it is was real rough getting back to work and classes at USF St Pete. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a spectacular trip to South Africa. We traveled over 5,ooo kilometers in a rented car from the Drakenberg Mountain chain to Mossel Bay on the coast.

The Drakenberg Mountain was an experience to remember for the rest of our life time. We traveled high into the mountains to a resort where we stayed for a week. While there, we took a helicopter ride over the Drakenberg Mountain chain. The pilot even stopped on the highest peak so we could get out and take some breath-taking photos. The next big adventure was the hot air balloon trip. The indescribable sensation of floating on air became a real memory-maker, as we toasted our champagne flutes, filled with orange juice, of course. We also saw the Drakenberg Boys Choir. The boys performance proved why they are world-wide stars.

The second leg of our trip was a hunting safari at the Wolf Craig Lodge, just outside Port Alfred. We hunted with our friend Glen Elliott for 10 days. Two of the four most exciting hunts for me were the wharthog and the blue wildebeest which were both difficult shots. I took the wharthog at 207 meters and the blue wildebeest at 180 meters. Here's a look at my trophies:

The last portion of our trip was along the southern coast of South Africa. We traveled through Port Elizabeth, Graff-Reinet, Tistiskamma and Mossel Bay. We took a boat trip out to Seal Island, Off Mossel Bay, to see the great white sharks. The sharks we saw were 15 to 18 feet long.

Long story short, now all we have to do is finish paying off our credit card bills and then we can begin planning a trip for next year! It sure is good to be home though...

Alexander Hamilton once said, “A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.” Since the United States fought for its freedom we have only been free of a national debt for two years, 1834 and 1835. Clearly, deficits are nothing new in Washington and it is not a one-party disease. However, the key to Mr. Hamilton’s famous statement is, “if not excessive.”

Unfortunately, the United States has reached the point where our national debt has become excessive. Today, every American’s share of the National Debt is $36,000. Based on President Obama’s budget, by the end of his first term in office, every American will owe more than $54,000.

A further example of the excessive deficit spending occurring in Washington is Debt Day. Debt Day is the day the federal government runs out of revenue and starts paying for its reckless spending by borrowing more money. This year, debt day has come and gone already: April 26. Imagine putting more than seven months of your family’s expenses on a credit card? You would be paying an astronomical amount of interest. Sadly, this is what the federal government does and in just three short years, the American people will be paying $1 billion per day in interest on that debt.

The American people know that we cannot borrow and spend our way back to economic prosperity. The path to economic recovery starts with fiscal responsibility. The federal government must follow the example set by our nation’s families and eliminate unneeded and excessive spending.

Thank you,

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

Major Rubio Marco Endorsement

I received this campaign message by email and thought your might find it interesting to read:

Dear Anna Liisa,

Today I would like to let you know that I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend Marco Rubio for his bid for the United States Senate. Florida and our country are at a crossroads. Not only in our economic life, but in who we are as Republicans.

My choice was a simple one: Marco Rubio represents the best in what our Party should strive to be and who it must engage – he is young, conservative, and believes in the principles of our Founding Fathers, that individual freedom and liberty are what makes our country great and always will.Marco Rubio is a candidate who can help to bring our Party back on track by reaching out to our youth, entrepreneurs, Hispanics and those who believe that if you work hard enough, anything you dream can be achieved.

With Marco, we have a great opportunity to elect a true conservative and a greater obligation to elect a man of principle.I hope that you will join with me in this exciting journey to elect my friend Marco Rubio to the United States Senate in 2010.

With warm regards,
Jeb Bush, Jr.

Flag Day

Message from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite on Flag Day:

As Americans, we have many customs, traditions, and symbols rooted in the cultures of our forefathers and the history of our young nation. None is more powerful and endearing than our flag. Our flag represents our founding principles of liberty, justice, and humanity, and embodies American freedom.

This month, we all again have the opportunity to honor our great nation, but also to honor our flag in particular. June 14 of each year is National Flag Day. The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for his students in Wisconsin to observe June 14, the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes, as the ‘Flag’s Birthday.’ Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.

As you may know, every month members of my staff hold meetings in communities throughout the Fifth District to provide an opportunity for constituents to visit a nearby location to sit down and get help on issues of concern – whether it is help with the VA or sharing thoughts on what Congress is up to in DC. This month, my staff will also have copies of a wonderful publication called “Our Flag,” published by the U.S. Government Printing Office. I encourage you to stop by one of the local meetings or my office in Brooksville to pick up a free copy and learn more about the history and the stories behind our flag. Additionally, if you have a flag in disrepair or such a condition that it is no longer fit to fly, staff will be collecting flags to be disposed of in a proper way.

Staff members from my office will also explain how to get in touch with me to remedy a problem, offer general assistance and information, and outline what services are available through the office. Please stop by for help with a federal agency such as the VA or the Social Security Administration or assistance applying to a service academy.

Time and location details below:

Land O’Lakes10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 2
Land O’ Lakes Branch Library
2818 Collier Parkway

The Villages10:00-11:00 a.m. June 4
The Villages –Government Annex
8033 E. CR466

Lakeland10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 9
North Lakeland Presbyterian Church
675 Socrum Loop Road

Dade City10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 10
Dade City Annex
14150 5th Street

Lecanto10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 17
Citrus Co. Resource Center
2804 Marc Knighton Ct.

Minneola10:00 – 11:00 a.m. June 19
Minneola City Hall
1800 N US-27

Cedar Key10:00-11:00 a.m. June 23
Cedar Key Town Hall
490 2nd Street

Opposing viewpoints

The Hernando Today wrote an editorial on the proposed water and sewer rate hike. Laurie Pizzo, Hernando County Business and Development Committee member wrote an opposing viewpoint to their editorial column. Both of these columns are included below for your review. I found it interesting to be able to read them together and hope you do, too. The first is from the Hernando Today, with Ms. Pizzo's letter at the bottom, including the editorial note.

Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes

Hernando Today
Published: May 15, 2009
Updated: 05/15/2009 02:34 pm

The issue: The county's proposal to drastically hike water and sewer rates.
Our opinion: They've got to be kidding.

Apparently, county officials think it's business as usual on the hill in Brooksville, with no end to tax hikes and fee increases. Nevermind that nearly 13 percent of the workforce is unemployed, the economy is in the Dumpster and the county suffers from one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

Here's news to those who live in a bubble: Hernando Countians are hurting. On top of wanting to nearly double annual solid waste assessments, county officials now want to increase water and sewer rates by more than 30 percent during the next five years for the average homeowner.

You can almost hear the county's coffers chime cha-ching! The director of the county's utilities department presented the proposed rate increases to county commissioners during their meeting Tuesday. He lined it all out in a bunch of charts and graphs, trying to spin it as a conservation measure. Bigger water users (commercial businesses that employ people) are really going to get the shaft. Those using less water will see lower increases. (Like jumbo shrimp, isn't that an oxymoron?)

Our question: Are county officials living in La-La Land? This isn't simply a conservation measure; it's another money grab to fund bigger government and expand development at a time when nobody's building. The rate increases are expected to add about $1.6 million in new revenue for the utilities department, with the money raised going to help fund about $150 million in capital projects. The rest of the money will come from low-interest federal government bailout loans.

Plans are to pay for a $48 million expansion to the wastewater treatment plant near the Hernando County Airport; $26 million for a new treatment plant in Ridge Manor; and $22 million for a new treatment plant at The Glen, off U.S. 19 north of State Road 50.

Maybe somebody needs to inform county officials - once again - that we're in the depths of one of the deepest recessions and housing busts in Hernando County history - a double whammy. The decline of commercial construction and the loss of more jobs isn't far behind. However, all we keep hearing from county officials is they want to raise taxes and fees and spend more of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

Here's a clue: Most Hernando County residents can't afford to pay what they're paying now. Any increase in solid waste assessments or water and sewer rates would be a slap in the face, and residents should take it personally - especially those having trouble putting food on the table. Any county commissioner who votes to increase taxes and fees in this desperate economy needs to understand the ramifications, especially considering the spending spree county officials have been on the past few years when money flowed like wine into county coffers - so much so, they couldn't find enough perks and new projects to spend it on fast enough. Perhaps that's why the county's treasure chest is bulging with $181 million in long-term investments - some tied up as many as five years - and more than $37.6 million in carry-over funds from fiscal year 2008.

Let them spend what they've already over-taxed residents for on these new projects.
And what about all the impact fee money that's been collected from the massive development of recent years? Isn't that why there's $181 million lying around earning interest? Use that money to help fund capital projects for infrastructure. Isn't that what it's for? Why should current water and sewer customers who've paid their impact fees and bills have to pay for continued construction of new and expanded water and sewer plants? It's nonsense. Until people start standing up and letting their county commissioners know how they feel about unfair tax hikes and user fee increases, they'll keep approving them.



Disagrees with editorial

Hernando Today
Published: May 20, 2009

Re: "Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes" editorial in the May 15 edition of Hernando Today

I read your opinion on the topic of the proposed wastewater facilities and quite frankly I am a bit confused as to whether we watched the same county commission meeting on May 12. Building of the proposed more efficient wastewater treatment sites will actually save Hernando County Utilities customers money on their bill, particularly those who use county water and have septic. Eighty-five percent of the metered customers currently would save on their bills with the new system. Furthermore, building of these facilities has the potential of adding water reuse down the road, which is an added benefit, further adding to the forward thinking of the current BOCC - something we just are not used to seeing.

Speaking from an economic development standpoint, if we are to bring in additional large employers to the Hernando County Airport for example, it would cost that business $1.3 million just in connection fees alone for water and sewer with the current dilapidated system being used. Building a new more efficient wastewater facility will drop those fees for that employer to around $117,000.

Don't you think this is just one huge draw of many to make Hernando County competitive to bring jobs here so we aren't so reliant on the construction industry as we have been in the past? Don't we want to attract those primary industries to Hernando County so our 22,000-plus residents that drive out of the county everyday might have more options to live, work and play in Hernando County?

It is time to start thinking out of the box. These wastewater treatment facilities have been needed for a long time and, unfortunately, nothing has been done in the past to get this rolling. I applaud the current county commissioners for being proactive on this matter rather than reactive and scrambling as often times has been done in the past. The building of these wastewater treatment facilities is vital for our infrastructure for both our residential and commercial well-being. With that comes excellent quality of life which we all strive for, and I believe we can all agree on that.

Laurie Pizzo, member, Business & Economic Development Committee

Editor's note: Perhaps you didn't read the editorial carefully enough. Hernando Today is not opposed to improving our water and wastewater treatment facilities. We're against having the current ratepayers pay for the improvements. If the county wants to use part of its massive $218 million in reserves to help pay for these improvements and new plants that will benefit future residents and businesses, we're fine with that. But we're vehemently opposed to having current residents, business owners and utility users pay in advance for those who "may" move here in the future. That's what impact fees are for. These costs shouldn't be placed on the backs of those who've already paid. Also, most water/sewer users would see a 31 percent increase in their bills over the next five years. There is no savings.

Gold Tournament rescheduled

The 1st Annual Captain Scott Bierwieler Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 27th due to a rain-out on their original date. They still have room for a few more golfers if you want to jump on board this fundraising event for the Gold Shield Foundation. The event takes place at the Brooksville Country Club, with registration at 11:30 a.m. The shot gun start is set for promptly at 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about the tournament, call Gary Schraut at (352)799-3000.