New Publix

On October 26th, the new Publix store in Brooksville (SR50 & SR41) will officially open for business. The old store will close early on the 25th to make final preparations for this new store. The new store will have an improved dairy isle, meat counter, larger deli and bakery. As a long time shopper at the old store it will be a pleasure, as the Publix slogan goes, to shop in this new store!

Fingering-pointing, tongue-wagging

Is anyone ready for this year's election season to be over? Are you growing weary of finger-pointing, flip-flopping candidates talking about everything except the issues? It seems that candidates are resorting to the he-said, she-said politics of pointing fingers, as we move closer to the General Election. This finger-pointing, tongue-wagging method of political campaigns has become common place nationwide and it is no different here in Hernando County. Another common practice of candidates, nationwide and locally, is to waffle on important issues placed at their doorstep, as their campaigns wind down to the 11th hour. The term flip-flop was coined during the 2004 presidential race to describe Senator John Kerry. In fact, the Online definition of flip-flop is a sudden real or apparent change of policy or opinion. Usually it will occur during the period prior to an election in order to maximize the candidates' popularity. This flip-flop label was originally used to attack politicians for making election policies that they either had no intention of keeping, or decided not to keep for political convenience. Sometimes the label of flip-flop is unfairly placed on candidates by the mass media with the intent to sway public opinion. For instance, Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite is an example of the negative media influence that has attempted to distort her position on the war in Iraq. Brown-Waite has been very clear from the beginning of the war and has always kept her constituent's informed on her position. During her two terms in office as our congresswoman Ginny has effectively governed in a non-partisan fashion to fairly represent the interests of her district. Sometimes the flip-flop label is appropriate though when a candidate makes a firm statement on an issue before the Primary Election and then decides to take a "wait and see" approach if successful in the General Election, like Rose Rocco, Jaime Wrye and David Russell who are all candidates for county commission. The public is hungry for honest candidates that are committed to keeping truthful campaign pledges, even if it is the unpopular thing to do...

If you plan on voting in the General Election on November 7th, today is the last day to register at the Hernando County Supervisor of Election's office!

Hinged on money...

Last Saturday's edition of the Hernando Today ran two stories referencing Hernando County Fire Rescue. The articles were titled, "High Point firefighters' judgment questioned, fire chief fears life will be lost", and "Fire guts house, kills dog". It seemed rather ironic that in the lead story Chief Nickerson/HCFR expressed fear that life will be lost at High Point unless a modern fire service is established when the second article listed the death of dog from a fire which gutted a house in Weeki Wachee. Incidently, the gutted house fire in Weeki Wachee was fought by Chief Nickerson's professional firefighters from Hernando County Fire Rescue. Chief Nickerson has been questioning the expertise of High Point volunteer firefighters and has renewed his call for a swift takeover by his paid professionals from Hernando County Fire Rescue in an email to county administrator, Gary Kuhl. At their October 17th meeting, the Hernando County Commissioners should ask Chief Nickerson if his prime motive for writing this letter hinged on money. Hernando County Fire Rescue stands to gain a windfall of $254,883.10 from High Point residents if the commissioners discontinue their volunteer units.

Founder's week

An action-packed week of festivities will be kicked off with the Founders Day Parade on October 14th. This year's Founder's Day celebration will mark the 150th birthday of the city of Brooksville. The schedule of all the events can be accessed at the city of Brooksville's website which is http://www.ci.brooksville.fl.us/

Browning Family

The Browning family will dedicate their building on its 100th year with a bronze plaque. This dedication will take place on October 18, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. The Browning building is located at 1 North Main Street which is directly across the street from the old courthouse in downtown Brooksville. This dedication by the Browning family is listed an official event during Founder's Week that marks the 150th birthday of the city of Brooksville.

Florida Scenic Highway

On November 3rd, at 1 p.m., a designation ceremony will take place at Anderson Snow Park to name the Suncoast Parkway as a Scenic Highway. The FDOT, along with the officials from Hernando, Hillborough and Pasco County, will be on hand for this dedication. Food and refreshments will be served as the Scenic Highway Corridor Advisory Group unveils a sample sign post to commemorate the Suncoast Parkway as a Florida Scenic Highway.

Proposed amendments

The General Election ballot on November 7th will list eight proposed constitutional amendments. A voter guide for these amendments can be viewed at www.VoteSmartFlorida.org

Strong arm tactics?

As an ardent supporter of Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department, I have been following the news about all our volunteer fire departments in Hernando County for a number of years. Masaryktown was the first department to be shut down by the county in the late 1990's. Hernando County Commissioners then tried to eliminate the Tri-County Volunteer Department's service in the Nobleton/Istachatta but the people fought back to save to their volunteer department. These same citizens used the power of the ballot box in 2000 to eliminate the commissioners that tried to shut down Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department.

It now looks like the High Point Volunteer Fire Department is in the sights of County Commissioner Diane Rowden as the next to go on the chopping block. Ms. Rowden has been quite vocal in her plans to eliminate this volunteer department and have the Hernando County Fire Rescue assume the duties for this community.

This morning's edition of Hernando Today ran two articles about the High Point Volunteer Fire Department, one positive and one negative. By reading the information in the one article, I could only assume that the residents of High Point are ecstatic with the initial report by the state Fire Marshall that gave their department a passing grade. The other article tried to insinuate that the High Point Volunteers were using less than savory collection methods for their yearly fire dues. Commissioner Rowden was quoted as saying the volunteers were using extortion, and strong arm tactics, to force money out of the residents for fire dues. This was an interesting comment by Ms. Rowden. If you think about it, Hernando County does the same thing for delinquent fire dues listed on our non-Ad Valorem portion of property taxes. If someone does not pay their property taxes, the county can levy your property and sell it on the courthouse steps by auction. Historically speaking, who is next on the list for volunteer take over? Will it be Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department?

Why did we pay $100K for a consultant to supply a Hernando County Fire Master Plan, if premature decisions are going to take place to skew the results before it is completed by Karen Nicolai's committee?

Upcoming Candidate Forum

The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Hernando Builders Association and Hernando Realtors Association, will host a General Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 12th beginning at 6 p.m. in the County Commission Chamber. Candidates will be on hand early to meet and greet the citizens beginning at 5 p.m. In the event you are unable to attend, this forum will be broadcast on the Hernando County Government, Channel 19.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Marrero of the Hernando Today for his article this morning titled, "Bloggers sound off on local issues". It was a sincere privilege to be interviewed by this nice young man, and I am humbled by the attention given to my blog site by the Hernando Today. My sincere thanks again, Anna Liisa

Thanks, Debbie!

This morning's editorial column, "It's a shelter, not corporate welfare" by Jeff Webb in the Hernando Times hit the nail on the head. After the last several days of negative news articles and radio frenzy, it was time to turn down the volume and put some sanity into this serious issue confronting Hernando County. Does anyone recall the large number of deaths in nursing facilities during Hurricane Katrina? We certainly do not need a tragedy like the one seen in New Orleans here at home. Who will take care of the most fragile citizens in our county in the event of a disaster? The answer is we all should be responsible for the most vulnerable of our society.

This morning at the BCC meeting, Garth Coller clarified the use of public funds for this special needs shelter, saying it was for a public purpose to protect the special needs of citizens during hurricanes. Our community needs to move forward on this project and certainly does not need any further misrepresentation of the facts by interim Commissioner Hogan. Tom Leto, Emergency Management Coordinator indicated that a special needs shelter of this caliber will certainly be state mandated in the very near future so Hernando County will be ahead of the curve with minimal investment.

Oak Hill is graciously donating the land, along with recurring costs, for the Enrichment Center to development this special needs shelter. The one time investment by the county of $400K will be recouped in Ad Valorem taxes paid by Oak Hill Hospital. Debbie Walker-Druzbik is working tirelessly to lobby private business for their contributions to make this project a reality. Senator Mike Fasano was recently quoted as saying, the $400,000 pledged by the board of county commissioners is a necessary expense that will certainly benefit the most vulnerable residents. Many community and government leaders have jumped on board to get this project off the ground like CCA, the builders association, the mining association and Coastal Engineering. Thanks, Debbie, for your hard work on this project!

Swing Time at the Station

Come join the fun for an old-fashioned street dance on Russell Street in downtown Brooksville on October 15th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. "Swing Time at the Station" is being sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, and the Brooksville Historical Society, during Heritage Week. The old railroad depot platform on Russell Street will serve as a bandstand for the Charlie Vegas Swing Band. Warm up your dancing shoes to jitterbug to the tunes of this spectacular 5 piece swing band. Make sure that you bring your lawn chairs to casually relax while feasting on hot dogs, sausage, and Coca-Cola served up by the volunteers of the two non-profit organizations. Just make sure that you save room for the ice cream social. To reminisce about the era, an array of classic cars will be on hand for your viewing pleasure as you enjoy this wonderful event. All proceeds for food sales will benefit the Hernando County Fine Arts and the Brooksville Historical Society.

Thank you commissioners...

Last night, the Hernando County Commissioners voted 4-1 for a 1/2 mil reduction in Ad Valorem taxes. The remarkable thing about this vote was that 4 votes consisted of two republicans and two democrats. The lone nay vote was by the political appointee, Thomas Hogan, who demonstrated it was a pure partisan maneuver to garner support from fringe element of the republican party. Commissioner Stabins was the driving force in pressing for the 1/2 mil tax reduction, with Commissioner Robinson at his side. Commissioners Rowden and Kingsley should also be commended for following Mr. Stabins lead on tax reform in this county. All four of these commissioners critically evaluated the needs of taxpayers while setting aside partisan politics. It is really a shame that Commissioners Stabins, Robinson, Rowden and Kinglsey took a verbal beating on local talk radio today. Mr. Stabins stated this is only the first step in tax reform for our county and promised to continue next year with more cost saving methods for taxpayers. Looking at it from the perspective that the glass is half full, these four commissioners were right on target by voting for the 1/2 mil reduction to give the citizens much needed tax relief this year. Thank you, Commissioners Stabins, Robinson, Rowden and Kingsley...

Gentlewoman from Florida

Below is a short excerpt from our Congresswoman, Ginny Brown-Waite, from the floor of Congress that I thought you might find interesting:


Approximately 2:08 - 2:09 pm, Monday, September 25, 2006

The Speaker Pro Tempore: "For what purpose does the Gentlewoman from Florida rise?"

Ms. Brown-Waite: "To address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks."

The Speaker Pro Tempore: "Without objection."

Ms. Brown-Waite: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The old saying, united we stand, divided we fall, is so true. Just as common language can unite a people, the lack of a unified language can be divisive. However, the Senate's immigration bill failed the American people by giving them a watered down feel-good statement that does nothing. New immigrants already have to learn English to become citizens, it's only common sense that we come together under one unified language by making English the official language of the United States. Listen up, America, enough is enough. United we stand and English we speak. Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time."

The Speaker Pro Tempore: "The Gentlelady yields back."

Fuels our local economy...

Mike McHugh, director of the business development should be complemented on his economic development plan for Hernando County. His four key principals for continued economic growth are high wage business retention and recruitment, an educational resources, work force housing and business planning for the city and county. During his presentation to the board of county commissioners yesterday, he stressed the need for a highly educated workforce and the availability of business-ready buildings for new business. One goal that should have been emphasized just a little stronger in his presentation was the retention of existing businesses in Hernando County. It seems that his report focused more on bringing in higher paying firms but not looking at the local business community within Hernando County. Mr. McHugh should be actively contacting existing businesses within the county to retain this engine that fuels our local economy. His study should focus on why good businesses are leaving Hernando County. One example of business departure is that of Florida Metal Roofing Products that goes under the name of Bradco. Bradco, a local business that started in Brooksville in 2003, is moving their headquarters to Palm Beach. It seems that the Palm Beach Business Development Board has reached out to recruit Bradco to their county. This example of business departure is to highlight the need for our local business development director's office to stay in touch with the needs of existing Hernando County businesses. Hopefully, Mr. McHugh will include more emphasis on the retention of local business in his economic development plan as he formulates the goals, policies and timetables for the board of county commissioners.

Fire master plan consultant

On September 18th, 2006, Emergency Services Consulting, Inc. was chosen by the Hernando County Audit Services Planning and Priorities Committee as the consultant for the countywide fire master plan study. This company's home base is Wilsonville, Oregon, with their eastern regional office located in Chesterland, Ohio. Apparently the Audit Services Planning and Priorities Committee was looking for a short term fix of the flat rate/ MSBU versus the Ad Valorem MSTU rate system in our county and Emergency Services Consulting, Inc. indicated they could assist in achieving these goals. The first step for this firm is to begin gathering information at the individual fire departments. Hopefully, this firm will include the public on their fact finding missions, as they write a countywide fire master plan, at the direction of Karen Nicolai.

Shivers down your spine...

The headline in this morning's Hernando Times reads, "Public works site polluted aquifer water". This headline should make cold shivers run down your spine. Everyone will think twice before turning on their tap for a drink because of the carcinogen benzene level that is at 430 times the limit considered safe for drinking water in the aquifer. It will be interesting to see how this crisis unfolds in the public eye over the next several weeks. This is an equal opportunity contaminant that has the potential to affect everyone in central to northern Florida, not just those residents in Mitchell Heights of south Brooksville. We certainly do not need further political pandering by Commissioner Rowden and Kingsley, in reference to the Mitchell Heights residents. The political rangling needs to stop immediately at the local level, and strict attention needs to be paid to the environmental experts, and legal authorities, to clean up this mess. The pollution caused by this old DPW site has escalated from a local residential problem, to a state, and national crisis which could harm our environment for years. The very sad part about this entire clean-up is the risk manager for Hernando County did not have insurance coverage for environmental pollution. Swift and precise measures need to be taken immediately to assure everyone that we can rely on the very drinking water that is necessary for our existence here on Mother Earth.

Thanks to Roy...

This evening my husband and I attended a dinner dance hosted by the Wellington Republican Club. The club's president, Roy Martin, organized a very nice affair with approximately 100 people in attendance. Roy opened the evening by introducing the elected officials and candidates which were Commissioner Stabins, Commissioner Robinson, Sheriff Nugent, and former Commissioner Schenck. The president of the Timber Pines Republican Club, Jerry Lebo was also in attendance along with Hernando County Planning & Zoning members, Anthony Palmieri and Anna Liisa Covell (me). After happy hour a very tasty meal was served followed by music for dancing after dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, the company and the music! Thanks to Roy, and the board of directors for the Wellington Republican Club, for all your hard work putting this event together.

Inflammatory statements...

This morning WWJB radio’s general manager, Steve Manual ran an editorial concerning the DCA denial for Hickory Hill’s application to change Hernando County Comprehensive Plan while citing some very inflammatory statements in reference to the Hernando County Planning Department. Mr. Manual criticized the county planning staff for not transmitting documents in a timely fashion, not being transparent to the public and basically being biased in their submittal to DCA. Descriptive terms like mistake, misdeed, or incompetence were used to sum up the editorial by stating that “we need to know.”

Did anyone ever stop to consider that WWJB’s general manager did not have all the facts on this subject. It appears that Mr. Manual relied heavily on hearsay information from two sources, the Hernando Today, and a political activist, to formulate his one-sided argument. Mr. Manual appears to be guilty of the same accusations that he thrust at the county planning staff for not doing his homework on the issue. A simple phone call to the Hernando County Planning Department’s new director, Mr. Ron Pianta would have cleared up the entire matter.

One major issue in the Hickory Hill denial by DCA contained two major sticking points which revolved around transportation issues. First, the Hernando County Planning Department did not submit a current Long Range Transportation Plan Comprehensive amendment. Why, you ask? The amendment approval was postponed by the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission in August at the public’s request. This postponement was to compile information for the eastern Hernando County long range transportation issues. It was determined by the P & Z that a postponement was necessary to have complete, and accurate, transportation information from Hickory Hill representatives, the Sun Rise PDD representatives, as well as the rural residents in the area. The Planning and Zoning Commission was more concerned with having accurate information instead of submitting incomplete data to the Board of County Commissioners. A workshop is being planned this fall to consider all input for the long range transportation plan by the county planning department. Secondly,DCA required a detailed transportation network analysis by the developer. A fair share agreement was required for transportation infrastructure, based on cost and data analysis and model runs / data analysis were not complete. The cost and data analysis was required to show the proportionate fair share costs for everyone involved in the development area which includes Sunrise PDD, rural residents, and the Hickory Hill project.

In conclusion, WWJB radio would be far better serve the public needs with accurate, fact-based, responsible information and not just assume our local government is always at fault.

Everyone was wondering...

Commissioner Stabins should be commended for keeping his composure while discussing the use of the old hospital as storage space at yesterday's BCC meeting. Several citizens came to the podium to voice their concerns on the issue of the old hospital that is costing taxpayers $70K a month in expenses and security costs. The department heads were quite informative and receptive to the idea of using this building as storage. Each of them discussed the pros and cons while explaining what was necessary to make the change of use for the building. The one person that seemed to be dragging her feet was Flo Boles, the risk management officer. Her presentation appeared to be very defensive while explaining what the insurance company could not do, instead of looking for positives solutions for Commissioner Stabins proposal. Grant Tolbert clearly explained state building regulations, and then detailed the steps necessary to make Mr. Stabins plan work. Pat Fagan gave a brief presentation on his search for storage space for the supervisor of election's voting equipment currently housed at the old DPW site. Mr. Fagan outlined the problems he was having due to the guidelines set up by Annie Williams. Apparently, Ms. Williams has decided she wants to be close to the courthouse to make it convenient for her, even though lease rates go for approximately $15.00 a square foot in downtown Brooksville. Ms. Williams indicated to Mr. Fagan that she wants additional working space for her employees plus necessary storage space. It now appears Ms. Williams has stayed at the old DPW site by her own choice, contrary to the newspaper account that she was forced to remain there, even though she had a lease offer for a 3,500 foot facility at the airport industrial complex priced at $8.00 a square foot. It would be nice to know if the parks department has been reimbursed by the supervisor of elections office for their exhaustive search for rental property for Ms. Williams. After the meeting, everyone was wondering just why the county's insurance company would cover the condemned building at the DPW site used by Annie Williams for storage but would not cover the hospital building. Thank you, Commissioner Stabins, for listening to the citizens on the hospital issue...

$25,000.00 Impact Fees

This afternoon at a 2007 Hernando County Summit Growth Management Committee meeting, I heard some preliminary figures for updating the impact fees next year to approximately $25,000.00 for residential homes. The county is using the rational that costs are escalating for infrastructure so this number is not unreasonable when discussing impact fee increases. Our committee is made up of contractors, developers, lay persons, the agriculture interest, SWIFTMUD, the city of Brooksville, the county planning department, and Chamber of Commerce members and everyone had a different point of view. To me, this will ultimately eliminate any chance for the first-time home buyer, by pricing them out of the market. Are we going to import labor to perform service industry jobs like plumbers, hamburger flippers, etc. in Hernando County? Yes, costs have risen dramatically but the suggestion to raise impacts fees by approximately 250% in very hard to fathom.

Veterans Appreciation Parade

Please mark your calendar for the 6th Annual Veterans Appreciation Parade scheduled for November 11th / 10 a.m. in downtown Brooksville. This year's parade will host the Hernando High School Band, the Nature Coast High Band and the Military Vehicle Preservationist Club (from the Hernando Sportsman Club) along with many other individuals and clubs. If you would like to participate in this parade to honor our veterans, please contact me (Anna Liisa Covell). There is no fee to participate but an rsvp would be appreciated so the Brooksville Police Department can plan on the appropriate safety measures for everyone. More details will become available in the coming weeks, please stay tuned!

Spiked, pink high heels...

About eight years ago, Hernando County had a commissioner who took it upon herself to inspect people's homes, the roof of the fairgrounds building, etc. in her spiked, pink high heels. Her name was Patricia Novy. She was a very nice woman but was nicknamed "the maverick" for her antics in the community. The one antic she was most famous for was filing complaints against Grant Tolbert at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. These complaints cost Hernando County considerable sums of money and all complaints were dismissed by the DBPR. Ms. Novy was on a mission to undermine the Hernando County Building Department's director, Grant Tolbert. This little step back in time is to illustrate the connection with Commissioner Kingsley rallying the upset homeowners and the former Commissioner Novy. It seems Mr. Kingsley arranged a meeting at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County on Wednesday night to listen to problems residents were having with local contractors but he forgot one thing. He forgot to invite Mr. Tolbert to his party. Grant Tolbert was the one person that could have answered the questions of the homeowners, with directness and clarity, was not invited to the meeting, and the question is why? Somehow, this is like going to your auto mechanics shop and having his secretary diagnosis your vehicle. Mr. Kingsley stated the meeting was meant to gather information, see what he needed to do, and who he needed to talk with, and then said it really worked out well. Who did it really work out well for? Mr. Kingsley? Yes, there are some shoddy contractors in Hernando County but they are very few in actual numbers, thanks, in part, to Mr. Grant Tolbert, and the professionals that work in the Development Department.

Sea of red ink...

This morning's headline in the Hernando Times reads, "Forecasts paint possibility of red ink". In this article George Zoettlin stated, "There is some scary things, that's what happens when you lower the millage going through uncertain times." Yes, it is a scary time for everyone, especially the taxpayers that are also facing higher interest rates, a rising inflation rate, and skyrocketing insurance costs. The answer to the predicted gloom of a forecasted, sea of red ink would be to reduce Hernando County government spending at the current rate of 8.16%. The current rate of spending by the county seems just a little excessive when you take into consideration the cost of living is currently set at 4.1% for senior citizens on Social Security. Anyone that is interested in voicing their opinion should attend the Hernando County Budget hearings which will begin promptly at 5:01 p.m. this afternoon in the county commission chambers located at 20 N. Main Street in downtown Brooksville.

Steady progress

Steady progress is being made by Treelawn Builders in the clean up of the old DPW sit on Martin Luther King Blvd. Buildings are being torn down, and the site in being cleaned up, at a remarkably swift pace. It does not appear that the clean-up of this site will take very long to complete because of the efficient manner in which this builder has under taken the task. Thank goodness for the neighbors that this mess is finally getting cleaned up.

Very remarkable

Yesterday afternoon while driving down SR50, I noticed something very remarkable on Charles Sasser's property by Mobley Road. The construction workers had hung a very large America flag from the second story building steel of the new condominium under construction on the site. This is the first time I have seen the flag there so I can only imagine that it was placed there to commemorate the victims of 9-11.

Fire master plan consultant interviews

This morning I attended a meeting of the Audit Services Planning and Priorities Committee in the county commission chamber. In layman's terms, this was a meeting for the Hernando County Fire Rescue Services Consulting Project which was chaired by Karen Nicolai, Clerk of Court. This meeting was to hear presentations, and conduct interviews, to choose a consultant for the countywide fire master plan study. The four firms scheduled for presentations this morning were Emergency Services Consultants, Inc., Mizzelle, Hodges, and Associates, Carroll Buracker and Associates and the Management Advisory Group. Due to time constraints, I was only able to stay long enough to hear one presentation. I was surprised that this meeting was not televised on Channel 19 due to the wide interest shown in the community on fire services. Some of the members of this Audit Services Planning and priorities Committee were Karen Nicolai, Gary Kuhl, Larry Jennings and George Zoettlin. It is probably a good thing that this meeting was not televised or the camera may have gotten a shot of Mr. Zoettlin napping this morning at the dais. Brooksville's Fire Chief Tim Mossgrove and Assistant Fire Chief Davies of Spring Hill were also on hand to ask questions, along with Assistant Fire Chief Larry Nichols and Jill Allen of Hernando County Fire Rescue. I was dismayed to see that no one had attended from any of the volunteer fire departments in the county. The firm that will be picked for this study will be chosen at their next meeting on September 18th / 7:30 a.m. at the Country Kitchen Restaurant.

Your own recollection

September 11th was designated Patriot Day by Congress and the President of the United States in 2001 after terrorists attacked our country in 2001. I still remember that morning starting out like any other day. It was a rainy Tuesday and no one seemed to be in a very good mood that morning. I had the radio on in my office tuned to the local AM station when I heard the announcer say a plane had just crashed in the World Trade Center. In disbelief, I switched on this little black & white TV in my shop to catch glimpse of what I presumed would be a tragic plane accident. This horrific sight became even more unbearable to watch as the second plane crashed into the other Trade Tower. Next came the view of the Pentagon being hit by a plane. I could not take my eyes off this little television even though the picture was a very poor quality. Fear griped my heart like at no other time in my life just knowing that our Nation was under attack. The sight of people leaping out of the Trade Towers was chilling enough and was only surpassed by watching the Trade Towers pancake upon themselves as they collapsed from this terrorist attack. These images will be ingrained in my memory for the rest of my life. I hope each of you has your own recollection of September 11, 2001 and you never forget that day either...

Meaning spending reform needed

After watching the emergency budget workshop last Thursday, I began to wonder just who is running Hernando County government. The committee of 25, the county staff, Linda Hayward's petitions, the county commissioners, just who??? I commend Commissioner's Stabins, Hogan and Robinson for representing the people with a millage rate reduction but even their approach was short-sighted when you look at the long term needs of our rapidly expanding county. Trust in government is the essential element that Commissioner Stabins is trying to restore, by pushing for a large millage rate reduction in Ad Valorem taxes. The naysayers bring up the mere $36.00 this tax relief could bring to the homeowner in Hernando County. We were told this $36.00 would not even buy a tank of gas for an automobile. For someone watching their pennies, $36.00 could buy several pairs of inexpensive shoes for their children at Wal Mart. Speaking of Wal Mart, Commissioner Rowden threw out a large dollar figure that Wal Mart would save if an Ad Valorem rate reduction takes place this year like this was somehow evil. This type of analogy is a classic example of the demonization of corporate America played out by liberal democrats everyday across this nation. The problem with this type of analogy is corporations do not pay taxes, people do, and many small business entities across the county are being crippled by extremely high assessments on their businesses because there is no 3% cap on commercial property. Besides, I could never understand why corporations are criticized when they produce jobs, and wealth in America. Getting back to the point of being short-sighted when looking at the long term needs of Hernando County, none of the county commissioners ever mentioned cutting spending as a viable approach to budget control. Oh, a few sacrificial lambs were offered to cut spending several weeks ago by the county staff, but were pale in comparison to what is needed to be fiscally prudent with our tax dollars. Has anyone ever wondered why the county spending equals collected tax revenue? Its called projective budgeting, or locking up all monies collected by taxpayers. Sheriff Nugent stated at this workshop that if the county commissioners did not approve his budget he could go over their heads to the governor. One major job function of the county commission is to oversee the budget by being good stewards of our tax dollars. It is their responsibility to question the budgets of the sheriff, the clerk of court, the tax collector, the supervisor of elections, and the property appraiser but this was largely ignored during the budget review process. Yes, any constitutional officer can go directly to the governor if they think their budget is being jeopardized by the county commissioners but do you really think that would happen? The backlash for any constitutional officer having to justify their budget to the governor, let alone the citizens of Hernando County, would be political suicide. Its about time the county commissioners stand up to the challenge presented to them and question all budget entities, even the constitutional officers. Budget director, George Zoettlin, indicated at this workshop that a good credit rating is necessary for additional bonding, as in the bonding of the costs related to the old hospital renovation. It appeared that Commissioner Kingsley voted against tax relief based on these bond statements by Mr. Zoettlin. New bonding issues seemed to fly right under the radar scope of some of the county commissioners who were focused on tax relief for the citizens. Hernando County is already bonded up to the hilt with many projects like the new animal services building, the emergency operations building, two new libraries, and the purchase of Florida Water Services, not to mention the outstanding mortgages on several fire stations in Hernando County. What happened to save first, then buy approach for government services instead of putting our county further into debt? The implementation of zero-based budgeting should be a first start in correcting the age-old practices of the tax and spend mind-think of our elected officials. Meaningful spending reform and tax relief is essential to restoring our faith in the system before any discussion can take place on the future needs of county government.

Primary election turnout

If my arithmetic is correct, the percentage of people to vote in yesterday's Primary Election hovered at 12%. This turn out was a reduction of over 11% of the total voters since the last gubernatorial primary election in 2002 for Hernando County. This turnout is about one third the amount Annie Williams wished for last week. This gloomy reflection on our primary only underscores the need for changes in electoral process in this county, and across the state of Florida. Somehow I really thought it was the supervisor of elections office to educate the public on upcoming elections but public service announcements by the SOE's office during the past few election cycles has been minimal to attract voters. Just remember that the 12% of the registered voters who voted yesterday in Hernando County chose the candidates that will be on the General Election ballot. Busy lives, lack of information, voter apathy, whatever you call it, it is a grim reflection on our basic fundamental rights and responsibilities as citizens. Please get involved, informed, and energize to vote in the General Election on November 7th.

Updated Information as of 7 a.m. / 09-07-06: The turn out for the Primary Election was actually 21% according to this morning's newspaper. This "21% turnout" was still a very poor representation of our registered voters in Hernando County. This updated figure of 21% is still 3% lower than the 2002 election. The incorrect percentages used in my post (above) were a direct reflection of the information pulled from Annie Williams website at 9:15 p.m. /09-06-06. The citizens of Hernando County will be far better served by having correct information on the Supervisor of Elections website than incorrect, incomplete election results.

Looking for a truck...

Are you looking for a new truck, a school bus, a front-end loader, dump truck or maybe a boat w/trailer? Then you are in luck. Hernando County, Swiftmud and the Hernando County School Board are auctioning off their surplus equipment on Saturday, September 16 at 9 a.m. This sale is located at 1037 Varsity Drive in Brooksville (across from Cloverleaf Mobile Home Park). The equipment should be in reasonably good condition since it has been maintained by our tax dollars. Heck, most of it is probably like new! So, if you want a deal on some equipment for your home, or business, attend this local government auction.

Blues Brothers Tribute

Come on down to the Bandshell Bash for a free outdoor concert on September 9th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Bandshell Bash will take place at Hernando Park in downtown Brooksville (Ft. Dade & Main St.) The headline entertainment will be "Blues Brothers Tribute Band" along with the Brooksville Cruise-In Car & Motorcycle show. For information call, 754-4788.

A special thanks...

A special thanks goes out to all the candidates that ran in this year's election. It takes a special person to withstand the rigors of campaigning while offering one's self for public service. Just remember, what ever the outcome is when the votes are tallied, all of these candidates are winners in the poll of public opinion!

Times wins hands down over Today

Comparing this morning's editorial columns of the Hernando Times, and the Hernando Today for quality and ethics was an easy task. Jeff Webb won hands down for his tongue-in-cheek, lighthearted editorial. In his editorial, he noted the conviction of all candidates that had offered themselves for public service in this year's primary election. Mr. Webb's column used a light-hearted approach to wind down the hard fought campaigns by all candidates before Tuesday's primary elections. Robert Nolte's column was written with the last minute intent to sway voters, with a innuendos, or inflammatory comments, about candidates his newspaper has opposed throughout this primary election cycle. Robert Nolte used a few catchy words, or phases, in his editorial to dispel doubt on these candidates so voters ignore them at the polls on Tuesday. One phrase used for Rose Rocco, candidate for county commission, district 2 was "closely tied to the county polls that she could be a victim of the anti-incumbent mood". This phrase does not apply to Ms. Rocco since she has never held elective office. Unfortunately, this 11th hour editorial cannot be disputed by this candidate before election day on Tuesday. Mr. Nolte also characterized Mr. Wiggins as the most ineffective school board member in recent memory. Again the candidate cannot dispute these claims before Tuesday. Too bad Mr. Nolte's short term memory is foggy because his own paper endorsed Robert Wiggins in 2002 election. Each election year, both of our local newspapers interview candidates, and then endorse the person they determine to be best suited for the particular office. It sets a bad precedent for any newspaper to use the power of the press to cloud someone's character in a political campaign. Jeff Webb, and all the editors of the Times, have earned our respect from their fair and accurate reporting during this primary campaigning season.

Bonafide reason to contest election

Just who's job is it to protect the election system in Hernando County? Obviously Annie Williams thinks that is not her job. Otherwise why would she have allowed county commission candidate Mr. Ronnie McLean to file two fraudulent documents in her office without notifying the state attorney's office? Mr. McLean signed two waivers stating he had not collected any campaign donations for two consecutive filing periods which were false. Both of these incidents were clearly against the law but Ms. Williams office did absolutely nothing except make excuses for Mr. McLean. Why? If it wasn't Annie Williams job to insure that campaign finance records were completed properly then just whose job was it?

Annie Williams stated in the newspaper that she knew Ronnie McLean was registered to vote in Florida, and New York, simultaneously, as of June 7, 2006. Again Ms. Williams did absolutely nothing to protect the integrity of our election system. Why? Wasn't it her responsibility to immediately contact the state attorney's office to file a formal complaint since these actions by Mr. McLean are classified as a 3rd degree felony?

The incompetence shown by Ms.Williams office has placed the democratic primary election in jeopardy. If Ms. Williams had contacted the state attorney's office promptly Mr. McLean's name would not have appeared on the ballot because he would have been under investigation. The two other candidates in Mr. McLean's race now have a bonafide reason to contest the primary election because of Ms. Williams lack of action to protect the integrity of this election.

If it isn't Annie Williams job to oversee the electoral process in Hernando County, then just whose job is it? Everyone should be asking themselves why taxpayer money, in the excess of $90K a year, is going to pay Annie Williams salary if it wasn't her job in the first place?

Kudos to Jeff Stabins

Firm and resolute are words that could be used to describe Hernando County Commissioner Jeff Stabins. Mr. Stabins is determined to bring tax relief to the residents of Hernando County during this year's budget negotiations. He has stood steadfast in his position to cut property taxes by stating, "Its going to need to be in the neighborhood of at least a half mil in order to show real reductions." This half-mil cut would mean a $4.7 million cut in spending by our county officials. Apparently Commissioner Stabins has been listening to the citizens of this county that are financially strapped with items like higher property taxes, skyrocketing insurance premiums, along with the cost of fuel just to get to work. It appears that Commissioner Stabins stand on tax relief is a two-fold process. First, he is requesting a record tax break to put more money in people pockets; secondly, he is convinced that a half mil cut would restore people's faith in government. Mr. Stabins wants to put the discussion of a sales tax referendum on the back burner until real tax relief is seen in Hernando County. Commissioner Stabins is one of the rare politicians that is actually trying to implement one of his major campaign promises which was to reduce taxes in Hernando County. Mr. Stabins is acutely aware of the needs of government but understands it is the peoples money he was elected to protect as our commissioner. His position to lower the millage rate is great start in restoring our faith in government. It is hard to imagine a republican that still sounds like a republican. Kudos go out to Jeff Stabins!

Above the law?

This morning in the Hernando Today, Robert Nolte ran an open letter from L. Joe Strickland who is a current county commissioner from Avery County, North Carolina. This 20-point letter by Mr. Strickland was his prescription plan for spending cutbacks. No one can argue with some of his excellent points, like stopping unfunded mandates, and considering a zero based budgeting process. This article really perked my interest on two levels. The first was Mr. L. Joe Strickland's very conservative approach to running government; secondly, that Commissioner Strickland, of Avery County North Carolina is a winter resident in Hernando County. My curiosity got the best of me so I researched Mr. Strickland on the Internet. The Avery County Commission of North Carolina lists Mr. L. Joe Strickland residence as 353 Lakeview Rd. Newland, NC 28657. The Hernando County Property Appraiser lists a Louie J. Strickland in Timber Pines, with a mailing address of 353 Lakeview Rd., Newland, NC 28657. Mr. L. Joe Strickland of North Carolina appears to be the same person residing in Timber Pines who lists his name as Louie J. Strickland. A question for Mr. Strickland would be, "How can you be a county commissioner in North Carolina also take a $25,000.00 Homestead Exemption on your Timber Pines property?" Is this just another case of a politician being above the law?

Mediocre promotion of election

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams, was quoted in this morning's newspaper as saying, "I just wish more people would come out and vote." While Ms. Williams hopes to see a 45% voter turn out in this primary, historically that has not been the case for many years in Hernando County. The voter turn out in 2002 primary hovered just below 24%, with a 28% margin in 2004, and any larger percentage seems almost impossible in this year. One major cause for low voter turn out may fall directly on the supervisor of elections office's mediocre promotion of this year's primary election. Voter education and notification on this primary election has been minimal from the supervisor of elections office. Many residents within Hernando County did not even receive sample ballots this year's to alert them of primary election. A classic example of outdated, forgotten voter notifications from Annie William's office is the old poster that still hangs in the Nobleton post office announcing the 2004 primary election date of 8-31-04. The improvement of voter education by the supervisor of election's office should be one of the major functions for Annie Williams if she is serious about raising voter turnout. Voter apathy could be another reason for low turnout in primary elections. Busy working families are turned off by negative campaigns so they skip the primary elections that seem to be pre-determined by inter-party endorsements. Even though both major parties see increases each year in their ranks by new registered voters, non party registration continues to rise every year. As it stands now, republicans hold a slim margin of 40% registered voters in our county over the democrats at 38% but non party voter registration is at a record level of 20% of registered voters, with minor party registrations coming in at 2%. Another major reason for low voter response in primary elections may fall with the 22% of registered voters not affiliated with a major party. Let's see if we can improve the statistics in Hernando County by voting in this year's primary. Early voting continues through Saturday at the supervisor of elections offices (Brooksville and Forest Oaks) until 4 p.m. The polls open early at 7 a.m. for the Primary Election next Tuesday, September 5th. See you there!

Pre-primary endorsements...

As the Primary Election quickly approaches the home stretch of campaigning, commercials have run non-stop on all the major networks, advertising the virtues of candidates. Endorsements by elected officials, or political parties, has become common place even before the voters can decide for themselves in the Primary Election. For instance, one commercial has Governor Bush endorsing a candidate for the Chief Financial Officer for the state of Florida over another qualified republican candidate. Everyone should question why our republican governor is attempting to influence this race before the Primary Election. The choice should be simple. Leave it up to the voters until after the Primary Election before making internal party endorsements, or comments, that may, or may not, be in the best interest of the public. On the local front, the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee is also recommending one candidate over another in the Primary Election this year via the telephone. No one should be surprised by the actions of the local HCREC since this has become their common practice to attempt to influence primary results without actually following adopted guidelines to endorse candidates for years. The wide range of qualified republican candidates that are running statewide deserve the opportunity to have a fair chance at the polls, without the influence of elected, or party, officials. Maybe it is time to consider changes to the Florida constitution to include Open Primary Elections to lesson the impact of pre-primary endorsements, without voter consent.

God's country

The northeast section of Hernando County has a little unincorporated town named Nobleton where I call home. Our booming little town of about 90 people has 13 paved streets. Nobleton has a little community church that seats 65 people, a country store that serves take-out food, a road side park, and a canoe rental business. Anyone that has passed through here in the last 20 years is sure to remember us for the somewhat greasy, Nobleton burger served up at the local restaurant. Nobleton is down home, old time Florida, where children play in the streets, neighbors watch out for neighbors, and the living is easy. One building that attracts neighbors everyday is our local post office because we have no mail delivery out here in the sticks. This sleepy little post office is our town center. A bulletin board outside the post office boasts notices of all sorts, like lost dogs, yard sales or church suppers. Notices of great importance, like a hand written obituary of the occasional passing neighbor, are reserved for the door of the post office. The inside bulletin board at the post office is reserved for the most up-to-date official government information notices, like a poster that announces the Primary Election date as August 31, 2004 from Annie Williams, Hernando County Supervisor of Elections office currently hanging on the wall. When the sun goes down in Nobleton the frogs begin to croak, along with an occasional alligator singing to find a mate, in the Withlacoochee River. As the owls hoot, and raccoons sing in the trees, we all call it a day here in sleepy little Nobleton and say thanks we live in God's country. Just remember the most important notice of all in Nobleton, whispered by all the neighbors, that says no vacancy, please!

Official grand opening

This afternoon Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite had an official grand opening party at her campaign headquarters located at 4606 Commercial Way (US 19) in Spring Hill for her core supporters. The room was packed with an overflowing crowd of more than 100 people, waiting to greet our congresswoman. A wide array of foods, desserts, and beverages lined the walls for the crowd to munch on while Ginny gave an invigorating introduction of her campaign staff, followed by a short campaign kickoff speech. She introduced her newest campaign worker who heading up the Hernando location who is Justin Grabelle from Washington, DC. Some of my old friends were seen at this event like Al Sevier, Ron and Bonnie Ruge, Dick and Hazel Poore, Joy and Dudley Hampton. Ginny's campaign will go into full swing right after the Primary election.

Survey on RNC convention

The Tampa Bay Business Journal is conducting a survey on the costs associated with 2008 Republican National Convention being proposed for Tampa. The question is, "Should taxpayers be on the hook for convention financing if private donations fall short?" So far 42% of the respondents have said Yes, 51% have indicated No, with 6% undecided in the poll. This poll states that it is not a scientific sampling but offers a quick view of what their readers are thinking. It appears that the readers consider the risk of higher taxes for a political party convention outweighs the beneficial business aspects of a capturing a convention for their city.

Fallen soldier honored

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite sponsored legislation to re-name the post office located at 8501 Philatelic Drive in Brooksville for Sgt. Michael Shafer. Staff Sergeant Michael W, Schafer, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, is the first soldier from Hernando County to be killed in current combat in Afghanistan or Iraq. Sgt. Shafer was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) will assist in an official dedication ceremony next Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 10 a.m., with the placing of a special plaque in the lobby of the post office to honor Sgt. Michael Shafer.

Candidate Forum

The Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum tonight at 6 p.m. in the Hernando County Commission Chambers. Most candidates will be on hand one hour before the forum to field questions from the public in the atrium. The candidates will be given two minutes to introduce themselves and then will be asked two questions by Robert Nolte of the Hernando Today and Mike Konrad of the Hernando Times. The moderator of this event is Chris Pipinger, the governmental affairs chairwoman for the Chamber of Commerce. The candidate forum will be televised on the HGTV-Channel 19 for those of you that will be unable to attend this event. This will be your last opportunity to see all the candidates before the September 5th Primary Election. Each candidate deserves thanks from our community for their willingness to participate in the political process for their bid to become our public servants.

A more conservative approach needed

How many of you called the Hernando County Property Appraisers office this morning to say thank you? Did anyone say thanks for increased market value on your home? I'm sure everyone called the appraiser to say thank you for assessing my property the maximum allowed amount under the Save Our Homes Act at 3%. So I'm sure the next time your local business owner raises his prices, a thank you note will be forthcoming as you struggle to pay your monthly bills. All this is tongue in cheek to emphasize the out of whack property appraisals mailed out this year on our TRIM notices. While mom and pop worry where they will get the funds to pay their property taxes, businesses of all sizes are asking the same question. Estimates are starting to surface on the increased market values businesses will face this year, starting at 16% and jumping to over 257%. Everyone knows that these increased market values on businesses mean massive tax increases (to business) equating to higher prices to the consumers. Commercial and industrial properties do not have the luxury of the annual 3% cap on values, nor does that local non-profit organization that survives on your contributions to pay their expenses. A friendly little note accompanied our TRIM notices that stated, "The Property Appraiser's office does not set your tax rates, we only establish the market value of your property". His office appears to distance itself from any negative affect of the TRIM notices with this statement but he always manages to impose that maximum cap of 3% on our personal property, plus much, much, more on business entities. Even though our economic growth is market driven, a more conservative approach by our local property appraiser could have slowed the escalation of costs in our community by more fairly evaluating the market values on our property. Just remember, if the county government does not receive the money in the first place, it cannot spend it. We would be far better served by having more of our own money to expand this free market economy than be paralyzed by tax burdens created by the assessments of our property appraiser's office.

Small Business Advisory Council

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the Small Business Advisory Council meeting hosted by Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite at the Jerome Brown Center in Brooksville. Guest speakers for this meeting were Bob Carroll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, United States Treasury and Tom Wright, Executive Director for Americans for Fair Tax. Congresswoman Brown-Waite opened the meeting with brief comments which included information on small business and the need for tax reform. Before Ginny introduced Bob Carroll of the US Treasury, she made it clear that this was an informational meeting only, and not a debate between speakers. Mr. Carroll's presentation included discussions on the estate tax, health care costs and tax reform. Mr. Carroll outlined the Alternate Minimum Tax from its inception in 1966, and offered some suggestions to improve this system, like indexing this tax. Mr. Carroll discussed the Marriage Relief Act of 2001 which is set to sunset in 2010 and the need to make this (act) permanent. Bob Carroll discussed the need for future tax reform to have large corporate investment here, not overseas, and the aspect of small business having opportunities to re-invest to promote economic growth within our country. Mr. Carroll briefly discussed high health care cost and the Bush administration looking at initiatives to give individuals the same tax advantages for deductions and credits under health care savings plans as business. On the estate taxes, Mr. Carroll, and Ginny, stated that the House of Representatives had passed a repeal of this tax but it did not clear the Senate. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite then introduced Tom Wright to give his presentation. Mr. Wright indicated that the Fair Tax idea is a national retail sales tax, currently estimated at the rate of 23% to 25%. This tax would be in addition to any imposed state sales taxing system. This national sales tax would replace the personal tax, estimated tax, social security tax , self-employment tax, etc. Mr. Wright indicated that this single rate was revenue neutral and replaces, dollar for dollar, the current system of taxation estimated at 23-25%. Ginny interjected that the estimated rate was more to the degree of 32-33% but would have to be determined through independent analysis. Mr. Wright stated that the Fair Tax would be imposed on all new goods and services. Discussion then ensued on the demise of former Governor Martinez for the imposition of sale tax on services under his administration. Mr. Wright stated that his Fair Tax concept was a tax on consumption, such that, the more one spends, the more tax someone would pay into the system. The Congresswoman then opened the presentation up to floor questions. One gentleman posed a question about the chances of having the Fair Tax pass. Tom Wright indicated that he currently had 60 co-sponsors and was 100% sure this would pass. Bob Carroll took the conservative approach stating that fundamental reform is needed and he looks forward to the discussion. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite said that basic simplification of the tax system is needed and she foresees the Fair Tax passing in either the House, or Senate, in the years to come. Ginny emphasized that the chance of passing will depend on any harmful effects that this system may have on constituents. She also stated that public hearings are necessary to hear all sides of this issue which would include independent analysis of all the presented data. As a small business owner, I felt that Mr. Wright's presentation had considerable flare but was very short on substance. Nothing of substance was included to say how items like Social Security would be funded for those of us that have paid into the system, nor the matching amount required to be paid in by currently by employers. Mr. Wright's stated his idea of eliminating personal taxes from payroll would free up business but neglected to include the paper work nightmare of collecting a national sales tax, in addition to state sales tax (for business). In our society which is driven on the basic principals of supply and demand, any tax on that consumption could virtually damage our economic growth. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite was right in stating the need for public hearings to examine all the facts on tax reform for our country to protect the interests of everyone.

Sounds like an oxymoron

Well, we are off to the races in the run for the Primary Election which is just weeks away on September 5th. For those local partisan enthusiasts, early voting begins Monday, August 21st. The Hernando Times has started printing their recommendations for candidates, from the state level to local races. One race in particular that has garnered considerable attention is that of county commission, district 2. Hubert "Wayne" Dukes (D) and Nancy Robinson (R) got the nod for this seat from the Times this morning. Dukes, a 32-year federal government employee was chosen by the paper for his longevity as a civil servant, citing he will weed out waste and promote efficiency. That sounds like an oxymoron to me. A 32-year government employee weeding out waste? Most fairy tales begin with "Once upon a time" so if the voters believe this, then they will believe Mr. Dukes' commitment to build a hospital on the east side of Hernando County. Apparently Mr. Dukes absence from Hernando County for the last two decades has prevented him from keeping up on the hometown news about the controversial hospital locations. His opponent, Rose Rocco was complemented as the second best choice for this seat, with the only negative comment being made about her changing political parties. Nancy Robinson was given the nod for her longevity in government, edging out her opponent Augie Peretti who is a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative. In their recommendation, the Times stated that Robinson has not demonstrated leadership commensurate with her lengthy term as commissioner and they appeared to excuse her for the change in party affiliation during her current term. Since there are no opponents to David Russell(R) and Jaime Wrye (D) in county commission, district 4 race, their recommendation from the Times will be done at the end of October. So, everyone, hold on to your seats (and wallets) as we slide into home base for the 2006 Primary Election. Please remember to vote, your voice will make a difference for Hernando County's future.

Staged campaign stunt

Hernando County Commission Chairwoman Diane Rowden was quoted in this morning's Hernando Times as saying, "I don't think that their agenda right now is for the best interests of the people of Mitchell Heights. They are just trying to incite additional fears." Ms. Rowden was referring to the 6 or so protestors in front of the old Hernando DPW site yesterday morning. This handful of protestors said they were there to protest the scheduled demolition of old buildings on site that should begin today. First, the clean-up at this site was not fast enough, now it is going too fast for the Mitchell Heights Health Awareness and Restoration Board. Since the county officials have been following proper protocol with clean up efforts, and public notification at the old DPW site, there was no reason for this protest. This "protest" appears only to be a staged campaign stunt to promote county commission candidate, Ronnie McLean, and both newspapers took the bait by publishing his photo on their front pages. Other discouraging information about this incident was that of Brooksville city councilman Frankie Burnett participating in this stunt, stating that it was a failure of the county to communicate with the neighbors of Mitchell Heights. The public would have been far better served if Mr. Burnett had expended his energy, in his capacity as an elected official, by telephoning Commissioner Rowden or county administrator Gary Kuhl to inquire about the demolition process. There is enough blame to go around for the delay in cleaning up the hazards at this old DPW site but manufacturing media coverage, by holding a protest to incite fear in the neighborhood, is an unacceptable means of promoting a cause, or candidate.

No authority under the law...

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams, stated in the newspaper on Wednesday that her office can only levy fines and does not have investigative powers. By statute, the Florida Department of State has the enforcement powers for campaign rule violations but does not investigate. If both of these statements are true, then just who protects our electoral process in Hernando County? If Annie Williams does not investigate, or enforce the rules, then it must be safe to assume that her duties are merely that of a clerical status, holding no authority under the law to protect our election system. Ms. Williams stated that any campaign finance complaints against candidates must be filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Does this mean she relies on a system of one candidate turning in another candidate, for any perceived violations, during the campaign because that is not under her job description? What happens when violations are handed to Ms. Williams? Does she just ignore them? The answer is yes. For example, a situation involving a civic activist named Linda Hayward has been ignored after two requests to Ms. Williams. You see Ms. Hayward is promoting an issue of lower Ad Valorem taxes countywide, by handing out flyers with candidate statements from Steve Mattingly, Wayne Dukes, Augie Peretti and David Russell. This $500.00 in-kind contribution to these candidates for advertising purposes is for the intent of promoting a single issue of significantly lowering Ad Valorem taxes. Ms. Hayward checked with Annie Williams before having these items printed for the proper required disclaimers but was not advised to file the appropriate financial disclosure forms with the SOE's office. For that matter, Steve Mattingly, Wayne Dukes, Augie Peretti and David Russell neglected to include this $500.00 in-kind contribution in their July 28, 2006 financial documents. Florida statutes clearly defines this rule:

106.071 Independent expenditures; electioneering communications; reports; disclaimers.--
(1) Each person who makes an independent expenditure with respect to any candidate or issue, and each individual who makes an expenditure for an electioneering communication which is not otherwise reported pursuant to this chapter, which expenditure, in the aggregate, is in the amount of $100 or more, shall file periodic reports of such expenditures in the same manner, at the same time, subject to the same penalties, and with the same officer as a political committee supporting or opposing such candidate or issue.

Florida has been seen as the laughing stock of the world for election errors. Who can ever forget the missing chad, the hanging chad, the dangling chad, repeated over and over in the news in the 2000 election until everyone in Florida wanted to put a bag over their head in shame. We do not need that type of disgrace in Hernando County with our electoral process. If it isn't Annie Williams, the Supervisor of Elections job, then whose is it?

A little ironic

As I was driving to work this morning something interesting caught my attention. It was campaign signs. It is not unusal to see campaign signs littering the right of way, and the state forestry property in my neck of the woods because this happens every election season. What mystified me was the name(s) on the campaign signs. The majority of these illegal signs belonged to candidates for judicial positions. It is a little ironic to have a person running for a judicial position that has not read the sign ordinances. Just in case the Hernando County Code Enforcement sends someone out to look for these signs, please stop for several seconds to inspect the courthouse lawn. A faded banner of the Hernando County Parks Department has been swinging from the palm trees for over a month and it needs your attention...

August Bandshell Bash

The Bandshell Bash will feature JT Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band on August 12th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Bandshell Bash takes place at Hernando Park located at 204 East Fort Dade Avenue in downtown Brooksville. JT Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band has opened and performed with some major stars like: Brooks & Dunn Lonestar, Toby Keith, Lynard Skynard and the Allman Brothers. This event is fun for everyone because the music is always rated "family friendly". Bring your lawns chairs and your appetite because they usually have several food vendors. The Brooksville Cruise-In of antique hot rods are also on display during the event.

Newcomers make mistakes...

In this morning newspaper, Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams was quoted as saying: "That is not uncommon for newcomers to make mistakes. We do have candidates that periodically need a little more help than others because it's new to them." Ms. Williams also stated that she did not if Ronnie McLean would face any fines but she would sit down with him on Thursday to correct his campaign reports. Possibly the Supervisor of Election could ask Mr. McLean why his treasurer failed to report contributions to his campaign last April and May, even though campaign finance laws require prompt reporting on his campaign treasurer's report, as prescribed by Florida Statutes. Another valid question Ms. Williams should ask Ronnie McLean is why he knowingly signed a Waiver of Report stating that he had no activity in his campaign for the reporting period of April through July when he had accepted $2,275.00 for that period. Another pertinent question that the SOE's office should ask Mr. McLean is why his designated campaign treasurer did not sign his treasurer report, dated July 28, 2006. One more point of interest that should be brought to Mr. McLean's attention is the incomplete report filed on July 28, 2006 that did not have the full addresses of all his contributors, nor did it have the required sequencing numbers. The SOE could also ask Mr. McLean why his printed campaign literature is not reflected in his treasurer report and why it (literature) does not contain the legal disclaimers reguired by law. The newspaper stated that it was unclear whether Mr. McLean would face any fines by the Supervisor of Elections office. Strict laws are written in Florida Statutes (104 to 106) to govern electors, elections, campaigns, campaign committees, etc. The following is the statement that every local candidate for public office is required to sign with the Supervisor of Elections Office. I,_______________________ , candidate for the office _______________________; have received, read and understand the requirements of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes. The campaign treasurer is required to certify that campaign records are true and correct, by understanding it is a first degree misdemeanor to falsify a public record (ss.839.13 F.S.) Hopefully, our Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams, will stand behind her statement: "It's not something that should be taken lightly."

2006 Veterans Appreciation Parade

My thanks go out to the Brooksville City Council for waiving the associated fees and insurance for our 6th Annual Veterans Appreciation Parade at their meeting last night. Our parade is to honor all our veterans, including those currently serving to protect our freedom worldwide. The parade is scheduled on November 11 at 10 a.m. in downtown Brooksville. As the parade coordinator, I would like to thank the American Legion/Post 99 for allowing us to conduct our meetings in their facility again this year. Thanks also go out to Bob Haa at WWJB for his continued support of this peoples parade. Bob has invited Chief Tincher and I to promote this parade on his morning talk show every year. Hopefully, with community support, we can out-do ourselves over last year's parade. Last year we had floats, lots of participants, many veterans groups, military vehicle, Vietnam Veterans on motorcycles, even a float from Pinellas county, along with the Hernando High School Band (and much more). Please watch for the flyers in your area (soon) with the details. Stay tuned for more developing information in the coming weeks!

Fire Master Plan

Last night at the Brooksville City Council meeting, Karen Nicolai, Clerk of Hernando County Court, invited Chief Mossgrove to participate in the Hernando County Master Planning Project for Fire and Rescue Services. Ms. Nicolai requested that the city council allow Chief Mossgrove to participate in the meetings. A consensus of the council was approved after guarantees were given that the city would not be taken over by the county. The city attorney, David LaCroix, assured them (council) that this would not be possible without the prior approval of the Brooksville City Council. Chief Mossgrove welcomed the invitation by Ms. Nicolai and gave a run down on why his input would be beneficial to this committee. It seems Chief Mossgrove has prior experience in writing fire master plans since he just completed one for the city last year. Ms. Nicolai indicated that an RFP (request for proposal) would go out soon for a consultant to participate in these planning meetings. She also indicated that after a consultant was on board Gary Kuhl would not be participating in these meetings and her office would only send a representative. All countywide fire chiefs have been invited to participate in this master plan process. For a fair outcome, it is important that representatives from the High Point Fire District, Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Tri-County Fire Department also be included these meetings. It is great to see that our fire safety will finally be reviewed by an analytical screening committee of all the top fire people in our county, without the background noise of local politics.

DCA meeting

The Florida Department of Community Affairs will meet this Thursday afternoon, August 10th, in Tallahassee to discuss the Hickory Hill Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Hernando County. Listed below is the address and phone numbers for your convenience:


Department of Community Affairs
Division of Community Planning
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7018
(850)488-8466 / Secretary
(850)487-4545

USDCA is located in an Office Park complex.

Outstanding Contributions

Hernando County may soon become famous through the hard work and determination of Brian Brijbag. Mr. Brijbag has done in-depth research of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker and has gotten the attention of WEDU / Tampa for a future program to promote arts, nature and conservation. Mr. Brijbad is working on a 60-minute program about the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker that is meant to entertain and educate the public. The sandhill terrain of the Withlacoochee State Forest is the home to these endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers. Grants have been applied for to promote this project for this WEDU broadcast and hopefully it will picked up as a national program through PBS. Mr. Brijbad is a current member of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, the host of Hernando Culture (seen on the local Brighthouse channel 19), an Adjunct Professor at PHCC and on the Bandshell Bash Committee. Mr. Brijbag was also recently hired as the new Re-development Coordinator for the city of Brooksville. Everyone should be very pleased to have Brian Brijbag in our community for his outstanding contributions countywide.

Candidate forum last night

The candidate forum on Hernando Beach last night was standing room only. Many of those in attendance with the candidates were their committees, family members and friends. This forum was much like any other year, with very few surprises. The top issue mentioned by all candidates was skyrocketing insurance rates for homeowners. The local issue of interest was the explosive growth in Hernando County. Tables were set up around the perimeter of the room for each candidate to display brochures for the public before the event. The public mingled by these tables listening to candidates before the forum. Major players from both political parties were on hand in the audience to listen to their respective candidates, as the newspaper reporters and photographers covered the event. One new candidate for county commission that took his opponent by surprise was Jamie Wrye. Mr. Wrye was articulate, informed on the issues, and fast on his feet with wit and charm, leaving his opponent scrambling for words, as questions were drawn from audience input. All in all, though, this year's crop of candidates was typical of those in years past, with some being very polished professionals, to the novice, unskilled amateurs. No matter what the degree of skill, or polish, all the candidates should be acknowledged, and thanked, for taking on the challenge of a campaign for public office.

Interesting legislation

As a member of Safari Club International, I receive weekly newsletters via email. Even though SCI, Inc. is a hunting organization, it is also very active in conservation and environmental issues along with the concerns of gun owners worldwide. I received the following information by email this afternoon that I thought you might like to read:

Louisiana's Senator David Vitter and U.S. Representative Charles Boustany have each introduced legislation (S. 1488 and H.R. 3436, respectively) that would require the President of the United States to certify to Congress each year that the U.N. has taken no action to "restrict, attempt to restrict, or otherwise adversely infringe upon the rights of individuals in the United States to possess a firearm or ammunition." Should the president be unable to provide that certification, the legislation would allow for the refusal to submit any funding to the U.N. for that fiscal year.

Biggest campaign issue in a decade

As the Primary Election day quickly approaches, many incumbents are ducking for cover, trying to hide from the biggest campaign issue the state of Florida has seen in a decade. It just happens to be skyrocketing homeowners insurance and the financial burden it is causing on property owners in this state. Three elected officials are publicly talking about homeowners property insurance reform and need to be recognized for their efforts. The three elected officials that have met this catastrophic insurance crisis head-on are Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite, Chief Financial Officer for the state of Florida, Tom Gallagher and state Representative Randy Johnson. Congresswoman Brown-Waite has been working hard in Congress on the re-insurance problem http://brown-waite.house.gov/Issues/Issue/?IssueID=2101 and has publicly asked Governor Bush call a special session of the legislature to address the problem. Tom Gallagher who is candidate for governor has consistently stressed the need revamp the insurance industry in the state of Florida http://www.tg2006.com/Pages/News/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?p_id=93 starting with Citizens Insurance. Rep. Randy Johnson who is running for CFO for the state of Florida has issued a position paper http://www.johnsonforcfo.com/issues/Insurance_Plan.pdf on insurance reform. Its really hard to imagine but we really do have a few hard working politicians who put their constituents first, before themselves. Ginny Brown-Waite, Tom Gallagher and Randy Johnson are bravely facing this insurance crisis head-on and deserve a real round of applause from each of us at the polls on September 5th.

A contract, so to speak

A commitment, a covenant, a deal, a negotiation, a pact, an arrangement, an agreement, so to speak, are all synonyms for the word contract. This is what our county administrator Mr. Gary Kuhl signed when he became a contract employee with Hernando County less than six months ago. In this contract was the stipulation that Mr. Kuhl live in Hernando County and he had 6 months to move from his current residence in Citrus County. This morning, Mr. Kuhl requested a contract change from the Board of County Commissioners so he could remain as a resident of Citrus County. The Hernando County residency requirement was understood by all applicants that originally applied for the county administrator position. Each commissioner stated they did not want to lose Mr. Kuhl, even though he had publicly stated in this morning's newspaper he would comply with the stipulations in his original contract. The commissioners then voted 4-0 revise Mr. Kuhl's contract, deleting the verbiage concerning his place of residence so he could remain in Citrus County.

With friends like these?

Wasn't Katherine Harris the person that took the heat for the election of George W. Bush in 2000 when she was our Florida's Secretary of State, while standing by the letter of the law. Wasn't Katherine Harris the person that stood tall with Governor Jeb Bush throughout this 2000 election turmoil, as it went to the US Supreme Court? Hasn't Katherine Harris done an outstanding job as a republican congresswoman for her district? Hasn't Katherine Harris been a loyal Reagan republican, never uttering an unkind word to anyone in her party? The answer is yes to all of the above, so why is she being unfairly targeted by major republican party players like Senator Elizabeth Dole, Governor Jeb Bush, and once again, Carole Jean Jordan, the chairwoman of the Republican Party of Florida? Its a shame that the major hurdle in Katherine Harris' Senate race has been internal to the own republican party strife. Somehow the old slogan fits this example which is, "With friends like these, who needs enemies?" Katherine Harris has held her head high throughout her campaign, despite all the criticism of her peers. She has had a smile on her face, and a positive message in her campaign. No matter what the outcome of the election is, at the end of the day, Katherine Harris will be the clear winner.