Chat-time...

This evening I attended the workshop conducted by the Brooksville City Council to discuss the applicants for the new city manager position. The agenda only included two items. One item was to review of the top ten qualified candidates, with the other to set procedures and process for the interview of applicants.

No discussion of the individual applicants took place by the city council. Nothing firm was resolved in reference to the type of procedure to interview the applicants was decided either. The council did narrow down their search to six individuals, mostly by attrition or withdrawal by the applicants. The individuals left in the running are Lester B. Baird, Mitchell Bobowski, Susan Roper, Jennene Norman-Vacha, Patricia Quigley and John Zakian. The only firm decision by council tonight was to narrow the search to three for the final interview process.

The entire workshop centered around the method the council would use for interview of the final applicants. Ms. Bradburn is insisting on personal time with each applicant to drive them around town for chat-time. This chat-time suggested by Ms. Bradburn could be perceived as a touchy-feely and not very professional in nature. Mayor Pugh had a more business like approach suggesting that the council follow the procedures in place to interview professionals, like consultants and engineers, so it would treat each applicant in a fair manner.

Mr. Lewis made a very profound statement by saying that the council members should reframe from meeting one on one with the candidates to eliminate any appearance of impropriety. Mr. Lewis stated that since this was a Human Resource matter, all applicants should receive equal treatment in the interview process. Mr. Bernardini had nothing to add to the throughout the entire conversation. Mr. Burnett was quite insistent that clear guidelines be established for a fair interview process.

Even though the council batted ideas around for more than an hour on the interview process, no one asked the Interim Human Resource director her opinion even though she had presentation listed on the agenda to assist city council. Instead of speaking with the human resource director, the council took direction from the interim police chief. The council directed the interim city manager, interim police chief and the city clerk to come back with a plan on Monday for another workshop.

One idea that this interim police chief suggested still has me scratching my head. His suggestion was to have the entire city council take all three applicants out to dinner for a relaxed chat. It was not discussed how they plan to accomplish this dinner and still comply with the Sunshine Laws of the state of Florida. Even if this dinner is noticed to the public, what restaurant has a sound system and seating to accommodate this type of chat session and still be open to the public?

At the end of the meeting Mr. Burnett stated that the public needed to be involved in the process even though he thoroughly rejected the self-appointed citizens review committee on Monday night, saying it was irrelevant to the process. Funny thing is though, if the council really wanted the public to be a part of process in this city manager choice why didn't they ask for public comment at the end of the workshop tonight?

***It was brought to my attention late yesterday afternoon that Councilman Burnett approached Ernie Weaver, member of the self-appointed citizens review committee, to voice his overwhelming approval of our efforts to assist the city council in the selection of the next city manager.

***Councilman Richard Lewis telephone all the members of the committee to personally thank them for participating in the public process of reviewing the choices for a new city manager.

Self-Appointed Citizen Review Committee

At last night's Brooksville City Council meeting, the following information was presented during citizen's input by Paul Neuhann. The following information is self-explanatory:

Self-Appointed Citizen Review Committee
To review Applications for New
Brooksville City Manager

March 26, 2007

Brooksville City Council
201 Howell Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34601

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

As members of a self appointed citizen review committee, we respectfully request your consideration of our top choices for the new city manager position.

Committee members Gail Samples, Ernie Weaver, Anna Liisa Covell and myself, Paul Neuhann thoroughly reviewed all applicants for the new city manager position and we recommend the following top three “ranked” individuals for your consideration:

1. Lester B Baird, Sr.
2. Thomas F. Christie
3. James Patrick Gallagher


Our number one choice was Lester B. Baird, Sr. who had the unanimous approval of our committee based on his 32 years of experience as a government administrator. Mr. Baird was very open and honest in his application, emphasizing his strong points, as well as his weak points. His last job was ten years in duration as the administrator for Hendry County where he managed a budget of $60 million, with 200 full time employees.

Our second choice was Mr. Thomas F. Christie who had majority approval of our board. Mr. Christie was the city manager for Talladega, Alabama, with 225 full time employees. He was instrumental in the re-organization of departmental structures to improve efficiency and accountability. Mr. Christie upgraded the police department with improved technology and communications under his tenure as city manager.

Our third choice was James Patrick Gallagher who had majority approval of our committee. Mr. Gallagher has twelve years of government experience that included smart growth management, strategic planning and economic development. Mr. Gallagher participated in several urban research projects, studies and publications.

Our committee met several times to discuss at length all the applicants that had applied for the city manager position. There were seven other applicants seriously considered but none gained majority approval by our committee.

The members of our committee respectfully request the Honorable Mayor and City Council members seriously consider of the results of our city manager applicant review. As members of this self-appointed committee, we would like to encourage all others within the city of Brooksville to review the applicants for city manager and present them for city council consideration, too.

Respectfully Submitted,

Paul Neuhann
Gail Samples
Anna Liisa Covell
Ernie Weaver

Vandalism

Driving to work this morning, I viewed a very disturbing site. As I rounded the corner onto Brooksville Avenue, by Brooksville's Department of Public Works, the upcoming view left me feeling ill. All I could see was the graffiti at the Old Train Depot.

The old train car that was just completely restored for the old train station was a target of vandals over the weekend. This beautiful old train car, recently restored by fine folks at Southern Hills Plantation, has been spray painted with graffiti across the entire backside of the structure.

There is no excuse for this type of behavior. The culprits of this vandalism need to be brought justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law. So many people have volunteered to make the restoration of the railroad station a reality and to have this happen is sad, very sad...

Regressive tax

County tax collector Juanita Sikes has asked the Hernando County Board of Commissioners to repeal the ordinance for collecting the occupational license tax. Ms. Sikes statement that this ordinance is outdated is an understatement. Hopefully, Ms. Sikes will be asking the city of Brooksville to also repeal this regression taxing method on business.

The occupational license tax has give the public a false sense of security. Some people have assumed that if a company has an occupational license, they (the company) are qualified to be conduct business. A majority of businesses are required to be licensed through the state of Florida or through their county development department so the occupational license fee amounts to nothing more than an additional tax to conduct business.

Thanks, Juanita for being forward thinking to put the brakes on this regressive taxation method!

$9.32 a square foot

In today's standards, does $9.32 a square foot sound like a low selling price for a commercial building? It should because this deal was struck by the Hernando County Commissioners and the lucky recipients were the buyers of the old hospital building on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Mind you, this square foot price does not even take into consideration the ten+ acres of prime real estate the building sits on in the city of Brooksville. The sale of this county taxpayer asset for $1.1 million, on ten acres, has left many of us scratching our heads. Will this really be a step forward for our county government space-needs crunch?

Last year, the Committee of 25 spent many months reviewing the long term capital needs for our county and the results of their review were ignored by the Hernando County Commissioners. Their advice was to remodel the old hospital for government office space. The commissioners sold this major asset even though they do not have a viable long term capital facilities plan to meet the future needs of the county. Why didn't the commissioners wait until they had the results of their consultant report before rushing in to sell this valuable asset?

Many test balloons have been floated by Commissioner Russell is his zeal to sell the public on his aspiration to rebuild the major functions of our local government. He has suggested a judicial wing in the existing government building, or maybe leased land space in a yet-to-be-built facility next to the jail. Nothing has been finalized yet but Mr. Russell has advocated the moving of all the government services back under one roof. Which roof would that be Mr. Russell? With all this speculation of space needs, the Supervisor of Elections, Annie Williams, is still storing election equipment at the old hazardous DPW site.

Hopefully, the county commissioners are not planning on using the proceeds from this hospital sale as a down payment to put our county further in debt with bonding. Look at it this way, in today's dollars, the average price for a new residential home is going for approximately $110.00 per square foot on the owners lot. Just image how high the construction costs per square foot would be for a new government facility.

Maybe the commissioners need to take a deep breath and formulate a plan, any plan, before moving forward...

Water consumption

The photograph on the front page of the Hernando Times this morning should be a grime reminder to all of us to practice water conservation. This photo shows Highlands Lake in Pasco county as a mere mud puddle. The very dry conditions in our area are really putting a strain on our local environment.

As an example of drought conditions, the canal behind my house has almost completely dried up and it is disturbing to see the wildlife struggling to survive without water. Even though the egrets have had a feast picking through the mud, all the other wildlife in our area are having a hard time surviving with these drought like conditions. The gators that are usually in abundance in this canal have left the area in search of water. This is the driest our area has been since 1992 when the neighborhood children picked bass out of the mud in the canal with their bare hands. As a small tributary off the Withlacoochee River, this canal is only one example for all of us to really watch our water consumption.

The Withlacoochee River rises and falls at the whims of the Hillsborough River Basin area. When they need water, we are shut out and when they have excessive rain, we flood from the change in their lock system. The officials have denied for years that this has happened but we, river people, can watch the changes almost like clockwork as the water levels rise and fall in the Withlacoochee river. For an example when high rains occur, we can watch the water level change in the Withlacoochee rise, sometimes more than two feet, in a twenty-four hour period.

In the last two weeks, I have watched our canal completely dry up. Maybe if the people downstream of us in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties would stop over-watering their lawns, our wildlife would not be struggling to survive this morning. Are they going to drain our area completely causing our wildlife die off? Who will come to our assistance when our wells dry up?

Drought conditions are happening here at home and everyone needs to be on board to watch their water consumption. Please, everyone, make it a good practice to turn off the faucet, we all depend on it...

Wise beyond her years

The report by Mr. James Farley, in reference to Chief Tincher, is making the rounds throughout the employees in the city of Brooksville. Most employees are anger, upset, and basically afraid of their future with this current climate within the city. This report by Mr. Farley reads like a cheap dime store novel. It is tawdry fiction, at its worst.

Thank goodness police officer Krystal Nix has taken a stand in defense of Chief Tincher and exposed a small portion of the discrepancies in this piece of fiction by Mr. Farley. She braved the under current to speak out about the errors in this report and needs to be commended for having the intestinal fortitude to take a stand on Chief Tincher's behalf.

Officer Nix is a brave individual that clearly understands the consequences of speaking up with the current tone in the city. She did what was right, decent, but most of all, what was needed to show team support for her boss.

Officer Nix stated that what the council is doing doesn't just affect the chief and his family but the department, too. She stated that the department is part of Chief Tincher's family. Officer Nix is wise beyond her years and is a shining example of our bravest that serve this community.

Color of Friendship

Congratulations to the young adults of the Hernando High School African American Brain Bowl! These seven young people came in first place in this year's state competition brain bowl and they all won full "paid" scholarships. The members of the Color of Friendship team really are a shinning example of the dedicated, young adults we have in our community.

Last Mercer study...

One question begs to be asked after reading this morning's Hernando Today. What comparison counties were used to judge pay increases for the last Mercer Study done in Hernando County?

Hernando County Fire Rescue's beginning salary for firefighters is over $3,000.00 higher that the starting salaries in Citrus County, Polk County, Pasco County and Port Richey. In fact, HCFR is just $1,500.00 less that the starting salary of firefighters in the City of Tampa. Why?

Shoe to drop...

For those of you waiting for the other shoe to drop, be advised that it hit the floor with a thud at 1 p.m. Chief Tincher was summoned to Steven Baumgartner's office this afternoon to have the city attorney, David LaCroix hand him his head on a platter.

Ed Tincher, our thirty year veteran of the Brooksville Police Department was put on unpaid administrative leave this afternoon with the information acquired by the unlicensed private investigator hired by the city. It bears repeating again that Mr. LaCroix equated the lack of a license for Mr. James Farley to that of a taxi driver entering into the city, saying it was not necessary he (Mr. Farley) be licensed to work for the city. It has never been mentioned that Mr. Farley is also a current city council member for the city of Crystal River and may be in violation of the dual office holder provision of the state constitution for working for the city of Brooksville, too.

Apparently too much controversy swirled around the hiring of Eddie McConnell to be interim police chief so Steve Baumgartner hired someone else for the position. Mr. Frank Ross, a 63 year old retired police officer from Titusville was hired to oversee the police department. I wonder if a written contract was drawn up for Mr. Ross since Mr. Farley has been working freelance for the city without the benefit of a written contract. Did I mention that the verbal contract with Mr. Farley also violates the city charter.

The city of Brooksville's "new direction" is a disgrace beyond words. The city of Brooksville now has an Interim city manager, interim police chief, and no human resource director. As a play on words from the former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, "How are we doing now?"

Community Summit

This morning, I attended the Hernando County Community Summit at Silverthorn Country Club. This Summit was sponsored, in part, by Duane Chichester, publisher of the Hernando Today and the local business group, Hernando Progress. Even though I was only able to stay at this event for several hours because of limited duty from a recent surgery, it was well worth the effort to attend this morning.

I have served on the Growth Community for the past two years with Dudley Hampton serving as chairman. Dudley's leadership is the glue that held our committee together for the past two years while investigating details of smart growth in our community. I was flattered that Dudley asked me to be one of his presenters at this morning's Summit. My task(s) were to detail the progress in affordable and workforce initiatives in our county, along with information on rural clustering. Two others members of our growth committee also gave presentations. Sindra Ridge spoke on the necessity of green space preservation and compact building design. Tommy Bronson spoke on viable uses for agricultural lands in our county.

Mr. Dix from our local MPO also gave some very interesting information for the Transportation Committee in reference to the 5 and 25 year road programs in Hernando County. Stanley Giannet gave a stirring presentation about new programs at PHCC to train future teachers in our county during the Education Committee reports.

Many leaders from Hernando County were in attendance at this Summit. It was a mixed audience of business leaders and elected officials from the city, county and school board. The regret was that I was unable to attend the entire Summit. My thanks go out to Mr. Chichester and his staff for my invitation to attend this worthwhile event!

Dedicating her time

After some good-natured ribbing of Hernando County Human Resource Director, Barbara Dupre, several weeks ago I felt she need a round of applause. I had a tongue in cheek post about her bringing her dog to work. Subsequently, someone had attached a comment to my post saying Ms. Dupre had the dog at work because it was a puppy in training to become a service animal. The confusion came because her dog did not have on it's in-training service identification.

The Hernando Times ran an article on Tuesday about Ms. Dupre and her dog, named Mr. Bear. My hat goes off to Barbara Dupre for dedicating her time and energy to train a puppy that will some day guide a person with visual impairment.

Honest and forthright

Last Sunday, in Jeff Webb's opinion column titled, "Integrity isn't optional for our school leaders" one paragraph stood out and bears repeating again. According to Mr. Webb, we should expect the person who is superintendent of schools to be smart, efficient, accessible, open-minded, unbiased, stingy, generous, perceptive, observant, even-keeled, tolerant of some things and intolerant of others, articulate, well-groomed and a good listener. He indicated that this is just for starters . Mr. Webb then emphasized that above everything else, the next superintendent needs to to honest and forthright, no "ifs, ands or buts" about it.

I read that column twice and realized that Jeff Webb had described one of the local applicants to a tee. Is the grass some how greener outside our county with more qualified applicants for school board superintendent? The answer is no. The school board only needs to look in it's own back yard to find a well-rounded respected individual for the next school superintendent and his name is Ken Pritz.

Silence the public

Brooksville City Council member, Joe Bernardini, has asked that a proposed civility code be placed on Monday night's agenda to help guide discourse for the city council members and the public at large. Mr. Bernardini was quoted in the Hernando Today as saying, "I think that's just a professional way of trying to alleviate a problem." What problem is that Mr. Bernardini? The little problem of masking any criticism for your actions, or those of your two peers, on the city council over the last several months? Aren't you actually trying to eliminate any scrutiny by the public for your abuse of city government since taking office in November?

Yes, the days of civility have gone by the wayside and somehow elected officials and government workers have forgotten they are, in an essence, civil servants with their primary purpose to serve the people in a civil, courteous manner. The city of Brooksville has come a long way, with most of us that assume a more mature, polite manner of communication is possible, but there is always room for improvement for everyone. Speaking as a community in general, it should be every one's common goal to be gracious and respectful of others, even in the heat of a debate, discussion or dispute.

Having said that, a resolution for a civility code within the city is only as good as the paper it written on, just like the city charter. This same city charter that has been violated twice in the past two months by Council members Bernardini, Bradburn and Pugh with the blessing of the city attorney, David LaCroix, to push their "new direction" for the city. Please keep in mind that Bernardini, Bradburn and Pugh originally voted to place Chief Tincher, Lt. Hankins and Ron Baker on administrative leave which was in direct violation of the city charter. The second violation of the charter occurred when Bernardini, Pugh, and Bradburn voted to underwrite any liability that may arise from the internal investigation by Mr. Farley, an unlicensed investigator, hired by the city. Their actions were in direct violation of the city charter which has a clause to indemnify the city against possible damage or loss, as a result of one's actions.

The question is, who will be in charge of instituting this civility code anyway? What happens when there is a perceived violation of this civility code? Will Ms Bradburn call Hernando County Sheriff's Department to have a deputy sit in on all future meetings to silence the public...

Donating a mammogram

Shirley Anderson, Administrative Assistant for Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, send out this very important message regarding available mammograms for low income patients:

Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Thanks, Shirley for taking the time to get this message out!

Undercurrent...

Rumor has it that we may see some action very soon to install an interim police chief in the city of Brooksville to replace Chief Tincher. The word out on the street is that Mr. Farley, the private investigator hired by the city, and city attorney David LaCroix, have negotiated the hiring of Eddie McConnell as an interium police chief. If this rumor is correct it would virtually sidestep Lt. Rick Hankins who is next in line for position of chief.

Apparently Mr. Farley and David LaCroix have arranged this interim appointment of Eddie McConnell as police chief saying that Lt. Rick Hankins would be too controversial in that position. If any thinks that an appointment of Mr. McConnell would not create controversy in Brooksville then they have obviously been on another planet for the last several years.

Even though the Brooksville City Charter prevents the city council from intervening in personnel matters, it sure looks like a little manipulation is going on behind the scenes. Maybe Richard Lewis was right when he indicated that Mr. Steve Baumgartener was a puppet for a few members of the city council at the last council meeting. It has been rumored that Councilman Joe Bernardini is suggesting the city hire Mr. Phil Wood, a former lieutenant with the Hernando County Sheriff's Department to be the next chief of police for the city of Brooksville. Incidentally, Mr. Woods is Councilman Bernardini's cousin. Convenient, huh?

The problem with this verbal undercurrent sweeping throughout Brooksville today is that the final word has not been issued on the fate of Ed Tincher or Ron Baker. If you think either of these individuals will have a fair hearing before Brooksville's Personnel Board, please understand that Councilman Bernardini was instrumental in having his neighbor and his daughter appointed to this board last month...

Mildly Enthusiastic

My husband and I attended the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Palace Grand in Spring Hill last night. This annual republican fundraising event played host to Florida's Attorney General, Bill McCollum who was the featured guest speaker. The dynamic presentation by Mr. McCollum included a list of his duties as our newly elected Attorney General and his perspective on the crucial need to pull the party together for the 2008 election season. Mr. McCollum spoke with ease and excitement during his presentation to the delight of the audience.

Karen Nicolai, Hernando County Clerk of Court, added some good-natured comic relief as she performed her duties as the Mistress of Ceremonies during her introductions of elected officials in attendance at the event. Among some of those elected officials in attendance were Representation Rob Schenck and Hernando County Commissioner Jeff Stabins. Jay and Diane Rowden were also in attendance for this year's event.

A straw poll was conducted with the moderate crowd to determine the local republican choice for president in 2008. Rudy Giuliani overwhelming was the clear choice over the field of candidates by the approximately 165 republicans in attendance.

Gary Schruat was presented with the Free Enterprise Award. Believe it, or not, Gary was almost speechless when he accepted this coveted award.

The atmosphere for this 37th Annual Lincoln Day Dinner was pleasant and mildly enthusiastic in this off election year. It was nice to see a lot of old friends, and for a political rubber chicken dinner, the Palace Grand put a on a very nice spread of food...

Unsung hero

Kudos go out to Hernando County attorney, Garth Coller, for his advice to our county commissioners in reference to holding meetings with developers and citizens that are considered to be quasi-judicial. While representing his clients, the Hernando County Commissioners, Mr. Coller informed them that preliminary meetings before quasi-judicial hearings take place is against the law. Mr. Coller was quoted in this morning's Hernando Times as saying, "That statute speaks for itself and it is very clear."

Mr. Coller advice was to protect the interests of his clients, the commissioners, but also protects the very system of fairness and Sunshine in re-zoning and Comprehensive Plans changes that are heard under quasi-judicial process.

It is really a shame the county commissioners need to be told this very basic information. The lax rules of engagement for developers, or citizens, with county commissioners prior to quasi-judicial hearing has become common place. It seems that our commissioners has somehow forgotten that Sunshine is the best policy of representation for the electorate, at large.

Thank your Garth Coller for all your hard work protecting county interests. You are the unsung hero of the day!

Keep your fingers crossed

Ye of little faith! It sure looks like our freshman representation to the Florida Legislature has hit the running on issues near, and dear, to our hearts, and pocketbooks. As vice chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, Robert Schenck has been able to craft legislation to ease the burden of property taxes throughout the state.

Robert Schenck's bill could reduce Hernando County millage from 9.3 to 6.7 which is a 28% cut of roughly $25 million in savings the first year. This legislation would also limit annual budget increases by county governments to the consumer price index. This means county governments would have to start living within their means just like you and I do when we balance our household budgets.

When presented with the loss of local revenue to Hernando County this bill would create, Representative Schenck was quoted as saying, "If I could vote for it twice, I would." Keep your fingers crossed that this bill passes muster all the way through the House and the Senate to Governor Crist's desk!

Centrist chord

In Governor Charlie Crist's State of the State address earlier this week, he made a remarkable statement which underscores what appears to be a new tone for Tallahassee politics. Governor Crist said, "In public service, it is always important to remember that we serve the people---our boss."

Governor Crist's centrist chord has won him praise from Republicans and Democrats, alike, wishing him every success over the next four years. State Senator Dave Aronberg (D) called Crist "one of the best Democratic governors Florida has ever had." Hopefully this love-fest for Governor Crist will sustain throughout this first legislative session with meaningful tax relief for Florida property owners, along with real insurance reform to to help the citizens of this state.

House Democratic leader, Dan Gelber, was quoted in reference to Governor Crist, "We can't lose our job as the honest opposition, but it he's going to offer centrist, progressive policies, we certainly can't reject that just because of his party." It will be interesting to watch over the next 60 days to see if Governor Crist will face more opposition from his own Republican party or that of the Democrats. Hopefully, this new tone will prevail throughout this Legislative session...

Doo Wop Bash!

I received the following information via email from Linda Anderson who is the treasurer for the the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. This information is about the super entertainment scheduled for this month's Bandshell Bash in downtown Brooksville:

Hope you can join us this Saturday at the Doo Wop Bash featuring The Coasters! In the late 50's The Coasters had two block-buster hits, "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown". The group continues to maintain the same style and quality of the 50's under the leadership of Carl Gardner, the original lead singer and founder of The Coasters. Also featured is special guest, Alfred Nickoles formerly of the Buck Ram Platters!

We are expecting a good crowd, so plan to get to the park early. The Cruise-In Car and Motorcycle Show will be rockin' and we will have food vendors and various other vendors on hand for the fun.

See you in downtown Brooksville this Saturday, Hernando Park Bandshell, 4pm-8pm. Follow the signs! It's Free!

Furry friends

Good News! It looks like we may be able to bring our pets to all the Hernando County government buildings when we attend meetings in the near future. Why would I make such a statement? Well, Commissioner Stabins attended a county planning workshop at the Utility Department last month with his dog, Rusty. You may recall the workshop where everyone got sick including Mr. Stabins' dog. This week, the Hernando County Resource Director, Barbara DuPree attended a meeting with the Spring Hill Fire Commission with her dog. It appears that the "no animals allowed" policy has been relaxed with the upper management and elected officials of Hernando County government. If this is the case, it should not be long before our pets are free to roam the hallowed halls of the many government buildings throughout the county

The current signage at county buildings prohibits any animals except approved "service animals" but says nothing about allowing pets of county employees. I'll let you know when the signage changes to include our pets so you, too, can attend meetings with your favorite furry friend. I can hardly wait to bring my dog named Bear to public meetings. He's really lovable and only weighs about 150 pounds so he would only take up one seat at a public meeting!

Humanitarian award...

Commissioner Rowden should have been given a humanitarian award this week for attempting to protect the interests of the public over government interests. Ms. Rowden refused to vote to raze the homes along Elgin Boulevard in an eminent domain issue, stating that all avenues had not been explored by Charles Mixson's office to save these homes. The other four commissioners should have indulged Commissioner Rowden in her quest to save these homes by asking for any available alternatives to save these homes. Without the government demonstrating that they had exhausted all others options, a cloud of doubt will forever linger on the entire issue for these homeowners along Elgin Boulevard.

Stellar moment

Yesterday, the Hernando County Commission voted to impose a spending cap on themselves at the suggestion of Commissioner Kingsley. This might have been a stellar moment in Hernando County's history to reign in out of control spending if it had not been for the last minute comment of Mr. Kingsley. He suggested that this self-imposed spending cap might pave the way for the future approval of the 1/2 cent sales tax for Hernando County capital improvements projects...

Fitting tribute

Thanks go out to Joe Johnston, Jr. for his guest columns in both newspapers this week. His column was a very fitting tribute to the former Brooksville city manager, Richard Anderson.

Top ten reasons...

Richard A. Viquerie, a conservative fundraiser from Manassas, Virginia has been running on online poll to judge the reasons for demise of many national republicans during the 2006 election season. Mr. Viquere is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause. Richard A. Viquerie's website is located at http://www.conservativesbetrayed.com/ The top ten reasons for the failure of national Republicans in Mr. Viquere's poll are:

• Conservative leaders who kept silent when the GOP became the party of Big Government
• Illegal corruption, such as Mark Foley, Robert Ney, and Jack Abramoff
• Legal corruption, such as spending on special interest groups to “buy” their votes, including earmarks
• Mainstream media that may have influenced the voters to throw out the Republicans
• President George W. Bush
• Conservative media that kept silent while the GOP became the party of Big Government
• Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), former President ProTempore-Senate /$223 m Bridge to Nowhere
• Blunders and misstatements by Republican candidates
• Former Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN)
• Congressman Dennis Hastert (R-IL), former Speaker of the House

Nationwide gun ban legislation

I received this information in a weekly newsletter from Safari Club International. As a member of this organization, I find their legislative news quite interesting and thought you might like to read this information on a proposed nationwide gun ban legislation:

Nationwide Gun Ban Legislation Proposed “On Feb. 14, 2007, Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 1022, a bill with the stated purpose, ‘to reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes.’" The assault weapons ban is the Clinton Gun Ban of 1994. “H.R. 1022 would ban every gun banned by the Clinton ban, plus millions more guns, including: guns exempted by the Clinton ban. (Ruger Mini-14s and -30s and Ranch Rifles; .30 cal. carbines; and fixed-magazine, semi-automatic, center-fire rifles that hold more than 10 rounds.); all semi-automatic shotguns. (e.g., Remington, Winchester, Beretta and Benelli, used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense; all detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifles-including, for example, the ubiquitous Ruger 10/22 .22 rimfire; target shooting rifles. (E.g., the three centerfire rifles most popular for marksmanship competitions: the Colt AR-15, the Springfield M1A and the M1 "Garand."); 65 named guns ; semi-auto fixed-magazine pistols of over 10 rounds capacity; and frames, receivers and parts used to repair or refurbish guns. H.R. 1022 would also ban the importation of magazines exempted by the Clinton ban, ban the sale of a legally-owned "assault weapon" with a magazine of over 10 rounds capacity, and begin backdoor registration of guns, by requiring private sales of banned guns, frames, receivers and parts to be conducted through licensed dealers. Finally, whereas the Clinton Gun Ban was imposed for a 10-year trial period, H.R. 1022 would be a permanent ban.”

To voice your opinion on this pending legislation, contact our Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite at http://brown-waite.house.gov/

Good Luck...

The city of Brooksville has lost one of the most influential members of the local art world with the retirement of Mary Alice Querros several weeks ago. Mary Alice has been the driving force to promote art within the community for the last decade. She organized the Mural Society within the community that exploded into many fine murals throughout the city under her guidance. Besides the downtown mural art, Mary Alice's claim to fame is the art museum within the Brooksville city hall. The walls with city hall have boasted artwork from many local craftsman for years at the direction of Mary Alice Querros. Although age and health have taken a toll on Mary Alice, she will never loose her love of the art and her heart will always lie with the city of Brooksville. We will all miss this petite little woman in the city of Brooksville who educated us all on the love of art in our community. Good Luck on your retirement, Mary Alice!

A memorable day

Yesterday was a wonderful day. A combination of three things make the day memorable for me. First, my husband spoiled me on my birthday with a beautiful gift and a late dinner out at Carrabba's Restaurant.

Secondly, the new electrical inspector for the city of Brooksville paid me a visit at our business. He said he stopped in to introduce himself to me because he wanted to meet a woman master electrician. During his nice visit he took the opportunity to compliment me and my husband on our son who works in our company. The electrical inspector said our son was one of the most courteous and polite young men that he had the pleasure of dealing with in quite some time. As a mom, (and a boss) this swelled my heart with pride.

And last but not least, I had the privilege of attending a retirement party for former city manager, Richard Anderson at Johnny Carrino's. The crowd ranged of 50-60 people which included three former council members Ernie Weaver, Mary Staib and Joe Johnston. Four city department heads were also included in the crowd, along with many rank and file employees, to wish Dick well as he moves into retirement. A large number of friends and family were also on hand to hug and kiss our favorite city manager. A short presentation took place and a very nice plaque was presented to Dick by City Councilman Richard Lewis on his years of service with the city. We had all chipped in earlier to purchase Dick a large barbecue grill which was impossible to bring to the restaurant so a nice framed photo (of the grill) was presented to him last night. Dick was truly pleased that all his friends and family threw him this special party to mark his retirement from the city of Brooksville. The smiles on every one's face last night was a fitting closure to say thank you for many years of superb service provided by Richard Anderson for the city of Brooksville...

Pressure from parents...

This morning I heard on the news that Senator Fasano has distanced himself from the legislation to force mandatory inoculation of young girls for the HPV to prevent cervical cancer. This may have been foresight on his part or pressure from parents incensed with the suggestion the state of Florida would force their daughters to have this HPV inoculation.

Conscientious parents should have the choice to inoculate their daughters without mandates from the government. Given that choice, parents will take the appropriate actions to protect the health of their children.

Running with scissors...

When we were kids our mothers used to warn us by saying, don't run with those scissors or you will put your eye out. We did it anyway, always thinking our moms knew nothing about the world around us.

Now that we are older, and hopefully wiser, we have the government officials to warn us. I'm sure everyone has read, or heard, a government official warn us about hiring unlicensed contractors. Even though this message has been very clear for years, we occasionally read in the newspaper how some trustworthy individual is taken to the cleaners by an unscrupulous person they assumed was an honest business person.

After illustrating the good intentions of our moms and conscientious government officials, it is hard to believe any government official would choose to ignore their own advice about hiring unlicensed contractors. Yes, the city of Brooksville hired Mr. James Farley to investigate the perceived problems within the city and he doesn't even have an occupational to operate an investigative firm within the city. When questioned, the city clerk equated the lack of a license for Mr. Farley to a taxi driver coming into the city to drop off a fare and not needing a license.

It is not very comforting to know that the results of this drive-by city investigation will foretell the future the chief of police and the human resource director for the city of Brooksville. Too bad we couldn't be children for just one day and stop running with those scissors...

Right direction?

On February 6, 2007, the Hernando County Board of Commissioners agreed to sell the old Brooksville Regional Hospital. I thought it was rather odd that the name of the company winning the hearts of the county commissioners was the mirror image of the address of the old hospital site. The newspaper listed the company as 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC which is oddly enough the address of the old Brooksville Regional Hospital. Curiosity got the best of me so I looked up this 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC at the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations to see who were the principals in this business.

Guess what? There was no listing for this limited liability corporation when this deal was brokered with our county commissioners. This 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC submitted a contract for review on February 8, 2007 and still no indication of valid corporation at the Florida Department of State.

Today, nine days after the deal was brokered between 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC and the Hernando County Commissioners a document was filed with the Florida Department of Corporations. Guess what? This filing by Holland & Knight for 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC was a rejected filing.

It is really amazing that the Hernando County Office of Business Development did not check out the documents of this limited liability corporation with the Florida Department of State before this presentation was made to the commissioners. It was really odd that this 55 Ponce de Leon, LLC had time to have artist renderings made for their presentation to the commissioners but failed to make themselves legal with the Florida Division of Corporations.

It was said by Commissioner Rocco after the deal was brokered, "It's not how fast or slow but that we moved in the right direction." Is brokering a deal a group that has yet to file proper corporate documents the right direction? It looks like the county commissioners moved just a wee bit too fast on this deal and swerved off course...

Are"they" in charge...

How many more will it take to satisfy the vindictive appetite of the three Brooksville city council members Pugh, Bernardini and Bradburn? Just when everyone thought a little sanity was returning to the city council, two individuals were placed on administrative leave this afternoon. Chief Tincher and the human resource director were shown the door this afternoon when acting city manager, Steve Baumgartner, placed them on administrative leave again.

What was the reason for this leave? Mr. Baumgartner did not inform Chief Tincher of the reason for the leave other than to say he wanted them out of the way of the investigation. When asked what the scope of the investigation was, the acting city manager stated the investigation was confidential. A letter was sent out to all employees giving them immunity to speak at free will to the "hired investigator". This immunity was probably needed to prod employees because the city does not have the power to make people talk without having any evidence of a crime.

Rick Hankins has been been placed in charge of the Brooksville Police department in the absence of Chief Tincher. Steve Baumgartner is insisting that this current administrative leave is all his idea even though he stated that "they" also wanted Lt. Hankins on leave but he refused to comply with "their" wishes. Who is really in charge? Are "they" in charge or is the acting city manager?

Needless to say, the moral within the city is low. Is this really the "new direction" we envision for the city of Brooksville?

Please excuse my sparse postings of late. A close family member of mine had a serious work related injury and my mind and heart has not been with this blog. I hope to return soon. Please stop back...

Kudos to Mr. Kuhl

Imagine that, service with a smile, for your county government representative! Hernando County administrator, Gary Kuhl, has made it his top priority to have all (county) employees complete customer service classes at PHCC within the next two years. This customer service program was set up by department representatives to underscore the responsibility of excellent service by all county employees, correct weak areas of service, and establish uniform service patterns for all departments. This concept of excellent service is usually only seen in private business practices, not county government, and it is a very refreshing change of pace. Mr. Kuhl should be commended for promoting good service from our county civil servants. The only downside to this program is the cost to send all the county employees to Pasco-Hernando Community College. An in-house educational program should be implemented in the event that taxpayers will be asked to pick up to the tab for this customer service program at PHCC. Kudos go out to Mr. Kuhl for his initiative to promote good government practices here in Hernando County.

Golf tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Ridge Manor is having a golf tournament on March 31, 2007 at the Whispering Oaks Golf Club. This golf tournament is to raise funds for their annual scholarship program. Entry fees are $50.00 which includes lunch and prizes. If you are interested in sponsoring, or playing in this worthwhile event, please contact James Nico at 352-799-0901

Tax break for veterans...

A friend of mine named Jeff Johnston drops of a copy of the Veterans Post to me once a month. Jeff is seen all over the county volunteering on behalf of veterans and I, for one, am glad that he includes me in his route. This month's edition has a special notice of a tax break for Florida veterans. Florida's disabled veterans, or surviving spouses, are eligible to for a credit on their property taxes. The amount of this discount is equal to the percentage of the permanent "combat-wounded" service connected disability. Several rules apply for this tax break which are:

• You had to be a Florida resident when you entered the military
• You currently receive Homestead Exemption
• You are at least 65 years old by January 1, 2007
• Have a minimum of a 10% "combat-related" disability
• Have an honorable discharge, DD-214
• Must meet the March 1, 2007 deadline to apply.

If you meet all of these requirements, contact the Hernando County Property Appraisers office for an application before the March 1st deadline.

Capital credits

Several weeks ago Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. had a notice in the local newspaper to notify many former members of the cooperative of unclaimed capital credits. Withlacoochee River Electric will assign any these unclaimed credits to the WREC Educational Foundation, Inc. after 5:00 p.m. on April 9, 2007. Contact Withlacoochee River Electric for more details if you think you may be qualify for these capital credit refunds.

Marvelous transformation...

In the last decade, the city of Brooksville has come from the dark ages to become a progressive, bustling town. With the annexations of Southern Hills and the Majestic Oaks property, the city has more than doubled its size. Included in these annexations is the old Milk-A-Way Farm which is also a future planned development project. These residential community projects are only the tip of the iceberg seen in growth within the city in comparison to the increases in business development.

Large businesses, some of which are the super Wal Mart, Loew's Home Improvement Center, Walgreens, CVS and Applebee's Restaurant, have popped up over the landscape of Brooksville over the last ten years. Small to moderate business operations have flourished within the city limits as well since 1994. Hot Wheels, the new Dairy Queen, and yes, our business, A.L. Covell Electric, Inc. have all experienced the positive growth spurt within the city limits. Even as we speak, a new business is sprouting out of the earth on Jefferson Street, next to the Christmas House, which will be a golf cart distribution company.

This residential and business growth would not have happened without massive infrastructure improvements within the city of Brooksville. Some of the major improvements over the past decade, or so, include a new city hall, the new sewer plant on Cobb Road, 7 lanes up SR 41 into the city, the Jerome Brown Center, Tom Varn Park, and the Brooksville Quarry Golf Course. Some items that are not so readily visible are new sewer lines, and new water lines to support the future growth for the residents and business owners.

The city of Brooksville has a new ladder truck for the fire department which is the envy of the west coast of Florida. Our new fire Chief Tim Mossgrove is a positive influence for progressive improvements in fire safety within our community. Many young police officers have been working their way up the food chain in recent years, like Lt. Hankins, who has put his heart and soul into making Brooksville a safe place to live, play and work. This city has many un-sung heroes that have participated in the future growth of the city. City employees ask little, but give a lot, to all of us. Their contributions of new sidewalks, bulb-outs, and city entrances are pale in comparison to their over all net worth as civil servants. The majority of residents and businesses owners have worked hand-in-hand to influence a strong, successful future for the city of Brooksville.

Has all this smart growth happened by magic? No, this marvelous transformation of the once sleepy little town of Brooksville occurred under the watchful eye of Brooksville's city manager, Richard Anderson. Thank you, Mr. Anderson for all your outstanding contributions for the city of Brooksville. Your leadership in good times, and bad, have proved that you are a real pillar of our community and a real southern gentleman. I, for one, am proud to call Dick Anderson my friend! Best wishes from all of us as you enter into retirement, Dick!

Upcoming events

Several upcoming events worth noting:

• Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 3rd from 6 to 9 pm at St. Anthony Church. Please call the Hernando County Parks Department for information / tickets at 754-4031
• Deputy Lonnie C. Coburn Memorial Bike Ride on February 17th. This memorial ride is for law enforcement officer, Lonnie C. Coburn, who was killed in the line of duty. The ride begins at SR 50 and US Hwy. 301 at noon. Contact Jeff Duval or Jerry Jennings at 796-0189 or 683-0699 for details.

Train wreck in slow motion

Sitting in the audience of the Brooksville City Council meeting last night can only be described watching as train wreck in slow motion. The last agenda item on the schedule was labeled "City Manager Search Process" presented by Richard Anderson. Mr. Anderson gave a brief presentation on suggested methods for undertaking a search for his replacement as city manager. Councilwoman Bradburn made a motion to use the services of the Human Resources offices of the Hernando County Government and Swiftmud along with the city's HR director. This motion by Ms. Bradburn lacked any real substance and had to be refined by the city clerk so the staff had a clear idea on how to proceed with a search for a new city manager.

Frankie Burnett was the only council member that came to the meeting with some concrete ideas on how the next manager should be narrowed down from the applicants. Mr. Burnett managed to convince his fellow council members to appoint a five member committee to refine the search from a list provided by the Human Resource Directors to present to council.

This agenda item then took a strange twist with the discussion that ensued between the council members. Several motions were made to place additional items on the agenda even though they had not been publicly advertised in the newspaper. Council Richard Lewis attempted to retain Richard Anderson until a new manager could be chosen by council. Councilman Burnett seconded Mr. Lewis' motion but it died with a 3-2 vote to deny, with council members Bradburn, Bernardini and Pugh voting nay.

Councilman Bernardini then suggested that Richard Anderson be fired immediately but was counseled by their attorney about the pitfalls of immediate termination of the city manager. The city attorney advised that 30 days severance pay would accompany this method. Mr. Bernardini then made a motion to have Mr. Anderson put on administrative leave until his resignation date. This motion was placed on the agenda by the

second of Ms. Bradburn and received the third vote for a majority by Mr. Pugh, to seal Mr. Anderson's fate with the city. Needless to say, once this item was on the agenda, Mr. Pugh, Ms. Bradburn and Mr. Bernardini voted to have Mr. Anderson placed on administrative leave until his resignation becomes effective on February 8th.

At the conclusion of the meeting, directly after citizens input, Mayor David Pugh took the opportunity to throw a few jabs at his critics in the audience. Time will only tell how long it will take for the city to heal with this controversy...

Hoo-Rah!!!

Hoo-Rah! A very reliable source informed me a few minutes ago that Chief Tincher, Lt. Hankins and Ron Baker were told to report to work tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. because the investigation turned up nothing of substance. The city council meeting tonight should prove to be very interesting since they (city council) have not discussed this latest development...

Affecting him very deeply...

Imagine if you had to suggest an employment agency to conduct a search for your successor because your boss was incapable of exhibiting any leadership concerning your position within your firm. Would you be the stand-up type of person to show loyalty for the company until your last day or would you just walk away after being treated so shabbily by your boss? I dare say most individuals would just walk away.

Well, this is just what the city manager has done in the absence of any leadership by the Brooksville City Council. Several days ago, Mr. Anderson recommended in a memo to the city council suggestions to find a replacement for him as city manager. Needless to say, the job search for a new manager replacement should have been initiated by the city council.

Looking past how the city council managed to create this turmoil over the last several weeks, it is now time for them to do the right thing. The right thing would be to ask Mr. Anderson to stay on until the completion of his contract so an in-depth search can be made for his replacement. With Mr. Anderson in place, an in-depth hunt could begin for the new manager that will mesh with the city of Brooksville. From a practical stand point, Mr. Anderson’s expertise would be quite beneficial for the day-today operations while the city council prepares to find his replacement. A citizen appointed panel could be set up review the applicants just like the search that is being conducted for a new school superintendent.

Richard Anderson has earned the respect of the city residents and taxpayers during his 12 years at the helm. Watching his actions over the last several weeks have given me a new found respect for his integrity to do what is right, even when it is very difficult. Mr. Anderson has wiped away many tears of his employees and friends while it is apparent his heart is breaking from the cruelty of his bosses, the city council. The tired look on his face is the only outward sign that this travesty is affecting him very deeply. For goodness sakes, city council members, do what is what at your meeting tomorrow night and vote to reject Mr. Anderson’s resignation, effective February 8, 2007.

Policy direction

If you are interested in watching our local government officials in action, plan on attending the Hernando County Commission workshop at the Hernando County Utility Building on SR50 (the old Lil Dess building). The workshop is open to the public and starts at 8:30 a.m. This workshop is to provide policy direction to the staff for projects and activities which will impact the 2007/08 budget. Although this workshop will be a discussion of the county commissioners and staff public input will taken at the end of the meeting. If you have any questions, call the county administrator's office at 754-4002.

Special session odds

Last week the Tampa Bay Business Journal ran a survey question relating to the special session of the Florida Legislature on the insurance crisis in this state. Their poll specifies that is not scientific but offers a quick glimpse of what the business readers are thinking on the issue. Here is the survey question with answers:

Will the special session on insurance make a difference?

• 14% Yes, I have confidence in the Legislature to force a change
• 73% No, the crisis in Florida isn't going away anytime soon
• 12% Undecided

I sure hope the Florida Legislature beats the odds of this survey to fix the homeowner insurance problem.

Deserves everyone's attention

I hope everyone read the St. Petersburg Times this morning. The article "Feudin' and Fussin' in Brooksville" read like a version of Hatfield and McCoy feud. Every little scrap of gossip was included in this article for the whole world to see in the Local & State edition which is commonly referred to as the metro section. This well written article by Jonathon Abel would be hilarious to the outside reader but in reality it is a very sad reflection of how gossip, and loose tongues, can destroy lives and careers. This article is a mirror image of our community and it is not a pretty sight.

The Hernando Times edition ran a guest column by local attorney, Mr. Jimmy Brown this morning, too. This column by Mr. Brown was a well thought out analysis of the dispute in the city of Brooksville. A quote by Mr. Brown was, "The proud and honorable heritage of our city require we act with the dignity and foresight our predecessors left us as their legacy." Although I am not a native of Brooksville, his words are very thought provoking and deserve everyone's attention. Mr. Brown asks that the city council return the three employees "to their indispensable positions".

The Brooksville City Council will meet again on Monday, January 22 at 7 p.m. Hopefully, each council member will keep their personal comments in check and do what is right for the city at this meeting to resolve this crisis. Brooksville's future depends their leadership to be fair and respectful to everyone involved in this issue...

Charter violation confirmed

I have confirmed information from two reliable sources that the Brooksville City Council has violated the intend of the city charter by placing Chief Tincher, Lt. Hankins and Ron Baker on administrative leave. The “hired gun aka labor attorney” for the city of Brooksville has issued the first opinion in response to questions surrounding the alleged violations of the city charter. It seems that this “labor attorney” hired by the Brooksville City Council has come back with the opinion that the city manager is the only person responsible for personnel issues relating to (city) employees. With this opinion, the city manager, not the city council, has ultimate responsibility for all personnel issues, including the placement of employees on administrative leave.

How many lawsuits will be spawned with this micro-managing of Mayor David Pugh, Councilwoman Lara Bradburn and Councilman Joe Bernardini for the violations of the city charter? Who knows, but a full re-instatement of these three employees by city council needs to take place today!

National holiday

Today is a national holiday to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday but you sure would not know it by the silence in downtown Brooksville. A spokesman for the local NAACP had cited, the lack of funds for a parade permit and insurance, per the city of Brooksville requirements, was the reason no parade was scheduled this year. The only local activities to commemorate the day will be a fish fry at Kennedy Park this afternoon, followed by church services this evening. This quiet way to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, in lieu of the annual march up Main Street, is a sad reflection on our community.

The Brooksville City Council could not waive the insurance requirements due to a new amendment to the city charter voted in by the residents in November 2006. In a nutshell, this new amendment prevents the city council from waiving insurance requirements to outside organizations. On the surface, this amendment was a sound financial decision by the city voters but it has really hurt two local groups that have been active in past few years with community events, like the Martin Luther King Parade and the Veterans Appreciation Parade in November.

Here's a few suggestions for the Brooksville City Council as they set their agenda for the coming year. As they plan for some of the city functions like Founder's Week, please consider taking the Martin Luther King Parade and the Veterans Appreciation Parade under your wing (of the city) by officially sponsoring these two events. As you evaluate the tax dollars required to make the Founder's Week a success, please consider including the Martin Luther King Parade and the Veterans Appreciation Parade.

In the word's of Dr. Martin Luther King: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter".

Leadership for Dummies

The Brooksville city council members should have been issued an easy to understand manual that outlines the chain of command within the city structure. This manual could resemble many of the self-help books on the market today. Most of these books have familiar titles like this, "_____ for Dummies, 101" that only need to have the subject inserted in the blank.

A classic example of arrogance underscored the immediate need for a " Leadership for Dummies" manual for council members Lara Bradburn and Joe Bernardini this morning. The Hernando Today ran an article by Tony Marrero that cited the disgust of Lara Bradburn and Joe Bernardini in reference to the backlash from residents supporting Chief Tincher and the police.

Too bad someone hasn't thought about a "Leadership for Dummies" manual to sit on the shelf at the bookstore next to all the other "Dummie" books. A basic "Leadership for Dummies" manual would begin on page one by stating that "the residents aka voters" are always the boss in government, not the elected official!

Congratulations, Jeff

Yesterday, following the re-enactment ceremony of Commissioner Rocco's swearing in ceremony, Commissioner Jeff Stabins was chosen the a new chairman of the Hernando Board of County Commissioners with a 5-0 vote by his peers . This was the second time in two years that the majority party has elected a chairman of the minor party for the county commission. A message for our commission chairman would be said best in the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." Congratulations and good luck to our new moderate, centrist Chairman Jeff Stabins!

Heads rolled...

It did not take long for the city council members to clean house in Brooksville. A forced resignation of the city manager, Richard Anderson was only the beginning as heads rolled at the city council meeting last night. Council members David Pugh, Lara Bradburn and Joe Bernidini voted to place Chief Ed Tincher, Lt. Rick Hankins and Ron Baker on paid administrative leave from the city, under the strong objections from Councilmen Richard Lewis and Frankie Burnett with a 3/2 vote.

Where was David LaCroix, the city's attorney, during this discussion and vote? According to the Brooksville city charter, these council members do not have the authority to hire, fire, or put anyone on administrative leave other than the city manager. This appears to be a violation of Brooksville's city charter by Mr. Pugh, Ms. Bradburn and Mr. Bernidini. This is clearly a textbook case of misfeasance on the part of these three council members to infringe on the rights of others in an improper, if not unlawful manner by violating the very city charter they were elected to protect for the city of Brooksville.

The action of these three council members is reminiscent of the year 1994 when a past city manager fired Chief Tincher and the fire chief. Many city tax dollars were spent to restore these two positions after three prior council members were recalled under the provisions of the city charter. By the way, Joe Bernidini was one of the council members thrown out of office in this recall vote of 1994.

Lara Bradburn has labeled her actions, and those of her cohorts, Mr. Pugh and Mr. Bernidini, a new direction for the city of Brooksville. This "crash and burn" new direction of these three council members is a total disgrace to city taxpayers. Unfortunately, Ms. Bradburn and Mr. Bernidini are untouchable under Florida Statute 100.361 for recall as sitting elected officials until they serve one year in office but Mayor David Pugh is fair game under these provisions.

Chief Tincher should have been given the opportunity to complete the internal investigation already underway within the Brooksville Police Department, without the interference. This novice mayor, and two city council members, appear to have a personal vendetta rid the city of employees that do not mesh with their ideals. If questions had still remained after this internal investigation was completed within police department, and not answered to the full satisfaction of the entire city council, then an outside investigation would be fully warranted at the direction of the city manager.

Mr. Pugh, Ms. Bradburn and Mr. Bernidini should heed the following quote by President Ronald Reagan: "Those who preach the supremacy of the state will be remembered for the sufferings their delusions caused their peoples".

Please be advised that I have removed & blocked future comments on this post. I fully understand that emotions are running on full speed with this issue but I respectfully request that any comments on my blog remain free from profanity. While I appreciate all your comments, pro or con, inappropriate language will not be allowed on this blog. Thank you for your consideration in this matter on future posts.

Spiteful form of micro-managing

This morning, the Hernando Today ran an article titled, "Mayor asks for probe of police department." Mayor David Pugh, Jr. is apparently demanding an independent investigation of the city's police department. Mr. Pugh was quoted as saying, "I don't have any confidence in our police department when it comes to investigating someone internally". This is the second time in the last several months that Mr. Pugh has expressed extreme displeasure with a city employee.

If you recall Mr. Pugh was hyper-critical of city manager, Richard Anderson, during a city council meeting in August and Mr. Anderson was not there to defend himself. Is Mr. Pugh's criticism of city employees warranted? Some might applaud Mayor David Pugh's action to ask for an outside agency to investigate the police department as leadership or it could be viewed as a spiteful form of micro-managing from the youthful, inexperienced mayor.

Chief Tincher should be given the opportunity to complete the internal investigation already underway within the Brooksville Police Department, without the interference of the novice mayor and city councilman, Joe Bernadini. If questions still remain after the internal investigation is completed within police department, and not answered to the full satisfaction of the entire city council, then call for an outside investigation.

High hopes...

Last Friday, I listened to the Hernando County Legislative Delegation on the small television in my office. It was the first time in 5 years that I was unable to attend this yearly meeting of our delegation. I was chained to my desk attempting to close out our books for the year 2006.

The Honorable Robert Schenck was nominated by Senator Fasano to lead the Hernando County Delegation and seconded by Rep. Charles Dean. Rep. Schenck filled the shoes of David Russell with ease this year.

The first order of business on this delegation's agenda was to listen to the local elected officials. It never ceases to amaze me that each year the local elected officials are given an unlimited time to present their wish lists while the non-profit groups, and local citizens, are given just 3 minutes to speak at the podium. It seems kind of ironic that the local officials stand at the podium promoting pet projects, which will eventually be funded by our tax dollars, while the citizens sit patiently waiting in the audience for their chance to be heard by their delegation.

A suggestion to speed up the process for next year's delegation would be to have either the county administrator, or city manager, present all the requests to the delegation in lieu of having multiple commissioners giving political speeches at the podium. The Hernando County Delegation has been subjected over the years with numerous commissioners taking their turn at self promotion at the podium and this year was not any different with Commissioners' Rowden, Rocco and Kinglsey taking a tremendous amount of allotted time that would have been better spent listening to the non-profit organizations, and just us plain citizens. In fact, I believe that state statutes were written for the benefit of ordinary citizens to have the ability to directly speak annually with their legislative delegation.

The Hernando Legislative Delegation listened quite patiently to all the concerns of the citizens. Two of the most important items brought to the table were homeowner insurance and high property taxes. Encouraging words were spoken by both, Rep. Schenck and Senator Fasano, about soaring property insurance rates and the need for in-depth discussion at the special session of the Legislature this month.

Representative Robert Schenck has been working on methods for equalizing residential property taxes, with updated equations for local property appraisers, which is being co-sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano. Senator Fasano spoke about the need for a 3% cap on commercial property taxes to protect the interests of those Mom & Pop businesses struggling to stay afloat under a sea of bills that include high property taxes, along with extremely high business insurance premiums for their property.

It is a good thing I was in my office alone while listening to this broadcast on channel 19. I shouted out a loud hoo-rah for Representative Charlie Dean when he advocated that he would push for all counties to have zero-based budgets, with line items, so the citizens could better understand where their tax dollars are being spent each year. Zero based budgeting, along with performance management, were key items in my platforms when I ran for commissioner in 2000 and 2004 so I was ecstatic to hear Charlie Dean spout the need for this simple approach to budgeting in local government. By the way, Commissioner David Russell used this same zero based budgeting agenda in his campaign of 2006 and hopefully he follows through with the implementation of this process in Hernando County.

It looks like our Representatives and Senators are ready to hit the ground running this legislative session. I have high hopes that our delegation will do their best to look after the interests of their constituents. Good luck to the Hernando County Legislative Delegation!

New trends...

I'm sure everyone is aware of the ever changing advances in technology in our society. With all the new items on the market, like MP3 players and multi-functional cell phones, many retailers have had difficulty keeping up with the new trends. With each new year these advances in the electronic and computer technology keep most of us on our toes.

One area that has fallen behind the times is the sector that oversees cell tower placement. I am speaking of our local Hernando County ordinance that regulate the placement of cell towers. In 2000, cell companies were flooding our county and the fear of having a glut of towers was very real possibility for our community. The Hernando County Board of Commissioners took the lead in 2000 and developed an ordinance regulating cell towers. The mind-think of 2000 was having high towers, with multiple carriers, to prevent having a cell tower every mile, or so, with strict adherence to radius rings of coverage. This thinking was excellent for 2000 but has quickly become outdated as technology has increased the demand for cell phones.

Today, people are using cell phones in place of land-line units within their homes and businesses which has created a new problem for cell phone companies. The towers need to be lower and closer together for appropriate coverage within the confines of a home or business. Lowering the heights of some of these towers has given rise to the many new towers being erected in densely populated areas of Hernando County over the last year. With these new towers cropping up, so are the concerns of the local neighbors. This lower tower requirement, with the need for closer proximity, was tackled in Phoenix, Arizona by co-locating the cell tower equipment on utility power poles with in the city. Other areas of the country have used innovative approaches by placing the tower equipment on church steeples, water towers, and the signage of local businesses.

At the last month's meeting of Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission, I requested that Ron Pianta, planning director, ask the future direction of the Hernando County Board of Commissioners regarding a review and update of the ordinance relating to cell towers. Hopefully, the 2006 county commission will be as progressive as that of the sitting board of 2000, with this new technology facing Hernando County.