Confirmed...

This morning at 11:06, Judge Samuel Alito was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as our 110th Supreme Court Justice, with a vote of 58-42. Samuel Alito is expected to attend the President Bush's State of the Union Address this evening. Judge Alito will be attend a ceremony and reception on Wednesday on Capital Hill.

A Novel Approach

Yesterday, a column was written in the Hernando Times by Jeff Webb in reference to the sales tax surplus of $3.2-billion the state government will see in the budget this year. Mr. Webb's column pointed out that each political party is fighting over how to spend this massive surplus, while reminding his readers that this is an election year, stating that each political party is trying to buy your vote. I agree with Mr. Webb. This is pandering at the highest level and they are using our money to enhance themselves with the voting public, to get the most bang for our buck. Mr. Webb's column focused on Jeff Stabins, who initially introduced the sales tax holiday while he was in Tallahassee. If you remember, Jeff Stabins was a rookie representative in the Florida Legislature, from Hernando County in 1994. He was bursting full of the ideals of smaller government, lower taxes, and more freedom, like we all were, since that was the fevered pitch of that "era". Twelve years later though, County Commissioner Jeff Stabins has had time to reflect on his "sales tax holiday" proposal and he has an entirely different outlook for this tax surplus of today. Mr. Stabins, who describes himself as a moderate, with a middle of the road philosophy, does not like either party's proposal for this sales tax windfall. What a difference twelve years makes, since Commissioner Stabins appears to be listening voices of the citizens that put him into office. He stated that this windfall should be used for more pressing needs, like fixing the critical problems in property insurance industry for homeowners, or supplementing education in our state, and lamented how each of political parties "moderates" need to get on board. Looking at the $3.2-billion sales tax surplus, with the perspective of actually correcting problems, is what it takes to be a good caretaker of the people's money. Yes, there is a surplus this year, just like there has been for many, many years at the state level, so why not put it to good use for the citizens sake, instead of once again having the politicians brag how they gave us something when it was our money in the first place. A more novel approach, if you want to look at it in the truest sense of being conservative, let the Florida Legislature propose a reduction in the state sales tax to 5%for next year and stop taking the money in the first place!

Revised Class Size Amendment Proposal

On Thursday, the Republican's, in the Florida Legislature proceeded with a proposal to correct the problems with the previously approved Constitutional Amendment for classroom size, approved by the voters in 2002. The Republican proposal (HJR447) would propose an amendment be placed on the November ballot to link class size with a mandate that local school districts spend at least 2/3's of their budget on direct classroom expenses, based on district wide averages, not individual classrooms. This proposal would also allow for c0-teaching. This co-teaching aspect, alone, would aid Hernando County in meeting the expectations of the current, class size amendment. The Florida Legislature investigation found that statewide averages of school districts have shown that less than 60% of funding is currently spend on direct classroom expenses. The Legislature is also asking in the proposal that at least 65% be spent in each district on direct classroom expenses. Proponents of this plan, in the Legislature, contend that this proposal will save the needed money for future classroom construction for school districts and for hiring additional teachers. Local school districts are concerned about the way the Legislature will determine what is actually a direct classroom expense if this "revised" amendment makes it to the ballot. Questions have been raised about transportation costs, utility bills, food expenses, air conditioning, etc. and will they be figured as direct classroom expenses. Hopefully, our local school board members will keep themselves informed on the progress of this proposal, as it moves through the Florida House this spring.

News Flash!

• Jeb Bush announced that Florida will receive $82.9 million from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for recovery needs from Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. These funds will come to the state in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
• Attorney General Charlie Crist announced that his agency went to court this week to sue 1st Source Information Specialists, Inc. in reference to this company selling confidential cell phone records. The Attorney General's office said this company actions constitute a violation of the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as civil conspiracy laws.

Melting Pot

During the debate about the request for Spanish speaking site for Social Services at the BOCC meeting, Commissioner Jeff Stabins stated that we are all products of immigrants to this country. He also mentioned that Florida, by statute, is a English speaking state. Commissioner Stabins "immigrant" statement reminded me of my own grandparents who were immigrants to this country. They came through Ellis Island on a work permit from Finland in 1917. This country had a system of immigrant quotas during that era, based on the needs of America. My grandfather was lucky enough to draw a mining permit to bring him to this country with his family, and they traveled here in a cargo ship from Finland to Ellis Island. As they waited to be processed into America, my grandparents stood in pens like animals, waiting to be examined for disease, and deformities, by government agents at Ellis Island. Their desire for the promise of a better life overrode any hardship, or humiliation, they had to endure to become citizens of the United States. After long hours of work, and studying, my grandparents became naturalized citizens in the early 1920's and these studies included learning the English language. This country has always been seen as a big "melting pot" of cultures, religions, ethnicities, etc. I believe each of us has always taken pride in being American in our own way. Whether someone was born here, or they are naturalized citizens, the glue that binds each of us to this country is the universal language of English. Commissioner Stabins request for further research on the Spanish speaking website proposal was answered by Commissioner Schenck at Tuesday's meeting. Commissioner Schenck suggested that a link could be provided to change the language for the viewers choice, at the click of a mouse. This universal language button would include Spanish, Finnish, German, etc. This universal access could include a endless number of languages from across the world. This universal approach by Commissioner Schenck should be applied to the entire county website to make it a worldwide read in this big universe we call the Internet. Look at it from this standpoint, "We have a lot to offer the world, right here in Hernando County. From local business interests to tourism, our Nature Coast could be as easy as a mouse click away!"

Even Higher Homeowners Insurance Premiums Predicted

Just when everyone was resigning themselves to increases they are facing in their homeowner's insurance policies caused by Citizens Insurance, another problem has surfaced that could mean even higher premiums for all of us. State officials are now saying that the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is nearly tapped out, after two back to back hurricane seasons, which could mean even higher premiums for homeowners this year. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund offers discounted re-insurance, that is, insurance to insurance companies, to help them pay for claims. This fund was created in November 1993 after Hurricane Andrew, by our Florida Legislature, and its purpose is to protect the solvency of insurance companies in the event of catastrophic hurricanes. All insurance companies writing homeowners policies in this state are required to pay an annual reimbursement premium to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. Before you breath a sigh of relief thinking that the insurance companies will have to pay into this fund, stop and ask yourself where the insurance companies get their money. From us, of course, through a line item on our homeowners premiums invoice. Right now an average of 12% homeowner premiums go to pay into this catastrophe fund, but that fund is expected to rise this year from another 1% to 3%. These increases are being requested by Florida Insurance Commission to rebuild this fund before the 2006 hurricane system. In the event the catastrophic fund managers recommend charging insurers even more this year to build up reserves faster, bonds would be necessary to cover the costs. If bonding becomes necessary, the fund would then levy assessments across all lines of insurance, except medical malpractice and workers compensation. The State Board of Administration, which consists of Governor Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher, would have to approve either a rapid cash build up for the fund through higher premiums, or an emergency assessment on our insurance policies. Governor Bush previously pledged that his 2006 agenda would include an aggressive approach to correct the problems within our state for homeowners insurance. Governor Bush, we are depending on you, and the Florida Legislature, to look critically at this issue for the sake of all homeowners in this state.

Oddly Ironic

It seems oddly ironic that the state of Florida, under the Agency for Workforce Development, has allocated $6 million+ for contractors, to subsidize employee wages (up to $9.00 per hour) to train individuals in construction-related fields. It seems that the government, at least at the state level, has finally come to realize that the construction industry desperately needs skilled workers. The shortage of skilled construction workers became very apparent last year, with the massive destruction caused in our state by hurricanes. Shortages have reached an all time high of 14,000 open, construction positions that are currently available. The critical shortage of skilled construction workers has been growing at a rapid pace for the past 10 years but no one would listen to us, the contractors, not even the local Hernando County School Board. Pleas were made to the previous school administrator, and the Hernando County School Board, to include a full spectrum of building classes for the construction trades at the new Nature Coast High School. Local officials chose to ignore industry standards that indicated these shortages almost ten years ago, and now the state of Florida expects the contractors to jump on board, with this $9.00 training wage, to entice new workers to our field(s) of expertise. The problem is, people are not interested in learning the construction trade, as a profession. Young adults have been taught in our public schools that construction work is a the low end of the spectrum, thought of as menial, thankless work, and they should look to higher aspirations, like college. Our educations have overlooked that fact that not all young adults can, or want, to attend college, for various reasons. So throwing $6 million + at the problem will not overcome this shortage of workers that was created within our own public school system since this problem has evolved over the past twenty years. Perception has been the largest obstacle that our industry faces. This "perception" is taught daily in our local public class rooms........

The Honorable Kurt E. Hitzemann

Yesterday, I was honored to be an invited guest for the Investiture Ceremony for the Honorable Kurt E. Hitzemann in the old historic courtroom of the Hernando County Courthouse. The ceremony began with the court being called to order by Thomas Blackman, Hernando County Bailiff and then with Brenda Frazier giving the Innovation. The Hernando County Sheriff's Color Guard then conducted the presentation of the flag, with the Pledge of Allegiance being lead by Max and Sam Hitzemann, Judge Hitzemann's two sons. The Honorable Daniel Merritt, Sr. introduced the notable guests in attendance, some of whom were Representative David Russell, Commissioner Robinson, Commissioner Rowdin and School Board members, Pat Fagan and Sandra Nicholson and Sheriff Nugent. All the judges from the 5th Circuit Court were also in attendance, along with Judge Scaglione. The Honorable Richard Tombrink administered the oath for Judge Hitzemann while Mrs. Hitzemann held the Bible for her husband to place his hand. The presentation of the robe was done by a member of the Hernando County Bar Association. Mrs. Hitzemann then assisted her husband with the donning of the robe. The Honorable Karen Nicolai gave the Challenge and Charge, followed with remarks by Judge Hitzemann. Judge Hitzemann spoke with pride of his friends in attendance and then expressed love for his sons and his wife. Brenda Frazier then closed the ceremony with the Benediction. A very nice reception was held in the Jury Assembly room immediately following the ceremony.

A Great Night of Fun

Much has been said over the last several weeks about the "roast" of Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite that will take place tomorrow night for Catholic Charities. Several points need to be emphasized about this fund-raiser for the Catholic Church(Charities). One of which is, that our congresswoman graciously offered herself up for a great night of fun, to take the jabs and jokes, while she is roasted during this event. Secondly, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite will receive nothing in exchange for this "roasting" except for the feeling that she has done something good to help the Catholic Charities raise necessary funds for their organization. With the limited personal time our congresswoman has to spend with her own family, it is great to see she has lent herself to this most worthwhile organization.

25 Years Ago Today

On January 20, 1981, twenty-five years ago today, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th president of the United States of America. Known as the Great Communicator, President Ronald Reagan brought the positive message of optimism and hope, along with his love of this country, back to our Nation. He truly had the gift to inspire his fellow Americans, as well as the world, during his two terms in office as our president.

The Nature of Community Dialogue

Several months ago, I received this chart, "The Nature of Community Dialogue" from another concerned person who was interested in creating a more positive outlook in Hernando County. This chart lists community interests through participation, whether it is in the capacity of an elected official or just the average citizen. It breaks down the population by interest group and I thought you would enjoy reading the information, so I listed it below:

The Nature of "Community Dialogue"

• 3% Visionaries - a thoughtful leader but not necessarily in a position of power or influence.
• 10% Primary Leaders - people who by virtue of position, or placement, represent the decision making structure.
• 20% Thoughtful Leaders - people who inquire to learn, can appear at times to be initially skeptical but look for positive outcomes.
• 60% The Busy Middle - busy people living their lives in their community, wanting to know that things are being taken care of. They often have no reference point, or time to establish one, given the other day to day challenges that they face.
• 7% Naysayers - people who appear to be negative about everything or who posture for very narrow self interest. Their skill in framing their perspective, or selfish interest, within the context of "community interest".

The "community dialogue" is more likely to be one of hope and possibilities if Visionaries and Primary Leaders spend their discretionary energy communicating with the Thoughtful Leaders. The Busy Middle tend to generally be bandwagoners who naturally gravitate to where the "action" is regardless of merit. Visionary Leaders and Thoughtful Leaders often spend 50% of their discretionary energy attempting to address Naysayers and the "community dialogue" is often one of "despair" and "terribles".

1% Transaction Fee

Tax season is upon us, so our thoughts are usually fine-tuned to the expansion of our government services, either by tax, or fee increases, to the public. One fee that is not widely known by the public is the 1% vendor transaction fee required to be paid by all businesses working for, or supplying goods, for the state of Florida as vendors. Governor Jeb Bush had a good plan to initiate a more streamlined system (for purchasing), that lead to the implementation of MyFloridaMarketPlace, which was meant to cut government waste through consolidated purchasing at the state level. The Florida Legislature set up of MyFloridaMarketPlace in 2003, with a across-the-board, 1% vendor transaction fee imposed on all vendors that do business with the state, to cover start-up costs of this new system. While this new system was suppose to save taxpayers money, it has ultimately cost more with the hidden transaction fees required by vendors. The imposition of this 1% vendor transaction fee is based on each invoice or bid total from private business to the state. This 1% transaction fee was implemented on vendors with the thought that it would not cost the state taxpayers a cent. The system is suppose to generate more revenue for the vendors doing business with the state, thusly creating their lower costs. The thought was that businesses would actually save money by increasing their (businesses) gross profits. This approach was flawed from the start, since private business will not absorb this transaction fee because it affects their bottom line. Businesses have had to increase their prices to the state of Florida to cover overhead costs in their respective businesses. With the vendors charging more, taxpayers are ultimately paying more for the necessary services required by the state. This is virtually a silent way to increase the cost of government in the state of Florida, by using private business as a vehicle to generate more cash flow into the state budget. Taxpayers are not even aware that state services are costing substantially more, even though vendors have no control over this system. Imagine how much money is being generated at 1% with just one multi-million dollar road contract. It should be noted that vendors are prohibited from itemizing this 1% transaction fee on their invoices submitted to the state, even though increases have been built into their pricing to cover the cost of doing business. No trace of this fee can be seen in vendor invoices. This overall transaction fee was implemented to help pay for the acquisition, development, implementation and operations of MyFloridaMarketPlace system but when will that 1% transaction fee be enough? According to their current website, it appears that this fee has become a permanent part of doing business with the state at MyFloridaMarketPlace. The only losers in this system are the taxpayers of this state, with the ever-rising cost of government in the state of Florida.

Thanks to the City of Brooksville

The turnout for the Martin Luther King parade yesterday was good, at least the beginning of the route at Russell Park. I had the opportunity to stand out on my front walk to watch the parade as it began up the hill to the courthouse. At least 30-35 young people were sitting in front of my business watching the parade, and it was great to watch as the kids scrambled for candy being thrown from the floats. Sheriff Richard Nugent was seen holding the hand of a little girl as they walked the parade route with the floats. Many politicians participated, from incumbents to candidates. The homemade floats were very nicely decorated with balloons, and crepe paper, and the school bus float was an exceptional part of the parade. The Hernando High Band looked great with the leadership of Mr. Harin and Mr. Carr. Thanks to the City of Brooksville for sponsoring this wonderful event to promote harmony in our community.

New Location

Hernando County's office of Business and Development has moved to a new location which is 26 E. Liberty Street in downtown Brooksville (just around the corner from their old location). For further information, call Mike McHugh, director at 540-6400

Donations to Assist Injured Combat Veterans

American Legion Auxiliary national president, Carol Van Kirk, is spearheading a project to help seriously injured combat veterans. The American Legion Auxiliary is targeting donations to purchase custom-made bedside computer carts for selected "Polytrauma" VA medical centers. One of the four "Polytrauma" trauma centers nationwide is James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa. These combat injuries include burns, wounds, fractures, blindness, hearing loss and loss of limbs caused by a combination of high-pressure waves, explosive fragments and falling debris by improvised, explosive devices. These bedside adaptive computer carts cost about $4,000 and assist the wounded veterans with the ability to communicate with family and friends via Internet, as well as recreational therapy that assist in healing. If you would like to help, contact: National Treasuser, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters, 777 N. Meridan St., 3rd Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1420.

Governor's Leadership Forum

Last Tuesday, Retired General Colin Powell joined Governor Bush in recognizing the 2006 recipients of the Florida Mentoring Partnership's Awards of Excellence. In the past seven years, Florida has recruited more that 200,000 mentors to help children perform better in school.

System Failure

Somehow, our state system has failed when local caseworkers for DCF, working on the Allain child abuse case, failed to recognize problems within that home. Every aspect of that home should have been documented during each home visit by caseworkers for the DCF. Signs of weight loss, changes in the children's temperament, the cleanliness of the home, type of food being feed to the children, to the clothing provided for the children, etc. should have been documented monthly in this case ( and all cases). The child's weight alone should have sent up red flags that something was wrong. What responsible parent provides a daily diet of cereal and Ramen noodles for a small child and expects the child to be healthy? This child weighed 35 lb. at 7 years old and while under the custody of the Allain's, she lost even more weight, to the low 29 lb at 10 years old. What in the world were these caseworkers thinking when the home visits were made to check on this little girl and her older brother? This is a classic case of failure to thrive for this little girl, not only with the deprivation of nourishment by food, but the lack of any bonding, or love, by a mother or father figure in this home. DCF needs to be asked tough questions into conjunction with this case, as the Allains go on trial for child abuse. DCF caseworkers should also be held responsible for the care these two children received in the home of the Allain's. It breaks one's heart to see children, like this swept aside in our society in this day and age.

Thank You Frankie Burnett

City Councilman, Frankie Burnett promised last year to have a parade for the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Burnett, and Ms. Bridget Taylor, parade organizer, are standing up to that promise of a parade this year. Mr. Burnett explained that it is a parade to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and not a march that would signify a protest. This celebration tomorrow morning begins at the Russell Street Park, on Main Street in Brooksville, right in front of my business. I, for one, will be standing out front to cheer on this celebration of our community. Thank you, Councilman Burnett, we have come a long way in the last 40 years to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King that wanted no man to be judged by the color of his skin, but only by the content of his character. I do believe the content of the character of our community will shine tomorrow.

State Coffer Flush with Cash

The $5k sales tax holiday, being floated by Florida Republican Legislators, sounds great on the surface. Its our money, and we certainly appreciate the opportunity to have some of it back, but it has one little catch. You have to spend money to receive the tax credit. Its a great idea in supply side economics, spend money to make more money (for the state of Florida). Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in tax relief and supply side-economics but we are all facing a homeowners insurance crisis in this state, with the failing Citizens Insurance Group. The estimated $500 million proposed for this sales tax holiday would go a long way to prop up this ailing insurance group. In fact, last year while facing the forecast of massive insurance premium increases for all property owners of the state, Tom Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer for the state of Florida, requested the Legislature assist homeowners with the more than $800 million in hurricane related sales tax revenue collected in 2004 to offset the substantial deficit that was apparent with the Citizens Insurance. Unfortunately, Mr. Gallagher did not have a legislative sponsor to carry this proposal to fruition last year. Hindsight is never a good policy but that $800 million in sales tax revenue from 2004 would have certainly eased the pain that all homeowners will feel over the upcoming months when their homeowners insurance comes up for renewal this year, or worse yet, when they receive a cancellation notice. State coffers are expected to grow by more than $3.2 billion in the coming budget year, which will fueled by the state's strong economy, a booming housing market and the recovery and rebuilding from two devastating hurricane seasons in 2005 so hopefully the state Legislature will strongly consider Tom Gallagher's proposal from last year. Governor Jeb Bush cited an aggressive 2006 agenda for himself, pledging to fix the insurance industry in our state, before leaving office next year, and this $500m would go along way to help smooth that path. We can only hope our Legislature, with Governor Bush's assistance, begin immediately to correct the problems we all are enduring with the insurance crisis in this state ,with billions in cash pouring into the state coffers this year. As it has been stated, we are flush with cash in the state government this year, now lets put it to good use by fixing the insurance crisis.

Ginny Brown-Waite to be Honored

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite was voted Legislator of the Year 2005 by the Air Force Association, for the State of Florida. Their local chapter, John C. Meyer Chapter of the Air Force Association, will honor the congresswoman at their luncheon at the Microbrewery Restaurant at noon on January 21.