Call on Senator Kerry to apologize

WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) joined Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) to call on Senator John Kerry to apologize for his recent remarks about our brave troops who are fighting in Iraq. Brown-Waite, Kingston and 25 House Republicans sent the following letter:

Senator John Kerry
304 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Kerry:

We are writing to express our outrage over your recent disrespectful and condescending comments concerning our brave troops in Iraq. We demand that you offer a clear and simple apology, without caveat or explanation, to America's finest.

In case you don't remember, you told a recent campaign audience, "You know education, if you make the most of it and you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." We don't know how many of our soldiers you have met, but they are the best and brightest that our nation has to offer and unlike you, Senator, they do not believe they are "stuck in Iraq."

Senator Kerry, it is bad enough that you disparage their mission at every chance you get, that you ignore any signs of progress or hope, that like the mainstream media you focus only on the bad news and ignore the good news that American troops and their Iraqi allies are bringing to Iraqi families every day, and that you offer no alternatives and no plan for victory in Iraq or in the larger War on Terror. Sadly, this seems to have become a pattern: blame America first and disparage the men and women who serve so bravely in our defense.

We hope you will quickly and clearly apologize and in the future think about those who are in danger, so far away, so that we may remain free to exercise the freedoms here that they are bringing to millions of people over there.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA)
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL)
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX)
Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL)
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)
Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN)
Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA)
Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI)
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA)
Rep. John Peterson (R-PA)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY)
Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX)
Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R-FL)
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK)
Rep. Mike Sodrel (R-IN)

Happy Halloween!

“May every tricks

That you try tonight

Foretell a future

Of true delight.”

*Vintage Postcard, 1915

Shortsighted isolationist thinking

The city of Brooksville will have referendums on the November 7th general election ballot concerning city charter revisions. There are three proposed changes for the city charter this election year. One proposed change clearly spells out that only city residents can serve on the city charter review / revision committee. From an inclusive standpoint for city residents, this would prevent anyone from serving on this charter review / revision committee that did not live within the city limits. This would be a good choice if the city consisted with only residential property within their (city) limits without any commercial or industrial business. But we all know that the city could not survive without commercial and industrial interests propping up their tax base so why would anyone choose to exclude them from sitting at the table to discuss the city charter? Most business interests, from attorneys, to doctors, to contractors, or shopping outlets, are run by individuals, or corporate structures, that are outside the city limits. Having said that, it does not diminish the tax base that these many businesses bring to the yearly city budget. Having served on the previous city charter review/revision committee, I can dare say that one individual cannot make any overriding decisions for this committee because of the existing review and revision structure for the city charter. This is a five step process of review by the committee, then the city council; and revisions by the committee, then revisions by the city council before it is placed on the general election ballot to be decided by only city voters. This five step process is all open to the public with input considered on all levels for the city charter. Isolationist governing by the Brooksville City Council only creates a feeling of ill-will for the many long time supporters of city projects. The supporters,such as their commercial and industrial property owners, that have contributed to the city's tax base by their choice of moving to the city without a vote. Long term visioning should not include this type of shortsighted, isolationist thinking if the city of Brooksville expects to thrive with a strong economic growth in the future.

Please say a prayer

Please say a pray for him David Weinman, former chairman of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. Dave is gravely ill, under hospice care, with his wife Betty at his bedside. My thoughts are with Dave and Betty at this most difficult time in their lives.

Daylight Saving Time officially ends this Saturday, October 29, 2006.

Please remember to set your clock back by one hour!

All the smoke

In this morning's newspaper, county administrator, Gary Kuhl was quoted as saying the insurance issues seem insurmountable and there seems to be no interest in changing usage designation of the old hospital from medical to storage. Mr. Kuhl also said that he had received three or four inquiries for the purchase of the old hospital. Any clear thinking individual can understand the frustration of Commissioner Stabins by the road blocks set up by the county administration staff. The Hernando County Board of Commission gave clear, concise direction for the old hospital at a previous meeting but have been mired down in red tape. Where did this red tape come from? Was it Gary Kuhl for not following the direction given to him by the full board of county commissioners by a consensus vote? Was the red tape created by Commissioners' Rowden and Kingsley acting outside the authority of the entire board of commission to push their personal agenda to sell the hospital? As each month creeps away in this endless bureaucratic cycle another $74,000 a month in tax payer money evaporates in upkeep for this vacant facility. Commissioner Stabins, Robinson and Hogan should be asking to see the three or four purchase inquires mentioned by Mr. Kuhl since they are subject to open public records regulation. This is not the first time the administrator has not carried out the direction of the board in a timely fashion. Mr. Kuhl did not have the ordinance for the 4/5 majority vote on the comprehensive plan prepared on the date directed by the county commissioners and had to be prompted to grudgingly submit it a week later. The county website has the general job guidelines for the county administrator which reads, in part: The county administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. It is the responsibility of the County Administrator to effectively implement all decisions, policies, ordinances and motions made by the Board of County Commissioners. What part of implement all decisions, policies, ordinances and motions does the county administrator not understand in his job title? Taxpayers are having a hard time with all the smoke that is being blown at the hospital issue. It is time Commissioners Stabins' plan be removed from life support by the majority of the commissioners at their next meeting and breath some fresh air into this issue.

Secure Fence Act

This afternoon, President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act, hailed by Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite as a concrete step to secure America's borders. This fence will consist of physical fences, unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic sensors on the most porous 700 miles of the United States southern border. "Americans want real border security now," said Rep. Brown-Waite. "I heard from nearly 25,000 5th District residents about the need for tighter border security, and almost unanimously, they oppose the Senate's amnesty bill and favor the House's approach to close our borders first and the Secure Fence Act will stem that tide and help protect law-abiding American citizens."

Future Transportation Maps

For people interested in the long range transportation plans and roadway network for Hernando County, Mr. Ronald Pianta, planning director for the county has offered an invitation to attend two workshops for public input. For citizens that are concerned with the future roadway network plans for Hernando County, here is your chance to voice your opinion:

• Hernando County Commission Chambers/20 North Main Street, Brooksville
• Thursday, October 26, 2006 from 3-5 p.m.
• Monday, November 6, 2006 at 5 p.m
• Contact Jim King, 754-4057, ext. 28020

This workshop will discuss the Functionally Classified Roadway map 2025, the Highway Network Map 2025, and the Buildout Thoroughfare Map under consideration for updating the comprehensive plan.

Russell endorses Ginny Brown-Waite

Florida Representative David Russell became concerned in his bid for Hernando County Commission when he was asked the question why was he running against Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite. David Russell wants the voters to know that Ginny has his firm support for re-election and clearly understands the confusion since his last name is the same as Ginny's opponent. David and Ginny have worked together quite well over the last decade protecting the interests of Hernando County, like funding for the future expansion of the County Line Road project, at the state and federal level. Retiring as distinguished member of the Florida House of Representatives, David Russell wants to make it clear to voters that he supports the Ginny Brown-Waite Campaign by his endorsement of her re-election to Congress.

Gubernatorial election

Last week the Tampa Bay Business Journal ran a survey question about the race for Florida's governor. The question was, "Who will you vote for in the gubernatorial election?" The results:

• 56% - Charlie Crist
• 41% - Jim Davis
• 2% - Other

Kitchen table politics...

Last year, the Honorable Steven Rushing was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to serve as a judge for circuit court. When Judge Rushing was sworn into office he became ineligible to participate in any partisan events, clubs, or political party activities by Florida State Statutes. Shortly after his appointment, Judge Rushing's wife, Mia, emerged on the local political scene, throwing herself into activities like the Nature Coast Federated Republican Women's organization and fund raising for Republican candidates. Mrs. Rushing has a guest column in the Hernando Today to occasionally to voice her opinion on what she perceives as political facts. Mia Rushing's articles clearly outline her right wing conservative point of view. Keeping in the spirit of the family, Timothy Rushing, the offspring of Mr. and Mrs. Rushing, is now a political cartoonist for the Hernando Today. Timothy cartoons have been what one would call equal opportunity cartoons, with arrows being flung to both sides of the isle. For example, his cartoons have attacked Rose Rocco, Democratic candidate for county commission, as well as sitting Republican county commissioner, Jeff Stabins. Ms. Rocco was portrayed as a puppet of Diane Rowden and as a unveiled rat in another cartoon. Timothy Rushing's cartoons have advocated the over throw Jeff Stabins several times. In fact, the cartoon in yesterday's paper depicted the demise of Jeff Stabins in the 2008 election. It will be interesting to see if these ominous caricatures of local political figures by Timothy Rushing include his father, Stephen, when he runs for re-election. Tip O'Neal coined the phrase that all politics are local which has proved to be true in many ways. Local politics usually begin in the home, and this is how the phrase "kitchen table politics" was labeled during the Clinton administration. Keeping it all in the family with the non-partisan judge, the political activist, and the equal opportunity political cartoonist. What a wonderful country we live in where someone can have his cake, and eat it too!

Big time

The local Bandshell Bash made the big time by winning the 2006 Roy F. Kenzie Cultural Enhancement Award. This award was presented to Brian Brijbag, on behalf of the city of Brooksville, at the Florida Redevelopment Association Conference in Miami yesterday. Brian was quite gracious when accepting this recognition, stating that this was truly a community award for the efforts of the Bandshell Bash committee, the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, and all the local businesses and individuals that participate in this monthly event. The Florida Redevelopment Association brings together professionals involved in preserving Florida communities, and their main goal is urban revitalization. It was fabulous that our town was recognized for the achievements of these fine folks. Congratulations to all the hardworking individuals that make the bandshell Bash a success each month!

Poll has Ginny at 56%

WFLA TV was the sponsor of Survey USA Election Poll for the 5th Congressional District. This poll was conducted September 17-19, with pollsters contacting 1000 individuals. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite held a substantial lead with 56%, with John Russell (D) trailing far behind at 40%, with 4% still undecided. If you would like to check out the complete breakdown of this survey, click on the attached link: http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=e9237405-b939-4780-b77f-6fbb050672e4

Real change of pace

This afternoon, my husband and I had a real change of pace from our usual brown bag lunch. We attended a concert in the park on Ft. Dade which was sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. As we munched on a catered lunch from a local restaurant, we listened to the music of Nova Era. This 3-piece combo played classical music with a modern upbeat tempo. The group's members were dressed in Victoria costumes, included the white powdered wigs of that era. About 75 people had gathered on the lawn to casually eat lunch and enjoy the music of Nova Era. The participating restaurants were Mallie Kylas Cafe, Main Street Eatery and the Sunrise Cafe. What a nice way to spend our lunch time. Thanks go out to Linda Anderson, treasurer of the HCFAC, who worked so hard to organize this event.

Health Fair

Make sure that you mark your calendars for the annual Hernando County Health Fair that will take place on October 28th, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., at the Elk's Club on SR50 (not far from the parkway). This free health fair is being sponsored by Oak Hill, Brooksville, and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals, along with the Hernando County Health Department. The health department will be administering flu shots for $25.00. Professionals will be on site to answer your health care questions.

IMP-PAC

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite has been endorsed by IMP-PAC. IMP-PAC is under the umbrella of the organization, It's My Party, Too. Christine Todd Whitman, the former governor of New Jersey, and former a member of President Bush's Cabinet for Environmental Protection, founded "It's My Party, Too". This organization provides a place for moderate Republicans to reach out to one another and support those that believe in basic Republican principals of fiscal responsibility, engaged foreign policy, strong national defense, personal freedom and protecting our environment, without engaging in social conservative agenda.

NRA Endorsements

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has published their endorsement of candidates for the 2006 election cycle. Listed below are the NRA's candidates of choice:

• Charlie Crist /Governor
• Tom Lee / CFO
• Charles Bronson / Commissioner of Agriculture
• Bill McCollum / Attorney General
• Katherine Harris / US Senate
• Ginny Brown-Waite / US House of Representatives

For the latest in NRA election news related information, please visit their website at www.nrapvf.org

Skipping the election?

If you are contemplating the thought of skipping this election, and not casting your ballot on November 7th, please consider the following quote by Sara Brady, "This is the opportunity we've been waiting for." Senator Charles Shumer (D) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D) are masterminding a campaign to overturn the pro-gun majority and here is just a small taste of what may be in store for us:

• Federal Arsenal License: to possess more that 20 firearms a special $300 "federal arsenal license" will be required along with law enforcement approval and extensive background check
• To get the "arsenal license" you have to allow home inspections by BATFE agents 3 times a year
• Small caliber pistols and revolvers would be banned
• Ammunition determined to be non-sporting would be banned & magazines could only hold six rounds
• Waiting periods and gun rationing would take place with a national 7-day wait period
• Registration combined with fingerprinting, fees, and fire safety courses, to obtain two year licenses

Former President Ronald Reagan said it best, "You won't get gun control by disarming law-abiding citizens. There's only one way to get real gun control: disarm the thugs and the criminals, lock them up, and if you don't actually throw away the key, at least lose it for a long time".

Citrus County Forum

Last night I attended a forum at the Citrus County National Guard Armory to hear the judicial and congressional candidates. This standing room only event was hosted by Citrus County Chronicle and firm rules were implemented to insure all the candidates were given a fair opportunity to make their presentations without being heckled by the audience. The audience did its best to comply with rules by using signs to make a point instead of heckling the opposition candidates. The judicial candidate's from Hernando County were Jeff Kirk and Daniel Merritt, Jr. who both gave a 5 minute presentation to introduce themselves to Citrus County voters. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite did a dynamic job with her statements, along with giving in-depth answers to questions asked by the panel. Our congresswoman gave clear, precise answers for the comprehensive energy bill passed by the House; why veterans should support her in this election; and her firm position on the illegal alien problems facing this country. Mr. Russell used his time to personally attack Mrs. Brown-Waite and then danced around the questions. Although the audience was packed, the support was obvious for Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite by the sea of waving signs. Just a note that I thought was interesting about the Citrus County election is that they elect their mosquito control directors by district and the pay is $4,800 a year...

Public service announcement

I received this public service announcement from Senator Paula Dockery's office this afternoon and thought you might find it helpful in case of an vehicle accident:

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles now offers an emergency contact information registration. The idea being that if you are ever in an accident and are injured and unable to speak the officer will be able to type your driver's license number into his computer and, if you have registered your emergency contact information on the DHSMV website, they will be able to pull up your contact information immediately. By having access to this information at the accident site they will be able to save time if you are seriously injured by being able to contact someone who can make decisions about your care.

The link below will direct you to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer