Voters Beware

It seems less important whether a candidate for Hernando County Commissioner is politically aligned with the Republican or the Democratic Party than it is for any of them to get elected any way possible. It seems a recurring epidemic to find one or more political hopeful to not only switch political affiliation but to move from one District to another to better the prospects of victory. One or both of these tactics may eventually give the person a victory as long as they have taken residency prior to election day, although the requirement for eligibility relies not so much on where they may live since the countywide vote determines the winner.

In a county this size, still with many longtime residents, it’s important the contender has sufficient supporters to prompt other acquaintances to get out and vote. Having met requirements necessary to have their names placed on the ballot might suggest validation for their cause to succeed in their bid for election, but it’ll take more than just a handful of door-to-door to claim a victory celebration.

Observing the general turnout at commission meetings, demographics plainly indicate those 55 and older are the sections of the electorate that candidates will target to gain support. Such a shortsighted assumption should lead directly to defeat. Attracting young adults and middle-age parents should be of greater importance since their futures, and that of their children, will be greatly affected beyond the all-consuming debate on property taxes. Jobs for themselves and future generations should be a drawing card for family-friendly voters.

Apathy among voters doesn’t provide a positive future. It suggests candidates may simply pocket votes that are easily attained. They should be out there to reach out and touch all voters’ hearts and minds.

Stable, upward-moving employment opportunities in Hernando County must be a priority. Construction, lawn maintenance and retail jobs have limited futures, especially in a shaky economic atmosphere. Talk of broadening the base of manufacturing and technical jobs is cheap. Empty words shortchange the need for action, and yet these same concerns are repeated time and again. Are all candidates inept at addressing the needs of, not only workers, but the County as well? A broader tax base is but a dream away but politics leave our leaders catatonic.

A major drawback to attracting larger businesses to the county is the lack of communication facilities. AT&T and Bright House aren’t likely to lay cable without the prospect of financial gain. They’re not likely to make poor investments when there are profitable markets to harvest elsewhere. Call it a case of the chicken and the egg, but it still has to be topic of immediate concern.

Another perennial topic is the need for “affordable, workforce housing”. Community business leaders talk about it, County Commissioners make reference to it, but there’s no honest effort to address the issue. I hadn’t realized it until recently but there’s an echo from local to state government that reverberates through the air and reaches deaf ears somewhere out there in deep space. If extraterrestrials understood our language, there wouldn’t be any more action on their part than there is down here on Earth.

It’s too easy for political hopefuls to center their campaigns on high profile topics, such as the perceived excessive monetary compensation given to department heads. Candidates who have made this and similarly obvious issues a basis of attracting votes should keep in mind they may have already put themselves at odds with professional county employees. What degree of camaraderie can be expected with existing department heads after criticizing them for their excessive pay scales and their supposed inadequacies at performing their duties responsibly?

I’ve witnesses both smiley-faced and nasty-toned citizens, including candidates for County Commissioner, moan and groan about how the Board mismanages time, money and county resources. They’re all for show and don’t necessarily deserve voter approval from any quarter. They’re a dime a dozen, a pretty cheap denomination.

How do local business leaders perceive the candidates? Voters must be assured there will be harmony among all decision makers in Hernando County. Respect among professionals can bring thoughtful dialogue and positive change for the future.

Everyone says the county must reign in expenses. Rather than harping on the negatives that have resulted in the current economic shortfalls, candidates will have to demonstrate leadership abilities with specific resolutions they plan to integrate in their election platforms. Maybe this was a good-feel, good-time community in the past but serious leadership is called upon to bring Hernando County out of the shadows of Tampa.

Perhaps incentives for attaining the commissioner job has less to do with providing the community with dedicated service as it is about the financial compensation nearing twice the income of the average worker in Hernando County. The pay and benefits are well above most other employment opportunities in the county.

I am decidedly in doubt of candidates with backgrounds in construction, real estate and property insurance. Hernando County doesn’t need more thoughtless growth. My faith in their abilities to avoid cronyism within their professions goes far beyond their assurance of being ‘a nice guy’. It has to be more than a popularity contest.

There are plenty of subdivisions-in-waiting to accommodate residential growth for the next twenty years. Nine hundred and ninety-none homes here, one thousand fifty homes there and more along the west side of Hernando County is quite enough. Eventually, the County and the State will have to realize that continued residential development is no longer the wisest course to travel.

My expectations for the primary and general elections have a voter turnout unlike any in the past, which is very unlikely. A worst-case scenario would be a slim victory in any politic race; it would indicate a perception that the political winners are as inept as the other candidates.

Hernando County doesn’t need any more fogies to govern its future. Qualifications for County Commissioner are not demanding. No college necessary. A high school diploma might be preferred but the resume may as well indicate “self-educated”. A criminal record may not even keep a prospective candidate from running for political office.

A youthful, well-mannered, conservative resident may find a following if he/she relates well with a broad range of civic groups. With common sense, community involvement, family values, communication skills, and a personality that is unquestionably honest, there must be at least one young adult who could bring a fresh, new outlook to the attributes of Hernando County.

Enough of the same old buddy, buddy attitude of local politics. It is the young who inherit the past. It is they who thrive in the present. It is they who should bring their own futures to reality. It is we who must trust in youth, as they have placed trust in us.

An electrifying Christmas

As I travel along Cortez Boulevard toward Commercial Boulevard, there is a display of Christmas cheer that is impossible to avoid. The bright lights adorning the front of the Withlacoochee River Electric Company is a sight to behold. I would venture to say it must be the grandest of all decorated properties in Hernando County.

Although I have yet to make my yearly trip around the neighborhoods boarding Mariner Boulevard, I would be in shock to see a consumer’s yard and home with such a grandeur of sparkling Holiday pageantry. Soon I will travel the roads to place considerate judgment for originality, religious content, picturesque prominence and even chintzy distinction.

There won’t be a formal awards ceremony, just a mental gratitude for the time and festive showmanship of families presenting their joy of the season. I won’t think less of those homes without the need to join the parade of commercialism. It may involve finances, religious beliefs, the frailty of the human body or mind, or a multitude of other reasons, including respectful thoughts of the use of fossil fuels that cause global warming.

These written words are filled with labels and categories but that’s the trait of mankind.

As I pass the sights in front of the WREC, I have thoughts that question the use of a company that may make use of corporate profits that glorify the use of fossil fuels, but it’s the thoughtfulness of the season that justifies the glitz and glamour of the Christian Holiday to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I tour the streets of Spring Hill with friends on Christmas Eve to relish the sights of Christmas present, I yearn to also hear the tunes of carolers to grace the night.

I leave with the hope of love, happiness and goodwill to all.

My favorite wish this time of year is Joy to the World.

A Giving Habitat

I wish to give my thanks to Rep. Robert Schenk for the assistance he gave in identifying the proper channel to assist a friend with numerous medical challenges caused by undiagnosed diabetes. The good deeds were provided by Hernando-Pasco Hospice, which also serves the needy in Citrus County.

A year ago, while taking a morning walk in an adjoining neighborhood, a gentleman kindly waived and asked if I would be willing to bring his newspaper to him from the end of his driveway, which had a 30-degree grade. As requested, I handed the paper to him as he sat in a wheelchair; his left leg had been amputated above the knee. It had taken 2 ½ hours for someone to accommodate that simple request. He explained how five other people had ignored him. They were apparently assuming any help would result in further intrusions in their lives. Some of these people were long-time neighbors who were well aware of his handicaps.

Since that day, we have become the best of friends. My repeated offers of further assistance were refused because of his fear that he would be imposing on me to the point where yet another person would shun him. I assured him that would not be the case, but he was adamant about his decision. He is determined to be self-sufficient.

This past December he entered the hospital for surgery on his neck due to herniated disks. The operation went well but while in recovery he had a heart attack that required a triple-bypass. During this same period of time, his right foot became infected, requiring partial removal of the heel, further threatening his well being and creating another challenge in his life.

Until last month, Joe had never allowed himself to ask for assistance. Due to the development of gangrene of his right foot, Joe asked me for emotional support to a doctor’s visit for an evaluation. His fear was valid and I was pleased he was able to overcome his tendency to go it alone. Joe was adamant that he would not lose his remaining foot, or leg, yet he knew the consequence.

An MRI indicated a catheterization might save the leg. To date, it has proven to be a saving factor for his life. Through all of this, which all began two years ago; he has not been able to acquire a power wheelchair. My eventual impatience on the matter led me to writing a letter to Rep. Schenk, which resulted in a call from his office let me know Pasco-Hernando Hospice would be in contact.

Later that same day, I received a call from Hospice asking specific information and explained that, since Joe is not eligible for Medicare until next year when he turns 65, doctors are often faced with too many obstacles to convince an insurance company to provide such expensive healthcare equipment.

Today, Joe not only has an electric wheelchair but also a hospital bed to give him long-awaited ease of comfort. Hospice also rearranged some furniture to accommodate the equipment. After the first night in the luxury of the bed, Joe had the brightest smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He had gotten seven hours of solid, restful sleep that his conditions had robbed him of over these past 48 months.

Again, I thank Rep. Schenk for his time, understanding and action on this personal matter. Of course, Hernando-Pasco Hospice actually fulfilled the needs, and in such a timely fashion, that they receive my ultimate appreciation.

Hospice is a non-profit organization that offers a multitude of programs, including bereavement assistance for teens and adults experiencing traumatic events in their lives. Each hospice is independent and may offer different services than others. They rely on donations and volunteers to fulfill their objectives of assistance. No fees are incurred for the needy. Jane Freeman, Director of Public Relations at Hernando-Pasco, expressed her open arms address any group that would like further information on its services. Various locations are printed in the phone book.

As to the fateful newspaper delivery that affected Joe’s and my lives? Diabetes has taken a toll on yet another bodily function. His eyesight is failing him but his life is richer for the gifts bestowed on him.

HOG ISLAND

Hog Island. It is part of the Withlacoochee State Forest on the west coast of Florida, about 40 miles north of Tampa. The island is on the Withlacoochee River in Sumter County in an area of the state that still has a rural setting. I live about thirty miles to the southwest in Spring Hill, an unincorporated town in Hernando County. Within a half hour I can be at the trailhead at the Hog Island Recreation Area.

The park offers the most basic of amenities. Three picnics tables and restrooms at an adjoining camping area, which typically requires a reservation but so few people visit the site to warrant the need. The Hog Island Nature Trail offers a bit of a jaunt along a typical hammock trail found nearly everywhere in Florida. Sand and leaves cover the path under towering trees, giving the affect of entering a tunnel on a passage to an unknown destination. There’s very little else to offer, although there’s plenty of solitude, a clear view of the night sky and an abundance of nature.

Hog Island had a profound affect on me on the first visit. Things were not as I had expected. You’d think the first thing I would have noticed would have been the boat ramp but there weren’t any boats or trailers to be seen. There’s no river traffic whatsoever; no outboard motor boats; no rowboats. Although a vehicle drove into the park with a kayak securely positioned on the car top while I was there, it was seen heading out of the park a few minutes later. It’s sad to think this location is still considered part of the Florida State Canoe Trail as stated on the state's website.

At some point in time, cement bags had been placed along the bank of the river, piled up to eight high to stem the erosion caused by tons of water flowing and splashing along the shore. I imagine the sight of a little girl dangling her feet in the cool water with mom right next to her, concerned about the river’s current. Father and son might have been preparing to launch a boat for a day in the sun, taking the time for the family to escape the usual distractions of daily living. Mom would have planned a picnic with a cooler filled with ice to keep soda pop cold and sandwiches fresh. Chips and other carefree foods would be in a waterproof carry bag along with napkins, paper plates and eating utensils for the day’s lunch. A smaller bag could have been filled with suntan lotion, hats, a camera, and maybe some hair clips for the girls. Of course, the guys would have had their fishing poles and a tackle box with more than enough lures and flies to attract the main course for the night’s dinner. An inner tube could have given the older kids their own little share of adventure, treading water within sight of the boat, yet at a respectable distance to validate their claim of independence to younger children.

Of course, none of these events were happening on my visit. There are no hogs; there is no island. I feel certain at one time both existed but there’s no information plaque to tell me the history of the site or what lead to the demise of a vibrant body of water. A fellow nature enthusiast that I met on a day at Hog Island told me the water level had been falling for some ten years, when they had moved to the area to escape the density of Tampa.

This was about the time when Spring Hill experienced its first wave of growth with people moving to escape the increasingly congested affects of development in other parts of the state. Spring Hill now has 92,00 residents, which is more than half the census of the county. It’s quite easy to conclude that these new homes and subsequent subdivisions have made water levels of lakes and rivers progressively lessen. County officials say the lack of rain has caused the water levels to decrease throughout the area. I have to rationalize that as the water level fell, the hogs had found their freedom.

The boat ramp has long since lost its intended use. At the end of the ramp, the riverbed is exposed with but a small stream of water, easily crossed with a single step. My imagination has to create events as they might have been because, from the view I have, there’s little visual evidence to tell the story of what lead to the sad state of the river.

The Nature Trail is well marked and travels a path whose design takes a structured route to avoid areas that had been part of a swamp. It’s no longer necessary to follow the trail because there’s no water above the banks; there’s no swamp. Therefore, walking along the bank of the river is an easy route to follow, giving way to an enjoyable view of the nature at hand. Going a little north, it’s easier to see the breadth of the river as it once was. A simple understanding of geology gives rational understanding when viewing the distant bank, easily displaying two drastic changes in water levels, with a third marker in progress to illustrate the continuing decline of a fresh water source.

It must have been quite an adventure at one time to spend the day at the river, but now an exposed bolder sits just beyond the center of the riverbed, about four and a half feet above the sand and another half foot buried beneath the very same sand. With a full volume of river water, the bolder would have been hidden from the human eye. In days gone by, it would have posed no danger to water traffic because of some 10 feet of water above it.

Today, a huge live oak tree stretches from one bank to the opposite side, the trunk split at the base, perhaps from shallow roots exposed to an environment foreign to its nature. There would have been a slow, progressive loss of its ability to survive. I look at the tree and imagine the lanky frames of teenagers sitting on the middle of the trunk, hanging legs over the side, splashing water at one another. The girls might be giggling and screaming in mockery of danger. Others would display the fearless attitude of youth by jumping in the river to leisurely float downstream a ways. The water would be quite cold, sending a minor shock through the body on the initial contact, but that’s the joy of anyone feeling the intensity of those 100-degree days of summer in Florida. It brings you back to life with exuberance for more of the same. At the end of the day, the body gives way to a sound and peaceful sleep, the result of exertion and a healthy exercise of muscles that leave the body temporarily drained of energy.

A little further upstream there are a few pockets of water, covering a little more of the riverbed, perhaps a foot deep, but sinking in the silt might bring the water level up to the knees. There’s another oak tree spanning halfway across the river, the roots totally exposed at the top of the bank. It looks as though someone had neatly carved the earth around the base of the tree, making it a casualty of the river’s demise. In times past, the tree would have created a barrier for the flow of water traffic but that concern has long been lost.

The couple I met while hiking along the river had fishing poles in hand. He questioned me for any information I might have about waterholes upstream for fishing, which I didn’t. She stopped for a minute to answer my inquiry about what types of fish they were trying to catch. Her soothing, southern drawl made it a little difficult to understand but bream and blue gill were the answers I recognized. I hadn’t seen any pools of water deep enough to hold fish of any kind. It would take at least ten feet of water to bring the river back to the same depth it had been many years ago, beaming with a vast variety of water life.

It’s disturbing to accept the current conditions caused by the depleted water supply but, as a lover of nature, I have to make the best of the reality and use take in what remains before me. It’s still an adventure for me as I have yet to walk along the riverbed heading south. It’s just as well for me not to bother with the thought because a seven mile car ride to another segment of the Withlacoochee River south of Hog Island gives a sadder view than what I have already experienced. The River Trail on Croom Road is another misnomer; homes on the distance shore have docks exposed some fifteen feet above the current water level.

The drought conditions we’re experiencing offers little hope for the revival of any body of water but I can still be interested in the surroundings as they are, but with less pleasure. There are other hiking trails to enjoy that aren’t so blatantly unnatural to my senses but the fact of the matter will always be an item of concern to me. The only event that could regenerate the flow of water would be the torrential rains of a hurricane. I don’t hope for such a scenario but reality tells me I may very well experience such a sight. In the meantime, I’ll continue to appreciate the wonder of nature as it is. That’s my nature.

A Coastal Landing

The day after Thanksgiving is generally called “Black Friday”, rightfully named with the tons of greenhouse gas emissions on that day when Americans are out in hordes to take advantage of sales items for Christmas gifts.

To say the least, traffic is horrendous for those that brave the antics of less than friendly fellow drivers. Locally, there is a situation along Hwy 50 at Mariner Blvd that creates another hindrance to the intended goodwill of the Holiday season.

The day before Thanksgiving, my visiting brother in law and I ventured to Belks in the Coastal Landing Shopping Center for a discounted jacket that caught his eye among the Tribune’s inserts. As we were exiting at the east end, his immediate observation was the backup of vehicles. I was glad to hear someone else express my very same thought.

A mere 6 or 7 vehicles making a left turn blocks others from lining up to cross over to Wal-Mart or turn right on Hwy 50. While waiting, the view to the west is the vacant Whistle Junction building and its ugly existence. Drivers have plenty of time to ponder what type of business may eventually make traffic matters worse. The cost of wasted gas keeps cash flowing to OPEC rather than in the pockets of Hernando County consumers.

An additional lane, dedicated for drivers making a right turn on Hwy 50 would have made Coastal Landing a safer, more accommodating experience for shoppers to this grandest strip mall in town. My wisest of in-laws said the cost to move the post supporting the overhead traffic lights would cost in excess of $100,000. As an alternative I don’t understand why considerate planning couldn’t have provided access to and from Jacqueline Road to the north and/or Chambord Street eastward to Sunshine Grove, thus relieving traffic along Hwy 50. An opportunity lost.

At the west end, trying to make a left turn out of the inconvenient location of the K Store, or a left from the frontage road of the Coastal Landing parking lot, again puts driver’s patience to the test. Whether making a right, left or proceeding straight out of Walgreen’s doesn’t help matters. I am surprised there aren’t more accidents because of these situations.

Instead, I notice there’s another entrance-only driveway along Cortez. It’s just one more wlcome mat without a thankful exit.

A phrase that comes to mind are the infamous words of my dad, Robert Rae, when he made his opinion of such a state of affairs, “What a bugger”!


[12/29/2007 - I must correct some inaccuracies in this blog. There IS an entrance and exit at the east end of Coastal Landing connecting the parking lot with Chambord Street. There IS an entrance and exit at the east end of Coastal Landing connecting the parking lot with Jacqueline Road. An after-Christmas visit to Petco put the traffic situation in a different light. I doubt many people are aware of these conveniences. I also doubt that, although they alleviate some of the traffic woes, drivers will use these routes, partly because there are no signs to direct shoppers, but primarly because the majority of visitors will continue to enter and exit along Cortez, especially directly across from Wal-Mart.]

The Employment Section

A salary that earns $38,000 is a fair amount. Starting pay might be somewhat less, but there’s always the opportunity for pay raises if you excel at the job, your work ethic is exemplary and you’re Johnny-on-the-spot every day. Of course, the business would have to be something other than construction and real estate, at least for now. A career in banking might not offer security but longevity in any job has potential.

Those $38 thousand salaries are available, but it sure isn’t here in Hernando County. The average income in the county is about $28,000. The $10 thousand dollar difference is about 28% less. The thought immediately comes to mind that the cost of gas and wear and tear on the vehicle prohibits consideration. That higher salary covers workers in the Tampa Bay area, but not here.

The county claims that Tampa is just 40 miles and 40 minutes away. Realistically it’s about 60 miles from most locations and an hour’s drive.

Assuming a 5-day workweek and 120 miles roundtrip each day, the total is 600 miles per week, 2400 miles per month. At 20 mpg and $3 per gallon, gas would be about $360 per month, plus whatever upkeep necessary to maintain optimum vehicle performance. There is also the possibility of carpooling but rounding out total transportation costs, you might deduct about $4,500 from the salary increase.

Let’s say out of the extra $10,000 you have payroll deductions of 30%, or about another $3,000, which includes a contribution into a retirement account. That leaves about $2,500 to your take-home pay over a year’s time. Considering the traffic, weather conditions and other stresses and the extra time away from the family, that extra $200 per month may not be so attractive even if you may have better medical benefits. What’s a worker to do?

Low-paying jobs are a dime a dozen and bringing higher-paying career-oriented opportunities needs to be addressed for Hernando County workers. There are three County Commissioner seats up for voter selection less than a year from now and a primary election little more than a month away.

Voters should be asking candidates how they intend to bring better jobs with higher salaries to Hernando County. By now, they should already have ideas and strategies to propose; otherwise their main goal may be to secure the Commissioner’s part time job with a full time salary. By percentages, their $52-thousand annual pay is 45% more than the $28-thousand that the average wage earner is currently paid. Many don’t come close to that amount.

This is just one issue that deserves to be addressed before voters make their choices at the polls. Candidates may talk the talk. Actions speak louder than words. Money speaks loudest of all.

What’s a worker to do? This is a multiple-answer question. The answer is up to you.

A Primary Concern

As the days and weeks draw toward the January 29th primary election, incumbent county commissioners and those challenging those in office campaign strategies are sure to put every political aspirant at odds to formulate their individual thoughts on how to garnish the popular vote necessary to become the next nominee.

Locally, it seems less important which party the candidate has chosen to formed an affiliation. It appears there are times when a switch becomes a tactic to better suite the prospects for victory. Hopefully, those seeking a spot on the Board of County Commissioners have already positioned themselves in the district he/she intends to represent. Technically, the basis for eligibility has less importance concerning the residency issue because the countywide vote determines the eventual winner.

Every candidate will be hard-pressed to draw upon dedicated supporters to prompt as many voters as possible to make the selection that will result in their name on the general election ballot come November 2008. Having met the requirements necessary to have their names placed on the ballot suggests validation for their cause to succeed, but it’ll take more than a handful of door-to-door supporters garnish votes for a victory celebration.

Observing the general turnout at commission meetings, demographics plainly indicate those 55 and older are is the section of the electorate to gain support but is a shortsighted assumption that could easily lead to defeat. Attracting young adults and middle-age parents should be of greater importance since their futures, and that of their children, will be greatly affected beyond the property tax issue. Jobs for themselves and the prospects for the next generation should a drawing card for the civic-minded voter.

It is all too easy for political hopefuls to center their campaigns on the high profile concerns of what are deemed excessive monetary compensation for department head county employees. Figuratively speaking, the candidates inclined to make this issue a contention of importance are faced with two negative aspects: how could they, as commissioner, set guidelines for salary adjustments and still maintain the employment of these professionals, and what degree of camaraderie can be expected with the existing department heads after criticizing them for their perceived excessive pay scales?

Everyone says the county must reign in expenses. Rather than harping on the negatives that resulted in the current economic shortfalls, candidates will have to demonstrate leadership abilities with positive aspects on specific resolutions they will have integrated in their election platforms.

Perhaps incentives for attaining the commissioner job has less to do with providing the community with dedicated service as it is about the financial compensation nearing twice the income of the average worker in Hernando County.


For myself, I will be pointedly in doubt of candidates with backgrounds in construction, real estate and property insurance. My faith in their ability to avoid cronyism within their associated professions goes far beyond claims of being ‘a nice guy’. It has to be more than a popularity contest.

My expectations for the primary and general elections have a voter turnout unseen over the past several decades, although a worst-case scenario would be a slim victory; it would indicate a perception that the political winner may be as incompetent as any of the other candidates.