It appears the two candidates for Hernando County Commission District 1 agree on more issues than they disagree on. Considering that one, Jeff Stabins, is a Republican and the other, D.W. "Bill" Fagan, is a Democrat, their platforms are remarkably similar.
That is good news for voters because both candidates are zeroed in on key issues that probably will dominate the bulk of the winner's four-year term in office.
Fagan, 59, and Stabins, 44, both of Spring Hill, agree that smart growth management is the No. 1 challenge the county faces. Both agree impact fees should be raised on new construction, developers should pay more of the cost to improve the infrastructure needed to accommodate their projects, and both oppose amending the comprehensive growth management plan, which dictates where and how development may occur.
Both candidates also support continued funding of the county's public transportation system, THE Bus, and increasing the collection of recyclable materials.
And both promise to be fiscal conservatives who will scrutinize the budget and guard against unnecessary expenditures.
The differences in the candidates are subtle and lie in the approaches to reaching their goals.
On growth management, Stabins advocates a populist approach with his proposal to convene a diverse panel of residents to study and chart a course for the county's land-use and economic development future. Fagan discards that idea, alleging it would be a costly and time-consuming way to dodge making the difficult decisions residents rely on commissioners to make on their own.
If done properly, we favor Stabins' approach, because it guarantees that the opinions solicited will come from a cross-section of residents whose visions for the county are different, and gives voice to those who typically do not have the commission's ear.
Regarding spending, Fagan touts his background as a businessman and entrepreneur. He says his private sector experience gives him keener insight into the real-world complexities of financial management. Stabins, a schoolteacher, counters by reminding voters that he served as the representative of state House District 44 from 1992-1998, and that his know-how in setting public policy and budget priorities has prepared him better to be a commissioner.
Both make strong arguments, but we believe Stabins' tenure in the Legislature, his familiarity with making law and building consensus among other policymakers, and balancing the intricacies of government requirements with the expectations of constituents, gives him a decided edge.
The candidates are farther apart on the issue of curbside recycling. Fagan believes the service is reasonably priced and collections should be mandatory in the more densely populated areas of the county. Stabins wants to end mandatory curbside collections and return to the system of using strategically placed drop-off bins. He would supplement that effort with an educational program that would increase the emphasis on voluntary participation and enter into agreements with businesses and the school district. He believes that his plan could actually increase the amount of recycled materials the county collects and exceed the state-imposed requirements.
We disagree with Stabins' call to end mandatory curbside recycling. His ancillary ideas have merit, but they should be used to enhance, not replace, the successful existing program. That difference aside, we acknowledge that recycling, while important, is not the most crucial issue in this election. Better management of the county's growth and finances, along with the need for commissioners to view the long-term effects of today's policy decisions, remain the prime objectives.
On those crucial, overarching points, Stabins emerges as the most promising candidate in District 1. We recommend him to voters in the Nov. 2 general election.
OPPORTUNITY TO REPLY
Candidates who are not recommended by the Times are invited to respond. Replies for this race must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13. Replies are limited to 250 words.
Deliver to Jeff Webb, Editor of Editorials, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34613. Fax to 352 754-6133. E-mail responses to webb@sptimes.com
