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It's time for ideas, from your mouth to lawmakers' ears

Residents and officials each can have three minutes to spell out their concerns Tuesday.

By GARRETT THEROLF
Published October 30, 2005

They'll come asking for state dollars, new legislation and support for social services. And for two hours, the petitioners will have Pasco's state lawmakers listening.

The Pasco County Legislative Delegation will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Pasco-Hernando Community College Performing Arts Center at the west campus in New Port Richey, and the message is out for everyone - from schools to nonprofits to concerned or just curious residents - to come calling.

"It's the grass roots people coming out and talking about their issues. This is their chance to tell us what to do during session," said Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

Already on the speakers list is Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino, who is expected to speak on behalf of school funding and a local bill that affects Penny for Pasco funds, said Summer Robertson, an aide to the delegation chairman, Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Jerry Calhoun, Port Richey city manager, will speak against a local political action committee's drive to disband the city.

Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning will speak on behalf of potential changes to election laws.

Officials and ordinary residents alike will be allowed to speak for three minutes apiece, until the two hours are up, Robertson said. Sens. Fasano, Tom Lee and Victor Crist will attend. Also expected are Reps. Bilirakis, Tom Anderson, Rich Glorioso, Ed Homan, John Legg, Ken Littlefield and David Russell.

Garrett Therolf covers Pasco County government. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6232 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6232. His e-mail address is gtherolf@sptimes.com

[Last modified October 30, 2005, 01:13:18]