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Politics

Busy agenda awaits commission

By ASJYLYN LODER
Published January 18, 2007

After nearly a year at the helm of Hernando County, County Administrator Gary Kuhl has tried to counter the "negativity" that chased out his predecessor.

His determined optimism is evident on the agenda set for Friday's workshop with the County Commission. Perhaps not by accident, Kuhl included "positive management philosophy" in the first item up for review: County Staff Development.

Still, the most noticeable symptom of his optimism is the aggressive timing of Friday's agenda. The County Commission is scheduled to discuss staff development for just 10 minutes. There's 15 minutes to discuss the jail expansion, another 15 to discuss "Environment land acquisition" and 10 minutes for lunch.

"Ten minutes for lunch?" said Commissioner Diane Rowden. "Well, I guess I don't need lunch."

The five members of the board - none of them overly loquacious, but likewise none of them known for holding their tongues - have in all six hours to discuss utilities, county recreational facilities, budgeting matters, impact fees, road capacity, and what to do about county buildings and where to get the money for it.

Rowden stated the obvious: "We can talk as long as we want about anything we want to talk about."

New Commissioner Dave Russell said, "It's a pretty ambitious agenda, but it's an important step in addressing and resolving some of the monumental issues we're faced with."

It's a workshop meeting, so there's discussion but no voting.

Talk and no action? That's exactly how the county wound up overcrowded in its current offices while paying monthly maintenance on a vacant hospital for more than a year - at least if you believe the campaign rhetoric of Russell and fellow newcomer Rose Rocco.

But it's time to put those accusations aside, Russell said. "I would like to see what's happened in the past put behind us, and move forward in a positive way quickly."

Maybe it's just the postelection honeymoon, but Rowden agreed. This County Commission, she predicted, will work together in a bipartisan fashion, and not devolve into unproductive bickering and political posturing.

As she pointed out, even with a 3-2 margin favoring her Democratic colleagues, the board still unanimously elected a Republican chairman: Jeff Stabins.

Asjylyn Loder can be reached at aloder@sptimes.com or (352)754-6127.

IF YOU GO

On the agenda

What: The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop meeting to discuss issues like capital improvements, impact fees and roads. This is an informal meeting; no voting will take place.

When: Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Hernando County Utilities Administration Building, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville.

[Last modified January 18, 2007, 06:36:37]