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Politics
Penny for Pinellas extended to 2020
By WILL VAN SANT
Published March 14, 2007
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[Times photo: Dirk Shadd]
Volunteers hold up campaign signs Tuesday standing outside the Gulfport Recreation Center.
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CLEARWATER - With the majority of precincts reporting, the Penny for Pinellas sales tax appeared to have won the support of county voters Tuesday night. The vote in favor of the 1-cent-on-the-dollar tax will extend it from 2010 until 2020. County Administrator Steve Spratt said he was relieved but not surprised that the Penny had passed. "I was cautiously optimistic that we would prevail," he said. Spratt said Pinellas County and its residents would now enjoy "a decade of progress," thanks to their support of the Penny. Pinellas County and its 24 municipalities plan to use the estimated $2-billion in revenue for a range of infrastructure projects including new roads, public buildings, bridges and parks. Tuesday's vote came despite a rising antitax sentiment. In recent days the Penny has been a target of criticism from Gov. Charlie Crist, a Pinellas voter, who said local governments have more than enough revenue. Also coming out against extending the Penny was the leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who said more Penny money needs to go toward aiding the needy.
[Last modified March 14, 2007, 05:42:02]
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by Bob
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03/15/07 05:07 PM
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I hope that the Pinellas County Commissioners are not too quick to be overjoyed by the extention of the Penney for Pinellas tax. Yes the people have spoken but only 57% said yes, 43% said NO and only about half of the registered voters were involved
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by DE
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03/15/07 04:03 PM
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Now that the Penny has passed, get ready for a mess. There will be new county parks and new additions , but no money to hire new personnel, or money to maintain them.
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by John
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03/14/07 11:01 PM
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Now that we have this tax tucked away, it's time to let the Florida Legislature that we demand major tax relief. Time roll back property taxes & cap local spending. Rubio's 2.5% plan could solve everything at once. Contact your state legislature.
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by Drew Finn
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03/14/07 08:38 PM
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Guess they spent the day dancing in the offices of the "Dept. of Graft & Corruption" celebrating all that money to waste until 2020. Maybe we can expand the Pinellas Trail to Orlando now !! What's next ? How about "Nickels For Nonsense" ?? Whoopie!!
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by John
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03/14/07 04:14 PM
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JT - Have no fear! While we didn't have tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to support our cause, as the politicians did - we certainly haven't given up the fight. We'll be working to save your hard earned dollars for you, and put gov. on a budget.
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by JT
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03/14/07 12:19 PM
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Penny passed inspite of Spratt et al. Now where are all those angry anti-tax advocates. Went by city hall this morning and no protestors. Raise the voice to cut some programs. Start with Suncoast Transit. Privatize it and let riders pay the cost.
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by Larry
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03/14/07 09:29 AM
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These people, having not gone to the polls, have only themselves to blame as their elected pogs spent their money in the usual cavalier fashion established over the years
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by Reggie
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03/14/07 08:09 AM
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We the people got this right and are the real winners. The penny helps to keep our quality of life from eroding as more and more people move into Pinellas. I was concerned it might not pass. Thank you all who voted yes for a better Pinellas!
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by bill
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03/14/07 06:01 AM
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The voters know what's right. We must continue to move in a postive direction. Can't revert into the past. Good and needed projects will be funded. Taxes will continue to be a four letter word so is hope.
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