Today's Letters: A good lesson in government

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published August 30, 2007

No one will ever mistake me for being a shrinking violet when it comes to publicly expressing my negative feelings toward our abhorrent property tax system and skyrocketing homeowners insurance rates. However, I do believe that, if I can take the time to criticize, it's equally important that I put forth an effort to give compliments when they are justly earned.

I, along with a few of my Silverthorn neighbors, had the opportunity to complete the County Connections course that is offered free of charge by our Hernando County government. The one-night-a-week lecture series, which ran for 10 weeks, far exceeded our expectations.

Attendees were introduced to the inner-workings of most of our county government departments. Those making the presentations included county commissioners, the county administrator, department heads and their assistants, circuit and county judges, and others associated with various county and state volunteer programs. During these lectures we were given a wealth of information regarding departmental budgets, staffing, current and future projects, etc., plus an amazing amount of collateral material to take home for our review and records.

The lecturers openly discussed their successes and problems. Following each presentation, they allocated time for us to ask questions and our consensus seemed to be that they responded to our questions in a forthright and honest manner.

So, to the county employees and all others who participated in this learning experience, thank you. And, to Brenda Frazier, the Hernando County Community Relations Coordinator who organized this program, I say, "well done."

I understand the county offers this program twice a year; whether you are an advocate or critic of our county government, it is well worth taking.

Tom Woods, Brooksville

Residents want cuts in spending

I attended the Government Gone Wild" seminar Aug. 24 and I must say I was impressed by the size of the crowd and the presentation by Blaise Ingoglia. One thing permeates these seminars: People want lower taxes and they want government to slow down the spending frenzy.

There seems to be a groundswell from Tallahassee and throughout Florida's 67 counties, and we should not forget who really started the "lower taxes fever" - our own Linda Hayward. Months ago, she started the petition drive for lower taxes, collecting over than 11,000 signatures, and the fever became contagious.

Mr. Ingoglia did some research and prepared a slide presentation. Although some critics may say Ingoglia's data may not be totally accurate, one glaring conclusion comes shining through: Government spending has been excessive, salary increases greatly exceed the CPI, and our county organization is top heavy.

I enjoyed Ingoglia's presentation. He is a good salesman and a local businessman.

Our county administrator and Commissioner Rose Rocco were in attendance. I hope they came away with the knowledge that the attendees want a leaner government and lower taxes.

Nick Morana,Spring Hill

A nod to utility's quick response

My wife and I are compelled to write a letter of thanks to Withlacochee River Electric Cooperative. Lightning struck a transformer Sunday afternoon. We called, a person answered, and within a half-hour two men came and replaced the transformer. Our power was restored in less than an hour.

Everyone at my house was impressed with how efficiently this was handled. Thank you, Withlacoochee River Electric, for a job well done.

Roland Brassard, Weeki Wachee

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 20:59:16]