Letters to the Editors

Hernando County responds well to emergencies

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 24, 2001

Editor: The purpose of this letter is to agree with the man who wrote a letter to your paper about Hernando County's response to emergencies.

Last year, our firm was asked to assist Hernando County with a sinkhole problem on Mariner Boulevard in Spring Hill. Our firm has assisted different agencies around Florida as well as other states. In most cases, we are called into an emergency situation and everyone is arguing about who will handle what portion and who will be the boss. This was not the case with Hernando County.

The professional manner in which everyone cooperated was amazing. We were very impressed with the response of Hernando County. The emergency management team was very professional, and had the most critical items under control. The Department of Public Works, managed by Ralph Wirsching and Charles Mixson, was outstanding. The Red Cross, as well as the Salvation Army, earned our respect very fast with their kind hands. Mike Morgan and his skilled team of Spring Hill Fire Rescue personnel were outstanding. Some local companies, like Keys Concrete and LRE Ground Services, were on-site within an hour after receiving the first phone calls.

The press did not see or either ignored this professionalism. My wife and I live in this county and do appreciate the organization and response to calls for help.

We have been called out at various times of the night due to possible sinkhole-related problems, and there is always assistance available from emergency management on hand as well as the building department. We are proud to have had the opportunity to assist with such an organized county government.

Our firm provides subsidence-related lectures and demonstrations around the state and around the country for government agencies, as well as colleges, and we always use Hernando County as an example of excellence. Give these folks a pat on the back before we lose them to other counties.
-- Art Dillman, All Coast Engineering Inc.

County commissioners neglect long-term development

Editor: Sixteen years ago, I bought into Hernando County when I relocated my family and business here. For the betterment of our community, I have continuously served on many boards and committees, including the chamber of commerce, the Economic Development Commission, the tourism council and the Hernando County Manufacturers Association.

In the July issue of Tampa Bay's The Maddux Report, an article referring to Hernando County as a "paradox" leaves readers wondering if county officials have any common sense when they ignore economic development within their own community. A survey prepared by the University of Florida was referred to, and everyone reading this magazine was told that based on the information provided in this survey, Hernando is "not such a wonderful place to work."

The county's six-month battle over what to do about the Economic Development Commission was referred to as a negative factor. Maddux readers were informed that "to no one's surprise . . . one of the main flaws in the county's future economic development plan is that the county doesn't have one." What will it take to get commissioners to buy into Hernando County?

After years of hard work and dedication as one of the many volunteers working to bring new business to Hernando County, all our efforts are flushed down the drain by the commissioners' radical decision to eliminate economic development, the University of Florida survey, and a Maddux Report informing the world that the "rancorous debates continue and the matter remains unresolved." Perhaps the commissioners' final answer wasn't the right one.

As our county government continues to grow, more and more taxes will need to be collected. Without the additional tax revenues from the business community, this burden would fall on the shoulders of every residential taxpayer.

The elimination of the EDC has left many community activists in shock, and dismayed by the lack of business leadership.

When the Board of County Commissioners made a decision and then found out that they made a mistake, what do you think they should have done? I believe that their first priority should have been to take immediate action. In this case, an expert consultant was contracted (for $76,000) and provided the county with information to determine what we need. Which, by the way, turned out to be what we already had, a public/private partnership.

How much longer will it be before we receive an award for the "lack of vested interest in the long-term growth, development and desirable outcomes for the area?"

How many more articles will be written telling new business to stay away?

Of course, the burden of re-engineering economic development should not fall solely on the shoulders of the county commissioners. In our community, there are many that can come forward, and now is the time to lend their expertise.

Together we can build the pride we once had as a community and make this a showcase for businesses to relocate and flourish.

What will it take to get commissioners to buy into Hernando County?

I publicly challenge the commissioners to set a deadline for completion of an economic development plan. I can no longer sit idly by, waiting and wondering if, or when, someone will take the lead. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get our county's economic development plan back in place.
-- Gus Guadagnino, Joni Industries

Little Leaguer's father reaffirms belief in parents

Editor: First of all, I want to thank all those who contacted me expressing concern for my well-being after the ball-field incident. The prayers and well-wishes were very much appreciated. I am fine and was back to work the next day, a little bruised and embarrassed, but feeling fine.

A special note of thanks to the EMTs from Spring Hill Fire Rescue, as well as the wonderful doctors, nurses and medical support staff at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. We are fortunate to have such professional health care in this county.

Although the story focused on the baseball hitting me, the real story should have been about the immediate parental responsibility expressed by the Little Leaguer's father. Without knowing the extent of my injury, he "stepped up to the plate" and admitted culpability on behalf of his son's accidental pitching the ball my way. In today's world, when we hear so much about the lack of parental responsibility, this dad's unconditional ownership of the situation was refreshing.

Long after my black eye heals, I will still be grateful for this incident because it restored my faith in today's parents.
-- Sen. Ginny Brown-Waite, Florida Senate, District 10

Proposed raise still leaves Hernando deputies underpaid

Editor: At first glace, Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent's proposal of an increase of 18 percent in the lowest pay levels appears to be excessive. However, the reality is that Hernando County sheriff's personnel salaries are not competitive with our neighboring communities. For example, even after an 18 percent increase, Hernando County will remain well below their fellow deputies in Pasco County.

Presently, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is a well-trained and effective agency. Their response to citizens' calls is excellent. Their efficiency was recently recognized when Hernando County became a fully accredited law enforcement agency. Only 30 percent of Florida's agencies have achieved these standards.

To maintain these high standards, the Sheriff's Office must be able to recruit the high caliber individuals that are required in law enforcement agencies. In addition, the office must be able to retain the personnel that have been trained and are experienced and thoroughly know the community they serve. This is difficult when a deputy can cross County Line Road and enjoy a 20 percent pay increase in Pasco County.

As it is now, inadequate salary is impacting recruiting and will certainly affect the ability to retain individuals presently serving Hernando County. Loss of experienced people will certainly impact the excellent response and service we now receive from the Sheriff's Office.

We would urge the residents of Hernando County turn out to support Sheriff Nugent's proposal to the Hernando County Commission at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 26.
-- The executive board of SHARP Crime Watch

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