The Opinion page of Hernando Today’s Thursday edition took a one-two-three punch at Barack Obama. Then there were the political cartoons that slapped him around a little bit more.
Cal Thomas, Doug Patton and Tad Rall wrote the opinionated words. Dana Summers and Chan Lowe drew the caricatures. Hey, these are all white guys! And people are to believe that going forward, regardless who is chosen the Democratic nominee, that racism won’t play a key role in the coming days, weeks and months as November 4th creeps up on American voters?
Get real! The R word is alive and kicking and Senator Obama has been instrumental in bringing this affront to our professed beliefs in a free society, and life and liberty and justice for all. No, Obama did not bring this situation, but it is his color alone that will bring embarrassment to this political season. In the eyes of the world, the United States of America is a nation of bigotry, less democratic than what it has been in the past.
There is no doubt that Barack Obama is proud to be an American. His wife misspoke words that were hastily interpreted by the media as un-American. People were eager to pounce on what Michelle Obama said even though the statement was undoubtedly meant to illustrate the pride she felt for her husband’s victories during the primaries. Barack’s supporters understood the message; her husband’s adversaries understood how they could easily put into doubt his patriotism.
When I got to the Opinion page, I saw the headlines in large lettering, printed in black, with the words “Barack”, “Obama” and finally “Barack Obama”. I vowed to ignore the writer’s words. I went on to Letters to the Editor, after which I set the paper aside to be recycled. Later, I eventually changed my mind to satisfy my curiosity as to their separate takes on the issue of what the Reverend Wright had said. None were much more than what I had anticipated. Historical facts appealed to my interest, not much else.
The message of the five opinionates was loud and clear. The media are often like the laughing hyena: snarling, lips drawn back, fangs prominent, ugly and vicious by nature. The piercing “laugh” can’t mask the dangers inherent with the creature. The message of the quintet was loud and clear. They were not wrong in presenting their views but each of them may have served us readers better by including what they foresee as a result of the Senator’s response to the outburst of Rev. Wright.
Perhaps we should thank the Reverend for his statement. He has brought to attention that when you mix the black of night and the white light of day, it creates the gray-tainted color of American psyche.
This is not good for Obama, but it may be what is needed for America to come to terms with its tainted reality of racism.
The columns that appeared are available at:
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2008/mar/19/barack-and-bigot/
and
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/dpatton/2008/dp_03171.shtml
and
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/13545
The political cartoons that appeared are available at:
http://www.comicspage.com/comicspage/main.jsp?file=20080317edsum-a-p.jpg&refresh_content=1&component_id=3&custid=69&catid=1176&dir=%2Fsummers
and
http://cartoonbox.slate.com/chanlowe/2008/03/17/
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Fasano Fizzles for Hernando County
Although it’s an interesting prospect, the very thought that a $25-million dollar manufacturing plant would be built in Hernando County seems to have come out of nowhere, as in a fairy tale. The annual pay scale of $45,000 to $50,000 makes you wonder if there’s a decimal point missing, making the figure $500 per week, which would bring more in line with jobs that pay little more than minimum wage.
The company, Coastal Caisson with its headquarters in Odessa, FL, is owned by the Bauer Group and makes industrial equipment for the oil industry. The company’s expertise lies with the design and construction of various foundations that can withstand the frigid temperatures of winters, the adverse environment of desert sand with temperatures in excess of 120-dgrees Fahrenheit, and the turbulent conditions of the salty seas.
The 200 jobs that the venture could bring to Hernando County would bring a windfall of opportunities of employment in a county too reliant on the limits of retail and construction industries. Public administration, i.e. local government, also has carries too big a share of employment for the county, as does transportation, utilities and hospitality services. Professional and business, and manufacturing are areas that need to be developed to take the county out of its humdrum, ho hum existence.
The prospects of being awarded what could possibly be a once-in-a-decade opportunity are slim, at best. The original site that Bauer is still considering is outside Houston, but Coastal Caisson and Pasco County economic development officials have brought interest to the area. Enterprise Florida is also playing a large role in promoting the manufacturing facility. With an excess of $400-million dollars in State funds to invest in local and regional economic development, eFlorida (http://www.eflorida.com/) will be a large force to bring the prospect to fruition.
Odds are that if any location were to be chosen in Florida, Pasco County would be given more serious consideration. Zephyr Hills and Lacoochee are just a few miles from Coastal’s headquarters in Odessa. Zephyr Hills is too much of a retirement community, somewhat restricted in possible locations. Lacoochee would be the most ideal site, in closer proximity to Odessa.
State Senator Mike Fasano, whose political endorsements favor Pasco and Pinellas Counties over Hernando and Citrus, has already contacted Governor Charlie Crist for his support of this business opportunity… in Pasco County.
There appears to be no rational reasoning as to how Brooksville has been placed among the possible sites for the 100-acre facility. The land is available, a realty group would be elated at the prospect but the existing infrastructure may not be accommodating.
It appears that Hernando County is destined to remain a bedroom community to take commuters to points outside the area. The best possible scenario would find qualified jobseekers in the area that could zip down the Suncoast Highway for the 30-mile trip for the higher paying positions. That is, if there are any qualified prospective workers here.
Another possible bright side would find those who might work at the proposed facility making their homes in Hernando County. As mentioned, the Suncoast is a prime commuter trail. The cost of living is more accommodating. There are many unoccupied vacant homes, some in bankruptcy, some that developers are willing to discount just to cut their losses before economic conditions worsen. Of course, there are also some 8,000 homes sites that have been approved in the past year at Hickory Hill, Sunrise and Lake Hideaway subdivisions.
At a time that is demanding of a broader tax base than at any other time in its history, Hernando County can only gawk, drool, lay back down and go back to sleep. Complacency among local government and business “leaders” puts their selfishness above what would be best for the overall economic development in the community. As time passes, the likelihood of anything other than increases in the number of residential housing and retail espousing grows exponentially.
Where does Hernando County go from this point in time onward? You might ask Senator Mike Fasano (District 11), Senator Paula Dockery (District 15), House Representative Robert Schenk (District 44), or House Representative Ron Schultz (District 43).
When you shake it all around and turn it upside down you will finally come to the realization that:
(a) The Largest Available Contiguous Parcel of Industrial Zoned Land in Hernando County is
The company, Coastal Caisson with its headquarters in Odessa, FL, is owned by the Bauer Group and makes industrial equipment for the oil industry. The company’s expertise lies with the design and construction of various foundations that can withstand the frigid temperatures of winters, the adverse environment of desert sand with temperatures in excess of 120-dgrees Fahrenheit, and the turbulent conditions of the salty seas.
The 200 jobs that the venture could bring to Hernando County would bring a windfall of opportunities of employment in a county too reliant on the limits of retail and construction industries. Public administration, i.e. local government, also has carries too big a share of employment for the county, as does transportation, utilities and hospitality services. Professional and business, and manufacturing are areas that need to be developed to take the county out of its humdrum, ho hum existence.
The prospects of being awarded what could possibly be a once-in-a-decade opportunity are slim, at best. The original site that Bauer is still considering is outside Houston, but Coastal Caisson and Pasco County economic development officials have brought interest to the area. Enterprise Florida is also playing a large role in promoting the manufacturing facility. With an excess of $400-million dollars in State funds to invest in local and regional economic development, eFlorida (http://www.eflorida.com/) will be a large force to bring the prospect to fruition.
Odds are that if any location were to be chosen in Florida, Pasco County would be given more serious consideration. Zephyr Hills and Lacoochee are just a few miles from Coastal’s headquarters in Odessa. Zephyr Hills is too much of a retirement community, somewhat restricted in possible locations. Lacoochee would be the most ideal site, in closer proximity to Odessa.
State Senator Mike Fasano, whose political endorsements favor Pasco and Pinellas Counties over Hernando and Citrus, has already contacted Governor Charlie Crist for his support of this business opportunity… in Pasco County.
There appears to be no rational reasoning as to how Brooksville has been placed among the possible sites for the 100-acre facility. The land is available, a realty group would be elated at the prospect but the existing infrastructure may not be accommodating.
It appears that Hernando County is destined to remain a bedroom community to take commuters to points outside the area. The best possible scenario would find qualified jobseekers in the area that could zip down the Suncoast Highway for the 30-mile trip for the higher paying positions. That is, if there are any qualified prospective workers here.
Another possible bright side would find those who might work at the proposed facility making their homes in Hernando County. As mentioned, the Suncoast is a prime commuter trail. The cost of living is more accommodating. There are many unoccupied vacant homes, some in bankruptcy, some that developers are willing to discount just to cut their losses before economic conditions worsen. Of course, there are also some 8,000 homes sites that have been approved in the past year at Hickory Hill, Sunrise and Lake Hideaway subdivisions.
At a time that is demanding of a broader tax base than at any other time in its history, Hernando County can only gawk, drool, lay back down and go back to sleep. Complacency among local government and business “leaders” puts their selfishness above what would be best for the overall economic development in the community. As time passes, the likelihood of anything other than increases in the number of residential housing and retail espousing grows exponentially.
Where does Hernando County go from this point in time onward? You might ask Senator Mike Fasano (District 11), Senator Paula Dockery (District 15), House Representative Robert Schenk (District 44), or House Representative Ron Schultz (District 43).
When you shake it all around and turn it upside down you will finally come to the realization that:
(a) The Largest Available Contiguous Parcel of Industrial Zoned Land in Hernando County is
0 acres
(b) The Largest Available Contiguous Parcel of Industrial Zoned Land in Pasco County is
260 acres
(c) 100 acres are required for the facility.
There is no more debate on the subject.
[ This blog entry is in response to an article titled "Brooksville Hopes to lure $25 million facility" written by Hernando Times Staff Writer Chuin-Wei Yap. To view this article that was printed in the March 21,2008, edition of the Hernando Times, please go to http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/article427459.ece. ]
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Joke
While attending one of the Hernando County Connection classes, before one of sessions began, someone asked Community Relations Coordinator and instructor, Brenda Frazier, why was Wiscon Road not named Wisconsin Road?
My intrusive manner suggested, "Because there is no sin in Hernando County."
My intrusive manner suggested, "Because there is no sin in Hernando County."
Friday, March 14, 2008
Rut Rage!
The first time I traveled on County Line Road I nearly freaked out when a truck, then a car, came zooming up on the tail end of my car. I thought for sure there was no way the driver could stop to avoid ramming into me as I sat stationery in traffic, waiting for a green light. I was relieved the accident didn’t happen but I was still alarmed as he, and other drivers, went on the side of the pavement onto the shoulder of the road. My vehicle shook from air displacement. It became clear that it was a frequently taken route as I noticed the well-worn ruts to the right of me.
It was not to my liking, with my decision to avoid the road in the future. I’d stood fast on the statement, saying the heck to each and every business along the road. No exceptions. I’ve since read that Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite has porked $479,000 of federal funding for expansion of County Line Road. That was just a couple months ago so my fear remain.
The same scenario now exists heading east on Cortez Boulevard from the Hernando Skin & Cancer Center to the right turn lane onto Mariner Boulevard. A truck, followed by a car, sped along a rutted path on the shoulder of the road. Shortly after, I was safely making my own right turn onto Mariner along with a couple other rational drivers.
I doubt there will ever be disciplinary action taken toward these traffic infractions any more than red-light runners are given citations. The best I can do is keep my anger in line until I arrive safely at home. Then I can let out my rut rage!
It was not to my liking, with my decision to avoid the road in the future. I’d stood fast on the statement, saying the heck to each and every business along the road. No exceptions. I’ve since read that Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite has porked $479,000 of federal funding for expansion of County Line Road. That was just a couple months ago so my fear remain.
The same scenario now exists heading east on Cortez Boulevard from the Hernando Skin & Cancer Center to the right turn lane onto Mariner Boulevard. A truck, followed by a car, sped along a rutted path on the shoulder of the road. Shortly after, I was safely making my own right turn onto Mariner along with a couple other rational drivers.
I doubt there will ever be disciplinary action taken toward these traffic infractions any more than red-light runners are given citations. The best I can do is keep my anger in line until I arrive safely at home. Then I can let out my rut rage!
Monday, March 10, 2008
DA Bus
DA Bus! DA Bus!
There’s nothing but controversy about nearly every action, or inaction, done by the Hernando County BOCC, although there is one exception – the invocation prior to public hearings and the honors, accommodations and acknowledgement of various do-gooders. It sweetens the tone of most other topics. It's the dessert before the main discourse.
In this instance, THE Bus is going through its latest round of condemnation, primarily by conscientious citizens looking for ways to get as much of THE Crap out of wasteful County Government liabilities. This viewpoint is selective in nature, inconsiderate of those who have a valid need for the service.
Elderly residents might be the primary benefactors of THE Bus, an important means for them to get to a doctor’s appointment, pick up a prescription, get groceries or visit a friend or relative. I’ll wager to it is the only option for many. Even though there may be an occasional “free ride” from a friend, neighbor or relative, the reliance on an offer can’t realistically be guaranteed. An illness, an emergency or car trouble would be valid reasons for the driver to find it unavoidable but to renege on the promise.
The poor person would, more than likely, suspect something other than honesty from the driver. An excuse or a lie might be an accusation. An upset, distraught reaction may accompany an emotional outburst with the words, “What am I gonna do?!!?” Tears and depression would be a sad result.
Case in point: elderly citizens must have reliable public transportation. They may also be among the number of indigent people of any age.
What of those who are in a situation that relies on THE Bus just to get to work? An employer isn’t likely to be understanding of repeated incidents of being late or a no-show. Lost wages would be bad in itself; the loss of the job is the ultimate result.
Not everyone can afford to own his or her own transportation. The expense of maintaining a car does nothing but increase; gasoline prices will forever more be in excess of three bucks a gallon and sure to rise.
There are a good number of people trying to get their lives back in respectable order after being cited for possession of drugs, driving while intoxicated or multiple traffic violations of various natures. Perhaps jail time has resulted from whatever infraction occurred. A person can’t get his or her life back in order if they have no means of transport. Again, getting to work is a primary cause of concern; making it to the appointed day and time to check in with a probation officer is paramount. THE Bus may be their last chance at social redemption.
Public transportation in any community is of necessity. Being realistic about the use of such a system determines the success with which it is operated. Somewhere along the way, Hernando County was poorly served with whatever needs-based assessments were used to evaluate the scope of validity of the service.
The size of THE Buses has proven to be a faux pas, a poor judgment in planning. When the number of riders are, at best, a handful, projections of use were way out of line. It's annoying to hear repeated stories telling the tale of two riders yet some residents have also issued concerns (complaints) that the schedules and routes are inadequate.
It appears federal, state and county grants and funding have been mismanaged.
This may be an often-suggested alternative to the current operation of THE Bus system but, under the circumstances, consideration should be given to downsizing, or rightsizing, the scope of providing public transportation.
Providing an appropriate transportation network should be centered on putting more cost effective vehicles on the roads. It makes sense to put in service mini-buses, more in the line of vans that would accommodate, perhaps, a dozen riders. The savings would be immense, the possibility of offering additional routes could follow. An ad campaign with a slogan of We’ll take you there!, coupled with existing commercial advertising would supplement a reasonable schedule of fares. If possible, existing buses could be leased out, or used for special events such as the County Fair.
Current routing doesn’t provide service along Elgin Boulevard, whereby it could be deemed a viable connector from Deltona eastward to Mariner. This could be incorporated to extend service on Deltona from Northcliffe to Cortez. The existing gap is very noticable. Another possible extension would be along Elgin Blvd/Powell Road to Broad Street. County Line Road has yet to be established a route.
Of course, whatever information I was able to obtain from the Web may not be current. At www.hernandobus.com the latest schedules (Blue, Red, Green and Brooksville Routes) were dated April 2, 2006 although on the same site there is information suggesting a revision of services were to be implemented April 2, 2007.
Keeping thing in perspective, the future importance of THE Bus in Hernando County could be brought to light by Commissioner Dave Russell.
Mr. Russell is a board member on a newly established mass transit initiative to establish connector routes along different corridors (connector routes) within Citrus, Hernando, Hillsboro, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties. It's more of an honorary position when consideration is given that whatever is to be for Hernando County will be long in coming - very long in coming. Not in our lifetimes.
[You may as well become familiar with the term CORRIDOR, as it has become an often-used word to enhance the meaning and impact of establishing new or improved routes. It is a buzzword for international, national, statewide and local future upgrades to established roads and planned roads alike.]
The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority is being funded with $20-million by the Florida Department of Transportation for technical assistance to that TBARTA can complete a Regional Transportation Master Plan with public engagement activities and early corridor studies. The Master Plan has a target date of July 1, 2009, to be presented to the FDOT.
In Hernando County, the corridors are Suncoast Parkway originating in Crystal River in Citrus County south to , and U.S. Highway 19 to Highway 50 into Brooksville. A new corridor shows a route from Brooksville to Dade City to Lakeland.
U.S. 41 is designated as a Freight Rail Corridor, which is just one of many routes along the tracks of CSX.
{Nowhere in these plans is there a reference to incorporate Highway 50 as a corridor from Hernando to Orange County. This route would be of greater impact than taking the simplistic view of Hernando continuously relying on Tampa for whatever growth opportunities may be allowed to come our way.}
Hernando County is destined to remain a melting pot of subdivisions and retail stores and the sooner everyone (including myself) accepts that fate, the sooner those who dislike this type of master planning will pick up and move elsewhere. Northeast Hernando County will take many years before it is engulfed with mass destruction by construction.
Facts, figures and much more information about TBARTA are available at www.tbarta.com.
So when you talk about THE Bus, we can expect Commissioner Russell to educate and keep Hernando County informed on what is in store with public transportation in Hernando County.
No one should expect THE Bus to come to a halt, although its full importance has yet to be realized.
Perhaps THE Buses can be stored for future use when transportation needs equal the degree of ridership. For now, DA Van appears to be a more appropriate means to meet current needs.
There’s nothing but controversy about nearly every action, or inaction, done by the Hernando County BOCC, although there is one exception – the invocation prior to public hearings and the honors, accommodations and acknowledgement of various do-gooders. It sweetens the tone of most other topics. It's the dessert before the main discourse.
In this instance, THE Bus is going through its latest round of condemnation, primarily by conscientious citizens looking for ways to get as much of THE Crap out of wasteful County Government liabilities. This viewpoint is selective in nature, inconsiderate of those who have a valid need for the service.
Elderly residents might be the primary benefactors of THE Bus, an important means for them to get to a doctor’s appointment, pick up a prescription, get groceries or visit a friend or relative. I’ll wager to it is the only option for many. Even though there may be an occasional “free ride” from a friend, neighbor or relative, the reliance on an offer can’t realistically be guaranteed. An illness, an emergency or car trouble would be valid reasons for the driver to find it unavoidable but to renege on the promise.
The poor person would, more than likely, suspect something other than honesty from the driver. An excuse or a lie might be an accusation. An upset, distraught reaction may accompany an emotional outburst with the words, “What am I gonna do?!!?” Tears and depression would be a sad result.
Case in point: elderly citizens must have reliable public transportation. They may also be among the number of indigent people of any age.
What of those who are in a situation that relies on THE Bus just to get to work? An employer isn’t likely to be understanding of repeated incidents of being late or a no-show. Lost wages would be bad in itself; the loss of the job is the ultimate result.
Not everyone can afford to own his or her own transportation. The expense of maintaining a car does nothing but increase; gasoline prices will forever more be in excess of three bucks a gallon and sure to rise.
There are a good number of people trying to get their lives back in respectable order after being cited for possession of drugs, driving while intoxicated or multiple traffic violations of various natures. Perhaps jail time has resulted from whatever infraction occurred. A person can’t get his or her life back in order if they have no means of transport. Again, getting to work is a primary cause of concern; making it to the appointed day and time to check in with a probation officer is paramount. THE Bus may be their last chance at social redemption.
Public transportation in any community is of necessity. Being realistic about the use of such a system determines the success with which it is operated. Somewhere along the way, Hernando County was poorly served with whatever needs-based assessments were used to evaluate the scope of validity of the service.
The size of THE Buses has proven to be a faux pas, a poor judgment in planning. When the number of riders are, at best, a handful, projections of use were way out of line. It's annoying to hear repeated stories telling the tale of two riders yet some residents have also issued concerns (complaints) that the schedules and routes are inadequate.
It appears federal, state and county grants and funding have been mismanaged.
This may be an often-suggested alternative to the current operation of THE Bus system but, under the circumstances, consideration should be given to downsizing, or rightsizing, the scope of providing public transportation.
Providing an appropriate transportation network should be centered on putting more cost effective vehicles on the roads. It makes sense to put in service mini-buses, more in the line of vans that would accommodate, perhaps, a dozen riders. The savings would be immense, the possibility of offering additional routes could follow. An ad campaign with a slogan of We’ll take you there!, coupled with existing commercial advertising would supplement a reasonable schedule of fares. If possible, existing buses could be leased out, or used for special events such as the County Fair.
Current routing doesn’t provide service along Elgin Boulevard, whereby it could be deemed a viable connector from Deltona eastward to Mariner. This could be incorporated to extend service on Deltona from Northcliffe to Cortez. The existing gap is very noticable. Another possible extension would be along Elgin Blvd/Powell Road to Broad Street. County Line Road has yet to be established a route.
Of course, whatever information I was able to obtain from the Web may not be current. At www.hernandobus.com the latest schedules (Blue, Red, Green and Brooksville Routes) were dated April 2, 2006 although on the same site there is information suggesting a revision of services were to be implemented April 2, 2007.
Keeping thing in perspective, the future importance of THE Bus in Hernando County could be brought to light by Commissioner Dave Russell.
Mr. Russell is a board member on a newly established mass transit initiative to establish connector routes along different corridors (connector routes) within Citrus, Hernando, Hillsboro, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties. It's more of an honorary position when consideration is given that whatever is to be for Hernando County will be long in coming - very long in coming. Not in our lifetimes.
[You may as well become familiar with the term CORRIDOR, as it has become an often-used word to enhance the meaning and impact of establishing new or improved routes. It is a buzzword for international, national, statewide and local future upgrades to established roads and planned roads alike.]
The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority is being funded with $20-million by the Florida Department of Transportation for technical assistance to that TBARTA can complete a Regional Transportation Master Plan with public engagement activities and early corridor studies. The Master Plan has a target date of July 1, 2009, to be presented to the FDOT.
In Hernando County, the corridors are Suncoast Parkway originating in Crystal River in Citrus County south to , and U.S. Highway 19 to Highway 50 into Brooksville. A new corridor shows a route from Brooksville to Dade City to Lakeland.
U.S. 41 is designated as a Freight Rail Corridor, which is just one of many routes along the tracks of CSX.
{Nowhere in these plans is there a reference to incorporate Highway 50 as a corridor from Hernando to Orange County. This route would be of greater impact than taking the simplistic view of Hernando continuously relying on Tampa for whatever growth opportunities may be allowed to come our way.}
Hernando County is destined to remain a melting pot of subdivisions and retail stores and the sooner everyone (including myself) accepts that fate, the sooner those who dislike this type of master planning will pick up and move elsewhere. Northeast Hernando County will take many years before it is engulfed with mass destruction by construction.
Facts, figures and much more information about TBARTA are available at www.tbarta.com.
So when you talk about THE Bus, we can expect Commissioner Russell to educate and keep Hernando County informed on what is in store with public transportation in Hernando County.
No one should expect THE Bus to come to a halt, although its full importance has yet to be realized.
Perhaps THE Buses can be stored for future use when transportation needs equal the degree of ridership. For now, DA Van appears to be a more appropriate means to meet current needs.
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