I remember so well during the final stretch leading up the 2006 General Election the frequent Guest Columns submitted by Mia Rushing and how she was always rushing to place judgment on each and every Democrat. Initially, I was aghast at such vehemence of distrust of her opposition party. Labeled a “grassroots activist”, I made my own judgment that she was every bit as “radical” as any protester in the 70’s.
At one point, I decided to stop reading her words of ragged patriotism, but the temptation to check out her latest rant found me a regular reader, deciding to accept her words as propaganda, at which she did the best of efforts to get her message across: vote straight Republican on the General Election ticket or face years of flimflam government, which was ironic considering the six years of George W.’s bush-hogging the freedoms given with the Constitution. I eventually took humor in her words.
I don’t expect Mia to contribute her words on the Opinion page this election. I would welcome her uncompromising positions (strictly for entertainment purposes, I assure you) but her work at providing support and services to senior citizens is of much more relevance.
Here we are: another election and another writer taking a turn at bat, although this time the swing is from the left. Frances Earl issues a Call to Patriots but there are so few true patriots enlisting in the military that her . Until there are sufficient troops to fulfill the needs of their service, we will continue to be labeled with a ragtag army.
A draft system would get those American fat-assed kids away from their computer games, cable and wireless services. There’s nothing patriotic about sitting on a sofa while real patriotism lies with others who are risking their lives, any more than it is for a cheerleader to root for a football player – at least the quarterback will get immediate and thorough medical treatment; there’s always a back-up player to take his place.
Don’t worry, I’m not voting against McCain… I’m voting for Obama. Just as I was very concerned in 2004 that Bush would be re-elected, I again feel a sense of dismay and fear that another Republican presidency will further endanger the middle class, continue to be at odds with historic alliances and wage conflicts against an ideology of an unseen threat of terror, and put the world at risk of expanding global war initiatives - with or without a sufficient military force.
There, I’ve done my best to make peace with the former vice-chairperson of the Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee. What could anyone ask for but to have a voter on the right side of your own personal view? Although.... as I would have voted in 1968 if I had been but two months older for Eugene McCarthy, I would place my for Ron Paul this election season.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Doctor Visit
The news from the Doctor was very disturbing. He showed no consideration whatsoever when the graphic photographs were presented before me; they have turned out to be life-changing views to the future of my physical and mental well-being.
I wonder if the Doctor would have recommended counseling in advance, but then I might have decided not to attend a meeting so detrimental of my immediate future. The diagnosis was unexpected but my spontaneous understanding of the condition
It’s non-native in origin - an invasion of a foreign agent. The diagnosis was bad, the prognosis in favor of the “enemy”. The Doctor admitted that even with his extensive education in this specialized field he has no remedies to offer; there is no known way of eradication. I feel defeated had become a personal nemesis.
At the Board of County Commissioners hearing on July 22, guest speaker Dr. Stacy Strickland, Regional Specialized Agent of the Hernando County Extension Service of the University of Florida, gave a ghastly presentation of a non-native plant to Florida, cogon grass. I had in immediate feeling of deja vu and a sense of despair for what this vegetation has wrought on my life these past three years.
Cogon grass is a plant that is considered to be one of the 10 worst weeds in the world, damaging crops and ecosystems, costing billions of dollars in lost harvests. In the U.S., Florida is the epicenter, extending from the Everglades north to South Carolina and west toward Texas. It has been reportedly seen as far north as Oregon on the west coast and West Virginia on the east. Global warming will most likely see further invasions around the world, as it is adaptable to moist types of soil, including wetlands and clay and sandy soils but needs little water to survive.
Although I didn’t know the name of the plant that was shown before me, that off-center vein was a familiar sight to my eyes. As Dr. Strickland proceeded to explain fact about this aggressively invasive grass, which grows anywhere between 2 to 4 feet, I felt a sense hopelessness, already having spent three years of my life repeatedly uprooting and applying vegetation killer in an attempt to rid a section of my backyard of these yellow-green strands of grass.
In one sense, my mind wanted to find comfort with the fact that my efforts were as good as they could get but it was with dismay and distress to know that I will forever spend my days hawking the growth of this weed grass in an area of the backyard where I had successfully grown a patch of ruellia.
Also known as Florida bluebell, Mexican petunia and Purple Showers, but better known to myself as “bluebell”, it too has some commonality with cogon grass – they both are invasive plants with rhizome root systems. This characteristic spreads the plant quicker and farther than by airborne seeds. Small pieces of the plant can be transported on tires or in displaced soil. Just a piece of a stem of either plant will eventually thrive even though they may lay dormant for a period of time.
From one small potted bluebell, I was able to grow an area of about 12’ by 6’ in a matter of three months. Snap off a branch, stick it in dirt, water it a little and healthy sprouts will appear in a two to three weeks.
In my case, the area of coverage was contained to keep the plant from invading the whole back yard although it would be an awesome sight to see a field of these purple flowers in full bloom every morning, beginning to wilt in mid-afternoon and falling off one-by-one by nightfall.
Although I haven’t let the cogon grass get to the stage of blooming, it has white fuzzy-hairy flowers. The leaves are fibrous and razor-edged, which has two affects: inhibits animals from eating the grass and cuts into other plants as its density increases. It not only overtakes native vegetation but also disrupts animal and bird habitats, affecting whole ecosystems.
Cogon grass is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been widely used for thatched roofing, but now is found in most parts of Africa, South America, Central America and the Middle East and stretches from Japan, throughout Southeast Asia and Indonesia downunder to Australia. It inhabits and suppresses other plant growth, reduces crop yields and delays harvests on all continents, save Antarctica.
I’m not really concerned about other places around the globe but for as long as I can imagine living in Spring Hill, I shall spend many days unsuccessfully uprooting this grass, with full knowledge that my efforts won't be fruitless in that I will not allow it to overtake those beautiful bluebells.
I shan't blame Dr. Strickland for the aggravation he brought to me when he gave the presentation on cogon grass. I truly appreciate the Doctor's successes to casually share his knowledge, but it’s not just the thought of cogon grass alone but it’s also the sights of Bermuda grass overtaking my yard that haunts the darkened visions behind my closed eyelids.
I wonder if the Doctor would have recommended counseling in advance, but then I might have decided not to attend a meeting so detrimental of my immediate future. The diagnosis was unexpected but my spontaneous understanding of the condition
It’s non-native in origin - an invasion of a foreign agent. The diagnosis was bad, the prognosis in favor of the “enemy”. The Doctor admitted that even with his extensive education in this specialized field he has no remedies to offer; there is no known way of eradication. I feel defeated had become a personal nemesis.
At the Board of County Commissioners hearing on July 22, guest speaker Dr. Stacy Strickland, Regional Specialized Agent of the Hernando County Extension Service of the University of Florida, gave a ghastly presentation of a non-native plant to Florida, cogon grass. I had in immediate feeling of deja vu and a sense of despair for what this vegetation has wrought on my life these past three years.
Cogon grass is a plant that is considered to be one of the 10 worst weeds in the world, damaging crops and ecosystems, costing billions of dollars in lost harvests. In the U.S., Florida is the epicenter, extending from the Everglades north to South Carolina and west toward Texas. It has been reportedly seen as far north as Oregon on the west coast and West Virginia on the east. Global warming will most likely see further invasions around the world, as it is adaptable to moist types of soil, including wetlands and clay and sandy soils but needs little water to survive.
Although I didn’t know the name of the plant that was shown before me, that off-center vein was a familiar sight to my eyes. As Dr. Strickland proceeded to explain fact about this aggressively invasive grass, which grows anywhere between 2 to 4 feet, I felt a sense hopelessness, already having spent three years of my life repeatedly uprooting and applying vegetation killer in an attempt to rid a section of my backyard of these yellow-green strands of grass.
In one sense, my mind wanted to find comfort with the fact that my efforts were as good as they could get but it was with dismay and distress to know that I will forever spend my days hawking the growth of this weed grass in an area of the backyard where I had successfully grown a patch of ruellia.
Also known as Florida bluebell, Mexican petunia and Purple Showers, but better known to myself as “bluebell”, it too has some commonality with cogon grass – they both are invasive plants with rhizome root systems. This characteristic spreads the plant quicker and farther than by airborne seeds. Small pieces of the plant can be transported on tires or in displaced soil. Just a piece of a stem of either plant will eventually thrive even though they may lay dormant for a period of time.
From one small potted bluebell, I was able to grow an area of about 12’ by 6’ in a matter of three months. Snap off a branch, stick it in dirt, water it a little and healthy sprouts will appear in a two to three weeks.
In my case, the area of coverage was contained to keep the plant from invading the whole back yard although it would be an awesome sight to see a field of these purple flowers in full bloom every morning, beginning to wilt in mid-afternoon and falling off one-by-one by nightfall.
Although I haven’t let the cogon grass get to the stage of blooming, it has white fuzzy-hairy flowers. The leaves are fibrous and razor-edged, which has two affects: inhibits animals from eating the grass and cuts into other plants as its density increases. It not only overtakes native vegetation but also disrupts animal and bird habitats, affecting whole ecosystems.
Cogon grass is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been widely used for thatched roofing, but now is found in most parts of Africa, South America, Central America and the Middle East and stretches from Japan, throughout Southeast Asia and Indonesia downunder to Australia. It inhabits and suppresses other plant growth, reduces crop yields and delays harvests on all continents, save Antarctica.
I’m not really concerned about other places around the globe but for as long as I can imagine living in Spring Hill, I shall spend many days unsuccessfully uprooting this grass, with full knowledge that my efforts won't be fruitless in that I will not allow it to overtake those beautiful bluebells.
I shan't blame Dr. Strickland for the aggravation he brought to me when he gave the presentation on cogon grass. I truly appreciate the Doctor's successes to casually share his knowledge, but it’s not just the thought of cogon grass alone but it’s also the sights of Bermuda grass overtaking my yard that haunts the darkened visions behind my closed eyelids.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Bi-polar Conviction
“She must be bi-polar.”
I’ve heard those words more than once as I’ve went about my business of shopping or running errands over the past three years. It’s a presumptive claim and nothing unique in Hernando County although it’s a cop-out when a passerby makes a casual statement based upon an unavoidable moment of eavesdropping on a person whose volume and tone might be filled with anger and threat, a little out of control. Bi-polar depression is nothing to casually speculate about.
I’ve spent my life pretty much control myself in public when irritations arise without notice, but it hasn’t always been such. A combination of work stresses, health conditions and dental expenses, car repairs, money concerns, traffic (Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles) and more work stresses has at times led to a few public outbursts. People would turn their heads, giving an inquisitive stare as they checked out what the ruckus was all about. A person might have even made an unsympathetic retort.
No, I’ve never been diagnosed as having a bi-polar disorder but a long-term friend has dealt with the ailment for over a decade. In hindsight, the symptoms were always present but, as happens often, a series of traumatic events can exacerbate the condition and can lead to the extreme states of euphoria and severe depression. Medications to help balance the condition include mood stabilizers Lithium, Depakene, and Depakote. Regular liver and kidney blood tests are required to determine their function levels.
Psychiatric evaluations determine the severity of the disorder. It’s like a balancing act to identify what dosage of which drug will do the best at bringing the condition under control. A regimen of medications usually also includes alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and other anti-depressants. It takes months, sometimes years, to evaluate the interaction of different prescription drugs.
Medications alone are seldom enough to bring the condition control. Regular visits to a psychologist are necessary to sort out situations that destabilize the patient’s mental well-being. Suicidal ideations are inclusive with the other symptoms – periods of recurrence are frequent.
People shouldn’t be presumptive of someone’s public outburst. It might just be a bad day, a troubling relationship, physical pain or any combination of life’s stresses.
Hernando County is rather unique in that nowhere else have I heard with such frequency a reference to “bipolar”. Some seem to wear the term on the sleeve. Too often, the claim turns out to be self-diagnosed and perhaps the need of sympathy, straining a friendship because random reactive rants have taken a toll.
True, some of the symptoms may be evident and valid but assuming doesn’t make it true. Insomnia, tremors, panic attacks and periods of deep depression with days on end confined to bed can all be considered evidence but these symptoms are side effects from the use of other drugs.
Take for instance the use of illegally acquired drugs. Oxy’s, Roxy’s, Perc’s and Vicodin’s and other painkillers do quite a number on a person’s awareness, moods and judgment. Chasers such as Xanax, Klonopin and alcohol take the user to different levels of incoherency.
In fact, there might actually be some validity to all those undiagnosed cases where individuals insist they are living with a bi-polar depression condition. A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that 5 out of 6 “incurable” and severely depressed patients were helped with the use of Oxycodone. Perhaps the attraction to the drug has merit.
Regardless, after living nearly 6 decades, 4 states of residency, living in numerous apartments and two homes, each with diverse neighbors, I find Hernando County has the distinction of being the only place where drug abuse is prominent. It's been said to be a problem nationwide but it is only here where I have been faced with the realities of the situation. No wonder local media has cause to make it a feature presentation. No wonder there's a degree of apprehension from my choice of residency.
This is a community of retail stores galore, strip malls aplenty, vacant houses to the nth degree and, now, I conclude that the illegal use of prescription drugs lies with the fact that the population is rife with a bi-polar .
As I have accepted other contentious conditions since moving to Spring Hill, I shall, for now, also take note that it could likely be about me that someone might be saying, “He must be bi-polar”.
I’ve heard those words more than once as I’ve went about my business of shopping or running errands over the past three years. It’s a presumptive claim and nothing unique in Hernando County although it’s a cop-out when a passerby makes a casual statement based upon an unavoidable moment of eavesdropping on a person whose volume and tone might be filled with anger and threat, a little out of control. Bi-polar depression is nothing to casually speculate about.
I’ve spent my life pretty much control myself in public when irritations arise without notice, but it hasn’t always been such. A combination of work stresses, health conditions and dental expenses, car repairs, money concerns, traffic (Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles) and more work stresses has at times led to a few public outbursts. People would turn their heads, giving an inquisitive stare as they checked out what the ruckus was all about. A person might have even made an unsympathetic retort.
No, I’ve never been diagnosed as having a bi-polar disorder but a long-term friend has dealt with the ailment for over a decade. In hindsight, the symptoms were always present but, as happens often, a series of traumatic events can exacerbate the condition and can lead to the extreme states of euphoria and severe depression. Medications to help balance the condition include mood stabilizers Lithium, Depakene, and Depakote. Regular liver and kidney blood tests are required to determine their function levels.
Psychiatric evaluations determine the severity of the disorder. It’s like a balancing act to identify what dosage of which drug will do the best at bringing the condition under control. A regimen of medications usually also includes alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and other anti-depressants. It takes months, sometimes years, to evaluate the interaction of different prescription drugs.
Medications alone are seldom enough to bring the condition control. Regular visits to a psychologist are necessary to sort out situations that destabilize the patient’s mental well-being. Suicidal ideations are inclusive with the other symptoms – periods of recurrence are frequent.
People shouldn’t be presumptive of someone’s public outburst. It might just be a bad day, a troubling relationship, physical pain or any combination of life’s stresses.
Hernando County is rather unique in that nowhere else have I heard with such frequency a reference to “bipolar”. Some seem to wear the term on the sleeve. Too often, the claim turns out to be self-diagnosed and perhaps the need of sympathy, straining a friendship because random reactive rants have taken a toll.
True, some of the symptoms may be evident and valid but assuming doesn’t make it true. Insomnia, tremors, panic attacks and periods of deep depression with days on end confined to bed can all be considered evidence but these symptoms are side effects from the use of other drugs.
Take for instance the use of illegally acquired drugs. Oxy’s, Roxy’s, Perc’s and Vicodin’s and other painkillers do quite a number on a person’s awareness, moods and judgment. Chasers such as Xanax, Klonopin and alcohol take the user to different levels of incoherency.
In fact, there might actually be some validity to all those undiagnosed cases where individuals insist they are living with a bi-polar depression condition. A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that 5 out of 6 “incurable” and severely depressed patients were helped with the use of Oxycodone. Perhaps the attraction to the drug has merit.
Regardless, after living nearly 6 decades, 4 states of residency, living in numerous apartments and two homes, each with diverse neighbors, I find Hernando County has the distinction of being the only place where drug abuse is prominent. It's been said to be a problem nationwide but it is only here where I have been faced with the realities of the situation. No wonder local media has cause to make it a feature presentation. No wonder there's a degree of apprehension from my choice of residency.
This is a community of retail stores galore, strip malls aplenty, vacant houses to the nth degree and, now, I conclude that the illegal use of prescription drugs lies with the fact that the population is rife with a bi-polar .
As I have accepted other contentious conditions since moving to Spring Hill, I shall, for now, also take note that it could likely be about me that someone might be saying, “He must be bi-polar”.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Poor Form at the Forum
The political forum held Thursday, August 14, where candidates vying for voter appeal did a little question and answer series in front of a full house in the Commissioner’s Chamber, wasn’t much more than what anyone could have expected. It appeared people were already pretty well decided in their picks, some wearing campaign attire to attract the attention of undecided voters.
It wasn’t quite a social affair, but most of the after-five crowd was nicely dressed as they mingled and indulged on some of the munchies laid out in the lobby. With an hour of time before the question and answer period began allowed candidates the opportunity to mix and mingle with intimate discussions on how current commissioners have lost connection with their constituents. For many candidates that one hour was the better part of the glory they had envisioned. Which is to say, too often there was plenty of silence and stuttering that kept some of us anticipating what the candidate was trying to communicate.
The candidates’ performance at the forum was less impressive than others have suggested but there were no trick questions. As a matter of fact, the questions were very clearly articulated and shouldn’t have created an obstacle for any of the candidates. Some were moderately impressive but for others it didn’t work out that way.
Fortunately, there was only one blithering idiot which was one too many considering the importance of seeking election as a representative of the residents of Hernando County.
Some who have been outspoken at many of the commission hearings were nearly tongue-tied in trying to make sense of their answers. The disappointments were all too apparent.
There was that same old yawn-inspiring promise to cut spending, cut services, cut employees because economic conditions have cut revenues. If anything needs to be cut, it’s all the rhetoric. These are already being addressed. Fresh ideas are needed but they often sound like pipedreams, without details. Is it wrong to contemplate that a citizen/candidate might get some insight on the possibilities through discussions with county employees?
There were some who were mild-mannered while others talked fast and furious yet made their points within the allotted time period. Some were impressive while others on the opposite end of the spectrum appeared overly seasoned with a casual style of presumptive intellect.
There were moments when the candidates were noticeably shy on their knowledge of certain topics; other candidates were honest in their lack of knowledge. Neither was acceptable. Repeat performances on Hernando County Government Broadcast on Brighthouse channel 622 ought to bring a bad case of déjà vu.
The “kid”, Richard Skandera, may have been a little soft-spoken but his thoughts were well presented as he did less humming and hawing than many. His opponent in the race for State Senator in District 11 poorly arranged his involvement by not appearing at the forum. Invitations were sent out well in advance. Being judgmental, without an explanation his priorities are questionable.
An interesting item offered by Michael Robinson, running for Commissioner in District 5, centered on promoting a charter government for Hernando County. The possibilities appear far-reaching with a board of some 25 residents offering voters a charter that addresses the specific needs of the county. Hopefully, the board would include a cross-section of citizens on every socio-economic level, not just those of selective importance.
Come October, The Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for the final candidates to present their visions on the direction Hernando County will take in the years ahead. Hopefully, these finalists will have their acts together and impress voters with less restrictive solutions to the challenges facing Hernando County.
Once the primary ballots have been counted, the real campaigning will begin.
It wasn’t quite a social affair, but most of the after-five crowd was nicely dressed as they mingled and indulged on some of the munchies laid out in the lobby. With an hour of time before the question and answer period began allowed candidates the opportunity to mix and mingle with intimate discussions on how current commissioners have lost connection with their constituents. For many candidates that one hour was the better part of the glory they had envisioned. Which is to say, too often there was plenty of silence and stuttering that kept some of us anticipating what the candidate was trying to communicate.
The candidates’ performance at the forum was less impressive than others have suggested but there were no trick questions. As a matter of fact, the questions were very clearly articulated and shouldn’t have created an obstacle for any of the candidates. Some were moderately impressive but for others it didn’t work out that way.
Fortunately, there was only one blithering idiot which was one too many considering the importance of seeking election as a representative of the residents of Hernando County.
Some who have been outspoken at many of the commission hearings were nearly tongue-tied in trying to make sense of their answers. The disappointments were all too apparent.
There was that same old yawn-inspiring promise to cut spending, cut services, cut employees because economic conditions have cut revenues. If anything needs to be cut, it’s all the rhetoric. These are already being addressed. Fresh ideas are needed but they often sound like pipedreams, without details. Is it wrong to contemplate that a citizen/candidate might get some insight on the possibilities through discussions with county employees?
There were some who were mild-mannered while others talked fast and furious yet made their points within the allotted time period. Some were impressive while others on the opposite end of the spectrum appeared overly seasoned with a casual style of presumptive intellect.
There were moments when the candidates were noticeably shy on their knowledge of certain topics; other candidates were honest in their lack of knowledge. Neither was acceptable. Repeat performances on Hernando County Government Broadcast on Brighthouse channel 622 ought to bring a bad case of déjà vu.
The “kid”, Richard Skandera, may have been a little soft-spoken but his thoughts were well presented as he did less humming and hawing than many. His opponent in the race for State Senator in District 11 poorly arranged his involvement by not appearing at the forum. Invitations were sent out well in advance. Being judgmental, without an explanation his priorities are questionable.
An interesting item offered by Michael Robinson, running for Commissioner in District 5, centered on promoting a charter government for Hernando County. The possibilities appear far-reaching with a board of some 25 residents offering voters a charter that addresses the specific needs of the county. Hopefully, the board would include a cross-section of citizens on every socio-economic level, not just those of selective importance.
Come October, The Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for the final candidates to present their visions on the direction Hernando County will take in the years ahead. Hopefully, these finalists will have their acts together and impress voters with less restrictive solutions to the challenges facing Hernando County.
Once the primary ballots have been counted, the real campaigning will begin.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Too Many Empty Houses - Too Many Overgrown Yards
Ask not what a candidate for Hernando County commissioner can do for you - ask him what degree of understanding he has that residential construction is on hold for an undetermined amount of time and what course of action he/she will take to avoid further anger from local residents who see their hopes of selling their homes further dampened by the inequities of the housing market.
There are thousands of vacant lots, cleared lots not yet built on, investment homes not yet occupied and foreclosure homes. They’re just sitting there with developers, lenders, investment brokers and homeowners from every socio-economic level who can’t get rid of what they have. For now, and what may seem like forever, no new houses are necessary.
It’s a real darn pity but that’s just the way it is here, there and just about anywhere, if not everywhere. There’s not much Washington, Wall Street or The Federal Reserve can do to guide us through these doleful days of economic destitution. The affected markets will have to work their ways to mutated entities.
How many times have you said, or heard someone say, It can’t get much worse than this? Well, this is a period of time in the United States that shows how things can get much worse and still there’s a high probability that it will get even more so.
Everyone is pretty much on their own this time around. The federal government’s stimulus checks haven’t done much to bolster the economy. The collapse of the banking industry is an ongoing realization just how severe the housing bubble bust has affected America’s way of living, and how it may paint a pastel picture the future.
Booming oil prices have made times more difficult for everyone – no one is exempt from the addiction to fossil fuels. There’s no quick fix. There’s no quitting cold turkey. For now, we’re pretty much stuck where we are and the sad truth is that it will most likely to remain this way for at least 10 years.
All 50 States are also short on funds so local communities are left to fend for themselves, which means you and your neighbors will have to be reliant on city and county leaders to give direction on how to work through these lean, mean times.
There’s plenty of blame to go around
These past two years have lead up to this election year when everyone blames every level of government for the current state of affairs. It’s easiest to look toward local officials to offer solutions because they’re right there in front of you and anyone else concerned about the well-being of their families and personal investments in the community.
And yet, they know not what to do, either.
Political campaigns offer more for the candidate than they do the voter, or non-voter, as the case may be. There’ll be a winner in every race and at least one loser, but it’s always the resident who is left in limbo and can never be certain the direction and decisions of the elected official will be in his or her best interest. There are no guarantees in politics.
Considering the number of unoccupied houses in Hernando County, who can honestly entrust any politician with a background that encompasses any facet of the construction industry? From investor to builder to realtor to broker to inspector to appraiser – the individual’s focal point of interest in the past will still be entwined in that same sphere of influence.
A dead end trip on THE Bus
Cutting taxes, reducing the headcount and/or reducing the salaries of department heads, consolidating and laying off segments of the workforce, limiting amenities at recreational parks and giving THE Bus a final heave-ho and, just as controversial, cut spending but still take care of those lime-rock roads. Not one of the candidates of any party or district can offer these promises any better than the rest.
So, what’s the BIG PLAN that a candidate might offer the voter? You can’t help but be curious what a politician has in mind when he/she makes a declaration of intent but doesn’t offer to explain the how or when it might be accomplished. For instance, THE Bus is not a popular “waste” of taxpayer money but, other than putting the brakes permanently on the service, no serious alternatives are forthcoming from the candidates, at least not on their websites.
A socially conscience community doesn’t throw the needy in the middle of the street to fend for themselves. It makes no difference if the person is an invalid, without transportation because of the economic requirements, a suspended license or any other reason for the need of the service – you do not leave people stranded. Period.
To create situations that bring the despair of confinement (isolation) or the danger of lack of medical attention (doctors, prescriptions) or the fear of losing a job, thus the means to feed and shelter the person or family (because of no transport), is unconscionable. You can pretty much bet those riders on THE Bus would rather not spend the excessive hours in transit due to limited times and routes, but most don’t have the benefit of having someone they can rely on for transportation. But their gratitude is paramount to their needs because, otherwise, other people would dictate the events in their lives. Don’t you dare believe otherwise! Let a politician put him/herself in that same position….
Don’t tax but be ready to spend anyway
Serious consideration is also overdue for lime rock roads. It’s a great campaign promise but will the funds be available? And over what period of time would the project see completion?
A repeated theme from too many candidates calls for an end to “tax and spending”. Enough is enough already! As if the current commissioners aren’t fully aware of the lean years ahead. As if there aren’t other concerns that put them at odds with residents.
Providing assistance for homeowners on the verge of becoming another victim of lax lending practices in the past is complimentary but what of those people already doomed to years of a sub-prime credit rating? The demise of home ownership can’t be resolved on a local basis – the problems are too many; they reach beyond the American economy.
You can’t just do nothing
An alarming affect of the large number of vacant homes centers on the appearance and hazardous conditions that accompany those left unattended. Knee-high grass are a big concern because of what kinds of critters may lurk out of sight. When weeds are allowed to propagate, nearby lawns are subject to the same.
More alarming are the number of swimming pools and other vessels with standing water that remain unattended through these summer months when mosquitoes are in perfect harmony with mother nature to multiply beyond normal urban levels. Fortunately, the lack of rainfall this past spring has kept encephalitis and the West Nile virus from becoming sever health risks.
Code Enforcement can go street by street, house by house and issue citations for whatever responsible party to take care of the properties but they’re not likely to have much affect at resolving the problem. The fines will become the responsibility of the eventual buyer. The number of homes are daunting, the volume beyond the scope of county employees.
This is a major problem that must be addressed now, not later when the problems will become exacerbated. Home values will continue to decline when a neighborhood remains a blight to the esthetics of every real estate property. At some point the problems may become beyond resolve when deterioration of these homes brings doubt that anyone will ever take ownership of such poor investments.
What to do?
It would be refreshing to have a candidate demonstrate a committed interest in community affairs and gave priority to the problems with unoccupied homes. It’s much too easy (lazy? boring!) for a candidate to idly sit by and do little more than repeat what every other candidate suggests will bring prosperity back to Hernando County. Nothing is as simple as promoting a reduction in taxes, employees and services.
It’s old news that residents are without jobs. The recent defeat of the proposed 25% reduction of impact fees to spur a little construction clearly indicated “no new homes” regardless how many (temporary) jobs might have been created. It was a wise decision. It would have put further stress on future projects toward the upkeep of the infrastructure.
But, what about the possibility of putting people to work at resolving the unsightly condition of too many yards? The idea deserves consideration. It shouldn’t be tagged as “thinking outside the box” – at this point in time, it makes common sense as a means to avoid Hernando County from becoming a prime real estate dead zone.
The interiors of previously occupied homes will surely be overcome with dust, dirt, and insects and a good possibility of mildew in addition to whatever condition the previous inhabitants left them, like missing appliances, holes in walls and other destructive acts. An obtrusive stench will affront a person when the doors are opened months, possibly years, of vacancy.
Investors, builders and banks will ultimately have to address the deteriorating conditions of unoccupied homes. But the county could very well take steps to clean up the outside exterior conditions of homes and at least give the community an appearance of relative normalcy.
This would be a win-win-win situation. People would get jobs. Health hazards would be lessened. Neighborhood residents would be relieved, and oh-so thankful, that the view of their homes aren’t marred by the blighted sight next to them.
Voting for the politician, not the person
Whatever candidate the individual voter may support through the voting process, the truth in the effectiveness of his/her term in office won’t be realized until well after the last person in line has placed an X on the ballot. The choice may prove to be positive, negative or indifferent in addressing the challenges facing Hernando County.
Just remember, when it comes to a politician, in the end you just don’t know what the future holds.
There are thousands of vacant lots, cleared lots not yet built on, investment homes not yet occupied and foreclosure homes. They’re just sitting there with developers, lenders, investment brokers and homeowners from every socio-economic level who can’t get rid of what they have. For now, and what may seem like forever, no new houses are necessary.
It’s a real darn pity but that’s just the way it is here, there and just about anywhere, if not everywhere. There’s not much Washington, Wall Street or The Federal Reserve can do to guide us through these doleful days of economic destitution. The affected markets will have to work their ways to mutated entities.
How many times have you said, or heard someone say, It can’t get much worse than this? Well, this is a period of time in the United States that shows how things can get much worse and still there’s a high probability that it will get even more so.
Everyone is pretty much on their own this time around. The federal government’s stimulus checks haven’t done much to bolster the economy. The collapse of the banking industry is an ongoing realization just how severe the housing bubble bust has affected America’s way of living, and how it may paint a pastel picture the future.
Booming oil prices have made times more difficult for everyone – no one is exempt from the addiction to fossil fuels. There’s no quick fix. There’s no quitting cold turkey. For now, we’re pretty much stuck where we are and the sad truth is that it will most likely to remain this way for at least 10 years.
All 50 States are also short on funds so local communities are left to fend for themselves, which means you and your neighbors will have to be reliant on city and county leaders to give direction on how to work through these lean, mean times.
There’s plenty of blame to go around
These past two years have lead up to this election year when everyone blames every level of government for the current state of affairs. It’s easiest to look toward local officials to offer solutions because they’re right there in front of you and anyone else concerned about the well-being of their families and personal investments in the community.
And yet, they know not what to do, either.
Political campaigns offer more for the candidate than they do the voter, or non-voter, as the case may be. There’ll be a winner in every race and at least one loser, but it’s always the resident who is left in limbo and can never be certain the direction and decisions of the elected official will be in his or her best interest. There are no guarantees in politics.
Considering the number of unoccupied houses in Hernando County, who can honestly entrust any politician with a background that encompasses any facet of the construction industry? From investor to builder to realtor to broker to inspector to appraiser – the individual’s focal point of interest in the past will still be entwined in that same sphere of influence.
A dead end trip on THE Bus
Cutting taxes, reducing the headcount and/or reducing the salaries of department heads, consolidating and laying off segments of the workforce, limiting amenities at recreational parks and giving THE Bus a final heave-ho and, just as controversial, cut spending but still take care of those lime-rock roads. Not one of the candidates of any party or district can offer these promises any better than the rest.
So, what’s the BIG PLAN that a candidate might offer the voter? You can’t help but be curious what a politician has in mind when he/she makes a declaration of intent but doesn’t offer to explain the how or when it might be accomplished. For instance, THE Bus is not a popular “waste” of taxpayer money but, other than putting the brakes permanently on the service, no serious alternatives are forthcoming from the candidates, at least not on their websites.
A socially conscience community doesn’t throw the needy in the middle of the street to fend for themselves. It makes no difference if the person is an invalid, without transportation because of the economic requirements, a suspended license or any other reason for the need of the service – you do not leave people stranded. Period.
To create situations that bring the despair of confinement (isolation) or the danger of lack of medical attention (doctors, prescriptions) or the fear of losing a job, thus the means to feed and shelter the person or family (because of no transport), is unconscionable. You can pretty much bet those riders on THE Bus would rather not spend the excessive hours in transit due to limited times and routes, but most don’t have the benefit of having someone they can rely on for transportation. But their gratitude is paramount to their needs because, otherwise, other people would dictate the events in their lives. Don’t you dare believe otherwise! Let a politician put him/herself in that same position….
Don’t tax but be ready to spend anyway
Serious consideration is also overdue for lime rock roads. It’s a great campaign promise but will the funds be available? And over what period of time would the project see completion?
A repeated theme from too many candidates calls for an end to “tax and spending”. Enough is enough already! As if the current commissioners aren’t fully aware of the lean years ahead. As if there aren’t other concerns that put them at odds with residents.
Providing assistance for homeowners on the verge of becoming another victim of lax lending practices in the past is complimentary but what of those people already doomed to years of a sub-prime credit rating? The demise of home ownership can’t be resolved on a local basis – the problems are too many; they reach beyond the American economy.
You can’t just do nothing
An alarming affect of the large number of vacant homes centers on the appearance and hazardous conditions that accompany those left unattended. Knee-high grass are a big concern because of what kinds of critters may lurk out of sight. When weeds are allowed to propagate, nearby lawns are subject to the same.
More alarming are the number of swimming pools and other vessels with standing water that remain unattended through these summer months when mosquitoes are in perfect harmony with mother nature to multiply beyond normal urban levels. Fortunately, the lack of rainfall this past spring has kept encephalitis and the West Nile virus from becoming sever health risks.
Code Enforcement can go street by street, house by house and issue citations for whatever responsible party to take care of the properties but they’re not likely to have much affect at resolving the problem. The fines will become the responsibility of the eventual buyer. The number of homes are daunting, the volume beyond the scope of county employees.
This is a major problem that must be addressed now, not later when the problems will become exacerbated. Home values will continue to decline when a neighborhood remains a blight to the esthetics of every real estate property. At some point the problems may become beyond resolve when deterioration of these homes brings doubt that anyone will ever take ownership of such poor investments.
What to do?
It would be refreshing to have a candidate demonstrate a committed interest in community affairs and gave priority to the problems with unoccupied homes. It’s much too easy (lazy? boring!) for a candidate to idly sit by and do little more than repeat what every other candidate suggests will bring prosperity back to Hernando County. Nothing is as simple as promoting a reduction in taxes, employees and services.
It’s old news that residents are without jobs. The recent defeat of the proposed 25% reduction of impact fees to spur a little construction clearly indicated “no new homes” regardless how many (temporary) jobs might have been created. It was a wise decision. It would have put further stress on future projects toward the upkeep of the infrastructure.
But, what about the possibility of putting people to work at resolving the unsightly condition of too many yards? The idea deserves consideration. It shouldn’t be tagged as “thinking outside the box” – at this point in time, it makes common sense as a means to avoid Hernando County from becoming a prime real estate dead zone.
The interiors of previously occupied homes will surely be overcome with dust, dirt, and insects and a good possibility of mildew in addition to whatever condition the previous inhabitants left them, like missing appliances, holes in walls and other destructive acts. An obtrusive stench will affront a person when the doors are opened months, possibly years, of vacancy.
Investors, builders and banks will ultimately have to address the deteriorating conditions of unoccupied homes. But the county could very well take steps to clean up the outside exterior conditions of homes and at least give the community an appearance of relative normalcy.
This would be a win-win-win situation. People would get jobs. Health hazards would be lessened. Neighborhood residents would be relieved, and oh-so thankful, that the view of their homes aren’t marred by the blighted sight next to them.
Voting for the politician, not the person
Whatever candidate the individual voter may support through the voting process, the truth in the effectiveness of his/her term in office won’t be realized until well after the last person in line has placed an X on the ballot. The choice may prove to be positive, negative or indifferent in addressing the challenges facing Hernando County.
Just remember, when it comes to a politician, in the end you just don’t know what the future holds.
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