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The other day I got the Official Primary Ballot through the mail, as in absentee ballot, on a piece of stiff piece of white paper with black lettering in various font sizes with a number of boldly printed words and phrases. Of course, the 11" x 8-1/2" ballot was sent from Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Annie D. Williams.
Perhaps by chance, but possibly with intent, on the very same day I also got a very colorful 11" x 6" glossed-over paid political advertisement from ‘Cap Your Fire Tax’ with a generalized greeting of Dear Spring Hill Voter, and a note from Scott Edmisten.
Both of these pieces of mail had one thing in common: the Spring Hill Fire and Rescue Referendum.
The referendum would give “Authority for Spring Hill Fire Rescue and Emergency Services District to Levy Ad Valorem Taxes” if a majority of voters fill in the oval-shaped circle next to YES, which would authorize the Spring Hill Independent Fire District to “levy property taxes up to 2.5 mills on jurisdiction land to provide fire and rescue services”.
After writing a few thankful words to voters for exercising the right to choose either an incumbent by track record or a challenger by campaigning promises, Mr. Edmisten, president of the Professional Firefighters of Spring Hill Local 2794, pointed out that the Spring Hill Fire and Rescue District has “a proven track record of lowering its tax rate year after year” and, since “The current tax cap is 2.75 mills. A YES vote is an affirmation that you agree with the policy of keeping your property tax rate lower”.
What a deal! How could the electorate possibly vote ‘NO’?
The thing is that Mr. Edmisten didn’t really fully cover the positive implications. Inquisitive me found some very interesting information from the Board of Fire Commissioner’s meeting minutes from May 12, 2010, at www.springhillfire.com/Public_Records.
“The way the question will appear on the ballot it will appear to those who are not familiar with it that this is a new tax, it is an existing tax and we are asking the residents to give us the ability to levy this existing tax at a cap lesser than what we currently enjoy. (2.75 mills). We will be reducing the millage by another quarter point bringing it to 2.50 mills. That is a point and a quarter less than what State Statutes allows us to tax at. State Statute 191 allows the District to tax up to 3.75 mills.”
The ‘Cap Your Fire Tax’ paid political advertisement failed to advise voters just how much greater a deal a YES vote would be to their millage tax rate. The advertisement also failed to explain that the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners currently has the sole authority to raise or lower taxes on the Spring Hill Fire District MSTU. That rate, as of right now, is 2.2686 mills.
The primary ballot referendum would give “Authority for the Spring Hill Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services District to Levy Ad Valorem Taxes”. In other words, the District would become a separate taxing authority of and by itself – no more involvement with the BOCC. The commissioners would be absolved from voter wrath in all future fire millage rate hike requests.
A simpleton’s calculator would display a figure of .2314 mills over and above the current 2.2686 mills if the electorate votes YES on the referendum to give the Spring Hill Independent Fire District the authority to levy property taxes up to 2.5 mills. That’s an 11% difference to the positive, but don’t call it an increase.
Underhanded electioneering tactics do not sit well with me. There is no mention of any form of ‘cap’ – new or old – in the verbiage of the referendum. But that’s the hard-driven theme of the campaign ad by ‘Cap Your Fire Tax’, a body of sorts but only accessible as a member of Facebook; out of sight from, and not accessible to, the general public. Therefore, it must be considered a hidden agenda.
Police. Fire. Emergency. Rescue. All are important necessities to maintain a civilized community. Each service provider requires trained professionals with the necessary equipment to provide the safety and welfare essential for its residents. It requires money, and that money comes in the form of taxes regardless of how those taxes are levied or from what authority.
The fire district is dealing with a 15% decline in property values, thus lower tax revenues. There will be a budget shortfall of nearly $1 million if the referendum fails and about half that even if the measure meets with voter approval. Regardless, layoffs and furlough days are unavoidable. The fire district needs YES votes. Voters shouldn’t need the ‘cap’ crap. Unfortunately, there are those who believe they do.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
This Amendment's 4 You
Hot topic: Referenda Required For Adoption And Amendment of Local Government Comprehensive Land Use Plans
Better known as Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, this referendum will likely prove to be more of a contentious measure than Amendments 5/6 – Congressional/Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. These creatures were set in motion in an attempt to force elected government officials to put aside bureaucratic indulgence through a manipulative redistricting process that serves no purpose but to benefit the in-power political party; a topic for future consideration.
Local debate on Amendment 4 has, as yet, been relatively mild. On August 6, 2009, George Niemann, regional coordinator of Florida Hometown Democracy, wrote a Guest Column ‘The truth about Florida Hometown Democracy’. The most notable passage was:
“Rezoning, as well as the ability to develop land within existing land use criteria, will remain unaffected and will not require voter approval. The vast majority of land use would remain unaffected because changes to the growth plan are not needed to develop land. If no further changes were made to local comprehensive plans across Florida the current planned land use provisions could still accommodate the addition of 70 million people.
“Changes to the growth plan would still be processed, reviewed and decided on by the local governing bodies (an elected county commission, as an example), as they are today. FHD adds just one more step to the current process — voters must concur before the change can be officially adopted.”
Jumping forward to a June 30 article by Michael D. Bates, ‘Amendment would empower people on land use issues’ stated “Supporters of Amendment 4 say they are only asking for a ‘seat at the table’ when it comes to planning their community.”
Both the Guest Column by Mr. Niemann and the article written by Mr. Bates immediately drew backfire from Planning & Zoning Commissioner Bob Widmar whose Guest Column on August 8, 2009, ‘Amendment 4: A vision by special interests to stop planned growth’ and Letter to the Editor on July 7, ‘We do have a seat at the table’, advised readers there are processes already in place for concerned residents to “have input into the comprehensive plan and changes to the plan.”
In both instances, Mr. Widmar explained that citizen input begins with the every seven year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) meeting, “which over several months review the entire Comprehensive Plan to bring it into line with legislation and other factors that have occurred during the period.” Mr. Widmar invites residents to attend the upcoming EAR meeting in September.
Subsequent opportunities for citizens to express their views are through attendance at monthly hearings held by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Thereafter, judgment lays with the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee with “a report containing Objections, Recommendations, and Comments (the ORC report) on the proposed change. Until these three items have been reviewed and addressed to the satisfaction of the DCA, the proposed change is not accepted. The public does again has an opportunity to address the DCA”, after which “…the BOCC can finally put the stamp of approval on the plan change, again at a public meeting.”
Mr. Widmar expressed dismay that for the most part public participation in the process remains near non-existent.
Mr. Bates’ June 30 article included many disconcerting comments on the possible passage of Amendment 4, all voiced by governmental/political pitchmen.
County Commissioner David Russell: “I’m afraid that the public will be swayed one way or another by advertising campaigns on either side of the issue rather than based on pertinent data relating to the amendment.” It’ll be interesting to see to what extent either side resorts to ‘the nasties’.
The Hernando County Republican Executive Committee: “Hometown Democracy will prevent and negate responsible planning decisions by county engineers and county planners and turn the process over to a political campaign.” Out of necessity, politicking demands that voters be aware, especially during periods of time between Election Days.
HCREC Chairman Blaise Ingoglia: “The electorate is not going to have access to all the records that county engineers and planners will have. Plus, we’ve elected commissioners for a reason.” Do not deny residents the rights of transparency.
Hernando County Planning Director Ron Pianta: “It could also encourage aggressive public relations and media campaigns by special interests who either support or pose proposed changes to the comprehensive plan.”
Speaking of ‘special interests’, there are many to be found among the influences of government officials and the many facets of the construction and land development business communities. These power brokers relish their dominions of prestige. There is just cause for their worries. Amendment 4 would lessen their omnipotence.
According to data from the Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, there are over 7,000 vacant housing units in Hernando County. According to RealtyTrac, in May of this year, 1 in every 157 housing units received a foreclosure filing; in the seven-county Tampa Bay metro area, Hernando County ranks #1 in foreclosure property statistics.
Still, a number of approved housing developments have yet to begin groundbreaking. Hickory Hill – 1,750 single-family dwelling units by 2021. Lake Hideaway – 2,400 single-family dwelling units and 1,300 multi-family units by 2013. Sunrise – 4,200 single-family dwelling units and 600 multi-family dwelling units by 2013. Each of these subdivisions was approved in 2007 and 2008, most surely in anticipation that the Florida Hometown Democracy amendment might have appeared on the 2008 General Election Ballot.
Although the total sum of over 10,000 approved ‘dwelling units’ have yet to be built and even though there are hundreds of vacant homes from foreclosure and hundreds more vacant lots in blighted housing developments (such as Southern Hills Plantation), another development group, Powell Road Partners LLC is seeking approval of building 252 apartment units and 12 five-acre estate homes.
On July 12, P&Z gave the project a stamp of approval for rezoning the 80-acre tract from agriculture to a planned development project. (Although not yet named, perhaps 'Hernando Hometown Estates' would be suggestive of community-mindfulness.) On August 10, the BOCC will give further consideration to the planned development.
What might be expected? Perhaps a 3-2 decision from the BOCC, the same marginal vote on the approval of Quarry Preserve which would add 2,000 single-family dwellings, 200 resort lodging units, 444 town home and 756 apartments? Quarry Preserve is doubtful to come to fruition considering the DCA deemed it ‘urban sprawl’, an evaluation not easily overcome.
The Powell Road Partners project would be small potatoes in comparison, so the go-ahead is extremely likely. The 3-yes vote would come from the commissioners not up for re-election in the upcoming November elections; a 4th ‘yes’ might easily be Russell-ed up since there is no opposing candidate, thus not a concern about voter opinion of Amendment 4.
For these many reasons – 10,000 homes yet to be built, including 7,000 by 2013 which in itself is an unrealistic completion date – Amendment 4 should be a rally cry for tea party folks. Why? Because American citizens are solidly disgruntled and distrustful of governmental conduct at all levels. Poor decisions, poor planning and poor representation of ‘we the people’ has proven that government has indeed gone wild, and continues to do so, in supporting the same superfluous demagogues that helped bring this country to near economic ruin with lost jobs, lost investments, lost home values, home foreclosures, etc. New housing developments will not resolve these issues; they will worsen existing homeowners’ property values.
As to public ‘disinterest’ in attending government hearings on comprehensive land use changes on developments of regional impact, the perception is misplaced. Few resident citizens are aware of what goes on outside their immediate area; word of mouth travels short distances. Time and again, when I mention Hickory Hill, Sunrise and/or Like Hideaway, people are unaware and aghast at how elected government officials continue to play patsy to the interests of developers.
Amendment 4 will allow all residents of any given community the wherewithal to become aware of what impact future growth decisions will have on water supplies, the environment, existing home values and infrastructure, while being mindful of the increased dangers of sink holes.
The Florida Hometown Democracy Land Use Amendment 4 will give Florida residents a much needed means to reign in uncontrolled growth in their communities. Take a front row seat and enjoy the view.
Better known as Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, this referendum will likely prove to be more of a contentious measure than Amendments 5/6 – Congressional/Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. These creatures were set in motion in an attempt to force elected government officials to put aside bureaucratic indulgence through a manipulative redistricting process that serves no purpose but to benefit the in-power political party; a topic for future consideration.
Local debate on Amendment 4 has, as yet, been relatively mild. On August 6, 2009, George Niemann, regional coordinator of Florida Hometown Democracy, wrote a Guest Column ‘The truth about Florida Hometown Democracy’. The most notable passage was:
“Rezoning, as well as the ability to develop land within existing land use criteria, will remain unaffected and will not require voter approval. The vast majority of land use would remain unaffected because changes to the growth plan are not needed to develop land. If no further changes were made to local comprehensive plans across Florida the current planned land use provisions could still accommodate the addition of 70 million people.
“Changes to the growth plan would still be processed, reviewed and decided on by the local governing bodies (an elected county commission, as an example), as they are today. FHD adds just one more step to the current process — voters must concur before the change can be officially adopted.”
Jumping forward to a June 30 article by Michael D. Bates, ‘Amendment would empower people on land use issues’ stated “Supporters of Amendment 4 say they are only asking for a ‘seat at the table’ when it comes to planning their community.”
Both the Guest Column by Mr. Niemann and the article written by Mr. Bates immediately drew backfire from Planning & Zoning Commissioner Bob Widmar whose Guest Column on August 8, 2009, ‘Amendment 4: A vision by special interests to stop planned growth’ and Letter to the Editor on July 7, ‘We do have a seat at the table’, advised readers there are processes already in place for concerned residents to “have input into the comprehensive plan and changes to the plan.”
In both instances, Mr. Widmar explained that citizen input begins with the every seven year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) meeting, “which over several months review the entire Comprehensive Plan to bring it into line with legislation and other factors that have occurred during the period.” Mr. Widmar invites residents to attend the upcoming EAR meeting in September.
Subsequent opportunities for citizens to express their views are through attendance at monthly hearings held by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Thereafter, judgment lays with the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee with “a report containing Objections, Recommendations, and Comments (the ORC report) on the proposed change. Until these three items have been reviewed and addressed to the satisfaction of the DCA, the proposed change is not accepted. The public does again has an opportunity to address the DCA”, after which “…the BOCC can finally put the stamp of approval on the plan change, again at a public meeting.”
Mr. Widmar expressed dismay that for the most part public participation in the process remains near non-existent.
Mr. Bates’ June 30 article included many disconcerting comments on the possible passage of Amendment 4, all voiced by governmental/political pitchmen.
County Commissioner David Russell: “I’m afraid that the public will be swayed one way or another by advertising campaigns on either side of the issue rather than based on pertinent data relating to the amendment.” It’ll be interesting to see to what extent either side resorts to ‘the nasties’.
The Hernando County Republican Executive Committee: “Hometown Democracy will prevent and negate responsible planning decisions by county engineers and county planners and turn the process over to a political campaign.” Out of necessity, politicking demands that voters be aware, especially during periods of time between Election Days.
HCREC Chairman Blaise Ingoglia: “The electorate is not going to have access to all the records that county engineers and planners will have. Plus, we’ve elected commissioners for a reason.” Do not deny residents the rights of transparency.
Hernando County Planning Director Ron Pianta: “It could also encourage aggressive public relations and media campaigns by special interests who either support or pose proposed changes to the comprehensive plan.”
Speaking of ‘special interests’, there are many to be found among the influences of government officials and the many facets of the construction and land development business communities. These power brokers relish their dominions of prestige. There is just cause for their worries. Amendment 4 would lessen their omnipotence.
According to data from the Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, there are over 7,000 vacant housing units in Hernando County. According to RealtyTrac, in May of this year, 1 in every 157 housing units received a foreclosure filing; in the seven-county Tampa Bay metro area, Hernando County ranks #1 in foreclosure property statistics.
Still, a number of approved housing developments have yet to begin groundbreaking. Hickory Hill – 1,750 single-family dwelling units by 2021. Lake Hideaway – 2,400 single-family dwelling units and 1,300 multi-family units by 2013. Sunrise – 4,200 single-family dwelling units and 600 multi-family dwelling units by 2013. Each of these subdivisions was approved in 2007 and 2008, most surely in anticipation that the Florida Hometown Democracy amendment might have appeared on the 2008 General Election Ballot.
Although the total sum of over 10,000 approved ‘dwelling units’ have yet to be built and even though there are hundreds of vacant homes from foreclosure and hundreds more vacant lots in blighted housing developments (such as Southern Hills Plantation), another development group, Powell Road Partners LLC is seeking approval of building 252 apartment units and 12 five-acre estate homes.
On July 12, P&Z gave the project a stamp of approval for rezoning the 80-acre tract from agriculture to a planned development project. (Although not yet named, perhaps 'Hernando Hometown Estates' would be suggestive of community-mindfulness.) On August 10, the BOCC will give further consideration to the planned development.
What might be expected? Perhaps a 3-2 decision from the BOCC, the same marginal vote on the approval of Quarry Preserve which would add 2,000 single-family dwellings, 200 resort lodging units, 444 town home and 756 apartments? Quarry Preserve is doubtful to come to fruition considering the DCA deemed it ‘urban sprawl’, an evaluation not easily overcome.
The Powell Road Partners project would be small potatoes in comparison, so the go-ahead is extremely likely. The 3-yes vote would come from the commissioners not up for re-election in the upcoming November elections; a 4th ‘yes’ might easily be Russell-ed up since there is no opposing candidate, thus not a concern about voter opinion of Amendment 4.
For these many reasons – 10,000 homes yet to be built, including 7,000 by 2013 which in itself is an unrealistic completion date – Amendment 4 should be a rally cry for tea party folks. Why? Because American citizens are solidly disgruntled and distrustful of governmental conduct at all levels. Poor decisions, poor planning and poor representation of ‘we the people’ has proven that government has indeed gone wild, and continues to do so, in supporting the same superfluous demagogues that helped bring this country to near economic ruin with lost jobs, lost investments, lost home values, home foreclosures, etc. New housing developments will not resolve these issues; they will worsen existing homeowners’ property values.
As to public ‘disinterest’ in attending government hearings on comprehensive land use changes on developments of regional impact, the perception is misplaced. Few resident citizens are aware of what goes on outside their immediate area; word of mouth travels short distances. Time and again, when I mention Hickory Hill, Sunrise and/or Like Hideaway, people are unaware and aghast at how elected government officials continue to play patsy to the interests of developers.
Amendment 4 will allow all residents of any given community the wherewithal to become aware of what impact future growth decisions will have on water supplies, the environment, existing home values and infrastructure, while being mindful of the increased dangers of sink holes.
The Florida Hometown Democracy Land Use Amendment 4 will give Florida residents a much needed means to reign in uncontrolled growth in their communities. Take a front row seat and enjoy the view.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Florida House District 44, where are you?
I shall attempt to draw you a map – in words, no less! Perhaps a dysfunctional map but a very real and distinct, if not confusing, map. As a matter of fact, it’s a segmented map of little or no importance but perhaps of some significance.
First of all, with an area bordering northeast Hernando County that cuts into Sumter County just north of Istachatta along the Little Withlacoochee River up to E Bushnell Road, cutting southeast past Bay Hill to Wahoo then down to Highway 48 heading east just beyond I-75 to Hwy 301 south but including Bushnell in the mapping area.
Heading south on 301 to CR 478 the path goes east at CR 478 to Hwy 471 but clips around Webster south to Hwy 50, eastward to the Hernando/Lake County line. From there the map goes south to the Withlacoochee River then east back to 471, still in Sumter County but bordering Pasco County to the west.
Heading west along the Hernando/Pasco County line up to I-75 the mapped area goes south to Hwy 52 then east to Hwy 41, north to County Line Road eastward to the Gulf, except for one little niche in Pasco that goes west of 41 on Bowman Road to Caufield Road.
So far the map includes Hernando County and parts of Sumter and Pasco Counties. If you’ve had trouble following me up to this point, don’t worry, I’m pretty much lost myself. But my mapping isn’t quite yet finished.
The mapping turns a northwest Hernando county. Heading up the Gulf coast north to the Hernando/Citrus county line, we go east to Hwy 19 then turn immediately south to Cortez Blvd/Hwy 50 then east to the Suncoast Parkway then just a little north to Ken Austin Parkway, which becomes Star Road. Heading west to Melanie Avenue, the map goes north to Centralia Road/CR 628, at which point you head back east, back to the Suncoast Parkway then north to Ponce de Leon Blvd/US 98 up to West Yuletide Court which borders Hernando and Citrus counties.
What I just carved out is a map of Florida House District 44.
[Except for Bushnell in Sumter County, the east side of the district is pretty much swamp. Please pardon me if those who live in Darby in Pasco County just north of Hwy 52 and west of I-75 feel insulted. Perhaps sometime in the future, rather than heading south on Spring Lake Highway to get to Zephyrhills to visit family, I might take Culbreath Road, south off Powell Road in Hernando County, which becomes Bellamy Brothers Road in Pasco County, and drive through for a look-see. I’m sure you live in a very peaceful setting. I might even sing a few off-tune words from ‘Let Your Love Flow’.]
First of all, with an area bordering northeast Hernando County that cuts into Sumter County just north of Istachatta along the Little Withlacoochee River up to E Bushnell Road, cutting southeast past Bay Hill to Wahoo then down to Highway 48 heading east just beyond I-75 to Hwy 301 south but including Bushnell in the mapping area.
Heading south on 301 to CR 478 the path goes east at CR 478 to Hwy 471 but clips around Webster south to Hwy 50, eastward to the Hernando/Lake County line. From there the map goes south to the Withlacoochee River then east back to 471, still in Sumter County but bordering Pasco County to the west.
Heading west along the Hernando/Pasco County line up to I-75 the mapped area goes south to Hwy 52 then east to Hwy 41, north to County Line Road eastward to the Gulf, except for one little niche in Pasco that goes west of 41 on Bowman Road to Caufield Road.
So far the map includes Hernando County and parts of Sumter and Pasco Counties. If you’ve had trouble following me up to this point, don’t worry, I’m pretty much lost myself. But my mapping isn’t quite yet finished.
The mapping turns a northwest Hernando county. Heading up the Gulf coast north to the Hernando/Citrus county line, we go east to Hwy 19 then turn immediately south to Cortez Blvd/Hwy 50 then east to the Suncoast Parkway then just a little north to Ken Austin Parkway, which becomes Star Road. Heading west to Melanie Avenue, the map goes north to Centralia Road/CR 628, at which point you head back east, back to the Suncoast Parkway then north to Ponce de Leon Blvd/US 98 up to West Yuletide Court which borders Hernando and Citrus counties.
What I just carved out is a map of Florida House District 44.
[Except for Bushnell in Sumter County, the east side of the district is pretty much swamp. Please pardon me if those who live in Darby in Pasco County just north of Hwy 52 and west of I-75 feel insulted. Perhaps sometime in the future, rather than heading south on Spring Lake Highway to get to Zephyrhills to visit family, I might take Culbreath Road, south off Powell Road in Hernando County, which becomes Bellamy Brothers Road in Pasco County, and drive through for a look-see. I’m sure you live in a very peaceful setting. I might even sing a few off-tune words from ‘Let Your Love Flow’.]
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