Brooksville, Fla. - Jumping into the politics brings questions of fraud for council candidate and his daughter.
Brooksville City Council race is heating up. Brooksville Housing Authority has the obligation to investigate a letter of residency of one candidate who claimed to live with his daughter in Hillside Estates. The candidate made the claim to comply with city charter requirements of 1-year residency requirements.
Candidate Paul Boston provided a letter to the city legal staff to get his name back on the ballot. The letter he signed will require action by the Brooksville Housing Authority to investigate his claim of residency with his daughter, Larhonda Travick since April 2011 according to officials.
Tommy Brooks, Brooksville Housing Directer said there is no record of Boston living in the unit with his daughter. Brooks said he visited the daughter's unit frequently during his regular inspections but found no evidence Boston was living in her unit.
"It doesn't look like her dad was living there," Brooks said.
Brooksville City Housing Authority property manager did not have any official documentation of Boston living in the daughter's unit in April 2011. Boston took possession of a unit in July 2011 with his own lease.
Brooksville Housing Authority officials said they have the responsibility to investigate any allegations of fraudulent activity in their units. Housing officials said Boston's letter is a public admission of his residency within his daughter's unit at Hillside Estates in April 2011.
The property manager said all leaseholders within Brooksville Housing Authority have the responsibility for activity within their units, including any unauthorized live-in guests. Officials said Travick will be investigated based on the letter submitted by her father - the letter to have his name re-appear on the ballot for city council.
Housing Authority officials said they will use scrutiny with Boston because he is also a leaseholder, like his daughter Travick. Officials said they are required to go after any allegations of fraud until proven otherwise.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Stabins comes full circle
Brooksville, Fla. - When the dirt in the air finally settles, some may take time to reflect on his contributions to the community.
Controversy follows him like a trail of useless reporter's notes. It sticks to his shoes. It follows him like a bad penny. But it doesn't seem to bother him. At least he doesn't let it show it in public.
But this Hernando County Commissioner is no stranger to bad press - bad press sometimes brought on by his own actions. He decided to call it quits as a commissioner. He withdrew his name from the ballot. His term ends in November.
It all began in 1992 when Jeff Stabins was elected to the Florida Legislature. Serving as the vice chairman of the Education Appropriations Committee in Legislature, Stabins sponsored the first charter school bill in Tallahassee.
During his third term in the Florida Legislature, Stabins ran into problems with law enforcement after he was stopped and charged with DUI. His plea of no contest resulted in a loss of his driving privileges for one year.
Bad luck seemed to follow Stabins into the 1998 primary election season when he was defeated by newcomer, David Russell in the race for Florida Legislative Seat 44.
________________________
After his defeat in the House race, Stabins headed back to his prior profession to teach at-risk students in the Hernando County. That is, until he signed up to run for Hernando County Commissioner.
Stabins campaign commitments in 2004 included lowering local government spending. He also promised to reduce government intrusion into private affairs, like mandatory recycling that he said was poorly run.
Stabins won the race with a clear majority, defeating his friends, Rocco and Palmieri to become Hernando County Commissioner for District 1 in 2004.
Long-time supporter and friend, Sherry Pedonesi said Stabins number-one asset is his fiscal responsibility. She pointed out that it was Stabins who questioned spending by Hernando County Sheriff's Department. She said he did his best to keep the judges from spending too much money in a time of economic recession.
"Jeff also blew the whistle on former county administrator, David Hamilton," Pedonesi said. "He was right, but no one wants to give him credit."
Stabins considers the current budget crisis the biggest challenge he has faced as a commissioner. In his opinion, the local budget affected everything from social services, fighting crime, to keeping the jail open.
"The misery index went up in Hernando County," Stabins said. "The rise, then crash of the real estate values brought a whole host of residual problems to our county, including home foreclosures."
________________________
The on-again, off-again campaign of Stabins came to an abrupt stop several weeks ago. He decided not to run for re-election, citing his frustration with the Republican Party. He changed his party affiliation to NPA (no party affiliation), saying gamesmanship is being played by both parties and we are not moving forward as a country.
"I've really gotten burned out," Stabins said. "The angry minority are never satisfied."
Stabins admitted he had differences with members of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee. But he chose not to dwell on past relationships except to say that he was not comfortable with Blaise Ingoglia, as a person.
His anxiety with the Republican Party seemed to hit a nerve when talking about friends, like Anthony Palmieri.
"I just don't understand why Anthony is just so bitter," Stabins said.
Former County Commissioner Rose Rocco had a different take on the problems faced by Stabins with the Republican Party. She placed part of the blame on his fellow board members.
"All four of Jeff"s fellow Republican commissioners use him as a stepping-stone to make themselves look better," Rocco said. "He is really hurt by some of his friends because people have really turned on him."
Pedonesi sees it a different way. She thinks Stabins ruffled too many feathers with fellow commissioners and county staff.
"Jeff opened the doors to controversy and it has left him vulnerable," Pedonesi said.
_________________________
Over the past several years, Stabins has been battling health issues. He was diagnosed with Melanoma after finding a tiny freckle while shaving.
Stabins underwent three surgeries to remove the cancer cells - three horrible surgeries, as he self-described his treatment for Melanoma.
Friends rallied their support for Stabins in his time of need.
"I think Jeff felt safe when he flew back to New York to be with his father," Rocco said. "He couldn't cope very well with his cancer."
"Jeff needs time to get well, both mentally and physically," Pedonesi said. "To get back to the fun-loving Jeff we all know."
__________________________
It seems Stabins has come full circle again. He is considering the classroom, possibly teaching in a local charter school in the future. But his first love is writing. A book about his dog Rusty and his late dog Casey may be in the works.
Stabins holds a Master's degree from St. Lawrence University. He also has a Bachelors of Science degree in history and government from the University of State of New York.
"Jeff is a magnificent writer and historian," Pedonesi said. "I would love to see him do something with his writing."
As Stabins winds down his term as commissioner, he wasn't ready to set any long-term goals in stone, except to say, I'm not going to give you a Nixonion quote about leaving.
"I may be back," Stabins said.
Controversy follows him like a trail of useless reporter's notes. It sticks to his shoes. It follows him like a bad penny. But it doesn't seem to bother him. At least he doesn't let it show it in public.
But this Hernando County Commissioner is no stranger to bad press - bad press sometimes brought on by his own actions. He decided to call it quits as a commissioner. He withdrew his name from the ballot. His term ends in November.
During his third term in the Florida Legislature, Stabins ran into problems with law enforcement after he was stopped and charged with DUI. His plea of no contest resulted in a loss of his driving privileges for one year.
Bad luck seemed to follow Stabins into the 1998 primary election season when he was defeated by newcomer, David Russell in the race for Florida Legislative Seat 44.
________________________
After his defeat in the House race, Stabins headed back to his prior profession to teach at-risk students in the Hernando County. That is, until he signed up to run for Hernando County Commissioner.
Stabins campaign commitments in 2004 included lowering local government spending. He also promised to reduce government intrusion into private affairs, like mandatory recycling that he said was poorly run.
Long-time supporter and friend, Sherry Pedonesi said Stabins number-one asset is his fiscal responsibility. She pointed out that it was Stabins who questioned spending by Hernando County Sheriff's Department. She said he did his best to keep the judges from spending too much money in a time of economic recession.
"Jeff also blew the whistle on former county administrator, David Hamilton," Pedonesi said. "He was right, but no one wants to give him credit."
Stabins considers the current budget crisis the biggest challenge he has faced as a commissioner. In his opinion, the local budget affected everything from social services, fighting crime, to keeping the jail open.
"The misery index went up in Hernando County," Stabins said. "The rise, then crash of the real estate values brought a whole host of residual problems to our county, including home foreclosures."
________________________
The on-again, off-again campaign of Stabins came to an abrupt stop several weeks ago. He decided not to run for re-election, citing his frustration with the Republican Party. He changed his party affiliation to NPA (no party affiliation), saying gamesmanship is being played by both parties and we are not moving forward as a country.
"I've really gotten burned out," Stabins said. "The angry minority are never satisfied."
Stabins admitted he had differences with members of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee. But he chose not to dwell on past relationships except to say that he was not comfortable with Blaise Ingoglia, as a person.
His anxiety with the Republican Party seemed to hit a nerve when talking about friends, like Anthony Palmieri.
"I just don't understand why Anthony is just so bitter," Stabins said.
Former County Commissioner Rose Rocco had a different take on the problems faced by Stabins with the Republican Party. She placed part of the blame on his fellow board members.
"All four of Jeff"s fellow Republican commissioners use him as a stepping-stone to make themselves look better," Rocco said. "He is really hurt by some of his friends because people have really turned on him."
Pedonesi sees it a different way. She thinks Stabins ruffled too many feathers with fellow commissioners and county staff.
"Jeff opened the doors to controversy and it has left him vulnerable," Pedonesi said.
_________________________
Over the past several years, Stabins has been battling health issues. He was diagnosed with Melanoma after finding a tiny freckle while shaving.
Stabins underwent three surgeries to remove the cancer cells - three horrible surgeries, as he self-described his treatment for Melanoma.
Friends rallied their support for Stabins in his time of need.
"I think Jeff felt safe when he flew back to New York to be with his father," Rocco said. "He couldn't cope very well with his cancer."
"Jeff needs time to get well, both mentally and physically," Pedonesi said. "To get back to the fun-loving Jeff we all know."
__________________________
It seems Stabins has come full circle again. He is considering the classroom, possibly teaching in a local charter school in the future. But his first love is writing. A book about his dog Rusty and his late dog Casey may be in the works.
Stabins holds a Master's degree from St. Lawrence University. He also has a Bachelors of Science degree in history and government from the University of State of New York.
"Jeff is a magnificent writer and historian," Pedonesi said. "I would love to see him do something with his writing."
As Stabins winds down his term as commissioner, he wasn't ready to set any long-term goals in stone, except to say, I'm not going to give you a Nixonion quote about leaving.
"I may be back," Stabins said.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Memorial Day
Memorial Day
A day to remember the men and women
who died serving our country
in United States Armed Forces
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Hernando County to discuss domestic registry
Brooksville, Fla. - Being proactive is not one of Hernando County Government's strongest traits. But commissioners may have turned the corner.
During Citizen's Input of Hernando County Commission meeting, Anna Liisa Covell (yes, me)addressed an editorial from a local newspaper. It said 62 percent of Hernando County residents were violating civil rights because they voted for Marriage Amendment at the last election.
Covell took offense to anyone questioning people's beliefs in marriage between one man and one woman. She said marriage is a religious sacrament. But Covell went on to stress the need for a domestic registry for Hernando County.
After Citizen's Input, Commissioner David Russell stepped up to the plate. He took Covell's suggestion to address a domestic registry for Hernando County.
During Citizen's Input of Hernando County Commission meeting, Anna Liisa Covell (yes, me)addressed an editorial from a local newspaper. It said 62 percent of Hernando County residents were violating civil rights because they voted for Marriage Amendment at the last election.
Covell took offense to anyone questioning people's beliefs in marriage between one man and one woman. She said marriage is a religious sacrament. But Covell went on to stress the need for a domestic registry for Hernando County.
After Citizen's Input, Commissioner David Russell stepped up to the plate. He took Covell's suggestion to address a domestic registry for Hernando County.
"It is a little like opening a can of worms, but it certainly is a topic that deserves discussion," Russell said.
All county commissioners concurred and agreed to place the item on their July Workshop.
Pew Research cites the percentage of those married nationwide has dropped to 51 percent of the overall population - down almost 25 percent from 1960.
"A domestic registry is not about the way people fornicate, but more about economic living conditions we all face in our community," Covell said. She listed numerous reasons for a domestic registry, including those on Social Security and young professionals who choose to live together without a marriage certificate.
The city of Clearwater and the city of St. Petersburg are geared to pass a second reading of their respective domestic registry ordinances in early June. Pinellas County is also exploring the benefits of domestic registry. The city of Tampa, Volusia County, Broward County, and Orange County already have domestic registries in place by ordinance.
Russell said he had spoke with several of his constituents who were interested in a domestic registry for Hernando County. Economics impacts to federal income tax and Social Security were primary concerns for Russell. He said the elderly were forced to make life decisions based on the economy.
"Hernando County needs to be proactive on this issue to protect civil rights for everyone in our community," Covell said.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Armed Forces Appreciation Breakfast
Marine Corp League Detachment 708
8405 Sunshine Grove Road
Brooksville, Florida
invites you to Armed Forces Appreciation Breakfast
Special Guest Congressman Rich Nugent
Saturday, May 19, 2012 8:00am — 10:30am
The cost is $6 for your choice of 3 from the following:
Eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Bacon, Sausage, and Biscuits with Gravy
Funds Support the USO Project Tampa Bay
For more information, please contact
352-597-7979 or 352-573-7967
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Petition card deadline has passed
The candidates listed below are pre-qualified with the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections office. Yesterday was the cut-off for candidates wishing to use the petition method to get their name on the ballot. All cards had to be turned in by 5 p.m. yesterday. Here is a quick snapshot of the results so far ... stay tuned for more candidate updates in the coming weeks.
***My apologies to Jason Yungman, candidate for Supervisor of Elections. I originally stated he had turned in his cards, but they had not yet been verified. Yungman's cards were turned in on time and all of them have been verified by the SOE's office.
2011 – 2012
PRE-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES
HERNANDO COUNTY
AS OF 5/8/2012 / 9:03 AM
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1
Stabins, Jeff (REP) (I) Petition cards not submitted on time
Swilley, Joseph J. (INT) Candidate has chosen to pay fee to get name on ballot
Glantz, Arlene (DEM) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Matassa, Richard J. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
Burmann, Michael P. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Werder-McGuire, Regina (REP) Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
Nicholson, Nicholas W. (REP) Candidate has chosen to pay fee to get name on ballot
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3
Druzbick, John C. (REP) (I) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Sager, Jason Patrick (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Alexander, Timothy Robert (NPA) Petition cards not submitted on time
Marsh, Tanya Lee (NPA) Candidate changed to write-in status
Sheldon, Greg (NPA) Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
Jenks Sr., Julio G. (DEM)Petition cards not submitted on time
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5
Barsanti, Michael (REP)Petition cards not submitted on time
Douglas, H. Paul (NPA)Candidate has chosen to pay fee to get name on ballot
Adkins, James Earl (REP) (I) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Gutierrez, Ramon J. (DEM) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2 – NON PARTISAN
Foreman, Matthew A. (I) Candidate has chosen to pay fee to get name on ballot
Kingeter, William Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4 – NON PARTISAN
Neuhausen, Robert Candidate has chosen to pay fee to get name on ballot
Gordon, Michael Angelo Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Villafane, Helen Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Guadagnino, Gus Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
SHERIFF
Sullivan, Bobby Jay (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
McConnell, James E. “Eddie” (DEM) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Nienhuis, Al (REP) (I) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Piccinich, Nicholas S. (DEM) Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Barbee, Donald C. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Emerson, John (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Williams, James B. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verification not completed yet
TAX COLLECTOR
Daniel, Sally L. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Anderson, Shirley (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Yungmann, Jason (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE***
Townsend, Elizabeth Rose (DEM) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
Caskie, Mark K. (REP) Petition cards submitted & verified by SOE
BROOKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SEAT 3 – NON PARTISAN
Boston, Paul L. City council candidates required to pay fee to get on ballot
BROOKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SEAT 4 – NON PARTISAN
Coogler, Vivian V. City council candidates required to pay fee to get on ballot
Hohn, Kevin Scott City council candidates required to pay fee to get on ballot
***My apologies to Jason Yungman, candidate for Supervisor of Elections. I originally stated he had turned in his cards, but they had not yet been verified. Yungman's cards were turned in on time and all of them have been verified by the SOE's office.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Blueberry Bucks only
The first annual Blueberry Festival drew a medium size crowd Saturday afternoon. Booths lined several downtown streets. The food court was nestled between vendor trucks on Brooksville Avenue. It was conveniently located across from the beer garden serving Budweiser.
The bounce toys were getting a workout by the children in the parking lot of Brooksville City Hall. There was live music for the younger set.
Hernando Park was locked to the public with signage on the gate on Saturday afternoon. During the Blues Brothers event in the evening, it was a different story. Ticket sales only moderately-filled the grand stands so Blues Brothers told event coordinators to open the gates to the crowd that had assembled outside the locked gate.Arts and craft booths lined the parking lot of Suntrust Bank on Fort Dade Avenue. Alesi Bakery was busy making blueberry shortcake at a stand in the bank's drive-thru parking lot, but the pie-baking stand was nowhere to be seen. People were unable to find fresh blueberries for sale at the event.
Local streets were lined with cars of those who opted not to pay the $10.00 parking fee to event organizers. Signs were posted throughout the city offering five dollar parking on private property.
One local business owner jumped into the excitement on Saturday by setting up their own lemonade and water stand on Main Street. Randy Mazourek from Arm Appraisal Service had brisk cash sales at his stand which was just outside the reach of Blueberry Bucks territory. He even cashed in on private parking.
After enjoying the festival, Rep. Richard Nugent and his wife Wendy were seen making their way back their car which had been parked at the local health department on Main Street.
"We talked to several vendors from Miami
and they were pleased with the crowd," Wendy Nugent said.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Blueberry Queen's magic wand
Commentary
Anna Liisa Covell
The Blueberry Queen must have a magic wand in her bag of tricks.
New bleachers are being erected. But the installation crew looks like they'll need a shoe horn to make them fit. Heck, the Blueberry Committee has already cut down a few trees for the event - what's a few more in the name of Blueberry Festival.
Everyone has been reminded this event is in our best interest, so smile everyone and let the parade begin!
Anna Liisa Covell
The Blueberry Queen must have a magic wand in her bag of tricks.
New bleachers are being erected. But the installation crew looks like they'll need a shoe horn to make them fit. Heck, the Blueberry Committee has already cut down a few trees for the event - what's a few more in the name of Blueberry Festival.
Everyone has been reminded this event is in our best interest, so smile everyone and let the parade begin!
Bleacher update from police chief
E-mail from Brookville Police Department
Good
morning Ms Covell,
There
is no report reference to your request.
On
Wednesday May 02 there was a contractual dispute at that location that resulted
in the bleacher owner removing the bleachers.
There
was no police action taken or needed in that regard other than to advise BOTH
parties to speak with their attorneys .
____________________________
George Turner, Chief of Police
Brooksville Police Dept.
George Turner, Chief of Police
Brooksville Police Dept.
Restraint of Blueberry Queen
Commentary
Anna Liisa Covell
The Blueberry Queen meets her match.
The bleacher seating for Hernando Park was installed earlier this week. But now it is gone.
Local residents said Ms. Heard had to be restrained by police who were called to the scene when the bleacher contractor began removing seats from the park. There was a dispute about the maximum number of seats that were installed on-site. The event organizer was reported as refusing to pay the contractor.
Several local church officials are starting to question the authority of the organizers of the Blueberry Festival who want to know if their Constitutional rights are being violated. Festival organizers are using their parking lots, saying it is for the good of the community. Some church deacons were told to cancel Sunday services because the Blueberry Festival is more important.
A public records request was submitted to the Brooksville Police Department in reference to the bleacher incident involving the restraint of the Blueberry Queen.
Stay tuned for updates ...
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Adkins wants one more shot
Commentary
Anna Liisa Covell
We keep being told this will be the most important election of our lifetime. Does that include local elections that seem to be flying under the radar?
The campaign slogans are the same. It's just a different year. Lower taxes. Create jobs. More freedom.
Is anyone paying attention? Has our sense of civic pride been demoralized by idle rhetoric of candidates?
Well, Commissioner James Adkins says he wants one more shot at the job. He assures us that this time he'll get the job done right. It seems his latest priority is jump-starting the economy. We just need to give him four more years.
Considering his stance on local economy, then why would Adkins invite constituents to his fundraiser in another county - Pasco County?
An afternoon of fun, food and music is the headliner for Adkins fundraiser. The invited guests will have to drive south on U.S. 19 for the event. It's at the Sun West Harbor Towne Center in Hudson.
What happened to his promise of jump-starting the economy in Hernando County?
Anna Liisa Covell
We keep being told this will be the most important election of our lifetime. Does that include local elections that seem to be flying under the radar?
The campaign slogans are the same. It's just a different year. Lower taxes. Create jobs. More freedom.
Is anyone paying attention? Has our sense of civic pride been demoralized by idle rhetoric of candidates?
Well, Commissioner James Adkins says he wants one more shot at the job. He assures us that this time he'll get the job done right. It seems his latest priority is jump-starting the economy. We just need to give him four more years.
Considering his stance on local economy, then why would Adkins invite constituents to his fundraiser in another county - Pasco County?
An afternoon of fun, food and music is the headliner for Adkins fundraiser. The invited guests will have to drive south on U.S. 19 for the event. It's at the Sun West Harbor Towne Center in Hudson.
What happened to his promise of jump-starting the economy in Hernando County?
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