Despair or renewal of spirit

It’s time again for Hernando County citizens to choose the path of our destiny. Two clear paths exist. Our lives can continue to be filled with sadness, darkness and despair or we can choose a new path for our future – a future filled a renewal of spirit and goodwill.

The choice is ours to make on August 14, 2012 – Primary Election day.

A wide field of candidates is competing for your attention. Many candidates are registered Republicans with distinct characteristics – some with characteristics that might not be favorable to a renewal of spirit for our county. 

Ssshhh! Can you hear the deafening rhetoric roar of the right-wing?

Ebenezer Scrooge would beam with pride at the slogans being slung at constituents – slogans like ‘more liberty, less government’ or ‘ax the tax’ which will only bring more despair to our county.

The Hernando County Ghosts of Christmas’ Past, Present and Future are staring us in the face. 

Hernando County Ghost of Christmas Past warns us to repent, to change our ways.

The Hernando County Ghost of Christmas Present shows us deprivation, with a small glimmer of hope.

The most-feared Hernando County Ghost of Future gives us a choice – darkness and despair or a more-caring attitude, filled with goodwill and renewal of spirit.

______________________

Hernando County Ghost of Christmas Past – 

It was a very good year.  It was 2007.  Unemployment in Hernando County was just a little over four percent.  The attitude was let the good-times roll.  No one was concerned about budget constraints except for John Druzbick when he announced his candidacy for county commissioner, dist.3.

Druzbick campaigned on “a  pay-as-you go” to accomplish long-term projects – projects like the  Hernando County dredge project and Elgin Road completion. He campaigned on support of local business to help the local economy.

The unsuccessful run for Congress by Jason Sager in 2010 was filled with slogans.  He offered himself to constituents as a "very conservative guy" and strict - even radical constitutionalist who reveres the Founding Fathers, according to a story by a  staff writer for ocala.com 

The ‘ax the tax’ slogan came into play with the election of James Adkins in 2008.   It played to fringe voters who came out in force to push a no-growth, no-tax attitude during budget hearings.

The party played on until the bottom fell out. With the economy in shambles, caused by the collapse of the housing market, our unemployment soared to over 15 percent in Hernando County.  The county ranked the third highest in the state for home foreclosures and unemployment.

______________________

Hernando County Ghost of Christmas Present –

An economic malaise exists in Hernando County.  It is 2012.  Unemployment in Hernando County is teetering on 11 percent.  The attitude is like the calm before the storm.  It is budget time.  It is time to choose a candidate for the future.

John Druzbick stands firm with his support of business, saying it is our only avenue out of the economic slump    He sees the need to fund economic development to attract business to the county.

Druzbick is taking a beating by his opponent for suggesting an increase in taxes equal to the roll-back rate.  He says the county cannot continue to use reserves to balance the budget.

Jason Sager changed gears after his defeat for Congress.  He’s now a candidate for Hernando County Commissioner, district 3.  Druzbick is his opponent.

Sager’s manifest includes the elimination of The Bus, saying it is a waste of money.  His campaign doesn’t mention how he plans to cover the loss of state and federal transportation funding if the bus system is eliminated in Hernando County. 

The 'ax the tax' logic is still in play with James Adkins.  He voted against a increase in taxes equal to the roll-back rate, saying it is bad for  business. Adkins offered no positive solution to the current budget crisis.

A newcomer running against Adkins in district 5 has ruffled a few feathers with his positive approach to solving the county problems.  James "Jimmy" Lodato calls it leadership with a vision. His business plan includes attracting more business to the county.  His credentials include past ownership of Fortune 500 companies.

District 1 is wide-open with the retirement of Jeff Stabins with three Republicans on the ballot..

Michael Burmann is making his second stab for the district 1 seat.  He wants to create more efficiency in local government. He professes to use his experience as a business owner as a basis to solve the county's problems.

One candidate with a hold-no-prisoners-attitude is Richard Matassa.  Being an owner of a local engineering firm, Matassa is familiar with the functions of local government and what it takes to make change in the county. His take-charge attitude is well-known in the business community.

Nick Nicholson, a business owner, is also a candidate for district 1.  Nicholson holds a master's degree in engineering and MBA.  He would like to apply his knowledge and expertise to solve the county's problems.  Nicholson served on the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission for seven years.  He is a long-time member of the local Rotary Club.


Hernando County Commissioners continue to wrestle with massive decreases in funding to run the government. Residents struggle to survive in an inflationary economy. Many businesses have closed their doors. Each have their own personal stories to share.

_________________________

Hernando County Ghost of Christmas Future –

According to Dickens Christmas Carol, Scrooge held the future in his hands. 

As the fearsome figure in the black robe points to the uncertainty of the future, Scrooge cries out as he is faced with a choice of a lonely death and damnation.  But he chooses humanity, saying he is a changed man.

Will our lives in Hernando County continue to be filled with sadness, darkness and despair?

Will we choose a new path for our future – a future filled a renewal of spirit and goodwill in Hernando County to rebuild our future?

It's your choice on August 14th.