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Highlands Today

What Have We Got To Complain About

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By Norm Cukras | Highlands Today

Published: June 20, 2008

Mark Twain once quipped, "Everybody complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it." That's not entirely true. A lot of us move away from it. That's why Florida is about to crack along I-10 and become an independent island, which apparently wouldn't disturb the Democrats too much since Floridians have never seemed to be able to develop the knack of voting in the first place, not withstanding that most Floridians are not natives of this state in the first place.

But one thing can be said for Florida and its weather: You seldom, if ever, hear of anyone moving out of the state when they retire.

It gets hot down here, sure, but in any hot climate it gets cool when the sun goes down. In cold climates it just gets colder when the sun goes to bed. Even without air conditioning it's possible to get some relief with a fan fashioned from the morning's newspaper; although I wonder what people will use as fans when the Internet replaces all written material? Maybe that's why e-stuff wasn't invented until after air conditioning. Fans are still around though and they are far better than trying to keep warm in the cold climes by awkwardly waving a smoldering log around.

A Matter Of Perspective
Yeah down here we suffer from those horrid hurricanes. But at least we can to some degree prepare for them and we do get some advance warning. But think about the people plagued by tornadoes, landslides, raging rivers and heat they are not accustomed to. And to me flooding is more devastating than hurricanes. Still you can't help but wonder if there isn't something sinister going on. Like maybe global warming is not only occurring but is also inevitable. And how does a civilization prepare for it?

The Wright Time
I got to chat, however briefly, with our new county administrator Michael Wright during last week's chamber mixer at the Kenilworth. He seems to be a very personable fellow who is quickly settling in his new job. "There were no surprises," he said of the duties he undertook.

Now comes the task of finding a home. Up in Tallahassee he had a 2.2 mile daily commute and with the gas prices what they are he'd like to keep his daily trek about the same. Apparently the Wrights have already narrowed their search and by now may have even made their selection.

One thing I will say for the new county overseer: he won't lose sight of the lighter aspects of life. He wears a Mickey Mouse watch.

Not The Right Time
Carl Cool was at the affair too. Campaigning at the time? I didn't get a chance to chat with him.

I was glad to see that since the doing he has withdrawn from the county commissioner's race. It was not the right time for him to throw his hat in the political ring. It would have been a definite disservice to the new man to have the previous jobholder in a position of responsibility over him. It could very easily have lead to dissention in the ranks as well unneeded micro-management.

Wright is probably man enough to stand up for himself, but he could have found himself in an awkward position. He didn't need that. He needs to establish the Wright kind of style, not just remain Cool in the position. I'm surprised Carl didn't think of that before he stated his intentions to run.

As far as double or triple-dipping goes: Hey that's the American way. The man is entitled to his retirement; the commissioner's position pays $45,000 and there is no requirement that they be mutually exclusive. And if there is time left over to earn money on the side, go for it.

Overheard
Overheard at the checkout counter: It was refreshing to see how many golf fans were rooting for Rocco Mediate in his 'that close' loss to Tiger.

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