Floridians were loud and clear about wanting property tax relief. In Tuesday's election, 64 percent of the voters – 2.5 million – supported Amendment 1, which doubles the homestead exemption, allows portability of Save Our Homes and provides tax relief to businesses. Now we can brace for the fallout. The big worry with most Floridians is how it will affect fire and law enforcement service, schools and county services. The other worry is that local governments will increase taxes to fill those budget holes. ...more

January 31, 2008

Whether this letter be in response to those recently expressing consternation of our federal government or to those who may simply question the direction of Highlands County's elected officials, my message remains the same. The familiar phrase, "Of the people, by the people, for the people" means a great deal to me. In my opinion and quite simply put, "Of the people" signifies that we, the citizens, have given or allowed our government certain powers, which also means that we may restrict them as well. "By the people" then gives us the authority to decide those who will serve in elected positions. "For the people," as I read it, implies that those elected are charged with the responsibility to recognize each person's circumstance and to make proper and just decisions accordingly. This is not an enviable position to be in, for sure. In my life, I've found there are times when doing the right thing is not necessarily popular. Equally, I've come to understand that what's popular is not always right. ...more

January 21, 2008

Some in the audience of 120 who gathered Wednesday to hear Florida House Speaker Mario Rubio's views on the state's property tax amendment may have been surprised to see Rubio, also a Republican, dismiss Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed initiative as inadequate. If you came to make up your mind on how to vote, it was probably not made up based on what little Rubio had to say on the proposed property tax reforms and how divergent his views are on what is being proposed. Instead, Rubio spoke on gambling, morality, family values, giving your children a better United States, and even his kids. ...more

January 21, 2008

With all due respect to Brian Corley, Pasco's young, enthusiastic and appointed elections chief, This Space disagrees. Courteously. ...more

January 17, 2008

Who should come and vote Jan. 29? All registered voters who want to have their voice heard on who the next president of our country should be and those persons who wish to express their opinion via the ballot box on the constitutional amendment dealing with property taxes in Florida. ...more

January 13, 2008

In response to Mr. Streeter's recent letter, I do not believe that Halliburton sets the price of oil. I believe the oil cartel does that. The reason that Halliburton pumps the oil is that they are the most qualified company in the Mideast to do so. If President Bush had not sent our troops to Iraq, Saddam would still be in power, raping and killing his own people, as he had done for many years. In addition, he would be ever more dangerous. I say "Good riddance!" ...more

December 12, 2007

that a government be democratic or that it be a friend and ally in the war against al-Qaida and Islamic extremism? ...more

November 24, 2007

Hometown Democracy is simply 'ballot box planning.' Its focus is neither your hometown nor improved democracy. ...more

October 23, 2007

Kendall Coffey, the former U.S. attorney for South Florida known for high-profile cases and some controversy, is preparing the lawsuit for Florida Democrats against their national party in the squabble over the state's primary date. ...more

September 29, 2007