There are several inescapable realities of our ever-worsening economy that all point to the conclusion that the federal government must take on the role of an employer of last resort. 1. In addition to the already unemployed, the rest of us are also basing our purchasing and investing decisions on a real possibility of losing our own sole source of income. Jobs are the missing ingredient that the private sector can no longer reliably provide if left to its own resources. 2. The nation can also ill afford the luxury of increasing millions of laid-off workers collecting unemployment compensation, while sitting idle and contributing nothing to the economy. 3. The prospect of deficit spending without foreseeable end carries with it far too much negative baggage to ever provide the sorely needed catalyst for a renewal positive mindset. ...more

February 24, 2009

When state budgets take a beating, college students and their families seem to be first to feel the pain. ...more

January 3, 2009

Everyone has an opinion why the big three automakers are almost bankrupt. To those who think factory workers are overpaid and take the corporate CEO side, you are way off base and wrong. Working class people in factories and other grunt jobs have always been the backbone of this country. Those jobs in the factory were not isolated or held for a chosen few. The only requirement was a high school education, which was often waived, and to pass a physical. ...more

December 18, 2008

Dramatic fare increases and flagging demand for travel may test Tampa International Airport in the year ahead, its director says, but the groundwork will continue for its largest expansion project in 40 years. ...more

August 8, 2008

Random thoughts on the passing scene: Government bailouts are like potato chips: You can't stop with just one. ...more

August 5, 2008

PORT RICHEY -- In a year in which all economic news seems to be bad, cities everywhere have been holding their collective breath in anticipation of the release of budgets for the next fiscal year. So there was a nearly giddy sigh of relief July 24 when City Manager Richard Reade presented the City Council with his fiscal 2009 budget proposal. ...more

August 2, 2008

Community teamwork can go a long way, especially in areas like South Brooksville that have been historically neglected. ...more

July 24, 2008

Community teamwork can go a long way, especially in areas like South Brooksville that have been historically neglected. ...more

July 23, 2008

With about 30 St. Petersburg police officers and their family members standing behind him, the leader of the local police union lambasted city officials Tuesday for the stance they are taking during contract negotiations. ...more

June 11, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - With roughly 30 St. Petersburg police officers and their family members standing behind him, the leader of the local police union lambasted city officials today for the stance they are taking during current contract negotiations. The city is offering officers a 3 percent raise while the union, the Pinellas County Police Benevolent Association, is asking for a 7 percent increase, said PBA President Mark Deasaro. The city's offer, he said, constitutes neither a living wage nor a competitive one. ...more

June 10, 2008