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Hernando Today

Representative Government Well Represented

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

Updated: 01/22/2008 07:44 pm

The Legislative Delegation at the County Commission chamber last Friday, Jan. 18, was a testimony to the concerns our state representatives have for the citizens of Hernando County. Representatives Robert Schenk and Ron Schultz, and Senators Mike Fasano and Paula Dockery respectfully listened to the residents who had taken the time to attend the meeting.

Surprisingly, there were few people in attendance to speak their thoughts; there were even fewer spectators. Still, our elected officials listened in earnest, doing an excellent job in enforcing the 3-minute allotted time for each speaker, unlike the tendency of County Commissioners to allow many to disregard established protocol. Speakers did well to quickly end their comments at the appropriate time.

Although it wasn't the case with every speaker, our representatives requested clarification on subject matters and interacted as needed to give meaningful responses. It was a pleasant experience with everyone acting like adults.

Surprisingly, few brought up the subject of Amendment 1 to give property tax relief to a select demographic of homeowners. Even so, Sen. Fasano explained that rather than the 60 percent voter approval to enact the legislation, the state Senate and House require a super-duper majority of 67 percent to put an amendment on the ballot. Can you imagine that anything was accomplished at all?

Rep. Dockery brought attention to the once-in-every-20-year meeting of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which may bring something else to the November ballot.

What you see on the ballot is the best they could do. Perhaps if they had not put themselves in a position to make a last-minute attempt to satisfy Gov. Crist's election promise to lower taxes, we would see something equitable to all. Tallahassee has failed to deliver meaningful relief on both insurance and taxes within the governor's first year in office.

The most touching of speakers were those requesting funding for NAMI, the National Association on Mental Illness. Two young women who had overcome the debilitating horrors of schizophrenia, and had subsequently earned college degrees, urged the delegation to bring awareness of mental diseases. I can attest to the lack of understanding of a lesser, yet also serious mental illness: bipolar disorder. I have often overheard people in passing make a statement that "he/she must be bipolar." It's not that simple and there are no guaranteed treatments. I have long learned not to place judgment on people who do not fit the typical label of "normal."

Topping the day off, a few of the candidates vying for a position on the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners made their presence known, one of whom initiated a discussion rather than politicize the occasion.

I had a preconceived notion the meeting would be used to promote Amendment 1 and be an initial campaign strategy for re-election this November. Not so. Our representatives were here to listen to their people.

Ron Rae

Spring Hill

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