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Hernando Today

Judicial Center A White Elephant Mistake

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 24, 2008

The white elephant center-stage on the Brooksville setting is a huge mistake, and I'm just hoping for a tornado (in the middle of the night, of course). Alas, it's probably built to newer/stronger building code.

More important than figuring out which way to overcharge the taxpayers, (current) county commissioners and (temporary) County Administrator Larry Jennings should be first back-up to focus on what and where it is. If not they should simply leave the problem to someone who wants the top job (or is electable) for the long-term. With the tanning they got in the harsh light of recent-year's sunshine, this is not the time for county officials to "tag" the county - that is, make your distinct mark and then run away.

To me, the best government blends with the constituency it supports. Obviously, that mostly goes for its people. But it also goes for its inanimate visible features as well, such as its fleet of vehicles (too new-looking, but that's another letter). However, the biggest flag the county waives is in its permanent buildings.

In my opinion, the brashness and placement of the Brooksville government center building is horrible. It's not that I don't like modern architecture structures. I do. But what was built there just doesn't seem to fit. At least the old courthouse had a reasonably spacious area around its stately entrance. To me, the existing government center looks like a full-sized, dressed-down person stuffed into a coach airline seat - uncomfortable for everyone.

I also believe the current presence of the government center inhibits what Brooksville has historically been and what it should continue to evolve. Towns in Florida that have longevity (read: before A/C) grew slow and developed a village identity. The government center spoiled that and inhibits a rebirth. It's almost like an invasive species of plant moved in.

So, naturally I'm opposed to any super-sizing of the out-of-place McWalGovMansion center/region/Rockefeller Center.

At one time there was a proposal to move the courts and its hoards of files and workers to the airport or thereabouts - nearer the jail. I think this is a great idea. I heard that costs would be lower due to not having the constant guarded transport of prisoners across the county.

As for the existing building - less is better. I think it'll take creative mind(s) to transform its exterior back into something that architecturally blends, but I do believe there is a practical solution to be found to minimize its undesirable elements. As far as remaining government use of the structure goes, I think there are certainly some smaller departments that make sense to keep - those that have little to do with the criminal courts and blend better with the small business and residential use of the vicinity.

James Mastro

Brooksville

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