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Hernando Today

Falling For The Judicial Center Boondoggle

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

I am wondering what planet the heads of the county are on? There are banks that are ready to fold, people are without jobs, food is sky high and going up every day, gasoline is out of this world, eight to 10 foreclosures in the paper every day. There are people who don't have a loaf of bread on the table and have no where to turn; and they, the county, needs enhancement?

Since when would a $48 million judicial building bring more business to the county? (And you and I know that figure will jump up to around $85 million by the time they buy the land and the extra add-ons as they go along). That first price of $48 million is just to soften the blow. Oh, and enhancement - they forgot to mention another word that goes along with it - extra taxes.

The scenario a little more than year ago or so; they sold the hospital that was assessed at more than $10 million for a lousy $1 million-plus. My suggestion was to remodel and they would have more than enough room for everyone, plus they could lease out space and be way ahead and receive income besides, but their excuse was it would cost $25 million to remodel and they didn't have the money. They sure are coming up with $20 million for this new adventure.

Isn't it funny, the new owners of the hospital remodeled for around $10 million and are going to make a killing by leasing out office space to the county, also medical and other prospects, I assume, doctors and so forth.

In my article last year, I said the county thought they were not happy to move into a remodeled old building, but I'll bet just as soon as they sell the hospital they will want to build a new judicial building. Sure enough, it wasn't a week after their papers were signed, it came out they decided to build an $80 million judicial building. For some reason, that idea cooled. The next thing I read is they were thinking of buying the old Register building that was for a paltry $5 million. In my article, I said that was not a very smart choice. In other words, dumb. I guess they thought it over and changed their minds. It is just a large auto repair shop dressed up, and you know the county would not be content with that and spend millions to make it look - enhancing. I like that word.

Gee, I feel sorry for the county because they only have $25 million in the kitty. Use some of it to help people who need help. The ones who have jobs and steady pay, like county employees, do not really know what it is like to live when the electric, telephone and even water is turned off. Try that sometime. That's what the money million should be used for. So, they are a little crowded for space. I am sure they could survive without the spacious offices. Make do.

Years back, they did everything but condemn the old courthouse and said it was unsafe so they have to build a new one. I see after all these years the old one is still being used and still standing.

They keep crying about how they have to cut this and cut that. It's the old saying, "Penny wise, pound foolish."

One last comment: When someone is in office too long, it is no longer about what the public thinks; it is their own personal beliefs on which they make decisions. The taxpayer is lost in the shuffle.

Joseph S. Allesi

Brooksville

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