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Hernando Today

CPR Author Starts Spat With Realtors

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: March 2, 2009

Updated: 03/02/2009 04:26 pm

BROOKSVILLE - Heated e-mails were exchanged this weekend between the critics and author of a plan designed to boost Hernando County's economy.
In one camp is the plan's architect, homebuilder Blaise Ingoglia, who recently proposed using $2.5 million in county money as grants for people who buy foreclosed homes.
On the other side is the Hernando County Association of Realtors. In an article published Saturday in Hernando Today, the association's president, Marilyn Pearson-Adams, expanded on a letter sent to county commissioners Feb. 23.
Pearson-Adams cites statistics that show a 25 percent drop in the county's home inventory. Out of the 3,107 homes on the market, only 181 are foreclosed properties, according to figures on the multiple listing service.
It's the association's position that more good would be done by spending the money to attract jobs to the county.
Ingoglia responded to the county commission letter in an e-mail Friday afternoon, accusing Pearson-Adams of ulterior motives.
Specifically, Ingoglia accuses her of "hasty political decisions," a "political agenda" and that "you are putting politics ahead of our communities' best interest."
He further alleges that Pearson-Adams never read the plan before taking a position on it and that she acted without the approval of the board of directors.
Much of the e-mail centers on his belief that Pearson-Adams is motivated by personal gain.
"How can the membership of your organization have faith in you, if you do nothing more than promote your own opinions…?" the e-mail asks.
Ingoglia also questions the authenticity of the foreclosure figures she quotes.
"I find it hard to believe that a person in your position, with your longevity in the real estate business, cannot find the correct data to speak credibly on such a critical issue," Ingoglia state in his e-mail.
On Monday, the association responded in kind with a letter signed by nine members of the board.
"It is obvious from your email dated February 27, 2009 that your lack of understanding in regards to our structure and organizational procedures prompted you to personally, and without merit, disparage our President, Marilyn Pearson-Adams," the letter states.
In their rebuttal, board members are adamant that their president read the plan. They dispel the notion that Pearson-Adams is acting as a rogue representative of the board, saying the whole board reached a consensus on their position about the plan.
Furthermore, they assure Ingoglia that "there is no divisive action or political agenda on the part of the Board of Directors for the Hernando County Association of REALTORS."
On Monday, Pearson-Adams referred to the association's letter and declined to comment further.
Ingoglia said Monday that he is currently reviewing foreclosure records and will provide a more accurate picture of the housing market in Hernando County.
"Inventory has grown, not decreased," he said.
Asked to clarify what he was alluding to in the e-mail about Pearson-Adam's supposed political motives, Ingoglia declined to comment beyond, "Marilyn would know what that is."

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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