County Officials' Wish List For Santa

Christmas is upon us, and people's thoughts naturally turn to good will and happiness.

But with the housing market collapsed, Hernando County stuck with the fourth worst unemployment in the state and residents struggling to pay the next utility bill, chances are this holiday season won't be as bright as those in the past.

With that in mind, Hernando Today asked community, government and civic leaders a simple question: "If you could unwrap one gift under the Christmas tree Thursday that would benefit Hernando County in 2009, what would it be?"

County Commissioner James Adkins: "Lower the unemployment rate. One out of every 10 people is unemployed and it's sad. We need to get big, clean industry in Hernando County.

"We've got to do something and whatever it takes, and I think local government can do that. We have the infrastructure and we have places for them. We just have to gear up and get it done."

County Commissioner James Druzbick: "Employment for our 10.2 percent who are unemployed in Hernando County. I'm getting a number of calls from residents who are looking for help because they're out of work. They are looking for jobs but, in the meantime, they have gotten to the point where they need assistance."

County Commissioner Rose Rocco: "What I found under the tree was this lovely gold package, embellished with silky ribbons. It was a gold paper recipe book and it's called 'Recipe for Success.'
"Take one tablespoon of bipartisanship, a teaspoon of cooperation, a teaspoon of ethics, a teaspoon full of compassion, a teaspoon of civility, a teaspoon of understanding, a teaspoon of respect, a tablespoon of accountability.

"Stir well, and bake in a warm climate and enjoy. It serves thousands."

County Commissioner Dave Russell: "Optimism for a bright future. In light of all the doom and gloom in the news, an upbeat perspective on just how blessed we truly are."

County Commissioner Jeff Stabins: "I think it would benefit all of Hernando County if we would have a fair and impartial press."

County Administrator David Hamilton: "The 10-member leadership team that we are hoping to put in place early in the new year to work in support of the new county board's directions based on our pressing needs.

"The challenges are greater than most of us have experienced in our lifetime, and I look forward to accepting those economic challenges with the benefit of a team that is focused on the future of Hernando County on behalf of the citizens that we serve."

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Robert Widmar: "A plan that meets the Florida Department of Community Affairs' approval list for spending the $5.6 million (in foreclosure relief) in the 10-month time frame specified."

(Referring to the fact that Hernando County is in line to receive $5.6 million of Federal Neighborhood Stabilization program money that would be used to ease the local foreclosure crisis and stabilize the housing market).

Civic Activist Blaise Ingoglia: "Full economic recovery so that no family would have to go through the devastation of a family member being laid off from work."

Hernando Builders Association President Dudley Hampton Jr.: "That county commissioners approve the reorganization plan that (County Administrator) David Hamilton is putting together. It's a cost saver, it allows for expedient government, it prevents barriers between one department and another and puts in place a win-win situation."

School Board member and Hernando County Parks and Recreation Director Pat Fagan: "That we work together as a family. I'm talking about teachers, administrators, the school board and the public. We need to work more together now than we ever have before. And that goes for the county as well."

Brooksville Mayor Joe Bernardini: "That everybody who wants a job would have one."

State Rep. Robert Schenck, R-Spring Hill: "I'd wish for a better economy and more jobs. That's something every level of government should be working on."

State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey: "If I could place a present underneath the Christmas tree of anyone who needs a job, I would do so. That present would be a position with a company that will provide them with a working wage to help them provide for the needs of themselves and their families."

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville: "I'd like to see real estate selling strongly once again in Hernando County."

Sheriff Richard Nugent: Nugent said he would have the Jennifer Odom case solved. Jennifer was 12 years old in 1993 when she was abducted from her bus stop after school in eastern Pasco County. Her body was later found in east-central Hernando County.

The case "is on my mind all the time," Nugent said.

Spring Hill Fire Chief Michael Rampino: Rampino has seen his share of house fires in his career. But it's losing a home to foreclosure that he wants to end in 2009. A house fire sets people back, but there's always the option to rebuild, he notes.

A foreclosure "is a whole new set of problems," he said.

Hernando County Health Department spokeswoman Ann-Gayle Ellis: Ellis wants to see sidewalks for Hernando County. Ellis said she would be one of many to take advantage of sidewalks to walk or ride a bicycle to work.

"It would provide access for people to get around," she said.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Marketing and Public Relations Director John Athanason: Athanason would like to see Hernando County's unemployment rate drop. The latest figures show 10.2 percent of the workforce is out of a job.

Jobs, training, "any kind of resource that would help people get back on their feet," Athanason said.