LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

It Would Never Happen

The recent passing of a new sign ordinance and the latest rash of "public control" citations issued by our code enforcement storm troopers have me thinking of times gone by.

History has a way of repeating itself. It's kind of a cause-and-effect thing. When we repeat behavior, history repeats itself, and then we all stand around acting surprised!

It wasn't too long ago there was a society that was going through a difficult economic and social change. This society was hungry for direction. That hunger was exploited by a division of their government under the guise of increased revenue and public safety.

Having said that, the public and the Board of County Commissioners should take a hard look at the recent blitz by code enforcement. I think of the hard-working people of this county who take time to keep their properties well maintained and in good repair. After working hard all week to provide for their families, they spend their off time working around the house while looking over their shoulder waiting for a citation to arrive for leaving a ladder in the driveway while having lunch or an unattended pile of leaves during a restroom break.

Think of the senior citizen who takes pride in the landscaping around his home; and while working on his sprinklers to keep them operating efficiently and to conserve water, he receives a citation for watering on the wrong day.

Code enforcement has stated this is subject to interpretation, and "It would never happen." It's that interpretation that worries me. Once the citation is issued, try to un-interpret it. Good luck!

A glaring example of this is the new sign ordinance. Specifically, the area of The Revised Sign Regulations; 125.01, F.S. that addressed "holiday lighting" (pg. 23, line 4).

It states, in part, "Any such seasonal or holiday decorations or displays which are so out of proportion to decorations or displays on similar lots or parcels in the same general area."

So I called a few people at the county and asked, does this mean if no homes on a street had holiday decorations and one resident put up one string of lights, that resident would be in violation of the ordinance? I was told that while my interpretation was indeed correct, "It would never happen!"

I think of the boxcars full of people who were told, "It would never happen." Here is the problem, once the citation has been issued, or the train leaves the station, it has happened and it cannot be changed.

I don't think we should have to live in fear of this department and its freedom to enforce ordinances subject to the mood of the day. I say to all of my fellow residents: Be aware. Especially this year while you are putting up your holiday decorations.

I do think, however, those of us who will be putting up a Star of David or a Menorah should be the first to worry!

Steve Silverman

Spring Hill

Senior Savings

There is a property tax savings awaiting our fellow senior citizens and not much has been published about it, which causes me to ask: Why hasn't the savings been advertised and discussed in the newspapers and airways?

I would think all senior citizens would want to take advantage of the extra $50,000 property tax exemption voted on by our county commissioners at their budget hearing last September. Even though it's named "Low Income Senior Exemption," all seniors need to look at the criteria. Fact is this savings is also for moderately financed households because it does not include Social Security benefits.

In other words, if pensions, dividends, interest, etc. do not exceed $24,916 per year in 2007, excluding Social Security benefits, a senior citizen is probably eligible for the extra savings on their property tax. Deadline to apply at the Property Appraiser's Office is March 1.

I think it's understandable why the county would not want to push this savings; it would equate to less money in their coffers.

T. Murray

Spring Hill