Letters

Solving Hernando's problems takes resolve

BY RAMON GUTIERREZ
Published: November 4, 2012

I'm not only fiery and wiry, most importantly I'm passionate about Hernando County.

I did mention in my Moving Hernando Forward plan what Pasco County has done to generate incentive dollars; implanting a temporary one-cent tax for the building of reserves for incentives.

Pasco County attracted two Fortune 500 companies in T Rowe Price, which will bring in about 1,600 top-paying jobs, and Raymond James, which will provide another 750 more, both of which are household names.

Raymond James is going to build an additional 1-million-square-foot building and increase its labor force. This action will place $40 million on Pasco County tax rolls.

Yes, it did cost Pasco County $10 million incentive dollars each to attract these two companies. If we can attract several companies like Raymond James or T Rowe Price, then the millage rate can be lowered to all Hernando County residents.

I would say the plan has worked well for Pasco. A business-minded person realizes that in order to generate more revenue and attain growth, monetary investments are required.

I'm being straightforward and truthful of my intent and remain receptive to alternatives. Hernando County taxpayers paid $2.5 million incentive dollars for the expansion of Accuform.

Where is the monetary incentive dollars windfall for this and other endeavors to come from? My opponent has no plan nor does he provide solutions to the problems, just rhetoric about what we need.

Could it be he has no idea how to resolve the issue or desire to disclose his intentions? Perhaps Mr. Adkins' crusading benefactors will dig deep into their pockets, or a magical hat or Santa Claus will bring the millions of dollars needed for incentives, the $15 million needed to balance the budget and the replenishment of the $10 million squandered from our reserves.

I know what Hernando County needs. I have owned several businesses. I had to balance my budget, generate revenue to keep my business moving forward.

Mr. Adkins was Brooksville fire chief. When he needed money he went before Brooksville City Council and got his increase in revenue.

Have you forgotten when Mr. Adkins retained an attorney, Bill Eppley, and sued the city of Brooksville because he was denied a 4 percent increase? I wonder how much of Brooksville residents' tax dollars went to defend that selfish action.

Who was he thinking about? When Mr. Adkins cast his vote to reduce and then to eliminate impact fees for a year, who was he thinking of? His generous contributors? As Mr. Adkins says "Experience Does Count." Will Mr. Adkins continue to flip flop on decisions. No impact fees (Yes, impact fees) no tax increase flip flop (Yes, a roll back).

I have an unwavering resolve to better Hernando County with no baggage or obligations. I ask Hernando County residents: Are you better off today than 2008?

Can you financially sustain another four years of the status quo? What will your home be worth? Who will you sell it to? I do not provide a whimsical fable on accomplishments or solutions. Visit www.electramon.com. It is time to look beyond political parties. It is not about the (D) or the (R), it is about the (A) — all the people, not just a select few. On Nov. 6, vote for the candidate who will work for the needy, not the greedy. Vote Ramon J. Gutierrez.

Ramon Gutierrez

Candidate for Hernando County Commission District 5