A recent Gainesville Sun editorial compared the decision of the Alachua County Commission to impose a gasoline tax for roads with that of our own Marion County Commission. Here is a condensed version of some of the comments contained in the Sun editorial:
“Alachua County Commissioners took a lot of heat last year when they decided to raise the local option gasoline tax by 5 cents a gallon to help whittle down the county's huge backlog of unfinanced transportation improvements. Commissioners, all of them Democrats, were of course denounced as "tax and spend liberals." (Interestingly, though, none of the three commissioners up for re-election in November were punished by voters for their taxing and spending ways).
But lest you think that it's only Democrats who want to dip into your pocket, consider what happened this week in neighboring Marion County, where Republicans rule the roost. On Tuesday, the Marion County Commission gave preliminary approval to (Gasp!) an Alachua County-style 5-cent-a-gallon local option gas tax increase.
Why? Because Marion County needs to borrow $100 million for road improvements, and about the only way they can pay the money back is with higher gas taxes.
Something's got to give. Cheap gas is a wonderful thing. But there's nothing like a road riddled with potholes to ruin a nice Sunday drive. Not to mention your car's suspension.”
Is the gas tax a partisan issue (i.e., a Democrat or Republican thing) or just being fiscally responsible to the road needs of Marion County? What do you think about the imposition of a 5 cent per gallon gas tax for Marion County?
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73 comments:
Go for it!
Doesn't matter what the government do to "safe the crises" it never is enough!!!!! When will they learn to put the money to good use? It's never enough guys!!!!
They are totally inept! Amazing!!!
Enjoy the Super Bowl this weekend!!
Go Michael Steele for RNC Chair!
He will be a breath of fresh air to the GOP!
Sorry, I didn't answer the last question! I dont know?
Sansom stepping down , Larry Cretal the new Speaker of the House!
Go Larry Go!
Finally, Ocala is Represented!
Way to go Larry. I can't wait to hear from miss patti, and from her sweetie creakbam, and from brad and bill. this is gonna be fun reading. bulldog paatti used to hate him.
From the "What were they thinking " department :
Remember the topic about casino gambling coming to Marion County ?
I opined that it was "dead on arrival" and Bobby D bet me lunch, certain that a paramutual license would be "filed" this month in Marion County.
Bobby D owes me lunch, I will take a rain check.
Isle Of Capri Casinos [symbol ISLE], the company that according to a County Commissioner source stated the following on December 2, 2008 "it will skip new capital projects in light of the shaky economy".
October 29th, 2008 in filing a 10Q statement with the SEC, ISLE said the same thing. The filing also stated that ISLE was experiencing heavy losses at their Pompano casino and race track because of the 50% tax on the slots which nearby Seminoles did not have to pay. Did they think the tax would be less here?
Commissioners Amsden, Payton, and Stone initialy knew nothing about the Casino/Race track. Amsden later confirmed ISLE as the interested party. McClain and Fitos never responded to any e-mails seeking information or providing them with the due diligence I had done. I would guess McClain was the bird dog.What was he thinking?
What was ISLE thinking ? How could they be interested in Marion County after stating that they would forgo capital projects ?[St. Louis Business Journal 12/2/2008]
Did ISLE think that Marion County would not do thorough due diligence ? Where would they get the money with a lousy balance sheet and heavy losses ? Their revolving credit amount last reported was 100 million and sinking fast to cover heavy loses.
At the time this was first reported by the blogmaster, I thought the idea absurd, then what do I know ?
What were they thinking?
What is this group of five idiots ever thinking??? We should recall all five of them!! A disgrace to our county.
Dear Bloggers,
I think that it is interesting that no one will discuss the issue of raising the gas tax to fund new road construction.
That being said: You don't raise taxes in a recession!
Economists generally frown upon raising taxes in times of an economic downturn. Historians point to President Herbert Hoover’s Revenue Act of 1932 as an example – “the largest – and most poorly timed – peacetime tax increase in American history.”
Every economic school: Austrian, Keynesian, monetarist, or classical, would react in horror to such a plan, which obviously worsens a recession by lowering savings and investments, and productive consumption. Raising taxes does nothing to help inflation, and does a lot to make a recession more severe; and it aggravates the deadweight burden of government on the economy.
The question is - Will raising a gas tax worsen our local economy?
Ray Strickland
And to my liberal friends,
A big problem with increasing the gas tax is the law of unintended consequences. It might end up hurting lower-income Marion County citizens.
Gas taxes are frequently referred to as a regressive tax - a fixed levy that results in a greater burden on people who earn less money. Everyone needs water, air, food and gas just to survive and the poor pay a much greater percentage of their income for these basic requirements.
Some economists argue that gas taxes aren't completely regressive because the poorest people may not drive cars and thus wouldn't be affected by a tax hike. Similarly, the impact might be lessened in the City of Ocala, with a public-transportation systems, but what about the huge number of poor people that live in the Forest or rural areas out in the County?
Economists say the real hit of higher gas taxes likely would fall on lower- and middle-income people who rely on their cars for their livelihoods or transportation to a low-income job.
The question is - Will raising a gas tax worsen our local economy and unfairly hurt the poor?
Ray Strickland
Ray, How about some new thinking? You 'Pubs have been giving us this same old line on taxes for the past umpteen years and all it has done is ruin our economy. Let's try something new---that's what voters want. And new thinking will start to come in our county in 2010--it will be called Democrats.
By the way DR. NO Strickland how do you suggest we pay for our roads. OH, I guess we just let them continue to fall apart. That has been the "Pubs solution for too long.
Many people say, "Regressive taxes are tough. Deal with it."
That is easy enough to say when you aren't worried about when your next meal is coming from. That is easy enough to say when you can afford the $20,000 price tag that goes along with a new Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. That is easy enough to say when you live in an urban environment when you already have access to public transportation. But when you don’t have these advantages; a regressive gasoline tax can be devastating to your ability to simply survive.
Plainly put, regressive taxes (such as gasoline taxes) are unfair, and they are wrong. Instead of looking to build new roads through regressive taxation, maybe we should slow down and look at how we can reduce the cost of government. The only sectors to increase employment in Marion County over the past 12 months are healthcare, education and government. Healthcare and education are primarily funded by government programs, so only government employment grew over the past 12 months. Government taking a greater share of GDP is not good for the over all economy, since government does not create jobs or expands our economy.
Regressive taxation only places more of a strain on the people who need the most help; we should reward good behavior and provide them with opportunity. Maybe a coupon or rebate at the time of purchase for the additional gas tax for those with personal incomes below $1,000 of monthly income. Obviously, we would exclude unemployment income, unearned income, etc. and only count the working poor.
This is only a suggestion for alternative ideas to fund our new roads in a more equitable manner, please give me your ideas.
Ray Strickland
Obama will take care of the poor. In the meantime, we need our roads fixed and EVERYONE should share. Old, young, rich, poor, black, white. The gas tax is the best way! The poor are going to get the tax cuts. Everyone else is going to get the hose. I'm not that concerned about a 5 cent tax on gas.
Dear Jonathan,
Do you think that a higher gas tax is going to hurt you or me personally? We could care less, if $4.50 a gallon for premium isn’t going to stop us from driving a $1.50 gas with a 5-cent gas tax surely won’t affect us. The issue is it is not about you or me; it is about those less fortunate than us.
I am for roads. First, I am for creating a road maintenance program for the roads that we have already built. The primary rule of conservatism is to preserve the good that has already occurred; yet in the 22 years I have lived in Marion County we have never had a road maintenance program.
Second, Let’s float a lot of ideas on how to fund new roads. Give me yours,
Ray Strickland
Dear Anonymous 8:25pm,
“We need our roads fixed and EVERYONE should share”. I agree that everyone should share, but at what percentage?
What about they guy that does not have a car, but purchases gas to mow his yard, should he share in new road construction? What about the farmer who produces our food, but the majority of his fuel cost is on agricultural production, should he share in new road construction? These are just ideas, I know that a good percentage of gasoline purchases will be made by people that do not even reside in Marion County, but are tourist going to Disney World.
and BTW, It is not President Obama’s responsibility to take care of the poor it is our responsibility.
Ray Strickland
The averaged person will pay about $50-$90 per year more for gasoline. Maybe some of these 'poor' people who I see buying lottery tickets, booze, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc. can cut back a bit on those items to afford a very small increase in the gas tax. Some weeks a few months ago, gas was going up 5-10 cents a day!!
I don't have kids in school, but I share in the cost of educating those who do. Life and taxes will never be totally fair.
Dear Anonymous,
Why do you care how the poor spend their money?
You may not have children in school, but someone working is probably paying for your health insurance though Medicare, or your social security payments. There is only about 25-30% of Americans that are producing the tax revenues that are supporting everyone else. You are right life and taxes will never be totally fair, but it is a noble cause to try and make them as fair as possible.
Ray Strickland
Dear Anonymous,
I forgot, the basic argument – Why can’t Government cut back on what they spend?
Ray Strickland
Dear Anonymous,
Currently Marion County has a $500,000,000 annual budget.
They need $10,000,000 to pay bonds for new roads, that is a 2% reduction in current spending. Could you cut 2% out of your expenses and still be able to live a reasonable life? So, what is the big deal?
Ray Strickland
Dear Bloggers,
Congratulations to Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, the first African American to win the office of RNC chairman. A great choice to promote the ideals of Individualism, freedom and opportunity that America presents to its citizens.
Ray Strickland
As I stated in a previous Politico Arena, Michael Steele was positively my last preference for RNC Chair -- since he was, and is, by far, the most effective, articulate center - right voice of the Republican Party, with a firm but friendly manner on TV and, thus, the best possible choice for the GOP to appeal to the broad middle of American society. For all those reasons, I hoped the RNC would not elect him. I am surprised that a party that currently has Rush Limbaugh as its leading voice (my personal preference for Republican Chair) would be wise enough to reject Mr. Limbaugh and elect Michael Steele.
As a Democrat, I am very disappointed
Lanny Davis, Attorney and Democratic strategist
You must be obsessed with Ms Patty
You don't seem to be able to get her out of your mind! I wonder if she is aware that you really care about her so much!!! Larry was a wimp and a yes man! Seems to be par for the course these days!
My sources tell me Cretul is only temporary speaker until they get their ducks in a row!! The speaker is already designated and has been for many years in advance! Shows how much you know? Cretul is filling in due to the demise of Sanson! Anyone notice how when the Obama niminees are blatanly found to be tax crooks or whatever, they get a clean pass???? And according to the 'Messiah'empty suit they will be confirmed!!! What a disgusting excuse for the president of the most powerful nation! Tom Dascle the latest nominee and quote "he will be confirmed" unquote. The Messiah!
Go Michael Steele Go! RNC Chair.
Fantastic!!!! This man is not an empty suit!!
OMG! Lanny Davis! Give me a break who in their right mind gives a hoot about what that half wit says?
Go Michael Go!!! Best thing that's happen to the GOP for a longtime!
Seems to me that some have very short memories!
Wasn't it Fretos and Banner who crucified Harris during his last election because he proposed a 1/2 cent tax for a seven year period?
Now Fretos et al are voting 'yes' on this one, 5 cent and no sunset!!!! What a bunch of half wits! These people dont have a clue!
Amazing how some think they have the scoop on who likes who and what! Patty didn't hate Larry Cretul, she sees through the phony rise to the top of the heap by whatever means! I think that's called 'shallow'
Larry has done some good things since he was elected to the House and I hope he continues to do the right thing for Marion County!
Now, goodtime Charlie is another story!!!! Btw, they are all a bunch of kissups in my opinion!
Dems and Pubs.
What is Strickland doing on here trying to make everyone think he is a conservative republican? He's about as republican as C. Crist. All this cut government spending bull is what all repulsives (oops meant republicans) say until they are elected.
The Star-Banner is reporting that federal regulators closed Ocala National Bank on Friday.
Anybody know if Randy Harris repaid the $854,284.00 he reported that he owed Ocala National when he left the county commission in 2006?
Fitos ran a mail piece in the 2006 election against Harris that took him to task for not tending to road needs during his twelve years in office while costs escalated. She did not take a position in that mail piece, or anywhere else during the 2006 election, on whether a $400 million sales tax for roads on the ballot that year should be passed.
That is a different matter than whether voters crucified Harris in that election for supporting the sales tax for roads that year, which he did so publicly.
Regarding Ocala National Bank. I first reported on their being one of the worst banks in the country in 2007. I'm amazed that they lasted this long.
I also questioned in 2007 the loans Randy Harris had at Ocala National Bank.
Look for a mortgage fraud investigation in Marion County to include Ocala National Bank and possibly another local bank,a local builder, straw buyers, and fraudulent appraisals.
Regarding the gas tax. Do it. The pay as you go policy of Randy Harris et al have come home to roost.
Kyle Kay and Harris may be part of a wide-spread investigation. They both may need to get ready to be fitted for that good old prison garb!!!
My goodness Ray!! You have exercised every possible position on every issue mentioned. Do you really have a clue what you are trying to say? Do you really think this will make you a more appealing candidate for County Commissioner?
My advice to you, say what you are for and quit jumping from issue to issue. You're not my type of "pub" but if you want a chance at winning you'll have to hire a democrat to run against Fitos in the primary and then hope to buy your way to that seat in the general election.
But please, quit talking about every issue like you really know what you're doing. Your scattered opinions will come back to haunt you.
Michael Steele is a great choice to head the National Repu.Party!
He is a moderate and a relative outsider to the Washington good old boy system. He will also put the Party's right wing nuts (like some on this website) out of their collective misery!
Creekybalmy!
I would say it's none of your business! Why do you have so much hate for certain people in this county is it because you are incapable of ever getting elected and oh my goodness little baby brian's ego is hurt! let's all take up a collection and give him a tissue!!!!! half wit uno numero!
Must be nice to be so damn squeeky clean! Usually those who throw rocks have the biggestest skeletons! I hope both Kay and Harris get a copy of this and sue the hell out of you?
The liberal hate machine continues!
What the hell do you really want and will you ever be a happy camper? I guess not until you get blood, right? Get a life or slither back under the stone you came from!! Your fav print media will soon be no longer, is that the real problem? I checked out the paper stand recently to see what tabloids were out there and low and behold, there in all it's glory alongside the rest of the lying scandalous news was the SBanner!!!
Creekybalmy, talk about evil, you take the prize!!!!!
Go Michael Go!!! FYI, he is not a moderate! Want proof, we have it!
change we need:
You will soon learn Michael is not a moderate! So dont get too happy with yourself! You have been reading too many tabloids!!!
Yo Brian,
I moved to OTOW 2 years ago and this is the first I have heard about this one!
What gives....you say Harris and Kay are in bed together and Harris owes $850,000 odd to Ocala National and stated this in 2006?
Was this a personal loan or business?
I would like to hear more about this! Do you have anything concrete on this information?
yea right! Your little sweetheart Fried Fritos can do no wrong but everyone else in the world is a crook, right?
Are you still living with your Mommy or did she finally kick your lazy a.. out?
I really feel sorry for herhaving to put up with you!
Steele is a "conservative". But he was the most moderate of the five candidates for the position. You concervatives don't get your bowels in an uproar about his alleged conservatism. He's another Charlie Crist type. As a matter of fact Crist's hand picked head of the Fla. Rep. Party was a key backer of Steele. Oh yes, change is coming----if you like the Florida Republican Party under Crist and Greer, you'll love Steele. You 'pubs are sooooo gullible!!!
Bear Bloggers,
Congratulations to Representative Larry Cretul, our new Speaker of the Florida House. As the #1 Representative in the Florida House best wishes on your upcoming session and balancing the State of Florida budget.
Ray Strickland
As I’m sure most people are aware, the State of Florida requires varying types of financial disclosure of public office holders and candidates for public office. For county commissioners and others, in addition to an annual reporting requirement, this includes a “Form 6F - Final Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests” reporting requirement triggered by the county commissioner leaving office unless the county commissioner will be subject to the annual reporting requirement because he is assuming a new public office. You can get further information on these requirements at the Florida Commission on Ethics website at http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/.
The 6F filing requirement is relatively new, having been put in place around 2000 after, according to an attorney for the Florida Commission on Ethics, undisclosed income a state legislator received during the partial calendar year he served before leaving office became subject to controversy. He hadn’t been required to disclose the income because the annual reporting requirement only captured income for full calendar years while in office and didn’t require disclosure for the final partial calendar year that most elected officials serve.
Randy Harris left the Marion County Commission on November 20, 2006 after losing in the 2006 general election. You can obtain the 6F filed by Harris, and other financial disclosure filings by constitutional officers in Marion County, by making a request via e-mail to the Florida Commission on Ethics Financial Disclosure Unit at disclosure@leg.state.fl.us. They’ll e-mail it to you.
Harris reported the above referenced $854,284.00 loan to Ocala National Bank on his 6F, which requires disclosure of individual liabilities in excess of $1,000. Harris did not disclose the purpose of the loan. On that same 6F, the assets reported by Harris included three residential lots valued at $87,000 in total and five houses valued at $875,000 in total. He also discloses income from a business that I have concluded from other sources engaged in residential construction. One might infer from these facts that the loan at Ocala National is related to a residential construction business, but that is only an inference and not reported on the form.
I have no information as the current status of the loan or the performance of Harris in servicing it.
Given the time that doing so would require, I don’t respond to or correct every anonymous mischaracterization on the internet of my comments. I advise caution in relying on characterization of my comments by others. There’s a reason that some blog sites automatically assign low reliability ratings to anonymous comments.
The false and misleading personal attacks engaged in by the Harris faction in Marion County for a number of years are a major reason he no longer holds public office here. Ironically, those who support him who continue to engage in this behavior only dig deeper the hole he’s in.
Dear Clayton,
Per your comment “Regarding the gas tax. Do it. The pay as you go policy of Randy Harris et al have come home to roost.” What about the regressive nature of this tax on the poor? Do you think that there is a better way to accomplish the objective of new road construction than currently proposed? I floated the idea of a rebate or coupon for the working poor.
I did not agree with the pay-as-you-go philosophy when the economy was growing so quickly, and proposed that the County Commission borrow a limited amount of money when it was so cheap about 5 or 6 years ago. However, as you can tell things change and we are no longer in a high growth situation. We need to change our philosophy. People & Politicians should change their position when the material facts change.
This is the most difficult economic environment that I have seen in my lifetime. My gut tells me that there will be double-digit inflation in the not too distant future, because of all the Federal and State Government borrowing which we cannot control. If this is the case, than the County Commission should borrow as much money as possible, as we will be paying back the loan with greatly discounted dollars (Inflation will make the loan cheap).
That being said, if we borrow the money and the County Commission controls spending than everything will come out all right.
What I have been trying to say on this blog is that these are difficulty decisions and require thoughtful consideration. Instead of carping at others (I am not saying you, but generally), why don’t we propose alternative solutions to create the best ideas to resolve problems?
Ray Strickland
Creekbaulm
You are such an arrogent creep!
You dare to critizise and viciously attack those you dont like and then put the biggest spin on "how badly you are treated" Take a look in the mirror, all you have ever done is put on that smarmy,smug look and that quiet demeanor and try to hoodwink the unsuspecting public!
Whe will you ever leave this community inorder for it to have some sanity back in our lifes?
Give me a break, you sniffling rat!! Talk to the hand!!!!!
Mr.Blogmaster, sadly, these misfits from the SB have lost their only outlet and are now taking over this blog to spew out their hate and anger!
Ray is dead right about the wisdom of prudent levels of borrowing by local governments about six years ago. In his 2002 Republican primary against Randy Harris, Rock Gibboney was crucified by the Harris people for daring to say Marion County should borrow some money to meet road needs. By 2003, interest rates on local government debt exempt from federal income taxation were at historic lows. I distinctly recall a local appearance that year by an economist from UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) who said that local governments should be taking advantage of these historically low rates as much as possible within prudent limits to meet their financing needs. I told him afterwards that Marion County would not do this for roads because of Randy Harris and his followers.
It was about that time that then Ocala City Manager Susan Miller, who has a reputation as a fiscal hard nose, speaking to the same group, told them the City of Ocala was borrowing in this low interest rate environment to finance capital projects (if memory serves, the swimming pool at Jervey Gantt was one of the projects she mentioned).
Now, because Harris didn’t want to borrow money for roads in the best environment in a lifetime for local governments to borrow, Marion County is looking at having to borrow money to meet road needs in the midst a once or twice in a century credit crisis. Yields on tax-exempt debt have been abnormally well above yields on non-tax exempt Treasuries for months and numerous state and local governments have had to scale back planned borrowing or postpone it entirely because credit market conditions have been so bad.
Harris is a fiscal moron for whose mistakes Marion County will be paying a lot of money for a long time.
Brian is Right and Harris is...Going to jail??
CORRECTION: "Harris reported the above referenced $854,284.00 loan to Ocala National Bank..." above should be "Harris reported the above referenced $854,284.00 loan FROM [emphasis addedd] Ocala National Bank..." The loan is from the bank to Harris as I originally stated and as implied by my statement that Harris reported the loan as a liability. Sorry for the typo.
From the "What were they thinking " files :
As reported by The Star Banner's Fred Hiers on November 19, 2008,in response to Ocala National's reneging on a purchase agreement with Florida Citizens Bank of Alachua county to buy the Blichton Road Branch.
Rance A Kay CEO and President Ocala National Bank : we have an "outside investor that put in and will continue to put in money ". What was the investor thinking ? continuing "we have more than enough capital to sustain us for a long time ". What Was Rance A. Kay thinking ?
Florida Citizens got screwed out of $70,000 they had spent to facilitate the takeover of the Blichton Branch, a small loss compared to what the mystery investor in Ocala National has no doubt incurred.
Rance A Kay also suggested that much of the losses of 12.5 million as of September 30, 2008 weren't actual losses but "much of the loss was writing assets down ". What was he thinking, that the other losses were pretend losses ?
The April consent order by the Controler Of Currency told the Directors to cease and desist from interference in making loans.
SOP procedure for FDIC examiners of failed banks is to identify questionable loans then if the situation warrents it, turn their findings over to the FBI for investigation. Obviously,some questionable loan practises and loans have already been determined by auditors or the consent order would not have ordered the directors to but out.What were the directors thinking ?
I'm certain that this is not the last we hear about The Ocala National Bank failure.
Concerning the Ocala National failure, a press release on the FDIC website states that “As of December 31, 2008, Ocala National Bank had total assets of $223.5 million and total deposits of $205.2 million.” The release further states that “The transaction is the least costly resolution option, and the FDIC estimates the cost to its Deposit Insurance Fund will be $99.6 million.” Whoa! A hit to the deposit insurance fund nearly half the value of the deposits?
It will be interesting to learn more about the alleged “unsafe and unsound practices” referenced in the following January 30, 2009 press release of the Office of the Comptroller of the currency:
OCC Appoints FDIC Receiver for Ocala National Bank
WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver for Ocala National Bank, Ocala, Florida. Ocala National Bank’s primary market was Marion County, Florida. The bank, with approximately $223 million in assets at December 31, 2008, was established in 1986.
The OCC acted after finding that the bank had experienced substantial dissipation of assets and earnings due to unsafe and unsound practices. The OCC also found that the bank has incurred losses that have depleted all of its capital, and there is no reasonable prospect that the bank will become adequately capitalized without Federal assistance. The bank’s unsafe and unsound practices also weakened the bank’s condition and seriously prejudiced the interests of the bank’s depositors and the deposit insurance fund.
The FDIC will release information about the resolution of the bank.
K. Kay another example of a Republican who can't manage the finances of his own business and wants to manage the money of taxpayers. It's time to start ridding our county of this type of scoundrel!!!
See the GOP governors, including Palin, Crist, etc. are breaking from the Republicans in the U.S. House about the Stimulus Package. They are saying give our states the money and pass the bill. What gives here? I thought the GOP was unanimously against the stimulus.
John Kingcade, 17, learned that sometimes it really isn’t enough to be a po’ black man tryin’ to make it in da White man’s world. Sometimes, justice comes down hard anyway.
So it is with this hardened criminal, who took it upon himself to flash gang signs in a picture for his MySpace profile. He was confined because of a serious drug offense. But a colored guy in jail isn’t news, so here’s what is the news: he died while locked up, because of some medical condition he had.
Of course, the comment section of the Ocala newspaper is full of thoughts from people who still claim he was a good kid who just got “caught up” in something bad.
“Regardless of any of the negative things he got caught up in, John had a great heart; he was a good person and those outweighed everything else,” said one person. Okay, so let me see if I understand this. It’s okay to be a drug dealer as long as you’re a good person? Hell, while we’re at it, let’s just say it’s okay to be a murderer, a carjacker, and an armed robber. It’s okay, apparently, as long as you’re a good person. And coloreds wonder why their “people” are all locked up.
I’ve talked about this before. You see it only with coloreds. They’ll bury their dead in white, even when the deceased was a drug dealer, or other form of violent offender. It’s all okay, because as long as you’re a good person, you can do whatever you want in their warped little world.
Yes, that’s the typical defense of coloreds. You see, some crimes are just so heinous that you can’t look past them. Drug offenses, murder, any crime involving a weapon…and this guy was locked up because he was helping get cocaine on the streets. How is that a good kid who just got “caught up”? That defense might fly if he’d vandalized a car, or something like that.
No, this is just another example of why Ocala is full of nothing but criminals, thugs, and bad drivers who aspire to be pilots.
And the best part of this story is that because of his death, Ocala is just a little bit safer today.
Prestige Auto Sales Ocala Florida - Blog!
Prestige Auto Sales in Ocala: This Blog is an extension of our desire to reach out to our friends and pass along thoughts and information. I recently watched a TV ministry show that ended with the a mission statement of which I liked very much; "A Passion for God, A Passion for People and a Passion to Serve". We hope you have enjoyed your visit with us here and we always appreciate your thoughts and opinions.... Have a great day and God Bless you and your family! Chris M. Spears
It's heart warming to see Ocala National Bank, a bastion of Marion County good old boyism, go down the dumper.
Careless borrowing and over zealous developing will fell more of Marion County's good old boy establishment in the days to come.
Clayton, unless somebody walks into bankruptcy court, will we ever know who put what into Ocala National as an investor and who got what out of it as an investor and/or senior employee before the failure? As you know, this bank existed during some boom times, and some large financial institutions are also in tough shape now, but that didn’t stop the people running them from raking in a lot of dough for themselves before the jig was up.
Creekbaum says:
"Harris is a fiscal moron for whose mistakes Marion County will be paying a lot of money for a long time"
******
It takes 3 commissioners to get a pass! If I were Harris, I would be asking the Feds for restraining order given the verbal hate you continuously generate! You really are obsessed and in my opinion, continue to stalk this man!!
Brian, Run for Office instead of running your mouth about one person over and over!!!
Give it up and let it go!
Interesting how these lefy jerks in Marion County jump on the Repubs bigtime whenever they get the SB go ahead! I hve never heard any of these halfwits rant and rave over the Barney Frank/Fanny May/Chris Dodd/inproprieties and the collapse of our economy!
Only if there is a 'R' after their name!
These idiots cant see any further than their nose and this Blog site, unfortunately has been taken over by the leftwing hatemongers who apparently did the same thing to the previous politically homeless! They dont have a venue anymore since the collapse of the paper print media!
I'm out of here, let them talk to themselves they will loose interest sooner or later!
Good luck Larry Cretul in your future endeavor! Watch your back these creeps will come after you when there is no other good repub to attack!
Enjoy the game!
Yo Clayton---Notice how quiet Booby D has been since he lost that bet to you about gambling in Belleview. Just like the rest of them, lose many more bets than they win cause they are short on facts and long on wind!!!
I said above it will be interesting to learn more about the allegedly “unsafe and unsound practices” at Ocala National Bank referenced in a press release from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Based on a little research, perhaps I should have added, “if we ever do.”
Among the nine exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is an exemption for records “contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions.”
According to "Justice Department Guide to the Freedom of Information Act," in upholding this broad exemption that covers bank examination records, courts examining the legislative history of the exemption have found two purposes: (1) "to protect the security of financial institutions by withholding from the public reports that contain frank evaluations of a bank's stability” and (2) "to promote cooperation and communication between employees and examiners.”
In other words, you can’t see this bank exam stuff because elites have decided you’re a cow who might start a bank run if you had the facts and because if bankers know that what they disclose to a regulator might get out it will motivate exmployees of a problem bank to hide the ball from the regulator.
According to the "Justice Department Guide to the Freedom of Information Act," the exemption has been held to apply even to banks that are no longer in operation.
Without meaning to suggest anything about any particular bank, it appears that disclosure of bank examination records might occur in a criminal or civil court proceeding; otherwise, it appears that banks enjoy a strong veil of secrecy with respect to these records.
Banking secrecy was addressed in an article published last year in the
Sarasota Herald Tribune available at http://www.vicvickers.com/files/HeraldTribune-20080203-Bubil-bank-secrecy.pdf
Yo Clayton, notice how the good guys are not interested in the diatribe you maniacs spew out anymore! If I were you, I would detach myself from the big zero Creekbaum! He's a useless piece of cow dung! What has he ever contributed to this community?
A BIG FAT ZERO!!!!!!!
Most of us have more important things in our lifes and dont sit around looking to nitpik every stupid scenario you halfwits jump on!
I think you should all clean out your own skeletons and stop throwing inept accusations at others! Your day is coming when you wont have the liberal media to hide behind!
Mr. Blogmaster I dont like the petty vindictive crap on this site and you lost another conservative! The lefties will have no-one to talk with soon and given the nature of their character, they will have no option other than to start attacking each other! That would be interesting, however, I'mnot sticking around to see I happen!
Who says you can't succeed by doing nothing. Larry is amazing, he sure can get people to believe in him, and at the same time do nothing on their behalf. Harvard needs to do a case study on him. Either way Larry will go out as Speaker of the House. He will have his portrait painted, hung on the wall in the chambers and for years people will look up at Larrys portrait and ask "How did he do it". as they say, only God knows, I don't get it. He is amazing.
What has he ever done that stands out for Marion County! I cant think of one thing...somebody please give me something, if you can! Another pretty boy Crist enthusiast!
Hey Clayton:
Where do you want to go to lunch.
Bobby D
Some are asking where I have been, busy with little league, girl scouts, brownies, soccor, and a bunch of stuff. i am glad that the blog is taking off. I have my venue, let others have theirs.
peace
bobby d
hey BC,
...it appears that banks enjoy a strong veil of secrecy with respect to these records.
With reference to your above insert.. Thank God for this Privacy Act re our banks, with people like you snooping around whenever you can to find out about citizens personal data and practises and taking everything out of context..with what little you dig up!
Guess what? You have put another nail in your coffin that prooves you are a huge 'Socialist' Why dont you go and live in China or Russia where you would fit in beautifully!! Mind your own business and get a job!
9:43 AM
Since when is this site only for conservative points of view? I thought it was open to anyone.
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Munroe Regional Hospital (MRMC) is still seeking to increase your tax burden so they can grow. They started in December, 2008 trying to gain an opportunity to increase your property taxes by over $40,000,000 annually, but were defeated by a 3-2 County Commission vote. Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos voted in favor of the potential tax. Ed Johnson, MRMC Board Chairman, then suggested a SALES TAX option at the January 26, 2009 Board meeting. At a County Workshop on February 2, 2009 the Hospital's Trustee Chairman, Kulbir Ghumman, mentioned a funding need of $200,000,000 for growth.
MRMC has been campaigning on the tax theme saying their financial picture is bleak. The economy has also impacted Ocala Regional across the street, but they're NOT asking for tax dollars, and yet they pay income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. MRMC pays none.
Is MRMC's request for a new tax another "bailout"....... because of excessive spending, failed
management, poor business practices, operational inefficiencies, or something else?
Concerning excessive spending let's check the records. According to the Official Public Records the Hospital Board currently pays MRMC's CEO, Steve Purves a base salary of $450,008 annually. His base salary is even more than the President of the United States! Including his bonus and benefit package, he was paid $606,202.94 in 2007. But it doesn't stop here. Four of his top assistants made an average of $332,000 each in 2008, and on average they were each paid an additional $75,000 for added benefits. It seems such pay is excessive for a public/nonprofit institution. MRMC executives have even been receiving generous annual salary increases, despite a decline in their financial conditions.
Among other things, Public Records also show excessive spending on advertising in 2008.......over $2,200,000.
The Hospital Trustees are our fiduciary representatives and are required to see that MRMC operates in a financially responsible manner, for the benefit of the citizens. They don't appear to be doing so.
In comparison with another public institution, our School Board's top executive has a base salary of $131,571, compared to MRMC's top executive at $450,008; their top four assistant School executives make an average of $105,080 each, compared to MRMC's $332,000 each; the School System has 7,021 employees, compared to *MRMC's 2,400 employees (*per Star Banner article 10/01/08). MRMC executives.... less responsibility, more pay. Something’s wrong.
According to the Hospital Lease MRMC is expected to fund their own growth, not the taxpayers. This is so stated is Section 2.6, page 3, of their Lease and reads "The Lessee (MRMC) will pay as Rent to the Lessor (our citizen-owned Hospital) .... an amount sufficient for the payment in full for all debt service requirements relating to all Bonds .....to be issued by Lessor in connection with the construction, addition to or replacement of the Leased premises....".
Have our Hospital Trustees failed our community by joining with MRMC management in pursuit of new taxes, rather than protecting the citizens? The citizen's did their part in the Lease by allowing MRMC's Board free access to all citizen-owned Hospital assets ( land, buildings, equipment, supplies, cash accounts, savings, and more), plus the added benefit of paying no property taxes. Concerning MRMC's current Lease, they have never received tax money for expansion. Why would our Trustees attempt have a tax campaign in such difficult economic times?
In looking for a positive resolution to MRMC's Tax Campaign, I would like to offer three potential SOLUTIONS for consideration, and without new taxes: (1) First, ask our private Hospital, Ocala Regional, if they would handle any hospital expansion needs for Marion County citizens, without taxes. By the way, Ocala Regional gave away in 2007 over twice as much free charity care as MRMC did (as a percentage based on total revenues of each Hospital). (2) Second, allow other Hospital organizations to submit proposals to manage the Hospital, and without taxes. (3) Third, allow other Hospitals to submit new lease proposals. If a for-profit gets the Lease, it could create additional county income via the payment of property taxes. Remember all three options will carry a guarantee of providing quality Healthcare. And all three maintain the current status of MRMC being a citizen-owned Community Hospital.
By taking one of the above three approaches we could end MRMC's liberal Tax and Spend campaign, one that's insensitive to the taxpayer's they serve. Perhaps it's time they get more in line with their worthwhile "mission" of caring for the medical needs of our citizens, and reject their current "mission" to increase our taxes.
Commissioners Jim Payton and Barbara Fitos have appeared strong supporters of the Hospital's efforts to obtain increased taxes. At this time Commissioners Stan McLain, Charlie Stone, and Mike Amsden are standing against a tax increase. These three men seem genuinely concerned for the needs of the citizens.
Right now MRMC shows no sign of stopping their pursuit of a new tax. However our County Commissioners can ask our Hospital Trustees to stop this campaign, since they appointed them in the first place. Trustees are called to serve in these ways: to oversee MRMC medical and financial operations, to enforce the LEASE the county has with MRMC, and to look out for the best interest of all the citizens. The County Commissioners can put pressure on the Trustees to fully represent the citizens in
a responsible manner. And yes, they have the authority to remove the Trustees if they fail to.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are 3 (three) ways you can help stop MRMC's ongoing Tax Campaign: (1) First, you can share your thoughts with our County Commissioners. The Commissioners can be found at the following web address along with their email link. To email them go to: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Commissioners/commissioners.aspx, call: 438-2323,or fax: 438-2324. (2) Second, you can send the Ocala Star Banner a "letter to the editor" by clicking: http://www.ocala.com/article/99999999/XSENDMAIL/100595487?template=art_plain (3) Third, you can copy and forward this email to friends and family. Lastly, if you don't mind please copy me on anything you send out and email to: bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com so I can report back to you how our efforts are going. Thanks for all you do.
PS: Following the email alert I sent concerning MRMC's first "Property Tax Initiative", many people responded and contacted our Commissioners in December and helped ensure it's 3-2 defeat. We can have victory again! Please let your voice be heard, today if possible, so we can end MRMC's unreasonable campaign to increase our taxes.
Sincerely, Brad Dinkins
Patti Griffiths sleeping Nathan Grossman! OMG!!!
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