Property Tax Reform: Doomsday for Local Governments or Overreaction?

The property tax cutback legislation currently being considered by the Florida House of Representatives has provisions to force local and county governments to control their spending. Additionally, the legislative options would provide for a roll back of local property taxes.

Needless to say, the local and county government groups are hollering “foul”! We are hearing doomsday scenarios of major reductions in police and fire protection and other public services. Lobbyists for local and county governments are even spending much money (some of it taxpayer money) on campaigns to defeat any legislative tinkering with the local budgets.

Should the Legislature stay out of local and county budget issues and scrap its plans to put some controls on local spending?

Give us your comments and vote in our Straw Poll on the property tax issue. Connect to the link below:

http://www.insitefulsurveys.com/Survey.asp?SI=723120412448

Filling Argenziano's Senate Seat: Local Political Intrigue!

The recent announcement of Dennis Baxley’s intent to run for the State Senate seat of Nancy Argenziano (in what seems the likely event of her appointment as a PSC commissioner) has set off our local politicos to speculate what might happen. In particular, there could be major trickle down impact at our local level. Baxley’s son, Damon, has already expressed his intent to run to replace his father as State Representative.

Here is the word on the street concerning possible players in the political intrigue that could result:

Argenziano’s Senate Seat

In addition to Dennis Baxley, the media reports two other Republicans are definitely interested in the spot. Richard Corcoran, former Chief of Staff to Speaker of the House Marco Rubio. Charlie Dean, current member of the House who represents part of Argenziano’s senate district. The Dems are having difficulty coming up with potential candidates. Probably because Governor Crist and the Republicans have effectively neutered their influence with the overwhelming public support of the direction things are going at the state level!

Baxley’s House Seat

On the local scene, there are several Republican candidates in the mix for Baxley’s seat. Some have already declared interest and some are still speculation. Baxley’s son, Damon, is a definite candidate. County Commissioner, Andy Kesselring is a declared candidate. In the category of those with possible interest are: School Board member Kurt Kelly; City Councilman Kent Guinn; City Councilman Dan Owen; former County Commissioner Randy Harris.

Local Ramifications

Obviously, if any of those above declare to run, there could be several local openings to be filled via temporary appointments by the Governor or by declaring Special Elections.

Among these would be: Kesselring’s County Commissioner seat. Potential candidates include: Jimmy Walton, who ran for this spot before and has declared his intent to run again; School Board member Sue Mosley; former City Councilman Mike Amsden.

Additionally, two School Board and two City Council seats could also become vacant.

So tell us, what have you heard and who are some candidates not on the above lists. Especially, any Democrats. Or are they “missing in action”?

E-One Incentives: 66% Say “NO”

FINAL RESULTS (101 bloggers responding).

Poll Question: Should E-One be offered taxpayer-supported economic advantages in the range of $26 million to keep it from leaving Marion County?

Yes 34%
No 66%

We conducted a similar poll on 12/06 (91 participants) and the result was 48% Yes --- 52% No. It looks like there is now much less support for the economic incentives.

What do you think?

(1) Will E-One stay or go?

(2) Will the way politicians voted on the E-One issue have any political repercussions? Or, will it be a “non-issue” by the time the next elections come around?