It will be difficult, dangerous and plain foolish to balance next year's budget through spending cuts alone. So why is there no discussion of an increase in the county gasoline tax? With every single source of revenue in decline, and little reason to expect a reversal anytime soon, the BOCC must look for additional sources of income. Five cents per gallon would generate $20 million for Hillsborough County. Such a broad-based tax would create significant revenue while minimizing the pain. It is hard to argue an additional $1 per tankful is an unmanageable burden when gas was $2 a gallon higher just a few months ago. But this is more than a source of badly needed funds. It is the type of policy we need to wean ourselves off oil and reduce emissions. No one likes a tax increase, but compared to some of the budget cuts being proposed, it is the lesser evil. As one local baseball manager might say, 5 cents equals $20 million. ...more

May 2, 2009

I am strongly opposed to any creation of new taxing districts, a.k.a. taxing methods such as MTSU, to specialize the collection of taxes for EMS, countywide fire rescue, public schools or any such purpose. ...more

April 23, 2009

For homeowners, lower taxes in this recession are a godsend. But for governments, declining property values are the devil. ...more

March 15, 2009

Here's hoping that the most significant event to come out of the upcoming legislative session is not the formal debut of newly anointed House Speaker Larry Cretul. The Ocala Republican takes over for Ray Sansom, whose Funnel Vision finally caught up with him. ...more

February 11, 2009

Here's hoping that the most significant event to come out of the upcoming legislative session is not the formal debut of newly anointed House Speaker Larry Cretul. The Ocala Republican takes over for Ray Sansom, whose Funnel Vision finally caught up with him. ...more

February 11, 2009

Much has changed since Florida lawmakers adjourned nearly six months ago. ...more

November 26, 2008

Guy Maxcy, a Republican, said that if he wins a fifth consecutive 4-year term, it will be his last. ...more

October 12, 2008

As we emerge from Labor Day, college students are gathering back on campuses not only to start the fall semester, but also, in some cases, to vote for the first time in a presidential election. There is no bigger issue on campuses these days than environment/energy. ...more

September 5, 2008

Senate Democrats on Wednesday called for a windfall profits tax on oil companies and a rollback of $17 billion in oil industry tax breaks as part of an energy package. The proposal also would impose federal penalties on energy price gouging and calls for stopping oil deliveries into the government's emergency reserve. ...more

May 8, 2008

SEBRING — It appears Highlands County will be taking in about $300,000 less than last year, according to calculations provided by Highlands County Budget Manager Tim Mechling. Voters decided Tuesday to cut their own property taxes, which will cost Highlands County an additional $4.7 million. At the school board office, Mike Averyt, director of business and operations, is estimating shortfalls of as high as $4 million. ...more

February 3, 2008