The nationwide economic downtown is offering few signs it is about to reverse course. This has government on all levels scrambling to keep spending in line with falling revenue. Under such circumstances, public officials should welcome whatever help they can get in shouldering this burden. City government in Tarpon Springs appears to be on the verge of having that sort of assistance. ...more

January 31, 2009

On a day when symbolism dominates our national scene, Bob Gilder's sign is back up at the elections office on Falkenburg Road. ...more

January 20, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist will be among Florida public officials headed to the nation's capital to attend Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20. ...more

January 10, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist will be among Florida public officials headed to the nation's Capital to attend Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20. Who will pay for the travel, lodging and other costs rung up by Republican Crist and state staffers accompanying him? ...more

January 9, 2009

Buddy Johnson may be out of office, but the mess he made as Hillsborough County supervisor of elections will haunt taxpayers in the coming months. The dismaying episode provides a useful lesson for voters. ...more

January 7, 2009

Here is a word of warning to the new administration and to all illegals: It would be ill-advised for the new administration to consider pushing for "Comprehensive Immigration." To do so will spark civil unrest, unlike that which America has never seen before. The American worker has been very tolerant for many years with low wages, unfair tax re-distribution, the hiring of illegal workers, the bringing in of guest workers, failing to enforce borders and allowing drugs and illegals from all over the world to enter our nation and the using of tax dollars to offshore American industry. This has caused the entire collapse of the financial system, causing the American worker to lose homes, healthcare and the American dream. This civil unrest could get very ugly. The target of this unrest will be public officials, organizations or anyone who promotes the misuse of our laws, including the illegals themselves. The American worker is "mad as hell" and will not allow this insanity to continue. Let this also be a word of warning to all illegals: the American worker will no longer be mister nice guy. ...more

December 20, 2008

Susan Benton, 58, was the first elected female sheriff in Florida's history. In August, she was elected by her 66 fellow sheriffs to chair the 2009 slate of officers for the 115-year-old Florida Sheriffs Association. The sheriff supervises a staff of 360 employees, earns $120,000 per year, and administers a $27-million annual budget. ...more

October 12, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Barbara Stewart and Sheriff Susan Benton are in the middle of a controversy that has everyone talking. Depending on whom you support, trying to figure out who is to blame is next to impossible. For people who don't have a point of view either way for either woman, both of these high-ranking public officials deserve blame for this even becoming a issue. ...more

September 26, 2008

Even in death, outspoken conservative businessman Ralph Hughes continues to ignite controversy. ...more

September 18, 2008

An award created to honor Hillsborough County citizens who take courageous stands against government was renamed today to honor controversial conservative activist Ralph Hughes. ...more

September 17, 2008