I'm Just Saying

The third chapter of Ecclesiastes begins by saying, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” For well over a year now I have been writing about the things I think are important to the citizens of Nassau County, and for me it’s now time for a new season.

Since August of last year I have used this column to lay out my thoughts on such issues as affordable housing and property taxes. I have written about leadership and the need for all of us to participate in the visioning process. I even went out on a limb declaring my support for the war efforts in Iraq, and recognizing the many Nassau County sons and daughters who are helping in that effort. I must admit that particular column sparked more response than any other one I wrote. That issue touched a particular nerve with many of you.

Have you ever witnessed a feeding frenzy? If not, just take a look at the recent brouhaha about problems with Nassau County Animal Control. Public cries about uncaring staff and a lack of skilled, professional management are starkly contrasted by the lack of detailed response from county administration. This is not a sight for the faint at heart.

Let’s look at two facts. First, animal control is a public safety issue. The government is responsible for insuring public safety. Responsibility for animal control falls to municipal and county governments. In the unincorporated county, Nassau County has responsibility for animal control. Realize this is an administrative function involving staff and, as such, comes under the responsibility of the county coordinator and not county commissioners.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone did something nice for you, but you did not know who the person was? Perhaps a stranger in the car ahead of you in the drive-up lane at the dry cleaners pays your bill. Or you get to the cash register at a restaurant, only to find someone has anonymously paid for your lunch. You look around hoping to find the right person to thank, but as you scan the restaurant you see they are not to be found.

Nassau County had just such an anonymous friend, only his help meant more than a free lunch.

I met Mike Davis by chance on a legislative trip to Tallahassee a little more than two years ago. I was early for a meeting and happened to strike up a conversation with Mike while waiting for my appointment. Our conversation was cordial, and it only took a few moments to realize we were both working on the same issue: affordable housing.

Recently, a friend of mine phoned to see if I wanted to join him and some other friends in a friendly game of Texas Hold'em. My friend wanted me to play in one of those cordial card games that have taken place in homes across the country from practically the beginning of time, but this call did get me thinking.

Now, I’m sure there is a little part in all of us that likes to take a chance now and then, and (dare I say the word?) gamble. But in Florida, and certainly here in Nassau County, gambling is against the law. Having citizens playing games of chance for the potential of winning money is considered illegal, particularly when it is conducted out in the public. Since this is the law, we expect our law enforcement officials to enforce it.

When I was in school, one of my favorite subjects was science. I distinctly remember studying icebergs and being taught the most important fact about them: The biggest part of an iceberg is the part beneath the surface that cannot be seen. The tip of the iceberg is merely that, the tip of something much, much bigger. In a sense we are launching our own iceberg here in Nassau County.

A little over a month ago, Nassau County commissioners voted to partner with the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce in moving forward with a county visioning plan. According to the chamber, citizens and county officials would participate in a yearlong project to frame a vision for the county’s future.

It’s important that Americans support our military mission

There’s a homemade sign in the front yard of a house I drive by regularly in Fernandina Beach. It’s a simple sign, surrounded by a number small American flags stuck in the ground, and it has red numbers on it representing the number of U.S. military members killed in Iraq since the beginning of the war. The number is not exactly up to date, but you get the message.

My church bulletin has a section listing church members serving in the military, with a special note for those stationed in Iraq. I know other churches do the same, along with bulletin boards with pictures and other bits of information about their loved ones serving their country.

Now Legislature will try again to fix tax problem

Eight weeks ago in this column, I discussed the proposal by Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives to fix the property tax problem.

I’m sure you remember the proposal: Property taxes would be eliminated on homesteaded properties and the Legislature would increase the state sales tax by 2.5 cents to make up the revenue shortfalls counties would suffer with the elimination of those taxes.

Earlier this month, before the regular legislative session ended, this plan did indeed pass the Florida House. However, the Florida Senate failed to pass similar legislation, and conference discussions could not produce a compromise bill before the session ended. Thus was born the special session this month that will send state lawmakers back to Tallahassee to, hopefully, get a bill passed.