5+2

Let's put the upcoming ballot issues on the blogging table and give anyone that so desires an opportunity to express their views on the merits or shortcomings of any or all these issues.

Let’s forget the talk about confusion and talk issues. The choices we have to make in November about Charter Amendments are actually quite simple.

Number of Commissioners – This amendment is back in the signature gathering stage.  If it makes the ballot, then we can vote yes to go back to the 5 members it is now, eliminating 2 at-large positions that will be added in November.

One of the things that wasn't covered in the CAN Debate last week is something that I am very curious about.  It's the last paragraph of the Petition sponsored by the CPVR to increase the requirements to do away with an elected position to a Super Majority Vote. I've read it several times and to me it basically will wipe out the CTLAC Amendment provided it gets on the ballot and it passes.  I am interested in anyone else's interpretation on what this paragraph means.

"This amendement shall be effective immediately upon approval by the electors of Clay County, and shall be effective as to any question on the November 2008 general election ballot and thereafter"

Last night I attended the Debate sponsored by CAN (Clay Action Network) between Jane Padgett of the CTLAC(Citizens for Term Limits and Accountability) and Roy Lyons representing the CPVR (Citizens for the Protection of Voters Rights) over the 5+2 issue. 

I would like to Congratulate Jane Padgett on what I believe was a job well done.  In spite of the criticism of the group itself in opening statements  Jane stuck to the merits of the issues brilliantly and with extraordinary class.  When she was asked questions that either came from emails or those in person in the audience I was impressed with how well she focused and answered the questions asked.  The CTLAC was well prepared with a handout that explained why they have pursued certain petitions, and what their reasoning was and as time permitted in her opening statement went over the handout with the audience. 

That word has been used quite alot in the last few days.  I don't know about the rest of you but every once in awhile I have to go back to visit Mr Webster to check on words I have used all my life.  You spend years believing they mean one thing and then after a consult realize you may have been just a bit off.  I believe there are some using the word that could be taking it slightly out of context.

In the last week I've written two blogs on the 5+2 issue.  I took my stand based upon a basic simple principle of money.  I did not lambast opponents of this issue, I did not complain about the SOE. I offered readers a valid principle with which people could identify and agree with.

Speaking of a plethora of comments, it would seem that a couple of people spent some time rambling through their minds to come up with some fairly inane subjects for blogs.

Looked more like an effort to get the 5+2 discussions off the front page but then I'm just a suspicious and pessimistic type of guy. Just an observation.

But one did catch my eye for all of that. I found the School Impact Fee blog somewhat interesting (I know, slow day in the news) so I read some of the report in the attached link.

The comment that I found interesting is the one that said the impact fee may have to be raised to $9100 from $7400. One of the factors in this is population growth.

Here is the link for the CTLACs' Petition to reduce the number of Clay County Commissioners from 7 to 5.

This link was set up by my son-in-law on his own server so if at anytime the link does not appear to work please let me know.  Thanks Tim!!

For those of you in favor of this petition I suggest you put in into your setup so it appears at the end of each blog entry like your name does if you do such things.  This will make it easier for people to access if it appears on a regular basis until the deadline.

For those of you out there reading that are not registered you can still click on the link and go straight to the Petition. 

Goverment and Politics is such a complicated issue, it's like a mutant Octopus with a gazillion tentacles.  Sometimes people are (like me) just overwhelmed as to which way to go and in the end do nothing out of frustration and confusion.  I've always found the best way to deal with complicated issues is to get to the core of the matter and work your way out.  There are those who would be critical of this thought process but it has always served me well. 

All other tentacles of the issue aside, I am for less Goverment, I have always been for less Goverment.  We're all aware of the waste that already exists, and we are all aware that our County Community is facing hard economic times as is this Nation.  If you're like me when the income goes down significantly, or expenses go up dramatically and unexpected you tighten the belt.  You don't increase your debt or your overhead.

As expected, the Board of County Commissioners officially rejected a proposed Charter Amendment for inclusion on November's ballot. The amendment, sponsored by Citizens for Term Limits and Accountability Committee, called for the elimination of two at-large seats scheduled to be added to the BCC.

CTLAC's petition had been certified by the Supervisor of Elections Office, and the group collected and had varified more than 5,500 signatures of Clay County voters who wanted the issue to go to voters in November. After that, though, it was discovered that the title of the proposed amendment contained more words than Florida Statutes allow.