Board of County

Commissioners
approves tax
hike, final budget
Infantini’s suggestions ignored by
board; Bolin votes for higher taxes
in spite of campaign pledge not to
By Matthew D Nye Tipton defended the pro-
Publisher posed budget, saying the
The Brevard Board of staff started in January of this
County Commissioners year with “great community
voted Sepember 28th to set input” and the process was
a final millage of 6.2087, a “certainly one of the most in-
13.46% increase over last volved I’ve ever seen.”
year’s rate of 5.4720. The Tipton said staff had hit
Commission also voted to it’s target of a 10% reduction
adopt a $1.018 billion final from last year; that hiring and
budget for 2010/2011. wage freezes would remain
Before the votes took place, in effect; that 156 positions
District 3 Commissioner had been eliminated; that fur-
Trudie Infantini presented a lough days would be imple-
laundry list of suggestions mented this year; and that
to save the county more than other things like fleet con-

“
Neck and neck: Republican Gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott is in a dead heat with Democrat CFO Alex Sink. $10 mil- solidation,
The $1.7 billion Columbia/HCA Medicare fraud settlement continues to be used as campaign fodder by Sink. lion with- energy
out rais- conserva-

Scott, Sink in dead heat for Governor; ing taxes. Chairwoman Mary Bolin stated tion, cen-
Among
them:
in the Florida Today Voter tralization
and con-

independents will play deciding role • Hold the

From Quinnipiac University
Closing the Florida governor’s race to a dead heat, Chief
Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democrat, now has 44 per-
cent of likely voters to Republican Rick Scott’s 45 percent,
compared to the Republican’s 49 - 43 percent lead October 1,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Ms. Sink’s surge could be tied to voter belief, 44 - 28 per-
cent, that she was a more ethical businessperson than Scott
when both were in the private sector, the independent Quin-
nipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. A total of
89 percent of likely voters say a candidate’s record in business
is either somewhat or very important to their vote choice.
By a 42 - 37 percent margin, Florida voters have a favorable
opinion of Sink, while Scott gets a negative 39 - 46 percent
favorability rating. This compares to the October 1 survey
showing her with a split 39 - 39 percent favorability, com-
pared to Scott’s split 41 - 40 percent.
“In the last two weeks, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink
has moved into a statistical tie with Rick Scott. Her image has
improved while his has deteriorated. It would seem that the
debate through television ads about their respective business
careers may be the reason,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant di-
rector of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “At this
point she is winning that debate handily and it is having an
impact on the race.
“How the voters feel about the economy is also directly tied
Guide “raising taxes is not an solidation
Mosquito option”, but voted for a tenta- were be-
C o n t r o l tive increased millage before ing looked
to their vote: Among those who think the economy is improv- budget at the guide was even printed. at for the
ing, Ms. Sink leads 69 - 22 percent, while Scott leads 58 - 25 2009/2010 next bud-
percent among voters who see the economy getting worse.” level of get cycle.
Only 20 percent of Florida likely voters say the state econ- $5.5 million instead of almost During public comment,
omy is getting better, while 34 percent say it is getting worse doubling it to $10 million for Melbourne resident Trina
and 43 percent say it is about the same. 2010/2011. Martino pleaded with the
Florida independent likely voters say 50 - 24 percent that • Charge $1 for DVD rentals board not to raise taxes.
Sink, the former president of Bank of America’s Florida divi- at libraries, which would “By you increasing more
sion, was more ethical in business than Scott, the former CEO
generate $1.4 million in we are potentially in danger
of Columbia/HCA, the nation’s largest hospital chain. of losing our home,” she said.
annual revenue.
In the horse race, Sink leads Scott 82 - 7 percent among
Democrats while Scott leads 83 - 8 percent among Republi- • Reduce county employee “It’s morally wrong to raise
cans. Independent voters, who backed Scott 46 - 40 percent sick/vacation days from 24 taxes on people who are tak-
October 1, now back Sink 51 - 34 percent. per year to 18, resulting in ing cut in pay and unable to
He has a 48 - 42 percent lead among men, while she leads $2.4million in savings. hardly put food on their table
47 - 41 percent among women. • Reduce the Economic De- any more. It’s wrong.”
Scott leads 65 - 20 percent among white evangelical Chris- velopment Commission’s In spite of a campaign
tians; 15 percent of that group are undecided or for another budget by $500K. pledge made in the Florida
candidate, larger than among the overall electorate. • Hold EELs “outside Today Voter Guide on
“How that group finally comes down could be a key to the spending” budget item at August 8th not o raise taxes,
election. White evangelical Christians are a Republican group, 2009/2010 level of $40K in- Commissioner Mary Bolin
but the relatively larger number of undecided voters might in- stead of proposed $446K. voted for the increase. Fisher
dicate some may be holding back from Scott because of the None of the other Com- and Nelson also voted for
charges about his business conduct,” said Brown. “Among missioners commented on the increase and budget;
Infantini’s suggestions. Commissioners Anderson
Continued on page 6 County Manager Howard and Infantini voted against.

Report chronicles growth in county spending

By Matthew D Nye
Publisher
A new report published
by the Brevard County Audit
Committee shows a dramatic
increase in Brevard County
spending relative to population
growth since 1999. The report
confirms what Clerk of Court
Scott Ellis and several Con-
servative citizen groups have
been saying since 2005: coun-
ty spending expanded to con-
sume all the available revenue
generated by property taxes
during the real estate boom.
The report uses 1999
as a baseline. The popula-
tion increase calculated by
the auditors for the ten year
period is 19%, yet the re-
port finds the following :
Sheriff - The Sheriff’s
office has grown from 806
FTE in 1999 to 1,145 FTE in
2009, which is an increase of
339 FTE or 42%. Both the
Sheriff’s total expenditures
and General Fund allocation
increased 129% over this
same ten year period. In the
past ten years, the County
has transferred General Fund
of approximately $596 mil-
lion to the Sheriff. The report
makes no mention of whether
or not the number of calls
responded to has increased
from 1999 to present day.
Fire Rescue - In 1999,
Fire Rescue had 354 FTE.
By 2009, FTE had increased
53% to 541. The total budget
for that Department increased
from $28 million in 1999 to
$57 million (116%) in 2009.
Staffing spiked in 2000
through 2003 primarily due to
changes from a two person ba-
sic life support engine to three
person advanced life support
engines. Other major expendi-
tures included: 911 ambulance
crew and equipment for a new
station, Advanced Life Support
fire engine, 800 mega hertz ra-
dios, new fire engines, mobile
data terminals for twenty-one
engines and a new fire rescue
unit and equipment. The re-
port makes no mention of the
number of calls responded
to in 1999 or current day.
Parks & Recreation - Full
time equivalents up from just
under 300 to 495 - an increase
of 53%. General fund trans-
fers increased from ~$9.6
million in 1999 to $17.5 mil- Up, up and away: A new Brevard County Audit report validates local activists’ claims Brevard County
lion in 2009, an 82% increase. governmet has dramatically increased in size relative to population. Chart courtesy of Roger Shealy.

Special Election Coverage Inside: Also in this edition:

• Understanding the Amendments • State will face hardship as revenues decline
• Ballot Recommendations • Understanding the TRIM process
• Club Directory • Bill Mick’s Insider Column
• Upcoming Events • Effects of Health Care Reform bill yet to be felt

Page 2 October 15, 2010
THE
Mail Sack
Rants & Raves from readers
Vote Krupp for school board
FLORIDA TODAY’S endorsement of
incumbent Robert Jordan for the Brevard School
Board District 1 seat is unconscionable.
He enjoys going to meetings and being on
boards. I can attest to that. But is he an experienced
educator? Has he been in the trenches? No.
We need his challenger, Mike Krupp, on the
Brevard School Board, not Jordan.
Dr. Krupp, a retired high school principal and
teacher, is a visionary who is eminently qualified
for the school board. Dr. Krupp set my son and his
friends on the straight and narrow path at Merritt
Island High in 1984. He knows our schools lack
discipline. Why else would we need resource
sheriff’s deputies at schools?
I doubt Mr. Jordan has ever taught a class of
kindergartners, middle school or high school.
We need to teach and reach all our students.
The money for expensive, catchy ads would be
better spent on classroom supplies instead of being
wasted on Mr. Jordan’s campaign.
I support Dr. Mike Krupp and so should every
taxpayer who wants his money’s worth.
Peggy Duarte Reichle
Mims
Davis responds to Florida
Today Endorsement of Nelson
It is true Mr. Nelson has accomplished many
things- but at what cost to taxpayers? Was it good
management to spend millions of tax dollars on
horse stalls and crab shacks, particularly when
many taxpayers were losing jobs or homes?
As to the comment that I offered no credible
solutions to the “budget crisis”. If you visit my
website, www.vote4ilenedavis.com, you can see
that I have presented not only ideas for reducing
the cost of government, but also ideas to grow our
economy.
Some things the Florida Today editorial did
not mention:
- my idea to pay not just county employees,
but all taxpayers a percent of savings they help me
identify for a vote.
- my plan to require county departments meet
my “yellow page” test.
- my $5000 x 5000 plan to raise funding for
local inventors / business owners
- how as a city council member, I discovered
misuse of tax dollars, and put it on the agenda to
require public discussion.
- during a 2006 interview, I warned declining
tax revenues as homes went into foreclosure would
be a greater problem than growth in Brevard
- during a 2008 FL Today forum, I warned
that our dependence on state and federal tax dollars
could be a serious problem for Brevard.
opinion
Space Coast Sentinel
From the Publisher’s desk:
Welcome to the first issue
of the Space Coast Sentinel!
TRIM notices until the last possible
day allowed by statute so taxpayers
wouldn’t see the increase until after
the election.
I believe I failed to get my
message out to the rank and file
Republican voter because I didn’t
I did a lot of soul searching the first raise enough money to do the mail
couple of days after losing my bid pieces required to put the voters on
for the Brevard County Commission notice the incumbents had raised
District 4 seat on August 24th. their taxes. This is a typical problem
In addition to the usual “what did for grassroots candidates.
I do wrong/what could I have done So I started thinking: how could
“
better” analysis, I help to prevent
I had to wrestle this sort of thing
with the notion from happening
that maybe it to the next wave
really is hopeless. The things he showed me of grassroots
Maybe even the made me so angry I not only candidates? How
Republicans in got involved, I ran for office... can we educate
Brevard County and inform the
want more voters of what is
government, more spending and happening right here in their back
higher taxes. yard when the abuses in DC are so
In the final analysis I came to the outrageous they take center stage?
conclusion that isn’t the case. As I You are holding the answer to
wrote in my guest column for the those questions in your hands. The
Florida Today last month, I sincerely Space Coast Sentinel is a monthly
- That while Florida Today credits Mr. believe the voters were misled by newspaper that covers local
Nelson with $158 million in budget cuts, since the incumbents and the editorial government. Sounds boring doesn’t
2006 operating “expenditures” have dropped $57 board of the Florida Today. it? That’s what I thought about local
million, but $76 million was from cuts in grants and The Brevard County Property government too, until I met the
capital expenditures. Ongoing operating expenses Appraiser played a crucial role as Brevard Clerk of Court Scott Ellis.
and employee compensation actually went up. well, holding the mailing of the Continued on page 6
Mr. Nelson has spent most of his adult life
spending other people’s money, not always wisely.
I have spent most of my adult life helping clients
Vote for candidates that
create affordable budgets that allows them to save
for their future.
tout free market health
It seems to me that someone like me, with
a degree in accounting, an MBA, and years as a
care solutions as viable fix
financial advisor, would be the most qualified for vote for the candidates that want
person to deal with a “budget crisis”. a free market in health care.
Ilene Davis As it stands now, in 2014 there will
Libertarian Candidate be only a few options for people to
purchase for individual plans. Only
County Commission, District 2
30 year-olds can purchase popular
high deductible, catastrophic plans.
Seat belt laws unneccessary
Seat belt laws are fine as far as they go. However, Never has there been a more Employers are comparing the cost of
important election to all Americans offering coverage versus the $2000-
if, as claimed by some “experts” as a justification
or for our healthcare system. If you $3000 penalty per employee for not
for helmet laws in some states, helmets reduce don’t think that the government offering coverage and deciding it’s
head injuries and save lives for motorcycle riders, should be able to force you to cheaper to pay the penalty! If your
why wouldn’t they do the same for automobile and purchase health insurance (with employer doesn’t offer coverage,
“
bus (especially school bus) passengers? ONLY the you will have to
Also, since there is much empirical data options that are purchase your own
available from NASCAR and the rest of the “allowed”); if you insurance. If you
professional racing world on the efficacy of Nomex like your company The Congressional Budget don’t do so YOU
suits in vehicle fires, why not require them for all sponsored health Office (CBO) estimates the will be penalized.
coverage and Enforcement of
would like to IRS budget will grow by more all this will rest
vehicle occupants? While we’re at it, since there
are occasions when the vehicle inadvertently ends than $10 billion... on the IRS. The
keep it; if you like
up in the water (Chappaquiddick comes to mind), Congressional
your doctor; if
let’s also mandate personal floatation devices for you do not want Budget Office
all drivers and passengers. Why not require all to have to submit a 1099 for every (CBO) estimates the IRS budget
school bus passengers to be wrapped in bubble- purchase with every vendor your will grow by more than $10 billion
wrap? business utilizes over $600/year; – the equivalent of roughly 16,500
Rather than mandating seat belts, helmets etc. if you would like more options employees – to enforce the mandate
through legislation, let the private sector encourage for health plans, not less; if you’d in the first decade after health care
us to behave more safely through our wallets. Add like EXPANDING Health Savings reform takes effect.
Accounts – you need to vote in this Beginning 2014 an uninsured
a clause to the auto insurance policy to the effect
that, if you’re injured while not wearing a seatbelt, upcoming election. And you need Continued on page 7
your insurance coverage is null and void.
The same could apply to helmets for bikers.
Perhaps you could have the option to decline to
wear the belts or helmets and still have injury
coverage by paying triple or five times the
premium (or whatever the insurance company
deems appropriate). This is just one more case of
government unnecessarily imposing itself in our The Space Coast Sentinel is published monthly and
decisions in order to “protect us from ourselves” distributed to 10,000 businesses and homes. Mail
when private sector solutions are available and subscriptions are available at a cost of $24 per year.
make more sense. Such intervention in our lives
merely serves to increase the size, scope, authority Publisher
and cost of government while reducing our liberty Matthew D Nye
by limiting our freedom to choose.
Skip Bollinger Contributors:
Melbourne Martin Adams Chris Leffler
Brian Bellrose Bill Mick
Dana Blickley Matt O’Hern
Bob Brewster Dean Paterakis
Ben Campione Roger Shealy
Penny Canales Mark Vance
Scott Ellis Dale Young
Peter Fusscas Vince Young
Distribution Manager
Chris Leffler - ext 4
Mailing Address:
PO Box 121383
West Melbourne, FL 32912-1383
P: (321) 254-2002 F: (321) 821-0207
http://www.spacecoastsentinel.com
Opinions expressed within do not necesarily
reflect those of the publisher.
www.spacecoastsentinel.com
 op-ed
Space Coast Sentinel October 15, 2010 Page 3

Tea Party must hold firm to

singular message of fiscal
conservatism to win the day
markets, government and economy.
This is a winning position with 90%
of the American Body Politic.
Any candidate who runs on these
issues - and these issues alone,
promising to stop it and lock up the
scammers - all of them - wins.
You’re not going to want to hear As soon as you bring the other
this. issues that everyone wants to talk
Nonetheless, you have to. about into this, you will lose.
If you want to win - indeed, if you Here’s why.
want to make any sort of serious These are called “wedge issues”
inroad into the American Political for a reason. There is about half the
Process, you need to read this, you population, for example, that will
need to listen, and you need to adopt rally around a position of “Abortion
this path. is Murder.” There is also about half
If you do not, you will be the population that will say “well,
marginalized into irrelevance, no maybe in some cases, but in others
matter what else you do. no”, all the way down to “you can
Here it is: abort any time you want prior to the wins the election. based on whatever they’d like. who brought Henry Paulson into
You must discard - intentionally first breath.” Drill this into your head folks: But if you’re going to do this, then the Treasury after he, as Goldman’s
- all “wedge issues” as points of What you personally believe is If you allow these issues to you’d be wise to try to take over the chief, set up lots of dodgy financial

“ “
debate, discussion, irrelevant to the become part of your campaign, you Republican Party instruments, and
or campaigning. political process. will not only lose you will cause the instead of being then protected the
You know what These issues are party that most-agrees with you to “independent” banks who did
these issues are - The Tea Party began as a protest used by the two lose. or any other sort These are called “wedge those deeds from
they fall broadly over bailouts and handouts... theft main political I know this is going to be of “outside” issues” for a reason... to get being smashed
into the category and corruption within our markets, parties to get the unpopular, but it needs to be said. influence, because the electorate to divide on a when it all blew
of religion in one government and economy. electorate to divide I’ve seen this happening in some it is the only way 50/50 basis. up in their faces.
form or another. on a 50/50 basis - of the local Tea Party groups, and you can win with Not that the
These are issues thus leaving them it saddens me. The local Niceville this approach. Democrats are
such as abortion and gay rights (in having to persuade exactly one branch here featured people talking That is, you can try to turn the blameless, of course. “Who is Chris
all it’s forms, including marriage person of their position on some about “natural law” as an important Republican Party into The Tea Dodd and Barney Frank” would be
debates), but is by no means limited other issue to win. qualifying factor for political Party, and then apply your litmus a good starting question on that side
to these two. In short, if there’s a You cannot win such a contest. At candidacy, as just one of many tests. Now you have your 50%, of the aisle, and of course it doesn’t
religious basis for your position, best you can force one of the other examples. There were times I felt and you need to persuade only one stop there. Nancy Pelosi and illegal
you must not campaign on it, and parties - the one that most agrees like I had walked into a Baptist voter. That’s a winning strategy, if immigrants anyone?
indeed you must pointedly refuse to with you - to lose. The reason is sermon. you can pull it off. But to pull it The Tea Party infiltrating The
discuss it. simple - you will split that half of The Tea Party and other political off you will have to displace all of Republican establishment is a long
The Tea Party began as a protest the electorate, which means the expressions like it are, of course, the “money men” who corrupted shot. Witness John McCain, who
over bailouts and handouts - that other party - the one that disagrees free to run on whatever platform the Republicans - let us not forget
is, theft and corruption within our with your position on those issues - they’d like, and to back candidates that the Republicans were the ones Continued on page 6

Republicans will win big in November, but

will they act like Republicans once elected? Ballot recommendations for State
We heard on Tuesday’s BML that
George Soros has conceded vic-
tory to Republicans (in at least one
house of Congress) in the Novem-
ber election. Good news. He says
he is not even entering the fight in
this time around. It must appear
pretty bad to him if he is unwilling
to step into the mix.
And while that is good news for
Republicans and a decent indica-
tor that things are going our way,
we should have a bit of caution
as we march toward November
2nd. We have been here before.
Republicans controlled both
houses of Congress for much
of the Bush administration. We
did not handle it well at all. We
failed to lead when we should
have. We let the Democrats
push us and our agenda around.
In what could have been an in-
dicator of what conservative
thinking and actions could have
done for America, we instead
started thinking we could crate
expensive programs to placate
the Democrats and lost sight of our
true vision.
A fiscally sound policy is
necessary and we should be
working toward that end.
Reducing government will be key
and easing regulation and taxes for
Constitution and County Charter
What is integrity?
“Integrity is the recognition of the fact that you cannot fake your con- STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
sciousness, just as honesty is the recognition of the fact that you cannot Vote YES on Amendment 1 - Relating to repeal of Public
fake existence—that man is an indivisible entity, an integrated unit of Campaign Financing Requirement. State budgets cannot
two attributes: of matter and consciousness, and that he may permit no afford funding costs; plus, candidates can raise funding
breach between body and mind, between action and thought, between from donations and supporters.
his life and his convictions—that, like a judge impervious to public opin-
ion, he may not sacrifice his convictions to the wishes of others, be it the Vote YES on Amendment 2 - Homestead Ad Valorem Tax
whole of mankind shouting pleas or threats against him—that courage Credit for Deployed Military Personnel. The fiscal impact
and confidence are practical necessities, that courage is the practical form on local government would be minor. We support our
military personnel and families.
of being true to existence, of being true to truth, and confidence is the
practical form of being true to one’s own consciousness.” Vote NO on Amendment 4 - Referenda required
Ayn Rand, for adoption & amendment for local government
For the New Intellectual comprehensive land use plans. Voters are already in control
of comprehensive plans by their election of city and county
the investor class in this country is lieve the answer is yes. In reality officials that represent them on future developments. They
essential. We can’t start business the answer is: we have to wait and have the expertise and use due diligence in making correct
if everyone is scared to invest. If see. We have fallen to the rhetoric decisions. The amendment is a direct assault on private
far too often and then saw these property rights and would devastate Florida’s economy.
officials cave to whatever inter-
Vote NO on Amendment 5 - Standards for Legislature
ested distracted them from the
to follow in Legislative Redistricting. Enactment would
mission. open much litigation & possibly go to appointed judges to
It is tough to have faith when redistrict & not by the people’s elected representatives.
you have been burned, but we
must, for we know the alternative Vote NO on Amendment 6 - Standards for Legislature
is a path and that we are moving to follow in Congressional redistricting. Passage of
down far too quickly now. A good Amendments 5 and 6 would increase the number of legal
reminder to the candidates would challenges for future redistricting. This would result in judges
be that we did replace them in making decisions about redistricting instead of elected
2006 and are perfectly willing to officials.
do so again if they fail to hold up Vote YES on Amendment 8 - Revision ofthe class size
their end of the bargain. We must requirements for public schools. It would be cost saving and
have the resolve to do just that. adds more flexibility from the rigid class size limits. Monies
we don’t know when and what the The good news is that with the could be better spent improving student achievement
government will do next it is tough Tea Party and other movements be-
to even think of taking the chance. ing so prominent this election sea- Vote YES on Referendum 1 - Balancing the Federal
The question in this Republican son, we have the mindset and abil- Budget - A non-binding referendum for an amendment
avalanche is: are we electing the ity to stay active and involved and to the US Constitution. It would send a powerful message
right Republicans that can get this to do what is necessary to turn this to the Congress to cut spending to help reduce the federal
job done? In many corners I be- country around. deficits.

BREVARD COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS

Vote NO on Charter Amendment that requires analysis of
the fiscal impact of a proposed charter amendment. The
Charter Commission has no way to fund an analysis!
Vote YES on Charter Amendment that Requires Municipal
Voter approval of Charter Amendments affecting
municipal service, function, power or authority. This is
a logical extension of the “Home Rule” concept; there are
concerns about it’s constitutionality, however.
Vote YES on Charter Amendment on Creation of citizens’
process for making recommendations. Provides a
mechanism by which the Board of County Commisisoners
must vote on recommendations offered by citizens.
Vote YES on Charter Amendment for Creation of
Preamble for the Brevard County Charter. This is just some
housekeeping/legalise cleanup.
Vote NO on Charter Amendment for authority of the
school board to continue to levy 0.25 mills for critical
operating needs. The School Board should participate in
the recession like the rest of us.

www.spacecoastsentinel.com
 state
Page 4 October 15, 2010 Space Coast Sentinel

State will face tough

choices as revenues
continue to decline
By Roger Shealy level of debt!
Special to Space Coast Sentinel As a result of the increase in annual
Just as there are two sides to every debt service costs (the annual amount
transaction, there are also two sides of principal and interest paid each year
to every bailout. With the bursting of on the outstanding debt) compared to
the housing bubble (as well as the cor- annual tax revenues, our legislature de-
responding private debt bubble), we clared a “critical state of emergency”
watched home prices fall and financial last year to provide them the authority
institutions fail, and the federal response to continue issuing new debt. Clearly,
to this crisis has created a “moral haz- we have debt problem. Indeed, last
ard” that somehow certain institutions, year, the Pew Center on States ranked
in spite of their risky behavior, are just Florida sixth behind California facing
too big to fail. a looming budget disaster. Alexander
But as I mentioned, there are two Hamilton’s so-called “blessing” is our
sides to every transaction. If by bailing- curse! This debt is a burden to future
out failed institutions we create a moral taxpayers, namely our children, to en-
hazard in private markets, then how to able spending for today.
we describe the hazard to those on the Unfortunately, our savings haven’t

“
other side of the fared much better.
transaction? Take a look at the
Unlike past incen- following and note
tive programs, the just how much our
economic stimuli state has depleted
handed out over the Referred to as the ‘stimulus its savings and re-
past two years is the flameout’, Florida will be serves.
greatest experiment While there is a
in Keynesian theory looking at a financial gap of use and a time for
ever in the history of more than $5.5 BILLION. spending savings,
our Republic. Not a market driven de-
only have we bor- crease in taxable
rowed more than a retail sales does not
trillion to spend on justify the wholesale
everything from clunkers to shovel- withdrawal we have seen. It is one thing
ready projects, but we’ve printed up to utilize savings to allow for a managed
more than a trillion to purchase the very decrease in spending, it is another thing
toxic mortgages that brought our econ- to use your savings to maintain an el-
omy to its knees. This immoral hazard evated level of spending betting on a
is nothing less than a massive transfer complete and immediate economic re-
of risk from those who took it, to every covery to solve the fiscal problem.
single one of us. The fiscal issues facing our state will
But the hazards to do not end there. only be exacerbated next year when the
Indeed, this seriously flawed Keynes- federal stimulus dollars are gone. Re-
ian behavior now permeates state and ferred to as the “stimulus flameout”,
local governments as well. Unlike the Florida will be looking at a financial
federal government which can run bud- gap of more than $5.5 BILLION. This

“
get deficits and print year’s struggle to
money, state and balance a $70.4
local governments BILLION budget
cannot. So when the (a 6% increase over
federal government last year) will pale
slings billions to the This year’s struggle to balance in comparison to
states, the hazard is a $70.4 BILLION budget (a what our legislators
set and states begin 6% increase over last year) will be facing next
to spend more – and will pale in comparison to what year.
now in Florida, those our legislators will be facing The solution to
expenses exceed rev- next year. this problem begins
enues. with voters who
There are conse- are informed and
quences to such fiscal engaged, and ends
behavior. In FY2008, all three of major with elected officials who understand
credit rating agencies cut Florida’s bond these facts and act to reduce the size and
credit rating outlook from Stable to spending of government. The solution
Negative. We will see what happens in requires a clear understanding of the
2010, but as long as we continue to run conservative idea that less government
expenses above our revenues, credit risk means greater individual freedom.
will only increase. Friends, this is the single biggest is-
To fund an operating deficit, as shown sue facing our state. We can no longer
on the above graphic, one either bor- afford the status quo and the time to act
rows money from others and/or spends is now.
savings (and that you can only do once). Roger Shealy is Certified Public
The following shows the level of tax- Accountant from Titusville and ran as
supported debt issued by the State of a Republican candidate for the Florida
Florida. Please note, this is a record House of Representatives, District 29.

Ballot Amendments create confusion, potential for harm

By Brian Bellrose
Staff Writer
This November voters will
have the opportunity to vote on
six Constitutional amendments
to the State Constitution and
one non-binding resolution.
In order for an amendment to
pass it must receive a super
majority vote of 60%.
Amendment 1: Repeal of
Public Campaign Financing
Requirement
Official Summary:
Proposing the repeal of
the provision in the State
Constitution that requires
the total cost for all statewide by the Legislature to provide an neighborhoods, or NOTHING
races that year was $11.1 additional homestead property to build a broader economic
million. tax exemption for members
Amendment 2: Homestead of the military and the Florida
base that isn’t vulnerable to the
boom-bust real estate cycles.
A letter from a St. Pete Beach
Ad Valorem Tax Credit for National Guard who are Florida, I have concluded, resident regarding Amendment 4
Deployed Military Personnel deployed overseas. But it is simply cannot wait for In 2006, my hometown, St. Petersburg Beach, became the first
Official Summary: unfair in its application and developers and elected officials community in Florida to adopt a local version of Amendment 4, what some
Proposing an amendment to creates another loophole in a to recognize the harm they are have called “Hometown Democracy.”
the State Constitution to require property tax system already causing.” We were told that the amendment would simply “give the people a say
the Legislature to provide an full of special breaks.” The Hometown Democracy on growth.” So, I signed the petition to put it on the ballot. And in 2006, I
additional homestead property Amendment 4: Referenda web site states: “Amendment voted for it.
tax exemption by law for required for adoption 4 will give voters oversight To call it a “bad decision” would be a spectacular understatement.
members of the United States and amendment of local control over how their Our town is proof that Amendment 4 is designed to stop growth,
military or military reserves, government comprehensive communities grow. Under regardless of what the voters want.
the United States Coast Guard land use plans. Amendment 4, your city Few St. Petersburg Beach residents could have imagined how quickly
or its reserves, or the Florida Official Summary: Es- or county commission will this amendment would erode our town’s quality of life and lead to costly
National Guard who receive a tablishes that before a local study and vote as usual on lawsuits that we cannot afford.
homestead exemption and were government may adopt a new proposed changes to the local This law did not give us “a say” on growth. It drove away jobs and

public financing of campaigns
of candidates for elective
statewide office who agree to
campaign spending limits.
For: House and Senate
Republicans have spoken
in favor of this amendment.
The following statement was
made by incoming Senate
President Mike Haridopolos
in an Orlando Sentinel article:
“Why would we be spending
tens of millions of taxpayer
money when obviously anyone
running statewide is going to
be able to get the resources?”
Against: Democrats
have come out against the
amendment. The argument
made by Senator Nan Rich of
Sunrise was that since there
has been no “outcry to repeal
this” and that, “The people
voted for this. It is wrong to
send it back.”
In 1998 voters approved a
Constitutional amendment for
public financing of campaigns;
prior to that it had been done
through legislative initiatives.
In 2006 Charlie Christ
received $3.3 million for his
gubernatorial campaign and
“
deployed in comprehen- comprehensive land use plan, halted common-sense progress.
the previous sive land which is a blueprint for future In St. Petersburg Beach, our economy relies heavily on tourism.
year on active use plan, development. Plan changes However, over time, many of our local landmarks have deteriorated.
duty outside or amend a approved by the commission Numerous properties have turned into eyesores, fallen out of code or even
become condemned.
thecontinental In order for an comprehen- will then be submitted to you
However, after adopting our law, implementing even the most minor
United States, amendment to pass, it sive land use - the voter -- on the ballot at planning decisions became impossible.
Alaska, or must receive a super plan, the pro- the next regularly scheduled Rundown properties could not be fixed.
Hawaii in posed plan or Election Day. You will either
support of
majority vote of 60% amendment veto or approve them. It’s that
Empty lots could not be redeveloped.
Property owners were unable to repair their own businesses.
military shall be sub- simple. Amendment 4 doesn’t While neighboring beach towns were thriving, our City Council was
operations ject to vote of require special elections.” powerless to make even the most minor changes without a costly, lengthy
designated by the Legislature. the electors of the local gov- Against: Florida Chamber and uncertain referendum process.
The exempt amount will be ernment by referendum, fol- of Commerce, Builders Within a few months, businesses began to fail. Many left town and took
based upon the number of lowing preparation by the local Association, and Coalition for their jobs with them.
days in the previous calendar planning agency, consideration Property Rights. In a January Soon, residents became frustrated. They called for a new election to
year that the person was by the governing body and no- 3rd article for the Florida update our town’s growth plan. In 2008, the citizens of St. Petersburg Beach
deployed on active duty tice. Provides definitions. Times Union, Abel Harding approved many long-overdue changes.
outside the continental United For: Submitted by Florida said, “Amendment 4 is not the However, within 24 hours of the election, anti-growth interests in St.
States, Alaska, or Hawaii in Hometown Democracy, Inc., way to solve Florida’s growth Petersburg Beach had filed a lawsuit to overturn the results.
support of military operations PAC. Andrew Dickman, a land problems. Electing honorable In fact, this amendment has now cost St. Pete Beach taxpayers over
designated by the Legislature. use attorney, said “I realize officials and holding them $500,000 in legal fees.
The amendment is scheduled Amendment 4 is a significant accountable is.” St. Petersburg A year after voting for a new growth plan, St. Petersburg Beach residents
to take effect January 1, 2011. change to the current system. passed a similar law in 2006. are still tied up in court.
For: A Mason Dixon poll But the current system has Mr. Harding continued, “St. Now, a handful of well-to-do lawyers are attempting to impose the same
ill-conceived idea on every Florida hometown.
back in May showed the done NOTHING to protect Pete Beach learned quickly that
They are even using the same rhetoric. They are telling voters that this
amendment receiving 71% natural resources, NOTHING voter-approved comprehensive proposal is just designed to “give the people a say.”
support from Floridians. to stop private condos plan changes can be both Don’t let them get away with it. Don’t let them do to Florida what they
Against: The St. Petersburg from replacing recreational cumbersome and expensive. already did to my hometown.
Times in their September, 28th and working waterfronts, After developers and - Michael Castleman
article, “Three Ballot Measures NOTHING to stop new community leaders launched St. Petersburg Beach
deserve a ‘no’ vote” stated, incompatible developments
“This is a well-intended effort from encroaching on existing Continued on page 7

www.spacecoastsentinel.com

Space Coast Sentinel
Spotlight on:
Code Enforcement
“The three great rights are so bound together as to be
essentially one right. To give a man his life, but deny him his
liberty, is to take from him all that makes his life worth living.
To give him his liberty, but take from him the property which is
the fruit and badge of his liberty, is to still leave him a slave.”
- George Sutherland,
Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1921.
By Penny Canales
Staff Writer
The Founding Fathers designed the Constitution to protect the
rights Justice Sutherland spoke of. According to Black’s Law
dictionary, “property” is: “the right to possess, use, and enjoy a
determinate thing (either a tract of land or a chattel); the right
of ownership or any external thing over which the rights of
possession, use, and enjoyment are exercised.”
According to the Brevard County Code Enforcement web site,
the mission of Code Enforcement is: “to ensure and enhance the
quality of life of county residents by requiring owners of property
in non compliance with county codes, to come into compliance”.
The Brevard County Code Enforcement Division 10th Annual
Report goes on to state that the Code Enforcement Core Values
are: “protection of Constitutional Rights, continuous improvement
through dedication to excellence, openness and transparency,
both within the department and the community, teamwork, and
problem solving.”
The Brevard County Commissioners fund and operate the code
enforcement program for the unincorporated areas of Brevard
County which include: Barefoot Bay, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa
West, June Park, Kennedy Space Center, Malabar, Merritt Island,
Micco, Mims, Palm Shores, Port St. John, Sharpes and South
Patrick Shores.
The current department employs 12 full-time equivalent
personnel, six code enforcement officers, one Field Supervisor,
one Program Manager and four Support Staff. This is a reduction
from the staff in 2000-2001 made of 16.25 full-time equivalents,
nine code enforcement officers, one Field Supervisor, one Program
Manager and 5.25 Support Staffers.
According to the Code Enforcement web site, code enforcement
is not supposed to be proactive: “the process begins when a
complaint is received by our office and is assigned to a Code
Enforcement Officer to investigate”. In 2009-2010 there were
2,125 such calls which resulted in 4,135 investigations costing an
average of $96.65 per investigation. The price tag? $398,487.95.
The number of complaints in 1999-2000 was 4,729 and escalated
to 6,704 in 2001-2002.
Comparing the code enforcement budget of fiscal year 2000-
2001 ($803,723) to the budget of 2010-2011 ($904,402), the
budget has increased by $100,679 over the last 10 years. Yet the
number of complaints received in 2009 was less than half the
number received in 1999/2000.
Salaries, including benefits, for the 12 person department are
as follows:
• Manager - $93,862.45 (Solid Waste pays 48%)
• Supervisor - $72, 381.72 (Solid Waste pays 48%)
• Code Officers - $51, 632.44 to $60,304.72 (Solid Waste pays
48%)
• Administrative Secretary $46,768.82 (Solid Waste pays 48%)
• Projects Coordinator $46,863.95 to $57,317.34 (100% from
General Fund).
Not only are the salaries of the code enforcement supplemented
by Solid Waste but so is nearly half of the vehicle fleet which totals
seven. Four of the vehicles are supported by general funding.
The last Code of Ordinances for Brevard County was adopted
in 1994 by Truman Scarborough, Jr., District 1; Ron Pritchard,
District 2; Nancy Higgs, District 3; Sue Carlson, District 4; Jackie
Colon, District 5; Tom Jenkins, County Administrator; Scott Knox
County Attorney; and Scott Ellis Clerk to the Board of County
Commissioners.
The code of ordinances is also continually updated. In September
an ordinance was passed to add definitions for: enclosed building;
improper outdoor storage; litter; trash; junk or debris; outside
and outdoor; overgrowth and additional requirements to maintain
property and to add notice process.
If you’d like to share your experience with Brevard County
Code Enforcement, please contact Penny Canales via e-mail at
penny.canales@spacecoastsentinel.com.
county
October 15, 2010 Page 5
The Alphabet Soup Dictionary:
Understanding the Truth In
Millage (TRIM) Process
According to the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s web site, the Truth in Millage (TRIM)
Notice is sent annually as required by law and:
“...tells you the taxable value of your property and provides information on proposed millage
rates and taxes as estimated by each Brevard County taxing authority which includes the
County Commission, School Board, Cities, etc....”
“The TRIM Notice also gives you information on proposed millage rates and taxes as esti-
mated by your county taxing authorities. It also tells you when and where these authorities
will hold public meetings to discuss tentative budgets and set your final tax millage rates.”
By Dana Blickley uniquely identifies all applicable taxing authorities).
Special to the Space Coast Sentinel The Taxing Authority Information section includes the
Understanding the TRIM Process and the Truth in tax information applicable to the specific parcel in question.
Millage Statement (TRIM Notice) can be overwhelming, This information is in columnar form and contains the tax-
but the following information should provide a general ing authorities, prior year’s taxes, the prior year’s adjusted
understanding of Part I of the TRIM process, including tax rate (millage), the current tax rate and taxes if calculat-
why the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM No- ed at the rolled-back rate (NO budget change), and the cur-
tice) is sent, and Part II of the process, which completes rent tax rate and taxes if the proposed budget is adopted.
the legal requirements of the property tax levy procedure. The Property Appraiser Value Information section in-
cludes the market and assessed value for the current and
Part I – The TRIM Process previous year, applicable exemptions and assessed value
reductions (assessment cap and classifications), and the
The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes statement deadline for filing a petition to the Value Adjustment Board.
(TRIM Notice) received each year by property owners is The Taxing Authority (Budget) Hearing Informa-
derived from the Truth in Millage or “TRIM” process. The tion is located on the back of the form, and lists the
TRIM Notice informs taxpayers and the public about the taxing authorities, contact phone numbers, and the
legislative process by which local property taxes are deter- dates, times, and locations of all budget hearings.
mined. Florida law provides for public input and for gov- It is important to examine the TRIM Notice thor-
erning bodies of taxing authorities to state specific reasons oughly by reviewing the PROPERTY APPRAISER
for proposed changes in property taxes and their budgets. VALUE INFORMATION to determine if the market
The TRIM process is complex, but the following key dates value of the property is accurate for the current year;
should allow for a better understanding of the procedure AND all applicable exemptions or property classifi-
and the variables involved in producing the TRIM Notice. cations are clearly displayed under the headings: AS-
SESSED VALUE REDUCTION and/or EXEMPTIONS.
July 1st - Is day one of the TRIM process. On or If the property owner disagrees with either of the two
before this day, the Property Appraiser must certify statements above, a petition to the Value Adjustment Board
the preliminary assessment roll. In addition, the Prop- should be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court by the
erty Appraiser must certify the taxable value within the deadline specified at the bottom of the TRIM Notice. Pe-
jurisdiction of each taxing authority on a prescribed titions can be filed online at http://www.brevardclerk.us.
form (DR-420) and deliver to each taxing authority.
Part II – The TRIM Process
July 15th - On or before this day of the process,
the Board of County Commissioner’s budget of- September 3rd to 18th - Within 65 to 80 days of the cer-
ficer delivers a tentative budget to the Board. Typi- tification of the assessment roll, each taxing authority holds
cally, between Day 1 and Day 35, budget workshops a public hearing on their tentative budget and proposed
are held to make decisions about the tentative budget. millage rate. At the public hearings the taxing authorities
will amend and adopt the amended tentative budget and
August 4th - On or before this day (day 35), each tax- then re-compute the proposed millage rate. Additionally,
ing authority must inform the Property Appraiser, on a the taxing authority will publicly announce the percent, if
prescribed form (DR-420), of certain information that in- any, by which the re-computed proposed millage rate ex-
cludes the following: Prior year millage rate, the current ceeds the rolled-back rate. After all of this has been com-
year rolled-back rate, the current year proposed millage pleted, the tentative millage and budget will be adopted.
rate, and the date, time, and meeting place of the tentative
budget hearings. (The rolled-back rate is a millage rate that September 18th to October 3rd - Within 15 days af-
would equate to collecting the same amount of taxes as the ter the tentative budget hearing, the taxing authority must
previous year, excluding taxes from new construction). advertise for their final hearing to adopt a final millage
rate and budget. This advertisement contains a Notice
August 5th - 24th – Anytime between these dates, of Proposed Tax Increase or a Notice of Budget Hearing
but no later than August 24th – (the last legal day - day and a Budget Summary. If the tentatively adopted mill-
55), the Property Appraiser, on behalf of all taxing au- age rate is greater than the rolled-back rate, then a No-
thorities in Brevard County; and at the expense of the tice of Proposed Tax Increase must be advertised. If the
Board of County Commissioners, must prepare and tentatively adopted millage rate is equal to or less than
deliver a Notice of proposed property taxes (TRIM the rolled-back rate, then a Notice of Budget Hearing
Notice) to each property owner. The TRIM Notice must be advertised. The Budget Summary must be ad-
provides the property owner with important informa- vertised adjacent to either the Proposed Tax Increase or
tion and can be described as having four sections: the Notice of Budget Hearing, whichever is applicable.
(1) Property Identification;
(2) Taxing Authority Information; September 20th to October 8th – Within 2 to 5 days
(3) Property Appraiser Value Information; and after the appropriate advertisement is published, each tax-
(4) Taxing Authority (Budget) Hearing Information. ing authority must hold a public hearing to adopt the final
The Property Identification section includes a brief millage rate and budget. At this final public hearing the
legal description of the property, the name and mailing taxing authority will adopt the millage rate before adopt-
address of the owner of record, the tax account and par- ing the budget, by separate votes. Also, the taxing authori-
cel identification numbers, and the millage code (which Continued on page 6
Free Market Friendly Local Businesses
These locally owned businesses are staunch supporters of Capitalism and have
put their money where their mouths are by actively supporting candidates and
legislation promoting less government intrusion in the marketplace.
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Melbourne, FL 32934 www.hsasoffla.net
(321) 253-5677
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7720 N. Wickham Road Palm Bay, FL 32911
Suntree, FL 32940 (321) 676-5749
(321) 255-5035 www.imagjenthat.com
www.ashescigars.com
Life Maid Easy
Atlantic Financial Advisors (321) 604-0404
3682 N Wickham Rd #C www.mylifemaideasy.com
Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 751-5599 Mater Team Automotive, Inc.
6000 Technology Drive Unit A
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7670-B North Wickham Road Virtual Information Systems
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www.hooverav.com
Be sure to visit our web site at http://www.spacecoastsentinel.com for an up to the minute list!
www.spacecoastsentinel.com
Page 6 October 15, 2010 “Veritas Omnia Vincit” Space Coast Sentinel

Understand TRIM process to safe-

Never give up, never surrender
Continued from page 2
The things he showed me made me so
angry I not only got involved, I actually
ran for office - something I never - ever
- considered doing. I’m convinced that
when you see some of the things taking
place right here in your backyard you
will find a similar desire to become
engaged to help clean things up.
The mission of the Space Coast
Sentinel is to make local government
understandable and give you the
information and tools you need to hold
your local officals accountable.
Every month we will have a center
spread that covers a different topic in
depth. This month we look at the TRIM
process to learn how those notices
conveniently ended up hitting taxpayer
mailboxes the day AFTER the election.
We will have standing sections like the
upcoming Brevard Meltdown, where we
will give you a graphical representation of
Brevard County’s financial deterioration.
We have similar graphs regarding the
state’s current financial predicament in
this issue.
In the Alphabet Soup Dictionary
we explain what all of those cryptic
acronyms mean. TRIM, DROP, LOGT,
MSTUs, CRAs, RANs, COPs - your
elected officials don’t want you to know
what these things are because knowledge
is power, and once you understand what
these are supposed to be used for and how
they are being used you will probably be
very upset.
The Spotlight section will zero in on
a particular county department every
month so you can judge for yourself
whether we should be raising taxes or
cutting spending.
My personal favorie is the Hall of
Shame - every month we will go back
and look at some of the biggest scandals
and spending debacles and who the key
players were. You may be surprised to
learn that not only were these folks not
fired or voted out of office, they now
hold positions of even greater power.
Nye ran as a Republican for Brevard
County Commission Dsirtcit 4 in the
August 2010 primary against incumbent
Commissioner Bolin. He currently
works as Regional Director for Verteks
Consulting, Inc., a leading provider of
voice and data networks.
guard your rights, real property
Continued from page 5
ty will ensure that the final millage rate adopted
DOES NOT exceed the millage rate tentatively
adopted and indicated on the TRIM notice.
September 23rd to October 11th – Within
3 days after the final hearing, the taxing au-
thority must send a copy of the resolution or
ordinance adopting the final millage rate to the
Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and the De-
partment of Revenue. In addition, the Property
Appraiser must send the Certification of Final
Taxable Value on prescribed Form DR-422, to
each taxing authority and if applicable, Form
DR-422-DEBT, Certificate of Final Voted
Debt Millage. The DR-422 and DR-422DEBT
state any aggregate change in the assessment
roll from the preliminary assessment roll.
Sink closes lead on Scott in latest
Quinnipiac University polling data
Continued from page 1
charges about his business conduct,” said
Brown. “Among many of those voters it may
be a question of whether to vote for Scott or
not vote in the governor’s race.
“The big reason for Sink’s move into parity
with Scott has been the turnaround in indepen-
dent voters, who are often the key to victory
in close races,” said Brown. “Because they
are not members of either party, independents
September 26th to October 14th – Within 3
days after the receipt of the forms listed above,
the taxing authority must complete and certify
the final millage(s) to the Property Appraiser.
This is the official notification of final millage
rates to be used by the Property Appraiser to ex-
tend taxes and certify the annual tax roll to the
Tax Collector.
Additional information about the TRIM
process is found in Chapter 200 of the Flor-
ida Statutes, which governs the process.
Blickley currently works as an auditor
for the Brevard County Clerk of Court and
is a candidate for Brevard County Prop-
erty Appraiser. She can be reached by
phone at 321-514-3176 or through her
web site at http://www.danablickley.com.
are the most likely to be moved by questions
about a candidate’s ethics.”
Most voters, 86 percent, say their minds are
made up and they will not switch their alle-
giance, with 13 percent - equally split among
Sink and Scott voters - saying they might
change their minds.
From October 6 - 10, Quinnipiac Univer-
sity surveyed 1,055 Florida likely voters with
a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

Tea Party movement should avoid

wedge issues; focus on fiscal message
Continued from page 3
made a campaign spectacle
out of bailing out the banks.
How’s JD Hayworth doing
in challenging him? He lost,
right? How’d that happen?
The same way it always
happens: Hayworth let the
campaign’s terms include
those wedge issues, and then
got tattoed by the guy with
the bigger warchest and the
ability to threaten people
politically.
You either change the terms
of the debate and the issues
upon which the election is
decided or you lose.
It’s that simple.
The candidate that says this
to the TV cameras and his
opponent wins:
“I am running on fiscal
responsibility which I define
as (insert your platform),
on those issues, but that’s stop to the rampant theft from you declare your intentions
not what I’m here to discuss, each and every citizen in this on these issues doesn’t matter
and it’s not what I’m running room, which has personally - there is no winning in those
on.” indebted each and every man, points of debate no matter
“If you elect me you will woman and child in America how you approach it. You can
get the following by more than only lose and worse, cause
(list of corruption $40,000 over those most-aligned with you
and fraud that the last three to lose.
you intend to years, is the In short those who think
excise, along most-important that $40,000 is less important
with your fiscal issue before you than your stance on abortion
responsibility as you head to will split their vote for and
promises, the polls, then against irrespective of which
including I ask for your side of that issue you come
charts, facts and vote.” down on. Your opponent that
figures).” If you don’t is closest to your personal
“I understand do this as a position on abortion will thus
that these third-party lose, and so will you!
other issues or “outsider” The only way you can
are important candidate, you avoid this happening is to
to virtually everyone, but I lose. not allow the debate to go
also understand that almost You need to appeal to the down that road, and you must
exactly half of you who hear 90% issues and ignore the be steadfast and studious in
me speak now are on each 50/50 ones. rejecting all entreaties and
side of these issues and none On purpose. attempts to get you to speak
of you are going to change Oh sure, there will be some on those issues, because the

and on the removal of
embezzlement and fraud from
our government and financial
system, (insert your platform),
including the reversal of the
bailouts my opponent voted
for and supported. Where
fraud and embezzlement took
place I will do everything in
my power to see that each
and every person involved
goes to prison, starting with
those at the top of these
large corporations and, when
necessary, current members
of our government.”
“If you insist debating
other issues the microphone
is all yours, and you may
monopolize it all you want.
We may agree or disagree
“
your mind.” people who won’t vote for you two major political parties
“Therefore, without those know this is how they get you
the question answers to to forfeit your ability to win
I ask you is the questions - the fact that you stand and
this: Are those You either change the you refuse to run on an issue they cannot
issues more terms of the debate and entertain and agree with and yet which
importantthan
getting rid
the issues upon which the waste your
time on. The
90%+ of the population sees
your way!
of the fraud, election is decided or you siren song Denninger has been a full-
corruption, lose. from those time trader since 1998; author
and scamming of The Market Ticker (http://
in our market-ticker.org), a daily market
government and economy?” organizations, whether they commentary, and operator of
“If they are, no matter be “Focus on the Family” TickerForum, an online trading
which side of those issues or “Planned Parenthood” is community; both since 2007.
you happen to be on, then strong. But their siren song Mr. Denninger received the
I’m probably not your is false, for every voter you 2008 Reed Irvine Accuracy In
candidate.” attract by appealing to them Media Award for Grassroots
“If, on the other hand, comes with one who will vote Journalism for his coverage of
fixing our economy, locking against you with rabid furor, the 2008 market meltdown.
up the fraudsters and putting a and the direction in which

www.spacecoastsentinel.com
Space Coast Sentinel “Veritas Omnia Vincit” October 15, 2010 Page 7

Ballot Amendments hard to understand; wrong choices

could have far reaching, devastating consequences
Continued from page 4
a campaign to push through a
new growth management plan
that narrowed the city’s version
of its Hometown Democracy-
style laws, St. Pete Beach was
sued. Hundreds of thousands
of dollars in legal fees later,
development slowly returned.”
FairDistrictsFlorida.org will
prohibit drawing districts to
favor an incumbent or a party.
The standards will require
that districts be compact
and community based.
Communities -- like Seminole
County -- will not be divided
amongmultiplerepresentatives.
And Florida will have strongest
they say, the amendments
as proposed would prevent
legislators from drawing
districts that balance the
playing field for minorities
(known as minority-access
districts), which historically
have not been compact and
by their nature favor one party
over another.” (Collinscenter.
also adopts new limits on the
maximum number of students
assigned to each teacher in
an individual classroom as
follows: for prekindergarten
through grade 3, 21 students;
for grades 4 through 8, 27
students; and for grades 9
through 12, 30 students. This
amendment specifies that
General Bill McCollum and
businessman Rick Scott; and
independent Bud Chiles all
support amendment 8, which
gives school districts flexibility
in meeting the class-size
caps.”
Against: Teachers Unions,
“The class size provisions
voters placed in the Constitution
to stop the uncontrolled growth
of our national debt and prevent
excessive borrowing by the
Federal Government, which
threatens our economy and
national security, should the
United States Constitution be
amended to require a balanced
federal budget without raising
taxes?

Amendments 5 & 6:
Standards for legislature
to follow in legislative/
Congressional redistricting
Official Summary:
Legislative/Congressional
districts or districting plans
may not be drawn to favor
or disfavor an incumbent or
political party. Districts shall
not be drawn to deny racial or
language minorities the equal
opportunity to participate in
the political process and elect
representatives of their choice.
Districts must be contiguous.
Unless otherwise required,
districts must be compact, as
equal in population as feasible,
and where feasible must make
use of existing city, county and
geographical boundaries.
For: Fair District Florida,
from their web site: “The new
rules or standards proposed by
“ “
constitutional language in
Critics say the
amendment’s goals,
though laudable, are
impossible to meet, and
would be impossible to
defend in court...
the country to ensure that
redistricting is not used to
reduce the representation of
racial and language minority
voters.”
Against: House and
Senate Republicans.
“Critics, led by leaders of the
Florida Legislature, say the
amendments’ goals, though
laudable, are impossible to
meet and would be impossible
to defend in court. Further,
org)
Amendment 8: Revision of
the class size requirements for
public schools
Official Summary:
The Florida Constitution
currently limits the maximum
number of students assigned
to each teacher in public
school classrooms in the
following grade groupings: for
prekindergarten through grade
3, 18 students; for grades 4
through 8, 22 students; and for
grades 9 through 12, 25 students.
Under this amendment, the
current limits on the maximum
number of students assigned to
each teacher in public school
classrooms would become
limits on the average number
of students assigned per class
to each teacher, by specified
grade grouping, in each public
school. This amendment
class size limits do not apply
to virtual classes, requires
the Legislature to provide
sufficient funds to maintain the
average number of students
required by this amendment,
and schedules these revisions
to take effect upon approval
by the electors of this state and
to operate retroactively to the
beginning of the 2010-2011
school year.
For: Legislators attempting
to reduce impact and cost of
the 2002 amendment. From
the Sun Sentinel on June
23rd, “Four gubernatorial
candidates have endorsed
the referendum going before
voters in November to repeal
Florida’s 2002 constitutional
amendment on class size.
Democrat Alex Sink, who
is Florida’s Chief Financial
Officer; Republicans Attorney
have had a practical and
Teacher Unions say the
class size provisions...
have had a practical and
measurable effect on
classroom performance...
measurable effect on classroom
performance. Teachers say they
have made their classrooms
more manageable and test
scores have risen steadily
since class sizes have begun to
shrink.”
Referendum: Balancing the
Federal Budget. -ANonbinding
Referendum Calling for an
Amendment to the United
States Constitution.
Official Summary: In order
For: “Republican backers
in the state Legislature say
the question will provide
voters with a chance to weigh
in on the issue. They also say
an affirmative vote would
put pressure on Congress to
tighten its belt and give Florida
delegates in Washington
political support to make the
argument for an end to deficit
spending. “We’ve got to stop
this runaway train,” said Sen.
Garrett Richter, R-Naples, in
regard to federal spending.”
(collinscenter.org)
Against: There is little
opposition since it is a non-
binding resolution and
therefore its passage has no
effect of law.
You can read Bellrose’s
ballot recommendations online
at www.spacecoastsentinel.
com.

Full ramifications of health care reform bill yet to come;

study candidates’ position on free market solutions
Continued from page 3 in, utilize a lot of services, been denied coverage due of government bureaucracy) less government mandates am better off to game the
and once the need has passed to pre-exisiting conditions, pay for your stuff. Or as a (buying insurance across system. By declaring health
adult will be penalized $95 they drop out again. It doesn’t another problem has been Legislator friend once told state lines) and expansion of care a right and passing this
per year or 1% of annual take a genius to figure out that identified - hardly anyone me, everyone likes a tax that Health Savings Accounts. legislation, the advocates
income. In 2016 the penalties business model is impossible has signed up - only a few someone else pays for. The debate about health of this scheme have robbed
rise to $695 per year and up to maintain. thousand to date nationally. In the end, we are all going care being a right or a me of my desire to exercise
to 2.5% of annual income for The expansion of the state The premiums range from to pay for this nightmare privilege has raged for a long personal responsibility and

not purchasing the mandated
health insurance.
This will logically result in
“gaming” of the system where
some will decide to pay the
penalty if it cost less than the
health care plans available.
This is already happening in
the state of Massachusetts.
Under Massachusetts law,
individuals cannot be denied
coverage for pre-existing
conditions, which means
they can opt in at any time.
People thus opt not to have
coverage until they have an
urgent need for it. They opt
Medicaid programs will put
undue pressure on already
stressed state government
budgets. As it stands now,
Florida Medicaid comprises
29% of the entire budget for
the State. With healthcare
reform by 2014 that number
will be over 50%.
An ongoing problem
with the problem we called
“healthcare” is who is going
to pay for it.
Now that one problem
has been solved by the
introduction of the limited
risk pools for those who’ve
“
$363/month one way time. I believe health care is a do the right thing. There isn’t
for 34 year or another product to be bought and sold anything “right” about that at
old and under, unless we in the marketplace, just like all!
and more than It is more desirable to make a any other. Butterfield has been a
$773/month have others (through layers difference on To those who think licensed pharmacist and
if you are of government bureaucracy) N o v e m b e r healthcare is a “right”, I say healthcare provider for more
over 55. Why pay for your stuff.... everyone 2nd and elect this: for years I’ve done the than 20 years. She started
haven’t more likes a tax that someone else people who “right” and “responsible” HSAsofFLA LLC to help
people taken want to focus thing to always have personal individuals and small to
advantage?
pays for. on the things health coverage, whether I medium size businesses find
Like a lot of thatarewrong worked two to three jobs and/ the most cost effective solution
other things, those who tout with our current system, but or purchased it myself. With for their individual and group
healthcare as a “right” don’t easily fixed. These include the passage of this health health insurance needs. Her
think they should be paying tax deductions for individual care reform legislation, it agency has clients all over
for it. plans, transparency in billing, is no longer in my financial the country, but is primarily
It is more desirable to tort reform, allowing for interest to act in this fashion. focused in the Southeast and
have others (through layers more insurance products with Economically speaking, I the State of Florida.

www.spacecoastsentinel.com
Page 8 October 15, 2010
Local Political/Grassroots Organizations
Get involved and make a dfference in your community!
Brevard 912
Organizer: Barbara Knick
Phone: (321) 253-3500
E-mail: bknick313@gmail.com
Web: www.brevard912.net
Brevard Republican
Executive Committee
Chair: Barbara Davis
Phone: (321) 254-0073
E-mail: barbara.davis@brevardrepublicans.org
Web: www.brevardrepublicans.org
Brevard Republican
Men’s Club
Chair: James Marshal
Phone: (321) 243-1234
E-mail: james@shfnow.com
Web: www.meetup.com/republicanmensclub/
Brevard Tea Party
Organizer: Matt Nye
Phone: (321) 626-9791
E-mail: matt@brevardteaparty.com
Web: www.brevardteaparty.com
Citizens for Constitutional
Property Rights
Chair: Clyde Thodey
Phone: (321) 453-5055
E-mail: cthodey@cfl.rr.com
Web: www.brevardccpr.org
Melbourne Area Federated
Republican Women
President: Barbara Davis
Phone: (321) 727-1212
E-mail: barbdavis@cfl.rr.com
Web: www.melbournegopwomen.com
New Millenium Club
Chair: Greta McLaughlin
Phone: (321) 255-0619
E-mail: gretamclaugh@msn.com
“Veritas Omnia Vincit”
Get off the couch and start mingling!
North Brevard Republican Club
Chair: JB Kump
Phone: (321) 543-1608
E-mail: pres@northbrevardrepublicans.us
Web: www.northbrevardrepublicans.us
Port St John Patriots
Chair: Pat
E-mail: pat@psjtptypatriots.com
Web: www.psjtptypatriots.com/
Republican Club of Brevard
Chair: Duwayne Lundgren
Phone: (321) 777-7494
E-mail: lundgren@belsouth.net
RLC of Central East Florida
Chair: Bob White
Phone: (321) 254-7085
E-mail: chair@rlccef.org
Web: www.rlccef.org
Republican Women’s
Network of South Brevard
Chair: Margie Kinder
Phone: (703) 962-0315
E-mail: margiekinder@gmail.com
Web: www.republicanwomen
networksouthbrevard.com
Ronald Reagan Clubs
Chair: Barry Plans
Phone: (321) 525-7502
E-mail: studiobfl@bellsouth.net
Web: www.ronaldreaganclubs.com
Space Coast Patriots
Chair: Judy Timothy
E-mail:
Web: www.spacecoastpatriots.com
Titusville Patriots
Organizer: Don Forward
Phone: (321) 421-6616
E-mail: donforw@msn.com
Web: www.titusvillepatriots.ning.com
For an up to the minute list please visit our
web site at www.spacecoastsentinel.com.
www.spacecoastsentinel.com
Space Coast Sentinel
Upcoming Events
Monday, October 11th, 6pm
Republican Liberty Caucus
of Central East Florida
October Meeting
MeMaw’s BBQ
Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Thursday, October 14th, 6:30pm
Brevard Republican Executive Committtee
October Meeting
Temple Israel
Viera, FL
Monday, October 18th, 6:30pm
Citizens for Constitutional
Property Rights
October Meeting
Jimmie’s Restaurant
Turtle Creek at Rockledge, FL
Thursday, October 21st, 10:30am
Republican Women’s
Network of South Brevard
October Meeting
Eau Gallie Yacht Club
Melbourne, FL
Thursday, October 21st, 6pm
Port St Johns Patriots
October Meeting
Port St John Community Center
Port St John, FL
Thursday, October 21st, 6pm
Republican Men’s
Club of Brevard
October Meeting
Doubles Hoagies
Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Thursday, October 21st, 6pm
Ronald Reagan Clubs
October Meeting
Jimmie’s Restaurant
Turtle Creek atRockledge, FL