|
You or your vote can
make a difference
We all can point to
something around us that’s not quite right and think that our local
government was involved with it.
Our first reaction
is to get mad and then to let it slide as one more thing that is out of
our control because of the politicians and “government”.
Well, there is some
truth to that but the bigger truth is that something can be done. So,
let me share my personal experiences with how much can be changed with a
little preparation and a lot of persistence.
The following
articles are about making changes in
how YOUR government meets its responsibilities to you, me, our
neighbors, and our community.
Now, my campaign and
election for District 2 Commissioner opens the door to make bigger
changes. But, I cannot do it alone. This time your vote can make
the difference for all of us.
As your new District
2 County Commissioner I will handle my responsibilities as a
Statesman and not as a politician. To restore your Trust in
our Board of County Commissioners, I will work with the other
Commissioners to change the Board’s reputation from “Pro-Developer” to
“Pro-Community”.
“Citizen involvement is essential to improving community life. Without
residents' cooperation and participation our community will gain nothing
and remain stagnant.”
Award's
intent lost, commissioner says
There
are lots of ways to make a difference. Each year, Hillsborough County's
Moral Courage Award is given to individuals who challenge misguided
government power or performs good deeds above and beyond the call of
everyday citizenship. The Award is funded from the proceeds of
liability bonds cashed out by the county after the FBI caught three
commissioners in a 1980s zoning bribery scandal.
Tampa
Tribune, Published March 19, 1998 read
the article
Getting
involved to solve community problems…citizens can make a difference when
they work together on issues.
You
can take lessons from groups like the Florida Neighborhood Conference.
Or learn in the trenches like Tom and his wife did while making cellular
telephone towers more neighborhood friendly. At first, they knew little
about the inner workings of Hillsborough County government. But, they
eventually persuaded county commissioners to change the way such towers
are approved.
Tampa
Tribune Published Sept 24, 1998
read the article
Dinosaur developers
are gobbling up rural areas
Even your letter to
the newspaper can make a difference. This one was part of the Dinosaur
Chronicles to draw attention to certain developers. The citizens of
Citrus Park, Lutz, Keystone, Thonotosassa, Town 'N Country, Brandon,
Riverview, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, Ruskin and Wimauma
are still fighting to save their communities from senseless growth. But
the dinosaur-style developers are working against them. “We have been
trying for years to evolve into livable communities, but the dinosaurs
obstruct our progress rather than evolve with us”. There are modern
developers who embrace our community visions and have projects
under way. People will buy well planned home sites.
St.
Petersburg Times, Published Nov 12, 2000
read the article
Fall
Festival 'A Big Deal'
Planning a local event, Tom described it as a combined effort of the KCA
and other local groups, including the Friends of the Austin Davis
Library, Keystone Community Church, the Odessa/Citrus Park Historical
Society, American Legion Post 147, the Hillsborough County Firefighters
Union, and the Sheriff’s Office. Keystone residents enjoyed their first
Keystone Family Fun Day. The day of live music, food and kid-friendly
activities took place at the Keystone Recreation Center.
The Tampa
Tribune, Published: October 6, 2007
read the article
A
Conversation With…
Joining your home owners or civic group can make a difference. For the
Keystone Civic Association, we found that our intensity depends on the
community’s issues and priorities. We have some serious-minded
residents, actively involved people protecting our property and
residents' lifestyle but we always have fun along the way. Like other
Civic associations we want more Board, committee, and project members.
But, a few prepared people can make a huge difference when focused. A
lot can also be gained by partnering with other homeowner associations
and civic groups. Our priorities: promote our civic association, have a
social calendar, and remember that it’s a nice place to live and enjoy
our neighbors. Yes, you may even make a difference by defending
your community from incompatible development or some other unsavory
intrusion.
Tampa
Tribune, Published April 26, 2007
read the article
Noise An
Issue For Veterans' Widening
Attend
meetings and let the planners know about your concerns. This was a
45-minute public hearing. Most in attendance treated the event as a
fact-finding mission, milling about the project's maps and pamphlets,
chatting informally with engineers and project managers. Some who spoke
had concerns about noise and the road-builders' ability to stifle it.
Tampa
Tribune, Published Nov 16, 2006
read the article | 
