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| On member of the BCC publicly stated he feels the State of Florida and Escambia County are "Full" and by implication new citizens should not move here. Seriously--I can't make this stuff up... |
We had a very big agenda at our last BCC meeting on Thursday. Lots of big issues, lots of important initiatives, and several interesting conversations.
One rather surreal exchange occurred when two of my items on the agenda were pulled for discussion by my counterpart on the board from D2. These two items, which I think are important and which should not be controversial and which ulimately and eventually were approved by a usual 4-1 vote (with D2 voting against), involved the request for board support for a request to Triumph Gulf Coast for funding support to bring 122 new, good paying jobs to our area. These jobs would be partially funded via the utilization of BP oil spill penalty funds provided to our area in the wake of the 2010 oil spill.
The wacky conversation was at it's heart built on an incorrect assertion that this Triumph Gulf Coast money is "taxpayer money." It isn't--it's penalty money paid by British Petroleum for their negligent oil spill in the gulf which harmed our economy significantly in 2010-2011. But the other part of the conversation that was equally wrongheaded, myopic, illogical, ignorant, and perplexing--was the vocalized assertion by D2 that Florida, Pensacola, and Escambia County are "Full!" That's right, he actually stated that our state is too "full."
One of the craziest, most selfish things I have heard yet. Not surprising I suppose, but really, insane.
Here's the thing: Our state is fantastic--that's why we are the fastest growing state in the country and the third largest state, by population, in our nation. Great weather, a great governor, great tax structure, plenty of jobs and an overall excellent quality of life.
I get the fact that growth changes things, I get the fact that growth can be uncomfortable. But when our nation's population nearly doubles in my lifetime--the growth extends outward and places grow. That's a fact. Add to this the reality that there are a lot of great citizens that languish in horribly-run blue states--places with high taxes, inept leadership, no good jobs, and horrible weather --- and these folks end up moving here in droves because Florida is the home of liberty and has the very things these other states lack. To say we're full, or we shouldn't accept new arrivals, or to set up some bizzare binary choice construct thae crux of which is that current citizens who live here either accept no additional growth or they will totally sacrifice their current quality of life----- is ridiculous. And inaccurate. And ludicous. People are coming here because our nation is growing--and people have to live somewhere---and they want to live here. Good--I'm happy for them.
To be so tone-deaf by having moved here from somewhere else yourself, to have "gotten yours" but now to deny that opportunity to others by saying "we're closed" is the absolute personification and illustration of rank hypocrisy.
Yes, growth must be managed. Yes, the state and local communities can do better with managing growth. Yes, growth presents challenges. But it also unlocks opportunity. And without growth---taxes go sky high and that trend will continue and accelerate for the dwindling numbers of citizens who remain "trapped" in failing blue states. By contrast--smart growth brings lower taxes, lower costs, diversity in entertainment options, dining options, and employment options, as well as quality of life enhancements. It also brings new opportunities and new blood and fresh perspectives.
So in many respects it is a competition. A competition for great, productive and motivated citizens, families, and companines. Places like Florida (and Texas and Arizona) are winning this competition. Places like New York, California, and Illinois---complete with dysfunctional state budgets, deficits, high taxes and ineptitude among leaders--are the losers.
And anyone that says we shouldn't take any new arrivals from these other dismal locations is living in la la land.
11 comments:
Growth is important but the BOCC does not have a strategic plan to manage growth anywhere including the beach
Underhill is in a pissing match with Bear and will say anything stupid to perpetuate it, kind of like self flaggelation. He will get on ECW and few morons eat it up.
For instance, he led them into the 401a hearing chatroom and they had no problem being publicly obnoxious. Until the judge turned them off and said they were like people standing up out of order in the courtroom. No candidate associated with them need apply.
He is still blaring out the tired old talking points on that 401a issue also. He is jealous, he didn't sign up for it and knows he would not have been reelected or eligible. The county pays same for his and yours, as well as the 3 who opted for the 401a. Duh. It is transparent, same as a year ago. Same amount is paid by the county. I would opt for the 401a. The FRS has additional benefits and beneficiary opportunities. Bird in the hand worth 2 in the bush.4
And the Triumph GC inc discussion, he probably is trying to undermine Kevin Brown and again D. Bear. He actually advocated for a Democrat to his position. Which every way the wind blows when he starts blabbing. Tune it out. Turn it off.
There is one manner in which Florida is full--and that's the combined affordable housing crisis and FPL nightmare that is forcing more and more people into homelessness. For three days I have been trying to find resources for a family living in a park. Even though advocates like Michael Kimberl and Walter Arrington are working like dogs to provide whatever resources they can, there are no beds, there are no campsites, and the Homeless Task Force and those most closely associated continue to politic for more money. It's only June and the situation is dire. God help anyone living outside in this heat, or people who are getting their electrical turned off during the continuing State-sponsored FPL scam.
Commissioner Bergosh, we desperately need the County to step in and come up with a combined plan with City Council to help start to alleviate this. Council voted a great plan, but it's not being implemented by Grover, and Baptist hasn't come back for their money on mobile--a sure sign that they might be up to their old tricks per the homeless. Community Health is doing yeoman's work to provide medical care with their mobile units, partnering with the Washburn Center and others, and I know Health and Hope clinic is moving mountains to assist people in need. But the situation is raging all over the County with zero solutions right now.
What's the holdup with the combined County-City meeting? Is the Mayor's office blocking scheduling it? The Task Force is going to fight that meeting if they think there's a chance that a dime of that money won't go to Opening Doors (somebody really needs to look into their books) and REAP. Please do what you can as Chair to move things along. Those of us who try to coordinate material help, and aren't satisfied with just sticking people on buses and calling it a win, are really out of options for any way to help.
ps. **CORRECTION** I said Baptist hasn't come back for their money on mobile.
It's Lakewood that put in for covid money on mobile and hasn't come for it yet, with reports that they aren't doing what they said they would do (what a shock).
Is Baptist partnering with Lakewood?
Since the BOCC picks the rates it DOES cost the taxpayers more money. They can lower to a reasonable rate. The extra money going into FRS goes toward the unfunded actuarial liability to make sure then plan is sound for the rank and file employees
My FPL bill is the same as last year.
Good grief--not Lakewood but *LAKEVIEW.*
Sorry. Too much going on at once this morning.
-Mel
@11:27 Outzen is a tabloid writer at best and wants to be the alternative to the PNJ. I can find a couple high school kids to write better investigative stories. The problem with Rick is he is nothing more than the PR person for Bergosh giving him airtime every Monday following a meeting. His writing is all too predictable.
@737
Sometimes Rick has a list of winners and losers
737
Doug and facebook followers are the rag.
BOCC also moved to Sunpress instead of PNJ for good reason.
https://ricksblog.biz/a-peek-into-childers-mind/
1120
The state sets the contribution rates for elected officials in the retirement plan.
Since elected officials don't usually serve, say 20 or 30 years like an employee, a sweet deal for all the flak they get could be an incentive. 401a plans are alternate plans. It doesn't pay out long term from what I understand. It is like a saving account.
Underhill just made waves, took it to Facebook, got his lil partner to feel important "breaking the truth" /s .. took it to PNJ, Gilley took the wrong stance as well as the clerk.
Again, Underhill says one thing and yet if one delves further, it doesn't make sense.
I expect the judge will rule in BOCC favor and Chicken little, Henry penny, and Lucy goosey can eat crow.
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