We’ve received some disturbing emails in the past week, a couple we just had a hard time believing, but, upon asking some folks some questions, we figure we might as well share what exactly we’ve heard, so here goes, in question form;

1. Is it true that Economic Development, or TDC has actually paid $2,000 to sponsor a table at an event, and that it was passed through the TDC budget? Just who will be partying on the taxpayer’s money? Who selects who attends the function, and who makes the decision to leave citizens out? Has anyone considered giving the 10 or so seats to those employees that lost their jobs because of the ALLEGED budget crunch?

Seems the County’s Charter Review Committee wanted to do a thorough job, so they invited the State Attorney’s Office to attend a meeting and explain certain ideas, laws, and make suggestions so they could perform their task efficiently. The discussion even included the topic of ethics reform, which seems to have upset at least one member of the committee, who appears to be a political hack and works directly for developers. Also seems funny this individual didn’t attend the meeting after expressing his opinion on the invitation the remaining members of the committee extended to the SAO. Hmmmm we wonder who that member is and why he remains on such an important committee. Do we not want ethical behavior of our elected officials? Perhaps one someone may not!

Word around the county’s water coolers about the new employee hotline is that it first sounded like a great idea. BUT, no one has been given the number. OOPS! Many employees have stated they wouldn’t trust this new system because of who is operating it. They feel that person is tied too closely to Mr. Peach and Mr. Freilinger and they believe there would be a way for her to trace the calls and determine who was calling. We’re passing this on hoping those in charge will recognize the problem and may be able to assure the employees of complete anonymity. If not, might as well not give out that number!

Talk about a relaxed workplace, we also were told that some County maintenence employees have been instructed to “list anything deemed not appropriate in anyone’s office. Seems like the old adage of a happy employee is a productive employee just got tossed out the window, if true.

Regarding our recent article on the Council on Aging and soliciting, we, along with many others, were emailed a copy of a new State law that actually allows “qualified” non profit groups to solicit funds on public thoroughfares. It’s called the Iris Roberts Charitable Solicitations Act. It was passed as House Bill 99 by Rep. Hooper, and in the Senate as Bill 1946 by Sen. Gaetz. It was signed into law on July 1, 2007 by the Governor. As we were told, this came up because of certain city’s who would not allow firefighters to participate in the annual Fill The Boot Campaign. Reading this law, it does appear to be wide open for legitimate groups. Looks like Kissimmee’s Don Smallwood may need to read up on this one!

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Finally, we received an email from the Sheriff’s Office who assured us they fully intend to sumbit a statement of costs the recent bomb scares cost the county. They will ask the courts to have the parents pay instead of the taxpayers who already are paying plenty. This is great news. Now, all we need to do is keep an eye on the judges who rule on this case to make sure they too, represent the people who elected them. We’ll try to keep you informed if the judges pass, or fail in representing us. This way we can reward them (either way) next election. Great job on the part of the Sheriff’s Office and Kissimmee Police Department, who broke the case wide open!

In answer to a few emails we received regarding our last article. No, we did not expect Mr. Gant to return to office since there’s no legal prescedence to return him at this time. BUT, how classy would it be if the current Mayor was to resign, and make sure the remaining Commission members “appoint” Mr. Gant to finish out the term. Now THAT would qualify as an All American City move! Don’t hold your breath!

We do wish to thank you all again. We know it gets old, but there are quite a number of you who are becomming friends, even though it’s only via email. Thank YOU!

For those who would like to receive our articles when we decide to write them, please hit the register key on the right side of the page. All you do is create YOUR name, YOUR password, and list the email address YOU want it mailed to. That’s it. No unwanted solicitations or even emails from us. We don’t control it as it’s part of the system. Try it, it’s FREE!

God Bless each and every one of you! Be healthy, be safe, and please enjoy this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Special thanks to all the firefighters in St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Osceola County, as well as law enforcement in Kissimmee, St Cloud, and Osceola Deputies. May your Holiday be SAFE and quiet!