Argus Issues
The Argus Foundation 2011
Over the past year the Argus Foundation Board has been actively engaged in its major focus issues of economic revitalization, and government consolidation and efficiency.
In economic revitalization we are actively engaged in working to make Warm Mineral Springs an economic generator for South Sarasota County. Also we are working with the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to explore ways to attract more service, both domestic and international. We worked together with members of the Economic Development Committee to recruit and attract an Executive Director with a track record of attracting diverse business. Through our “Meet The Minds” programs we brought the Saudi-American Business Council to meet with members about business opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Argus as an early funder of the study on the Institute of the Ages continues to seek out and support business expansion that will help diversify our local economy.
Government consolidation and efficiency has put Argus in an advocacy role to inform and encourage elected officials to recognize our changed economic landscape and explore opportunities to make government more efficient. We have been out front in encouraging pension reform that is sustainable in meetings with elected and appointed officials. Our “Meet The Minds” meetings focused on statewide pension problems by bringing the LeRoy Collins Institute to present their findings of “Trouble Ahead: Florida Local Government and Retirement Obligations” In addition through our participation in CASE (Citizens for Academic Success and Excellence) headed up by Argus member Scott Pinkerton, we have helped fund an efficiency and effectiveness study of Sarasota County Schools. Faced with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall in 2012, MGT of America will present an in-depth study of commendations and recommendations for accepted best practices and industry standards that identify financial savings in running Sarasota County Schools by March 2012. Looking at all areas of school operations the goal is not just to realize financial saving, but help protect a quality education system based upon our current education and future economic conditions.
It is your membership and support that allows us to focus on these important issues. Your thoughts and suggestions play an important role in our future. Let us hear from you as we move our agenda forward in 2012.
Joe Hembree
President
1. Economic Revitalization:
- Warm Mineral Springs
- SRQ Airport increased air service
2. Government Efficiency
- Fiscal responsibility through local and regional government collaboration and consolidation
- Reducing long term growing unfunded government liabilities
- Outsourcing to private sector non-essential government services that are cost effective
- Streamlining local rules and regulations to encourage economic investment
3. Sarasota County Schools
- Fiscal and Educational accountability that results in improved academic achievement
Article By Kerry Kirschner 8/30/2011, Read More
