by Christine Robinson | Oct 21, 2017 | News
“We need to trust our professional staff.” It is a phrase you hear from a lot of elected officials who put a blind trust into government staff. It is a tough phrase to hear as it is a signal that a policy decision is being deferred to staff and the taxpayer has lost...
by Christine Robinson | Oct 18, 2017 | News
“…If you were to ask me if I could impact achievement with $300,000, my answer to you is an honest yes.” Argus Foundation president Jeffrey Charlotte, president of a Venice-based construction company, noted Argus’ support for a November election referendum...
by Christine Robinson | Oct 16, 2017 | News
I grew up in a closed government environment in New York state. As a teenager, I would attend City Council meetings and shake my head at the process there. There was a conference room behind the dais, where the City Council would meet with the door shut before the...
by Christine Robinson | Oct 6, 2017 | News
Officially named Charles Dan Bailey Jr., on Oct. 30 Bailey is scheduled to receive another honor: the Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. Dan Bailey’s father, Charlie Bailey, who died in 1980, received an Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement award...
by Christine Robinson | Sep 18, 2017 | News
This month, I am writing about yet another tax increase being considered by our County Commission. This time, it is a hike in the Fire Fee tax on those who receive county fire services in the City of Sarasota and in unincorporated Sarasota County. It is really under...
by Christine Robinson | Sep 16, 2017 | News
This was by far my toughest column to write for SRQ Daily. I usually spend the few weeks before the column, looking for inspiration and researching information. But this past week I have spent my time locating a place to stay for my kids and preparing while we ride...
by Christine Robinson | Sep 14, 2017 | Argus Impact
OUR POSITION: PGT teams up with YMCA for near-site day care for workers’ children. Working families in Southwest Florida struggle to find decent, affordable housing. They have well-publicized problems getting access to health insurance and coping with the rising costs...
by Christine Robinson | Sep 10, 2017 | News
Public opinion on taxes and fees is pretty clear. On Aug. 30, Herald-Tribune reporter Zach Murdock reported on the 2017 Citizen’s Survey presentation by University of South Florida professor Dr. Susan MacManus: “There’s not a lot of appetite for new revenue sources of...
by Christine Robinson | Sep 6, 2017 | Argus Impact
American Vegetable Grower® magazine is proud to announce Parrish, FL-based Jones Potato Farm is the 2017 recipient of its prestigious Grower Achievement Award. This national award is given annually to an operation that exemplifies the best of the national growing...
by Christine Robinson | Aug 19, 2017 | News
SARASOTA — The ongoing local debate about economic development incentives and impact fees on new construction should focus on more limited versions of both, the leader of Florida TaxWatch told area business leaders Friday morning. Economic development incentives, in...
