Florida Today Letter to the Editor
January 1st, 2009

Dear Editor,

The outlook for 2009 on the Space Coast looks bleak. Home values have fallen to what they were in early 2003, losing HALF of their value since prices peaked in 2005.

Taxable retail sales are down to 1998 levels, and will decline further as the recession deepens.

The need for fiscal conservatism in county government has never been greater, but it appears that even with three new County Commissioners, it will be “business as usual” for Brevard County.

To wit:
• Commissioner Infantini’s bold move to terminate county manager Peggy Busacca’s contract at the first meeting of the new board was criticized and postponed until January 13th.
• The commission voted 3-2 against ending the illegal fire fee. Fire Chief Bill Farmer’s “resignation” consisted of transferring to another position and taking a slight pay cut.
• The commission voted 3-2 to approve the construction of a new $644K 7,200sqft triplex for ”affordable housing”, despite the glut of cheap short-sale and foreclosed properties available.

Commissioner Bolin expressed concern that short-sale and foreclosed properties might not be “suitable” for low income families!

Our county government needs to face economic reality, and soon. The taxpayers of Brevard County voted for, and deserve, better.

- Matt Nye