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A Times Editorial
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 5, 2000
Dave Buby, Democratic candidate for County Commission District 6
1. One of our biggest problems is crime. Serious crime has been reduced in the county and the state, but many people don't feel safe in their own neighborhood or their own homes. I have been communicating with the National Crime Prevention Association and the Federal Communication Commission to determine the best approach to solving this problem. The FCC says that a 311 system could handle nonemergency calls without tying up the emergency 911 line.
2. The acquisition and distribution of funding dollars. The seven commissioners will need to work together to provide an overall benefit to the county. With the cap on the county's taxing ability, I will work with our legislative delegation to make sure we get our share of the state tax dollars. I will work to acquire federal tax dollars to fund innovative ideas in the problem areas of transportation, water supply, air quality, medical care and crime prevention.
3. I understood that there would be a larger tax break off the property tax to offset the increase in the tax on the electric bill. If the residents came out paying less tax overall and ended up with street lights, I would vote for it. If this were not the case, I would refer it to a referendum or vote against it.
4. Only as a last resort. We should revisit the Controlled Management codes that were established several years ago and update them and then enforce them.
5. We need to study the concept of a rapid transit system. This is in the early phases of investigation. Public-private cooperation should be considered, and we should seek federal funds for the study and development. Now is the time to start this project so that we might be able to tie it into the bid for the Olympic Games of 2012, since we will have a better chance to receive federal financing. The new trolley service is about to begin on the beach communities, and we will have some data as to resident use once that is operating.
6. I would eliminate left turns on U.S. 19, except at new U-turn traffic signal areas. I would develop pedestrian overhead crossovers. I would recommend studying other communities that have developed two-tier roadways with express traffic on the upper level. The rapid-transit system study would also be included in the overall plan.
7. (Commissioners) should only assist in referendums by municipalities and help to settle disputes that arise if there is an attempt by two different cities to annex the same area. There needs to be some method developed to assist businesses that are swept up in the annexation to have a voice in the decision process.
8. Some of those qualifications I would look for are: experience, with a diverse knowledge and vision of working in a county that has multiple municipalities and various core issues, i.e. beach vs. urban communities; ability to work with the Sunshine Laws of the state of Florida; extensive knowledge of Florida law and the ability to work with legislators and the legislative delegation; leadership with staff and the commission without taking control from the commission; ability to be politically impartial.