PAGE 3 - August 6, 2008
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Squawk Box
Sammy Yearty Speaks Out On
from page 1
pletely lost several times because of our attention to not having a crash and exploiting the no-
Important Issues Facing Our County
fault insurance policy. Shifting with my left hand was equally daunting. Put all together, the
shifting, narrow roads, fast speeds, and impatient drivers made me want to put a sign on the
Today
rear of the car that said “Stupid American at the wheel, protect your life and stay back 20
meters!” I wouldn’t have been ashamed I tell you.
However. Now that I’ve been on the roads for almost a month, I’m an expert. I rarely drive on
the right any more. I can navigate a “roundabout” like a native. My many years of driving
Issue #1:
The reduction in county revenues due to the
skills are coming back into their own. I’ve even turned in the car after Bill went home without
economic slowdown and state mandates, resulting in the poten-
so much as a scratch! Hard to believe.
tial to effect vital services.
I said we take driving for granted because we do. Driving in Europe is a luxury.
Gasoline in the UK is $9.75/gal. Cars here are a little like driving around in an oversized roller
My Solution: I am not in favor of cutting jobs in any sector of
skate. These little cars do pretty well on fuel and are pretty fast. My little Toyota Prius gets a
emergency services. I believe that with creative planning and
healthy 46mpg and I’m proud to say I drive around town saving fuel like crazy compared to
leadership, funding can and will be provided for emergency medi-
the rest of traffic on Rt.44. But over here, the average car gets 50-60 mpg and zoom around
cal services, law enforcement and fire departments.
using 1.2L and 1.6L engines. Except for the steering wheel and controls being backwards to
ours, they would greatly increase our fuel economy in the states. Can you get a Toyota Yaris
Issue #2: Securing jobs and clean industry for our county.
in the U.S.? Sure, they are right over at Village Toyota in Homosassa. Do they get 60mpg? No.
The question to that is why not?
My Solution: I am actively involved in supporting and securing the realization of the Tri-
Toyota isn’t the only nifty little roller skate I’ve driven. I’ve also driven a Peugeot
County Hospital in Chiefland, which will provide many jobs for our county residents.
and an Audi both, which are nice, nice cars. Compared the Peugeot, my Prius is a Town Car.
The price of driving is so dear that many (including me) take to public transport as an option.
I support the proposed nuclear generating plant in south Levy County that will
I made that mistake going from Dublin to Liverpool. First it was a ferry, which was phenom-
provide hundreds of good paying jobs for our citizens and at the same time enhance tax
enally fast, a jet powered catamaran that cruised with hundreds of people on board at about
revenues for our County.
60mph. But then I got on a train and rode it for hours without air conditioning and a bunch of
sweaty, cross Brits that seem to use less deodorant than Americans. Not a pretty experience
Issue #3: Environmental concerns, particularly coastal and inland water and wetland pro-
by any stretch.
tection.
Driving in the U.S.A. is ingrained in our culture. If you’ve never been abroad and
driven on the roads of Europe, trust me, be thankful the next time you pull out of your
My Solution: My record shows that I have opposed and I will continue to oppose any
driveway for a trip to town or where ever. If you complain about $4.00/ gal for fuel, shut UP!
industry or development that has the potential to effect Levy County*s springs, rivers,
You have no idea how cheap that is compared to Europe. You’re only allowed to complain if
wetlands, and coastal waters.
you are used to driving in Venezuela where fuel is like $.07/gal.
For me, I’m on my way home after an amazing month-long adventure. All I can say is
Your vote for Sammy Yearty is a vote for proven leadership and experience in Levy
to get out of my way if you see me coming at you head-on when you’re driving on the wrong
County government. I humbly ask for your support and vote on August 26.
side of the road! Cheers!
Paid Political Announcement Paid For And Approved By Sammy Yearty, Candidate For County Commission (D)
Citrus County sets tentative millage
Numerous Charges - Continued from page
1
for FY 2008-2009
proceeding west in the eastbound fast lane. The deputy made a u-turn and pursued Jones,
using his emergency lights and siren, and another deputy assisted in the pursuit. Shortly,
The Citrus County Commission on Wednesday, July 30, finished two days of prelimi-
Jones was stopped at the intersection of Hwy. 44 and Yellowwood.
nary budget hearings on the county administrator’s tentative budget for fiscal year 2008-2009.
The report stated that Jones was "extremely confused...did not know where she was
The board set the tentative millage, or property tax rate, at the same rate as the current year,
or why she was driving...wearing pajamas with no shoes and continually repeated that she
6.6584 mills.
wanted to go home because she did not know where she was and how she got there."
The commission will finalize the budget for the county by late September. After adopt-
Deputies were concerned that Jones was sleepwalking or suffering from a medical condition,"
ing the tentative millage, the commission can still lower the rate, but not raise it. This year’s total
but they also smelled a strong odor of alcohol on her.
county budget, including the constitutional officers, is just under $222.9 million. That is down
When Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived, the report stated, Jones, who had
$55 million from the current total county operating budget of $278 million.
previously been crying, but cooperative, "became agitated and belligerent" towards the Emer-
The tentative budget includes an 11.64 percent, or $9.5 million, reduction in the prop-
gency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Jones became temporarily compliant, but eventually
erty tax levy. The commission will hold two final budget hearings, on Sept. 11 and Sept 23. It is
struck one of the EMTs on the arm with her hand. Jones was placed under arrest (battery), but
scheduled to finalize the budget and millage rate at that second meeting. The new fiscal year
refused to cooperate in being handcuffed. A deputy asked Jones if she would take roadside
begins Oct. 1
sobriety testing, but she replied that she'd been drinking and would not take any tests.
A.B.A.
Jones was cited for driving on the wrong side of the road and driving under the
influence (DUI). She was also charged with assault/battery of a medical care provider, resist-
A/C & Heating,Inc.
ing an officer without violence and refusing to accept and sign a citation or summons. Her
bond was set at $6150.
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