01/12/2011 Letters to the Editor

Utilities purchases are a cash grab
Rainbow Springs’ residents have now received their “welcome letter” from the city of Dunnellon concerning water and sewer billing.
So the first year, a 3,000 gallon per month user would only experience a $6.74 increase per month. Of course, almost no Rainbow Springs residents use only 3,000 gallons.
Dunnellon will bill everyone on a flat rate for all water usage including water for irrigation, which will result in enormous bill increases. The letter notes the Rainbow Springs average of 13,000 gallons per month.
The city’s letter essentially chastises Rainbow Springs’ residents for over-watering their lawns. In truth, water is not so inexpensive now as to encourage waste. Most residents try to use enough water to keep the yard presentable and to meet POA standards.
It is not at all helpful for either the city or any environmental zealots to suggest that everyone re-landscape so that watering is not necessary. The initial cost to change a landscape to one with almost no water requirement is staggering for anything bigger than the smallest property. A desert landscape is not a cheap thing to create. 
Dunnellon’s management has provided a bogus forecast of a $250,000 per year “profit” from the acquisition of Rainbow Springs Utilities.
First of all, this is not really profit, but rather confiscation. It would seem that the confiscation gains will be at least several times the phony $250,000 figure, and perhaps will be sufficient to bail out the Greenlight losses that Dunnellon now has to face up to. That offset may be the real motivational driver, beyond the obvious spillover of the city’s utility problems onto the unfortunate captive neighbors.
One has to wonder why a municipality can engage in confiscatory pricing of utilities, while electricity providers, for example, must have rates approved by the state. Over the next few years of Dunnellon fleecing its neighbors, will the city stand up under an audit of its books?
The Florida Supreme Court relied on the American Water Works Association in ruling on rate differentials for non-city customers. That Association supported a surcharge so that in-city investment would be compensated through surcharges to outside users.
“Investment” is all about real property, facilities and equipment acquired and built to provide service to in-city and outside customers. That is the intent of the law.
It should never be applied to a city’s purchase of an existent utility system, when that purchase is for the purpose of generating revenues on the backs of the customers of an existing utility network.
The actions by the city of Dunnellon are an immoral disgrace, a naked grab for cash that cannot be justified by either cost or environmental considerations. These actions may not violate the letter of the law, but they certainly violate the intent.
Beyond strictly legal considerations there is consideration of the administration of utility pricing, which the state needs to address as it should any pricing by a monopolistic provider.
Ted Apple
Dunnellon
 

Boycott Greenlight Communications
As residents of Rainbow Springs, we deeply regret the mayor’s attempt to balance his budget by purchasing Rainbow Springs Utilities and adding an extra 25 percent to our water bill.
We had signed up to be a customer of Green light Communications, but because of the mayor’s actions, our only means of protest is to boycott Greenlight Communications and keep our current cable and television providers.
I hope there are other residents in Rainbow Springs who will join us in this boycott.
Nelson and Sheila Hildreth
Rainbow Springs
 

Adopt-A-Class program ready to launch
The Adopt-A-Class Program is ready to launch. We are looking for 40 businesses, individuals or organizations to adopt a class.
As of now, we have 20 sponsors ready to go. The meet and greet for the sponsors and teachers to get together is set for Jan 19. Sponsoring a class is a great way to give back to the community. After all, the next generation will be running the country in the future. Let’s give them the education they need to excel in their dreams of what they want to be when they grow up just like we did 20 or 30 years ago.
Helping a teacher can be as simple as supplying a few students in the class you adopt with the basic learning tools like paper and pencils, calculator or folder, or as much as helping keep the class room stocked.
You can give the teacher a gift card each month to help curb the cost of the supplies needed or work with the teacher on an as need bases. It will be a personal choice between you and the teacher of the class you adopt. You will be working directly with the teacher, no middle man.
If you are interested in signing up to help or need information, call Viola Soffe at 465-8000 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or call 445-0728 anytime.
The Grumble House, Creations by Clovis, Carol Scott, Doris Magursky, Joyce Bergeron, and Sue Carpenter are ready to go. Also Coldwell Bankers, Jack’s Cool Treats and the Insurance Center of Dunnellon.
We would like to thank them for their support.
Viola Soffe
Dunnellon
 

Flag flying upside down is disgrace
Art Taylor writes in the Jan. 5 issue that he was “very upset to see an American flag flying upside down at a home on Camp Drive.” Moreover he goes on to say “this is a slap in the face for all Americans.” I own the home to which he refers and respectfully, especially considering Mr. Taylor’s 30 years service, disagree.
There are specific reasons our flag hangs upside down and, had Mr. Taylor cared enough to ask, I would have been more than willing to discuss those reasons over a cup of coffee. Our flag hangs in protest, a form of political speech, describing our family’s view of our nation’s current state of affairs – and its immediate distress.
But, rather than ask why a fellow veteran would resort to such protest, Mr. Taylor reacted emotionally and without thought. Indeed he calls upon Dunnellon police officers and firemen to “respond to the distress call” in what can only be interpreted as an effort to intimidate our family for merely exercising our First Amendment right.
Sadly, this insistence upon political correctness at any cost and attempted resort to government authority for its enforcement, either officially or unofficially, is one reason our flag hangs in distress.
Mr. Taylor, both you and I swore an oath to “support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” At present, I hang the American flag upside down because the Constitution is under attack.
What do you consider more important – a symbol – or the foundation upon which our nation defines limited government of the people, for the people, and by the people, and thereby safeguards our liberty?
Although you have my sincere apology because our protest offends you, I cannot and will not end it simply for that reason. The freedom to speak one’s mind is a precious right, especially when that speech disagrees with conventional wisdom and majority opinion. You and I both served and sacrificed for that right.
Would you now deny us liberty by using government to intimidate and silence us?
Sincerely,
Dave Sams
Dunnellon

Wake up Rainbow Springs, boycott Dunnellon
In reference to Dunnellon Council acquiring Rainbow Springs Utilities, this is just another example of Dunnellon Council looking for more revenue to waste on meaningless projects.
First the traffic cameras, then the fiber-optic cable and now repairing Dunnellon sewers.
Wake up Rainbow Springs! Rainbow Springs’ residents get nothing from the increased utility costs.
Either initiate a lawsuit against this action or, at least, boycott Dunnellon stores and force the stores to help vote out all of Dunnellon City Council. If this type of activity continues, Dunnellon will try to annex the Rainbow Springs properties for tax revenue.
Then Rainbow Springs property will be just another Citrus Springs type place to live. Don’t laugh at this. Keep in mind the question; how did Dunnellon get permission to run cable on Rainbow Springs roads?
Pete Creighton
Dunnellon

Accidents in area are disturbing trend
Does the number of accidents in this area bother you?
I am totally astounded by the number of stupid accidents that take place daily; however, I am not surprised at why so many accidents occur.
The No. 1 reason: People are preoccupied with cell phone conversations, snacking, putting on make-up, chatting, reading, etc.
The No. 2 reason: They do not allow enough space between vehicles or are so far behind the vehicle in front of them it endangers other drivers.
The No. 3 reason: Trying to be over polite by thinking they are doing drivers a big favor by wanting them to turn illegally. When drivers try to wave me on illegally, I totally ignore them or wave my arms to discourage them.
The No. 4 reason: People who speed up at merge areas and expect everyone else to allow them to pull in ahead of other folks. Please take your turn like everyone else.
My advice to drivers: Just follow the rules of the road! I moved here from Pennsylvania and drove most of my life in rain, sleet, snow – you name it I drove in it. But here in Florida with such beautiful weather most of the time, with no snow or freezing rain it amazes me that there are so many stupid drivers on the highways.
How about making this your No. 1 New Year’s Resolution: I will drive safely. I will be considerate of other drivers.
And last but not least, I will not be stupidly polite to other drivers to encourage them to make illegal turns.
Sincerely,
Patricia C. Hess
Dunnellon

Enough already with surcharge
The elected officials of Dunnellon have made their decision. Come hell or high water they are going to charge a 25 percent surcharge to Rainbow Springs Utility customers.
All of the letters to the newspaper and comments to friends and neighbors about how unfair this is will not change their minds. Being typical politicians they will hunker down till the fury dies down and then they will proceed as if nothing happened. Well this time, there will be a price to be paid for arrogance.
— A petition will be mailed to every homeowner in Rainbow Springs asking them to pledge not to purchase anything from Greenlight Communications between now and the next election. If the 25 percent surcharge is still in place, we will proceed to step two.
— It is not our intent to hurt the businesses or residents of Dunnellon; however, they must take responsibility for electing these people to office. Therefore, if this group is elected again and the surcharge has not been refunded, we will boycott all Dunnellon business. This will also include the many volunteers that give their time to make Dunnellon a better place to live.
We have no problem with your purchase of Rainbow Springs Utility. It is a private company and is available to the highest bidder. However, the surcharge is another matter. Quite frankly you are ripping off the residents of Rainbow Springs to cover your own incompetence.
There is an old saying “Don’t kick the dog or it will bite”. You kicked, we bite, your move.
Lynn Black
Rainbow Springs

Community deserves praise for Children’s Christmas Party
2011 was a spectacular year for the annual Needy Children’s Christmas party. We were expecting between 250 to 300 children, but were pleasantly surprised when 480 children came to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. They enjoyed a wonderful baked ziti dinner, with all the fixings, provided by the Dunnellon Bingo Hall before being greeted by Santa.
Dunnellon Fire Rescue can’t say enough about the generosity of the business community and the residents of Dunnellon area. Their donations and support make this event possible year after year. Truly a lot of these children may not have had a Christmas if it weren’t for this event, which has been held continuously for more than 20 years.
We at Dunnellon Fire Rescue would like to extend special recognition to the Dunnellon Bingo Hall, Tri-County RC Club for co-sponsoring, Personal Mini Storage/U-Haul and, of course, Gary’s Nuts for locating Santa at the North Pole for this special event. We would also like to thank the residents for their donations and time wrapping the gifts for Santa and to recognize all of the businesses listed below for their generosity.  
— Ace Hardware, A to Z Beverages, Aunt Bobbys Antiques, Anglers Resort, Avonelle Mackerell, attorney, Badcock Furniture, Blue Gator, Bentley’s Restaurant, Blue Run Bicycle, Born Again Country, Community Thrift Shop, Crock’s Pub, Coast to Coast Heating & Air, Captain Bob’s Airboat Tour, Curt Bond Signs, C.J.’s Transmission, Cross at the River Cowboy Church, China Wok, Clean Cut Barber Shop, Central Florida Armory, Creations by Clovus, Coldwell Banker/Riverland Realty, Dunnellon Tires & Auto, Dunnellon Bingo Hall, Dunnellon Garden Club, Dunnellon Moose Lodge No. 2308, Women of the Moose No. 1662, Dunnellon Chiropractic, Dunnellon’s Turner House, Dunnellon Square Residents Association, Dunnellon Marine, Dunnellon Christian Academy, D’Arville & Company, Dunnellon Pawn, Dunnellon Auto Upholstery, Dunnellon Plumbing, Dunnellon Presbyterian Women’s Exercise Group, Dunnellon Mulch, D & D Custom Cabinets, H. Michael Evans Attorney at Law, Eastern Star No. 235, Electric Beach Salon, Epoxy System, Fero & Sons Allstate Insurance, FUMC Harmony Preschool, Fryes Tool Rental, Genesis Hearing, Grumbles House Antiques, Gigi Hunter State Farm Insurance, Go for Donuts, Gary’s Nuts, The Historic Village of Dunnellon, Hometown Auto Mart, Knights of Columbus No. 8510, Neal Lumapas, MD, Medical Center, Mike Scott Plumbing, Myriam’s Restaurant, Dr. Dane Myers, DDS, Nichol’s Lumber, Olsen Insurance, Dr. Oliverio Family Medical, Personal Mini Storage/U-Haul, Paradise Nail & Spa, Perkins Dentistry, Penn Station Deli & Grill, Roxanne Caraway DBA Allstate Insurance, Rainbow Springs Golf & Country Club
Rainbow River Club, Roberts Funeral Home, Rainbow Jewelers, Riverland News, Rainbow River Animal Hospital, Riverland Trading & Loan, Repeat Boutique, Red Fox Gallery, Scally’s Lube & Go, Singing River Tour, Two Sisters, Tri County R/C Club, United Methodist Women Group, Walmart and Ye Olde Subs & Pizza.
Bill Wetmore
Dunnellon Fire Rescue

Legion Post 58 says thanks to community
On behalf of the American Legion Wall Rives Post 58 of Dunnellon, I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for your support of the annual Thanksgiving Day Feast and Christmas Dinner at the Post on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day 2011. Giving back to the community is one of the leading reasons the American Legion exists.
Many, many thanks go to the Volunteers of Families in Need of Dunnellon, the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 58, members of Post 58, Cadence Bank, Dunnellon Police Department, Front Porch Restaurant, A to Z Liquors, Grandview Church, Greater Dimensions Christian Assembly, Volunteer Thrift Store, LLC, The Riverland News and many anonymous cash donors.
Without any of you, these events could not take place. The donations of food, pastries, soft drinks, and hands-on help are what made this the best year ever for these holiday meals.
It is with great pride in our community that we thank all of you, for your kind and generous efforts to help. It is because of all of you, that more than 570 people were able to partake of these wonderful Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Dinners.
With Heartfelt Thanks,
John L. Taylor
Commander,
Wall Rives Post 58 

Letter writers will spend our money elsewhere
I’m a resident of Rainbow Springs and I strongly oppose the purchase of our water and sewer system by the city of Dunnellon.
The city has graciously offered to sell the water back to us, albeit at an initial 32 percent increase in cost (6.75 percent, first-year rate increase, plus 25 percent surcharge), in a naked attempt to increase their revenue and thereby make up for several of their egregious financial blunders.
I guess the water company’s $250,000-a-year profit, plus the rate increase wasn’t enough, because the greedy city administration then decided to tack on the optional 25 percent surcharge.
The residents of Rainbow Springs can’t vote in city elections, so who cares if they get upset? Easy pickings, for sure.
Mayor Fred Ward and City Manager Lisa Algiere didn’t even have the good manners to respect the formalities – aren’t you supposed to say something like, “Hands in the air, this is a stick up” when you do stuff like this?
All the mayor can do is crow in the Riverland News about what a wonderful deal this was for all and how everyone benefits. Everyone but the people in Rainbow Springs.
We have all been treated to the Greenlight cable fiasco and the consequent rescheduling of the first payment in the debt bond repayment schedule. This doesn’t bode well for the rest of the project.
At first, I looked forward to the possibility of fast internet cable service, but now I think I’ll stay away from Greenlight Communications and stick with AT&T and DishTV, even if it costs more, just to keep my subscriber money out of Dunnellon’s coffers.
Then we were entertained by the red-light camera boondoggle in which the installation is reportedly supported by accident reports that bear little or no relation to those conditions the cameras will supposedly improve.
I’ve changed my driving habits to avoid the punitive fine; again, not because I wish to be an ultra-safe driver, but simply to keep potential fine money out of the city’s grubby little paws. I can put up with the red-light cameras, because I can avoid their financial affect by driving differently. Not so with the water and sewer grab.
As if these two questionable financial adventures aren’t enough, now the city residents will have another bond issue to swallow – this time for $6.5 million – to pay for the purchase of the Rainbow Springs water and sewer system. I’m left to wonder why Dunnellon avoided having this bond rated by the ratings agencies.
All this ugliness and its attendant financial burdens have been foisted on a seemingly complacent and uninterested citizenry that hopes to go about its business unmolested by the administration it elected.
No chance of that, given this track record.
The city administration, from the mayor on down (and abetted by a compliant city council), is now sitting on a financial burden that may well lead to bankruptcy. Unthinkable, you say? It happened to Central Falls, Rhode Island (reference online at wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110801-709370.html) and to many other cities that took on too much debt during a declining economy – it might well happen here.
What happens if Greenlight Communications can’t deliver its expected subscriber base? What if all Dunnellon drivers wise up and avoid the red-light cameras and the right-turn-on-red gotchas – does the monthly equipment rental cost go away if nobody gets fined? What if the Rainbow Springs residents refuse to water their lawns? What if a sizable number of those same residents decide to not shop within the city limits of Dunnellon in protest? Who’s gonna pony up the cash to cover the shortfall? And who loses if heaven forbid the city does have to declare bankruptcy?
Certainly not the consultants with their power-point slides or the city administrators who put forward these ideas and embraced them with open arms.
Sigh. A line from the old “Rocky and Bullwinkle” cartoon series keeps running through my head: “Hey, Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of a hat!”
I don’t live in the city of Dunnellon, so I can’t vote in its elections. But there is a way I can vote. I can vote with my wallet. The Rainbow Springs water and sewer grab is going to cause me financial harm, so I’ll return the favor.
I can choose where I spend my money. I don’t have to spend it in Dunnellon, though, I have up until now because I favor supporting local businesses. No more. There’s very little if anything inside the city limits that can’t be found elsewhere.
Let’s see now, grocery shopping? There’s Winn-Dixie and Publix.
Plumbing and hardware supplies? I’ll trek to Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Auto parts retailers, perhaps? Plenty on State Road 200.
Dry cleaning? Not in Dunnellon.
Prescriptions? I’ll use the pharmacy in Winn-Dixie or Publix.
Restaurants? There are loads on State Road 200.
The list of businesses I’ll avoid could go on, but no need. You get the idea.
If there’s anything I can do to keep my money from flowing into the city of Dunnellon, I’ll do it. I’ll rearrange my shopping trips to get what I need on West Dunnellon Road or in Ocala or on State Road 200.
For me, the city of Dunnellon will now become just a place I have to drive through to get somewhere else while doing my best to avoid the red-light cameras.
Who knows, there may be others like me in Rainbow Springs who feel as I do. It could add up.
As much as it pains me, I’d rather spend the money on gas than give it to a city that treats its neighbor – me – like a cash cow, or worse, like a rube on a carnival midway.
Sincerely,
Al and Marti Spalmacin
Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs needs to disconnect from city
Throughout history, governments have abused their power until the people got fed up and took a stand.
During the Middle Ages, the lords of the manor dictated what was best for the serfs without consulting them. Their decisions were based on what was best for the Lords.
History had just repeated itself. The lords on the Dunnellon City Council have decided to use the residents of Rainbow Springs as a tool to pour more gold into their coffers. They recently installed red-light cameras that would achieve the same goal.
Now, the “Fathers” have purchased Rainbow Springs Utilities, and informed the people who live there of their plan to at least double the water rates. I am sure the knights sitting around the Round Table are already planning their next monetary scheme.
Recently, I received the letter from the city manager of Dunnellon informing me of the purchase of Rainbow Springs Utilities. Lisa Algiere welcomed me as a new customer. I cannot respond in kind because her actions prevent me from trusting or believing her. It is a win-win situation for the city of Dunnellon and a lose-lose situation for the residents of Rainbow Springs.
When I crumbled the letter and threw it in the trash, I thought of “Les Miserables.” Residents of Rainbow Springs, we can either roll over and play dead accepting the abuses and dictates that will certainly come when the city coffers need replenishment or we can stand together and send a clear message. Our strength is in our numbers and our actions. We will be only as strong as our weakest link. If you are not with us, don’t whine about the consequences. We are the victims of a money grabbing scheme by the Dunnellon City Council.
The main goal of the city purchasing Rainbow Springs Utilities was money, which they expect to get from us. We must use the same strategy against them. When Greenlight cable system is ready to come on line simply refuse to subscribe. When you receive a brochure in the mail telling you about Greenlight throw it in the trash. When a telemarketer calls simply tell them you do not wish to subscribe. When a salesperson rings your doorbell tell them you are not interested and close the door. When the city needs revenue to pay off the money they borrowed for Greenlight, let the subscribers who live within the city limits have their rates increased and a 25 percent surtax added to their bills.
When we drive to Ocala or Inverness, we can buy our groceries, fill our vehicles with gas and purchase whatever else we need. We must all remain together to send our message: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
The letter I received stated: “There is a 10 percent late charge if the bill is not paid by the 15th of that month, and the account is scheduled for disconnect if not paid by the end of the month.” Residents of Rainbow Springs, we need to disconnect the city of Dunnellon for their greed and imperialistic attitude.
Walter Urbanek
Rainbow Springs

Resident urges boycott of Greenlight
I believe the City Council has made very bad decisions based on bad assumptions.
If I had wanted the amenities of a “big city,” I would live there.
This small, money-challenged city has borrowed $7 million to compete against private enterprise. Why? In a free market society, if it was economically viable, private money would finance and run the business.
Now the city-backed entity is in direct competition with AT&T, DirecTV, Dish and Comcast, all of which are located in Dunnellon and provide jobs to local residents. Who thought this was such a good idea?
Now the city has purchased a free standing utility just for revenue generation. The role of the city government is to govern, not to generate revenue, backed by borrowed money. It’s placing the city in great debt.
Unless you do not have cable, phone or Internet service now, I would not get Greenlight as you know your rates will skyrocket as it is only for revenue generation.
Based on the red-light cameras, Greenlight and now the quick utility purchase ($2 million more than appraised value), who will trust the city?
What the city has done is taxation without representation. A quote from an Ocala Star-Banner article Oct. 15, 2011, is as follows “The little town along the rivers is making a big bet on the internet worthy of a riverboat.” I believe it is a bad bet as people should boycott the unrealistic Greenlight operation.
The City Council paid a private company $2 million more than the appraised value on the utility. Only a government entity could purchase the utility and do what they have done. Not good government management at all.
You make your decisions based on past performances; look at city decisions the last year and the Greenlight performance so far.
Not very impressive.
Boycott them.
Rosemary Kleuker
Dunnellon