$53.98

I received my PROPOSED Property Taxes today. The tax rates could go down but they can't go up. More than likely, the rates published will be the rates adopted by the different government bodies. This year my TOTAL tax bill was $2537.86. The prior year my TOTAL tax bill was $2771.96 and the PROPOSED TOTAL tax bill is $2413.66 for next year. Of all the taxes that make up my TOTAL Tax bill the ONE I'm happy to pay is my local tax. How about you?

In 2009 my local tax bill was $601.47
In 2010 my local tax bill was $569.97
In 2011 my local tax bill is likely to be $515.99

So for three years I've seen a reduction. I've not seen our leadership in any year work to increase our tax base or invest, really invest, in opportunities. Look what Newberry has done - they are receiving MILLION's of dollars to support their long-term vision to be a City funded by Sports Tourism. What has our leadership invested in?

As a local property owner I'm concerned. Will my property values continue to fall because my City Government continues to CUT and not invest? Where is the investment in infrastructure? Where is the investment in bringing in new business? Is saving less than $5,000 (probably more like $3,000 but for the sake of discussion lets say $5,000) by closing the building currently used to house our inspectors, City Planner and Building Department a good move? We are going to put these staff in a small office behind a locked door at City Hall and still claim to be "economic development friendly"? Will we retain our qualified staff?

But hey, I get to keep an extra $53.98 this coming year. Wait, let me be clear - whether it is Codes Enforcement, a Policeman, Fireman, Janitor or someone trained to support a Parks & Recreation Program I'd be happy to contribute $53.98 as an INVESTMENT in my community. I'd also like to know that our City is moving forward, making up for lost time, regarding the City Well Field...... (There are some dark secrets in most towns about "infrastructure".....) So, rather than just be satisfied with offering my $53.89 I'm planning on donating $107.96 to our City during this "hard economic time". Times are tough, but of all the taxes I pay the ones I pay to the City of High Springs are the best-spent dollars I share with any Government.

Want some "homework"? Visit www.iso.com This is the official website for the Insurance Service Office. This is the organization that will be evaluating the capabilities of our Fire Department. They rate communities on a scale from 1 - 10. Ten is the worst and we currently have a rating of 6. With the hard work of the staff of the High Springs Fire Department we hope to have our rating dropped to a 5 and possibly a 4. Don't think this means much? Well a drop from a 6 to a 5 will result in many residential property owners seeing their Homeowners Insurance drop $80 - $100 and a much larger drop for Commercial Property owners and for "mansion" style homes. Talk about investment - dropping our ISO to a 4 would save our citizens a lot more than $53.98. Instead, rather than INVESTING in our Fire Department we are cutting at least one position......

Please, ask our leaders to look further into the future. Please ask our leaders to act boldly and with a vision of a sustained community that offers residents services and a quality of life that is unique to High Springs. Please ask our leaders to be less concerned with saving property owners $5 or $6 dollars a month and more concerned with what our community may loose.

Also, remember, anyone that does not OWN the property only sees a reduction in community value and not a "savings". A great many people simply rent and work here. These people are important to our community so, please, lets ask our leaders to remember them also as they consider the issues we face. Lets all focus more on what we feel is important and are willing to work to keep as a part of our community and focus less on the negative - unless we are offering a solution; we are simply noise.

The Last Ten Months

Hello Everyone,

Ten months have passed since my last post - the night before the November 2009 Elections.  If anyone does not remember, I lost the election.  While I would have liked to serve as a Commissioner that is not how it worked out.  It takes a lot to run for public office and I'm proud that I was willing to step up and be an option.  I learned a lot about the community and don't regret any part of the experience.  

I don't know why anyone else ran but I did it because I thought I would be a good Commissioner.  My agenda was to pledge to make good choices for the community and provide leadership in difficult times.  Not winning did not change these goals; it just meant that I would not be doing it as a Commissioner.  I've continued to attend City Commission meetings, was re-appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, continue to volunteer in the community and been a voice at the meetings when I felt strongly about an issue.  I'd like to think that is all called good citizenship.

The North Florida Herald reported on 11/13/2010 the results of the election.  There were seven candidates for the two open seats.  Here were the results as reported:

364 Votes   Dean Davis

297 Votes   Eric May

253 Votes   Jim Gabriel

249 Votes   Byran Williams

208 Votes   Jessica Hall

189 Votes   Ross Ambrose

 69  Votes   Mike Kearney

Voters were permitted to vote for two candidates but could have voted for fewer (including none).  Looking at the numbers the two winning candidates (Davis & May) received 661 votes.  In my opinion, Dean and Davis were two similar candidates who advocated making government simpler, reducing taxes and focusing on small town values.  The other five candidates were more liberal to moderate in thinking (in my opinion) and received a combined total of 968 votes.

While many won't agree, one of my perspectives is that there was no "mandate" for the winning candidates.  In fact, since more votes were actually cast for the candidates who did not win one could argue the vote was anything other than a clear mandate.  For me, this fall, what I found important about these numbers is that widely splitting a vote in a small town may not provide the community the voice it wants.  Therefore, I elected not to run for election this fall so that I would not contribute to "splitting the vote".

I'm supporting two candidate - Byran Williams and Sue Weller (http://rsueweller.com/).  Sue has so much experience she can bring to the City as a Commissioner.  Please take a few minutes to learn more about this wonderful citizen of High Springs.  Byran is a past Commissioner and I support his effort to be reelected.  If elected Byran and Sue won't always share the same view.  That is fine.  What they both will offer citizens is a voice that can speak to the community and neither will have the learning curve that Commissioner's May and Davis have had this past year.

Our community is in a world of hurt because of what I feel has been an absence of leadership.  Commission meetings continue to get longer and longer (often going five hours or more).  Frequently matters brought before the Commission are not acted upon and "tabled" until another meeting (just look at number of "Old Business items on recent agendas - (www.HighSprings.us) The Commission is constantly meeting for "workshops" to address matters that might be better delegated staff.  

I'll be posting more and shaping what could go on to be a long list of issues.  But rather than just complaining I'll be pointing out possible actions that could address the complaint.  Some issues just don't have clean answers.  What I won't do is simply complain because I don't like the answer I've been given.

Election Day

We are days away from another election.  Unfortunately, history says that very few voters will turn out.  Tuesday is an opportunity:  The opportunity to make a difference in what course our City takes in the coming three years.  We can find all kinds of reasons to not vote on Tuesday but the greatest reason TO VOTE is to seize the opportunity to avoid looking back with disappointment.  In the weeks, months and three years to come do we want to look back and wonder why? 

This Tuesday is an opportunity to elect leaders.  Now is the time to investigate each candidate.  Which two do you feel will represent the best interest of the City you live in and have a stake in?  Sure, there is not always going to be agreement, but the opportunity to choose the style of leadership you wish to represent you, on a daily basis, is NOW.  What are the education, experience, background and demonstrated investment of each candidate in this community?  Do you feel the candidates you select are able to articulate a point of view and willing to think for themselves?

Please choose two leaders that, daily, will represent your long term interests while you go about taking care of your family, doing your best at work and enjoying the place that you live.  I promise to be responsive to your emails and phone calls.  I will be at the Civic Center all day on Tuesday to answer your questions.  I will respect your vote on Tuesday November 3rd, and during my term of office if elected.

Herald Article

Below is the text that I sent the North Florida Herald when I was asked for 400 words.  Please vote on November 3rd at the Civic Center.

_____________________


Over the past seven weeks I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many residents and business owners.  I’m often asked, “Why do you want to be a Commissioner?”  My response is simple.  Having been so involved in the community and having had opportunities to learn about our City, its Government and history I’m willing to take on the responsibility of helping to lead and govern our community.  I’m ready to have a voting voice in the decisions that are made.  I’d like to help our government make clear its priorities, set policies and plan for inevitable growth while keeping High Springs a great place to live.   To me, it is a Public Service.

High Springs has so many opportunities available to it.  By removing economic barriers we can bring life back to our core downtown area while increasing the value of the 441 business corridor.  If we are going to allow convenience stores to sell beer and wine seven days a week within 500’ of a church we should allow restaurants to do the same.   The Commission needs to work with City staff to establish guidelines that encourage business development while removing or altering ordinances that no longer meet an existing need.

Complaints are useful as they help us identify problems.  If we listen closely we learn a lot about how others can view the same set of circumstance.  However, if we spend all of our time complaining and finding others to agree with us then we have missed the opportunity to create solutions.  As a community volunteer, I’ve worked to address complaints by being part of the solution.  As a Commissioner I will work with city staff and the other Commissioners to create solutions where problems exist and take advantages of opportunities. 

Leadership is about instilling confidence.  Our community needs elected leaders that understand the issues, are willing to look at the big picture and willing to take action.  High Springs is a growing, diverse community and there will not always be agreement.  We need leaders that understand responsibility is not a popularity contest and are willing to be accountable for their actions.  Results matter and on November 3rd I’d like to begin being a responsible voice for the community of High Springs.

For more information about me please call me (386) 454-8161, visit my website www.RossAmbrose.com or email me at Ross@RossAmbrose.com.

Three Top Questions

Visiting with members of our community I’m asked a variety of questions.  Three questions top the list:  1)  How long have you lived in High Springs, 2)  What have you done for the community?  3)  Why do you want to be a commissioner?  So, I thought I would take a moment here to answer these three questions.  If you have others please call me or email me.  I want to know what you think and what you need to know.

How long have you lived in High Springs?  I began visiting High Springs eight years ago on business.  I moved here to work with Wes Skiles over six years ago.  I have always lived within walking distance of the downtown area and enjoy the small town feel.

What have you done for the community?  I work and I live here.  When possible, I shop locally.  Aside from being a resident I have contributed to the community by volunteering.  I first began volunteering with the Community Theater six year ago.  I am an original member of the Main Street Organization and Chair the Design Team.  The Design Team was responsible for the new gateway signs to our City, the banners that are displayed downtown, coordinating façade grants for improvement to downtown businesses, supporting the development of plans to improve James Paul Park and the downtown pocket park that will be created in the coming year.  I’ve also worked with volunteers to do things like pour concrete pads for benches and trash cans.  I’ve volunteered at community events such as Pioneer Days, Fall Festival, 4th of July fireworks and the Farmer’s Market.  I am the Treasurer for the Community Development Corporation, the non-profit organization that oversees Main Street.  As Treasurer I interact weekly with the City Accounting staff as I handle the Farmer’s Market weekly reports.

I’ve also been appointed to two terms on the City’s Park’s & Recreation Board and served on the City’s recent Historic Commission Task force.  I’ve attended three years of budget hearings, often attended and spoken at City Commission and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meetings.  I’ve been involved.

Lastly, I’ve used my event staging skills to work with the local BMX track to help them stage a successful National BMX race and continue to work with them to host a major State race the weekend of November 13, 14 and 15.  Family events like these races provide economic stimulus to the City, a place for families to enjoy time together and show our City in a positive light.

Why do you want to be a Commissioner?  Having been so involved and had the opportunities to learn about our City, its Government and history I’m willing to take on the responsibility of helping to lead and govern our community.  I’m ready to have a voting voice in the decisions that are made.  I’d like to help our government make clear its priorities, set policies and plan for inevitable growth while keeping High Springs a great place to live. 

To learn more, please continue to read what I’ve written previously on this web page.  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me.  Your vote on November 3rd is important and if elected I will honor my commitments. 

My Blog Posts / Comments

Because this page is set up as a Blog my comments are posted in order by date.  To the right is a Blog Archive that can be used to see everything that I've commented on since August.  If you simply scroll down you will be able to read everything published in the last 40 or so days - but not everything.

I've reposted the first "About Me" so that it can easily be found.

As always, please email me, call me or comment with your input. 

Thank you for visiting this website to find out more.  I will appreciate your vote on November 3rd.

Ross.

About Me - Part One (Reposted)

In the coming weeks I'll be expanding the "About Me" posts. However, I thought I would start now with some basic information for people that don't know me.

I moved to High Springs from Chicago where I lived for almost 15 years. I was raised in Michigan (Kalamazoo) and am first generation "off of the farm". My Grandfather's farm has changed from its chicken and cow roots to now be a major swine operation run by my Cousins. In Illinois I worked primarily in the film and television industry. I was the Regional Manager for a film lighting company called LTM and ran the company's rental & sales operations in the Chicago area.

While working for LTM I became involved in a number of volunteer groups, one working specifically with gangs in the inner city. I became active in the program and decided that I'd like to try working with youth for a living. I left LTM and worked for almost seven years with, what was then, the largest private childcare institution in the United States. Run by the Catholic Church I worked at Maryville Academy and became a Certified Family Educator and Trainer. My work was primarily with youth 7 to 18 years of age who were in a "Diagnostic Unit" and supervised 24/7. Most of the youth I worked with had "failed" a number of other DCFS placements. It was a tough job but I loved it. However, circumstances had me again consider a sales position in the film & television business.

I left Maryville Academy to work with a small family company, Fletcher Chicago (www.fletch.com). The company grew from six employees to over 30 when I left my position as Sales Manger after eight years. In all of my positions I've never left on terms where I would not be welcomed back. I've directly supervised as many as eight employees and oversaw annual revenues in excess of five million dollars. I came to High Springs because of the City's rural location, small town friendly feel and to work with Wes Skiles at Karst Productions.

Karst Productions was a wonderful introduction to Florida. Working on the Water's Journey series, I've learned a great deal from Wes about Florida's water, geology and natural history such that I have a deep appreciation for why so many come to our area to visit. I continue to work with regional video production companies helping to coordinate a variety of projects. Additionally, I've recently worked with organizations such as High Springs BMX (www.HSBMX.com) to organize a National BMX Race sanctioned by the National Bicycle League.

As you can begin to see, I've have many interests. I've always been active in volunteering, where ever I live; which is why I became involved in High Springs soon after arriving. I’ll be adding more, but this is a start at letting you all know something about me. I welcome your questions and comments.

Amazing Weekend

Coming from Chicago over six years ago I still remember what attracted me to High Springs - a job and the fact it was in a small community.  I've always felt it important to know my neighbors and have marveled at the communities that make up our community of High Springs.


I spent Friday night talking to people that came to visit the 22 artists and others participating in Fantastic Friday's downtown.  I spent a large part of Saturday in front of the Winn-Dixie and then spent a few hours closing out Sunday evening visiting with residents of our Douglas Neighborhood.

There is nothing simple about High Springs.  On Friday, most of the people downtown were from some place other than High Springs.  Talking with people at the Winn-Dixie, about 60% were NOT from High Springs but loved our town.  High Springs has places to shop, we are the home of their friends, and we are a small community that they like to visit.  In the Douglas Neighborhood it was a conversation about just wanting to be a part of the community and being treated fairly - in the City Services they receive, in the opportunities created and when interacting with our Police Department.  What was a common theme with people's comments is the need for more restaurants, more shops to visit and more jobs in the region.


If elected to the Commission I promise that I will represent the business owners that serve our visitors, those interested in establishing a business in our community and the citizens lucky enough to live here.  I promise to frequent ALL  areas of our City to speak with residents.  I strongly believe that the feel of a small town atmosphere can be preserved while we grow and move into the year 2010.

Please email me your comments and questions.

Opportunities To Meet!

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be at the corner of 1st and Main Friday October 2nd during Fantastic Friday!  I'll be in the yard of the little "yellow building" at the corner from 7 to 9 PM.  If you would like to stop by, say hello, meet me and ask questions I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

If you can't make this Friday consider coming to the Grady House on Sunday October 11th.  There will be food available between 4 and 7 PM.  Come anytime to meet me and say hello.

If you are interested in a yard sign please email me or call.  I'll be happy to get a sign to you.  Thank you for visiting the website and I'll appreciate your vote on November 3rd.

Fire Department Promotions

I think it was Jimmy Stewart that said, “Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you are not moving forward.”  When it comes to a first rate fire department High Springs continues to move forward.  Tonight High Springs promoted its’ first Lieutenants; now we have officers and Supervisors on our shifts, responding to your emergencies, just like any other Fire Department.The bond between firemen is critical.  Having a chain of command is important.  Recognizing service is important; even more so is recognizing the training and skills these Officers have and make available to our community.

I don’t know of any successful business or operation that has high expectations that does not reward and recognize the efforts of its’ employees.  Organizations that nurture, train, challenge and REWARD performance benefit well beyond what they pay “employees”. 

Tonight at City Hall, there were only two candidates running for election at this ceremony.*  I learned a lot about the men that received promotions tonight and how residents of High Springs have benefited.  As a citizen I’m willing to look for opportunities to praise these men before I need their help.  Promotions were the right thing to do and the citizen’s of High Springs will benefit in a number of ways for years to come.

* Post Script:  I learned of the ceremony from Commissioner Travis during a conversation on Sunday.  I also learned of the ceremony while attending the Economic Development meeting the same evening.  I'm not sure how the event was formally publicized but I learned of the event because I had been speaking to people in the community.  If the event was not made public that was a shame but not anything that this candidate was involved with.