Getting a good read on our county

A story from years gone by:

I was in Tallahassee covering a Cabinet meeting. So, I’m in the Capitol. It’s a place that intimidates the heck out of me. All those suits. Just a feeling of power in the building. I’ve never been one to hang with the power types, so I tend to shirk in the corner.

I found my way to the Cabinet meeting room and, while waiting for it to start, I ran into a former Chronicle co-worker who was part of the Capitol press corps. I told him of my trepidation.

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“It’s no big deal,” he said to me. “They’re no different than the County Commission back home.”

It didn’t allay my nervousness, but I never forgot that. Politicians are people, too.

I’m reminded of that today as the County Commission conducts its final regular meeting of 2025. Here's the agenda.

It hasn’t been a stellar political year in county government. No need to get into all that right now, but I doubt any of the five commissioners can claim any sense of unified success. A few wins here and there, but nothing sustainable heading into 2026.

And, while that’s frustrating for all involved, I just want to give a shout-out to the commissioners and staff for doing their best.

I write about the government for a living, and that means I notice EVERYTHING. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t find something wrong out there. I mean…we all do, right? 

I’m going to make an honest effort to reduce nitpicking. I have — no kidding — enough right now for five nitpicking blogs. Little nuances that drive me buggy. 

(I can’t help it. Here’s one: The state in resurfacing S.R. 44 between Inverness and the county line added numerous lane arrows with raised reflectors so that motorists aren’t confused in which direction they should be driving. Mini speed bumps on a 60 mph road.

First off…have drivers really become that dumb? How many wrong-way crashes have we had on major roads in Citrus County the last 20 years? And these arrows are placed BEFORE intersections…so I’m not even sure who they’re supposed to help.

Not a county issue at all. But it’s an example of the kind of nitpicking to avoid. Though I do feel better.)

Look. It’s Christmastime. I’ll admit the recent pause in political writing has me looking at how best to do this. I definitely want to keep the conversation going, as we have much to discuss.

I’m just asking for a little perspective.

The five commissioners are neither heroes nor villains. They’re moms, dads, spouses, business owners, and retirees. Some are very active politically. Some are not. Some have strong standing in their community. Some do not. 

They’re average. Just like you. Just like me.

On one hand, I think commissioners get way too much blame for our county’s ills. On the other hand, they get too much credit when things fall into place.

That’s why communication between commissioners and citizens is so vital. We move the needle together. At least, that’s how it should work.

Our commissioners mean well. We disagree on some of the details, but their dedication to the cause is admirable. A pleasant holiday season for the commissioners and all our friends in local government.

That’s it for Tuesday. Enjoy it, Citrus County.

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